B8531 - GESTIONE DELLE AVVERSITÀ DELLE PIANTE 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

A basic knowledge of General Plant Pathology, the biology of plant pathogens, and the main traditional diagnostic methodologies is required. 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 (30 hours). 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 University’s farm in Cadriano (BO), as well as to the greenhouse and the laboratory of the Plant Protection section at the Department, will complete the learning objectives of the course.

Module 2 (30 hours). This module provides students with advanced knowledge of the principles and methodologies used for the detection, identification, and characterization of plant pathogens. The course covers the entire diagnostic process, from sample collection and handling to symptom assessment, pathogen isolation and characterization, and the application of advanced molecular and genomic techniques. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of innovative tools such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), metabarcoding, metagenomics, and genomic epidemiology approaches for pathogen identification, the study of pathogen variability, and the monitoring of emerging plant diseases. Through lectures, practical laboratory sessions, case study analyses, and demonstrations of diagnostic workflows, students will acquire the skills needed to design and implement modern diagnostic strategies to support effective plant disease management.

The course includes the following topics:

1. Principles of Plant Disease Diagnosis (3 hours)

Diagnostic approaches in plant pathology, from field symptom observation to laboratory diagnosis. Sampling strategies, sample preparation and preservation, pathogen isolation, and morphological characterization.

2. Traditional and Molecular Diagnostic Methods (5 hours)

Integration of conventional diagnostic approaches with modern molecular techniques. PCR-based methods, including conventional PCR, quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR (dPCR), species-specific assays, and the use of molecular markers for the detection and identification of plant pathogens.

3. Pathogen Characterization and Analysis of Genetic Variability (9 hours)

Methods for the molecular characterization of plant pathogens, including DNA barcoding, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), phylogenetic analyses, and population genetics approaches. Application of molecular data to investigate pathogen diversity, evolution, epidemic spread, and plant health surveillance.

4. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Approaches in Plant Disease Diagnostics (5 hours)

Principles and applications of high-throughput sequencing technologies for pathogen detection and characterization. Metabarcoding, metagenomics, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and genomic epidemiology for the detection, monitoring, and investigation of the spread of plant pathogens.

5. Practical Sessions, Case Studies, and Demonstrations (8 hours)

Analysis of real diagnostic case studies, interpretation of molecular and genomic data, and demonstration of NGS-based diagnostic workflows, including bioinformatics approaches for pathogen identification and characterization.

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 taught by Prof. Marina Collina (Module 1) and Prof. Riccardo Baroncelli (Module 2). The course is structured around lectures, but special emphasis will be placed on practical sessions in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field, mainly aimed at visiting and discussing ongoing experimental trials. The attendance of the lessons is considered particularly useful for passing the exam.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this training activity requires all students to complete Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning format and to participate in Module 3, which focuses on specific training regarding health and safety in study environments. Information on the dates and attendance methods for Module 3 can be found in the relevant section of the degree program website.

Assessment methods

Assessment of learning will be carried out through two components:

• Group presentation (2–3 students per group) on the management of plant pathogens affecting a crop of the group's choice (approximately 25 minutes). The presentation will be awarded between 0 and 3 additional points. The aim of the oral presentation is to assess the student's ability to apply the knowledge acquired in Plant Pathology, particularly regarding pathogen biology and disease management, and to demonstrate appropriate logical reasoning and an adequate command of scientific terminology. For attending students, presentations will be scheduled during class hours by agreement with the instructors, and the score obtained will be added to the mark achieved in the written examination.
• Written examination consisting of 20 questions: 8 open-ended questions and 12 multiple-choice questions. Each open-ended question is worth up to 2.2 points (at the instructors' discretion), while each correctly answered multiple-choice question is worth 1.2 points. No penalties are applied for incorrect answers to multiple-choice questions. However, students must always select an answer for every multiple-choice question. The maximum possible mark, obtained by providing all correct and complete answers, is 30 cum laude. The examination is passed with a minimum mark of 18/30. The time allowed is 60 minutes. During the examination, the use of supporting materials, including textbooks, notes, and electronic devices, is not permitted (therefore, the use of Artificial Intelligence is also prohibited).

Registration through AlmaEsami is mandatory. The registration list opens 7–10 days before the examination date and closes two days before the examination. Students who decide not to take the examination on the date for which they have registered must cancel their registration before the closing date of the registration list.

The course, teaching materials, and written examination questions will be provided in Italian. Erasmus students may ask the instructors to provide the written examination in English.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the University's designated support office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations for the students concerned. Such accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will evaluate their suitability also in relation to the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

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

The teaching materials presented during the lectures will be made available to students in electronic format after the lessons. Access to the materials is restricted to students enrolled in the course.

Office hours

See the website of Marina Collina

See the website of Riccardo Baroncelli