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 (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). 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 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

The verification of learning will be carried out through presentations of individual or group work (depending on the number of students enrolled) on the protection against plant pathogens and arthropods of a crop selected by the student (with a duration of about 25 minutes), which will give rise to a judgement of suitability or otherwise of the paper presented. The aim of the oral test is to verify the student's ability to apply the knowledge acquired in the subjects of Plant Pathology and Entomology in terms of biology and protection and to make appropriate logical-deductive connections with sufficient command of scientific terminology.

A written test with 20 questions will also be administered: 8 open-ended, 12 multiple-choice. The mark for open-ended questions is a maximum of 2.2 (at the teacher's discretion) while that for multiple-choice questions is 1.2 if the answer(s) are correct. There are no deductions from the final mark for incorrect answers in multiple-choice questions. Please note that a selection among the answers of multiple-choice questions must always be made. The maximum mark achievable by providing all correct and complete answers is 30 cum laude and the test is considered passed with a minimum mark of 18/30. The time available is 60 minutes. During the test, the use of supporting material such as textbooks, notes, computer media is not permitted.

Registration in Almaesami is mandatory; the registration list opens 7-10 days before the exam date; the list closes two days before the examination date. If you decide not to take the exam on the booked date, it is mandatory to cancel your name by the deadline for the list itself.

The course, the teaching materials, and the written exam questions will be in Italian. Erasmus students can ask the teachers to produce the exam in English.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the University Office in charge in a timely manner (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the interested students, which must in any case be submitted to the teacher for approval at least 15 days in advance. The teacher will assess their appropriateness in relation to the learning objectives 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