Microbial Agrobiotechnology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide to the students the principles and tools to characterize the microbial diversity and to elucidate the biological mechanisms and the applicable potential of microbial communities for the agricultural production and plant protection against adversities, in the framework to optimize the Microbial Resource Management. The practical lessons in laboratory will allow the students to strengthen the comprehension of the topics considered during lessons.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student has to know the metabolic, physiological and ecological mechanisms that modulate the microbial communities and their biotechnological application for the agricultural production and plant protection.
Lesson period: Second semester
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is divided into several parts:
(i) Molecular ecology of microorganisms. 16S rRNA as a molecular marker for the analysis of microbial populations. Culturability and unculturability. Analysis of a microbial population: cultivation-independent methods. Microbial collections and typing of isolates.
(ii) Microorganisms and plant interactions. Rhizosphere and phyllosphere. Plant growth promoting bacteria and direct-indirect mechanisms. Nitrogen-fixing symbioses: root nodule formation (legumes and actinorhizal associations). Mycorrhizae.
(iii) Microorganisms and insect interactions. Bacillus thuringiensis: Cry/Cyt toxins and Vip. Other virulence factors. Sporulation and expression of Cry toxins. Engineered B. thuringiensis. Insect symbionts and their exploitation. Nematodes and utilization for insect control.
(iv) Laboratory exercises. Characterization of root growth-promoting properties of bacteria isolated from plant roots. Root competence.
(i) Molecular ecology of microorganisms. 16S rRNA as a molecular marker for the analysis of microbial populations. Culturability and unculturability. Analysis of a microbial population: cultivation-independent methods. Microbial collections and typing of isolates.
(ii) Microorganisms and plant interactions. Rhizosphere and phyllosphere. Plant growth promoting bacteria and direct-indirect mechanisms. Nitrogen-fixing symbioses: root nodule formation (legumes and actinorhizal associations). Mycorrhizae.
(iii) Microorganisms and insect interactions. Bacillus thuringiensis: Cry/Cyt toxins and Vip. Other virulence factors. Sporulation and expression of Cry toxins. Engineered B. thuringiensis. Insect symbionts and their exploitation. Nematodes and utilization for insect control.
(iv) Laboratory exercises. Characterization of root growth-promoting properties of bacteria isolated from plant roots. Root competence.
Prerequisites for admission
Suggested exams: Biochemistry; Molecular biology
Preparatory exam: General microbiology
Preparatory exam: General microbiology
Teaching methods
The course consists of:
-5 CFU lectures with PPT presentation support. The presentations will be provided to students through the page dedicated to "teaching materials" on the teacher's website on the Ariel platform (https://ariel.unimi.it/);
-1 CFU laboratory practices
-5 CFU lectures with PPT presentation support. The presentations will be provided to students through the page dedicated to "teaching materials" on the teacher's website on the Ariel platform (https://ariel.unimi.it/);
-1 CFU laboratory practices
Teaching Resources
- Book: "Microbiologia agroambientale" A cura di Biavati & Sorlini 2008 Ed. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
- Slides of lecture provided by teacher as electronic file (pdf)
- Scientific publications and reviews
- Slides of lecture provided by teacher as electronic file (pdf)
- Scientific publications and reviews
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination is written and aims to verify the knowledge acquired by the student. The student is required to answer to three open questions (for each answer is foreseen a maximum score of 10) in a maximum time of 2 h. Questions refer to the topics presented during lessons. Examples of the questions will be provided during the lessons.
AGR/16 - AGRICULTURAL MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Crotti Elena Sara
Professor(s)
Reception:
every day by appointment
DeFENS, via Mangiagalli 25, Milano - room 3023