99877 - Plant Protection Management I

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has acquired a general framework on the management of the adversities of plants towards a productive sustainability of both integrated and biological approaches. It is able to evaluate the opportunity to apply the main plant protection means also against the current phytosanitary emergencies present and potential for the Italian territory taking into account climate change.

Today, even more than in the past, we cannot talk about plant protection without considering general diagnostic aspects of the most common diseases together with the management of "alien" adversities that more or less incidentally enter our territories, become phytosanitary emergencies causing considerable damage to the agricultural sector concerned. The course aims to train the student also on general and specific aspects related to these emergencies highlighting, also with the help of seminars held by experts of the Phytosanitary Services, the extreme importance of prevention that, together with the specific public bodies, the individual citizen is also called to play.

Course contents

Prerequisites

The student must know the bases of plant pathology as well the biology and epidemiology of the most important pathogens spread in central and northern Italy.

Contents (50 hours)

Introduction to the course: present and future of plant protection from biotic enemies (Green Deal and Farm to Fork)

Module 1

Prophylaxis and Therapy Concepts: Characterization of the cultural (crop rotation, soil management, chose varietal and rootstocks, irrigation, fertilization, biofumigation), physical (solarisation and use of vapour) and genetic means together to the knowledge of technology innovations regarding the integrated and organic approaches especially those with low pesticide input to decrease environmental impact. Hints will then be provided to the control means of chemical synthesis and natural origin. The course will also benefit from seminars held by experts.

Elements related to control means: Principles of toxicology of Plant Protection Products (PPP) and their correct interpretation of label and safety data sheet information, Resistance to Plant Protection Products.

Phytosanitary surveillance: the increase of the commercial exchanges and the free circulation of the goods have also increased the risks linked to spread of plant damaging organisms. To limit these risks, circulation of plants and vegetal products is submitted to international prophylaxis measures established from the International Convention for plant protection and in specific European Regulations. Harmful organism, closed and open market, official structures of reference and faced normative mentions (Regulation (EC) 2031/2016) will be defined. Italian Regions must apply on own territory international and community rules on phytosanitary topic, then the teacher will organize specific seminars held from experts of Regional Plant protection Services.

Module 2

The module addresses plant disease diagnostics, with particular emphasis on the use of both qualitative and quantitative molecular techniques for the early and accurate identification of plant pathogens. Available methods will be compared in terms of sensitivity, specificity, response time, and cost, highlighting their advantages and operational limitations. Concrete application examples will be presented, including the use of biotechnological tools for sustainable crop protection and for studying the genetic diversity of pathogens. A specific focus will be dedicated to seed-transmissible diseases and seed health control protocols. The issue of mycotoxins in food supply chains, particularly in the cereal sector, will also be discussed to better understand related risks, regulatory implications, and containment strategies. Finally, the module will include case studies to contextualize theoretical knowledge in practical and decision-making contexts, also making use of seminars with experts.

Practical activity (10 hours)

At centers for the production of fruit and vegetable crops and/or technical products related to plant protection.

Readings/Bibliography

Fundamental will be notes and slides from the lessons available on the web site (Virtuale)

For further information the following books are recommended:

- Matta A., Buonaurio R., Favaron F., Scala A., Scala F., 2017 – Fondamenti di Patologia Vegetale. Piccin

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

Teaching methods

Module 1 will be held by Prof. Marina Collina while Module 2 by Prof. Antonio Prodi, with multiple interactions. The teaching includes a part of lectures and a part of exercises that will take place through at least one educational visit. Experts (external from UNIBO) will participate through thematic seminars. 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 assessment of learning will be conducted through a written test with 30 questions: 10 open-ended questions and 20 multiple-choice questions. The score for open-ended questions is a maximum of 1.8 (at the teacher's discretion), while the score for multiple-choice questions is 0.7 if the answers are correct. There will be no deductions from the final score for incorrect answers in multiple-choice questions. It should be noted that a selection among the answers of multiple-choice questions must always be made. The maximum obtainable score by providing all correct and complete answers is 30 with honors, and the test is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30. The time allowed is 90 minutes. During the test, the use of supporting materials such as textbooks, notes, or electronic devices 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, learning journey, teaching material.

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 Antonio Prodi