Plant Pathology

Historical perspective on the evolution of knowledge in plant pathology and socio-economic impact of plant diseases. Host-pathogen-environment interaction and classification of diseases based on the physio-pathological criterion (epiphytic, trophic, necrotic, lithic, auxonic, vascular and xylochereutic diseases). Biotic agents of disease: nematodes, flowering plants, fungi and oomycetes. General characteristics of each group, description of the infection process, development, reproduction and forms of survival. The weapons of pathogens: enzymes and toxins. The defense mechanisms of the plant: innate immunity, systemic acquired resistance and its induction with synthetic and natural compounds. Overview on the epidemiology of diseases. Disease control: agronomical practices and general information on inorganic and organic pesticides. The abiotic factors causing diseases: air pollutants, heavy metals in soil and physiological disorders (extreme temperatures, drought, salinity, anoxia). Description of specific diseases and case studies. Symptomatology, epidemiology and control of the main groups of diseases (powdery mildews, rusts, smuts, downy mildews, cankers, rots and witherings).
Diseases caused by bacteria, phytoplasmas, viruses and viroids. Classification, disease cycle, epidemiology, diagnostics, prevention methods. Examples of viral, bacterial diseases of particular interest to the land and environment. Phytopathological diagnostics: from Koch's postulates to pathogen detection in plants and their products. Crop protection: exclusion, eradication, resistance, therapy, agronomic techniques, chemical and biological control. Chemical means of control: main categories of fungicides; general characteristics and residue issues. Resistance to plant protection products.
Tutorials: microscopic examination of histological samples of plant pathogens; visit of the plant pathogen collections in experimental greenhouse.