32772 - Rhizosphere Microbial Ecology And Biotechnology

Learning outcomes

Theoretical knowledge and ability to manage and apply at field scale plant-probiotic micro-organisms for generating and maintaining soil fertility in horticulture.

Course contents

Microbial ecology, soil fertility and sustainable plant production. The rhizosphere. Microbial functions in the rhizosphere. Microbiology of the rhizosphere: Probiotic bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere. Microbial biotechnologies in the rhizosphere. Cultural methods and advanced molecular methods. Perspectives for research and field applications of plant-probiotic micro-organisms in low-input horticulture and organic, biodynamic viticulture.

Readings/Bibliography

"Rhizosphere: Achievements and Challenges" (2010). Dessaux, Yves; Hinsinger, Philippe; Lemanceau, Philippe (Eds.)
Springer, Series: Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences, Vol. 104 
ISBN9789048128556  [available in the library].

“Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology”. Sylvia, Fuhrmann, Hartel, Zuberer. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J., 1998 [available in the library].

Handouts and selected papers.

Teaching methods

Lectures in classroom will be integrated by specialistic seminars and laboratory work.  

Lectures will be held at Aula Scardovi, in viale Fanin 42 - 4th floor (Faculty West wing, Microbiology Area of DiSTA).

Lab work will be held at  Laboratorio Rizosfera of DiSTA, in viale Fanin 44 - 5th floor (Faculty North wing, Microbiology Area of DiSTA).

Student may produce written documents on related integrative arguments.

Assessment methods

Individual verbal test, to assess student's knowledge on lecture topics, and her/his capacity to make links and critical comments.

Teaching tools

Whiteboard, overhead projector, slide projector, video projector, Internet link.

Teaching laboratory; visits to research laboratory.

Links to further information

http://www.dista.unibo.it/person/bosco.php

Office hours

See the website of Marco Bosco