39454 - Laboratory 3

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have knowledges 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 vegetable and animal adversities of the crops typical of the Northern and Central Italy with particular reference to the biological and epidemiological aspects of these adversities as topics already addressed in previous courses.

Contents

Laboratory is divided in two modules of 1 credit (= 20-25 hours) each and it will take place from February 2021 (II cycle)

Module 1

Decision-making processes in defence against animal and plant adversities

This part will take care of decision-making processes that assess the risk of arthropod damage and the risk of spreading infectious diseases, through the application of forecasting and warning systems (e.g. phenological models for insects, predictive models for diseases). In particular for the practical demonstration of such support to the decisions, will be involved experts of the Regional Plant Protection Service of the Emilia-Romagna region. Weeds recognition “in vivo” and pest management in open field will also be addressed.

Module 2

Diseases Plant Protection
The critical analysis of the state of the art in the context of the current evolution of disease crop protection towards sustainable integrated and biological models will be addressed. The module will deal with the chemical characteristics and mode of action of fungicides of both synthesis and natural origin. Therefore will be set up practically programs of intervention against the main diseases of pre-harvest on crops of primary interest for central-northern Italy (grapevine, apple and pear, stone fruits, tomato, potato, zucchini, wheat, sugar beet).

Readings/Bibliography

Fundamental will be notes and slides from the lessons available also on the web site (“Materiale Didattico”). The attendance is strongly suggested considering the planed practical activities, main goal of the “Laboratories”.

For further information (about the disease control) the following books are recommended:

• Matta A., Buonaurio R., Favaron F., Scala A., Scala F., 2017 – Fondamenti di Patologia Vegetale. Piccin
• edited by: Butturini A. e Galassi T., 2014 - Difesa fitosanitaria in produzione integrata. Edagricole

Teaching methods

Two teachers will be principally involved:

Marina Collina (module 1: 5hours e module 2: 25 hours)

Alberto Vicari (module 1: 5 hours)

The course consists of lectures, practical exercises and visits to specialized facilities (if permitted)

Assessment methods

The learning check will be carried out through 1) group work presentations and 2) test with 15 closed response in 30' time. These works will be qualifying examinations (for the test 10 answers exact out of 15 total)

Teaching tools

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

Office hours

See the website of Marina Collina