99872 - Plant Protection Management II

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have knowledge about the correct use of means and methodologies on plant protection and expertise on the management of innovative control systems.

Course contents

Prerequisites

The student who enters this teaching must possess an overall picture of the main diseases of the crops typical of the Northern and Central Italy with special reference both to the biological and epidemiological aspects and to general disease control approaches as topics already covered in previous courses.

Contents

Module 1. The critical analysis of the state of the art on the context of the current evolution of disease crop protection towards sustainable integrated and biological models will be addressed.

Training on the dangers and risks associated with plant protection products will be deepened and completed through analysis of the contents of the latest regulations, training in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), information on the correct storage and rules for the safe management of space for the sale and storage of plant protection products.

It will be left enough space for the acquisition of knowledge of the chemical characteristics and mode of action of fungicides of both synthesis and natural origin that will serve, along with what has been acquired in previous years, to practically set up control programs against the main diseases of crops of major interest in central and northern Italy. Visits to the experimental fields set up at the farm of the University in Cadriano (BO) will complete the educational objectives of the course.

Module 2. During the second module of the course, various molecular technologies and their impact on plant pathology and crop protection will be explored. The module will begin by analyzing the role and prospects of different techniques, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies in managing plant diseases, highlighting how these technologies have revolutionized the field. Subsequently, the technical aspects of the main molecular and sequencing techniques, such as qPCR, ddPCR, Illumina, PacBio, and Oxford Nanopore, will be examined, focusing on the strengths and limitations of each in terms of accuracy, costs, sequencing times, and specific applications. The module will continue with advanced molecular characterization, examining techniques such as barcoding, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and the use of sequencing technologies for the characterization of plant pathogens. Special attention will be given to the application of these technologies in diagnostics, from taxonomy to functional analysis, through practical examples of pathogen identification via genomic and metagenomic sequencing. Additionally, specific aspects of microbial populations associated with plants and their role in plant pathology will be studied, utilizing sequencing techniques to analyze microbial communities and their interaction with plants. Theoretical lessons will be integrated with practical exercises and case study discussions, providing students with the opportunity to apply the acquired knowledge concretely. Additionally, practical exercises and seminars will be organized on diagnostic analyses, ranging from traditional to the most innovative techniques. This module aims to prepare students to critically and innovatively use new sequencing technologies, contributing to the sustainable management of plant diseases and crop protection.

Readings/Bibliography

Fundamental will be notes and slides from the lessons available on the web site (“Virtuale”). The attendance is strongly suggested considering the planed practical activities.

The following books can be recommended:

- Patologia Vegetale - Vannacci G., Bianco P.A., Bonanomi G., Brunelli A., Gonthier P., Lorito M., Polizzi G., Rossi V., Sarocco S., Scortichini M., 2021 – EdiSES Università, ISBN 978-88-3623-0419

- Difesa sostenibile delle colture, edited by Paola Battilani, 2016 - New Business Media, ISBN 978-88-506-5504-5.

- Patologia vegetale molecolare edited by Reverberi M., Ruocco M., Covarelli L., Sella L., 2022 – Piccin Nuova Libraria SpA Padova, ISBN 978-88-299-3141-5

Teaching methods

The course will be held by Prof. Marina Collina (module 1) and Prof. Riccardo Baroncelli (module 2). The course is organised in lectures but particular emphasis will be given to the exercises in the laboratory, greenhouse and field.

Assessment methods

The learning check will be carried out through 1) group work presentations on crop protection and 2) written examination with 20 questions: 8 open and 12 closed. The time available will be of 60 minutes. Registration in “Almaesami” is mandatory; the opening of the enrolment list will be 7-10 days before the examination date and it will be closed two days before the examination date. If you decide not to take the exam on the date booked, you must cancel your name before the closing date of the list.

The lessons and the teaching material are in Italian as well as the written exercise. The Erasmus student can answer to the questions in English

Teaching tools

PC and projector for class lectures, teaching material, practice exercises and learning journey

Office hours

See the website of Marina Collina

See the website of Riccardo Baroncelli