Advanced Plant Pathology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course will provide to the students accurate and advanced knowledge in plant pathology. Main topics will focus on recent advances obtained through the utilization of current molecular biology techniques applied in integrated multidisciplinary experimental approaches.
Expected learning outcomes
The course will provide recent knowledge tools for the identification, the prevention and the management of diseases associated with the main plant pathogens.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
- Novel diagnostic tools in plant pathology: PCR- and sequencing-based techniques (real-time PCR; digital PCR; single nucleotide polymorphisms); next generation sequencing (NGS)-based techniques; remote sensing.
- Study of genetic diversity and fitness of the plant pathogens: analyses of conserved and hyper-variable genes; molecular markers associated with biological features of the pathogens; selective pressure, adaptation and virulence of plant pathogens.
- Molecular epidemiology: utilization of molecular markers to trace the spread pathways of the plant pathogens (identification of plant hosts and insect vectors).
- "Omics" approach to identify and study the effectors and virulence factors of plant pathogens: analysis of plant pathogens genomes; identification and function of plant pathogen effectors and virulence factors.
- Selection/production of crop varieties resistant against plant pathogens: screening of varieties with different susceptibility versus the pathogens; transcriptome analysis of the host/pathogen complex; identification of genes involved in host/pathogen interactions; genome editing for the production of resistant varieties.
- Sustainable strategies for managing the plant pathogens: preventive techniques; integrated multidisciplinary approach; design/utilization of molecules/living organisms for plant pathogen control.
- Study of genetic diversity and fitness of the plant pathogens: analyses of conserved and hyper-variable genes; molecular markers associated with biological features of the pathogens; selective pressure, adaptation and virulence of plant pathogens.
- Molecular epidemiology: utilization of molecular markers to trace the spread pathways of the plant pathogens (identification of plant hosts and insect vectors).
- "Omics" approach to identify and study the effectors and virulence factors of plant pathogens: analysis of plant pathogens genomes; identification and function of plant pathogen effectors and virulence factors.
- Selection/production of crop varieties resistant against plant pathogens: screening of varieties with different susceptibility versus the pathogens; transcriptome analysis of the host/pathogen complex; identification of genes involved in host/pathogen interactions; genome editing for the production of resistant varieties.
- Sustainable strategies for managing the plant pathogens: preventive techniques; integrated multidisciplinary approach; design/utilization of molecules/living organisms for plant pathogen control.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge in botany, biochemestry, plant physiology and pathology
Teaching methods
Lessons (5 CFU) and classroom exercise sessions (reports and discussion on specific topics) (1 CFU)
Teaching Resources
- Slides available on MyAriel.
- Plant Pathology (5th Edition), George Agrios, (ISBN: 9780120445653; eBook ISBN: 9780080473789), Academic Press
- Annual Review of Phytopathology (https://www.annualreviews.org/journal/phyto)
- Plant Pathology (5th Edition), George Agrios, (ISBN: 9780120445653; eBook ISBN: 9780080473789), Academic Press
- Annual Review of Phytopathology (https://www.annualreviews.org/journal/phyto)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be divided in two parts: (i) presentation of a specific topic (case study) planned with each student during the classrooom exercices; (ii) oral interview to evaluate the knowledge of the topics illustrated during the lessons and the classrooom exercise sessions.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
AGR/12 - PLANT PATHOLOGY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Quaglino Fabio
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Quaglino FabioEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
On appointment by email (in case of health restrictions on Microsoft Teams)
Second flor - Building 7, via Celoria 2, Milan