LABORATORIO DELLE MALATTIE DELLE PIANTE MEDICINALI

The main educational objective of this discipline is to provide the basic knowledge concerning the main laboratory methods used for diagnosis and diseases control of the plants. In detail, the student will acquire the basic knowledge about diseases of biotic origin with special reference to fungi, oomycetes and bacteria. By the end of the course, students will have acquired diagnostic skills, and he will be able to design and conduct research and activities with innovative tools on laboratory methods for isolation and cultivation of the pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms, on pathogens of medicinal plants and he will have acquired the basic knowledge to plant diseases control with the use of antagonistic microrganisms or other eco-friendly methods. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Knowledge and understanding abilities: Specific knowledge and understanding abilities on the Plant Pathology topics defined above.

Applying knowledge and understanding abilities: Ability to identify research and techniques useful in the study of the main pathogens and development of disease control strategies.

Making judgements: The set of knowledge and skills acquired through lectures and integrative activities will help to provide the tools to make the appropriate technical choices on the basis of specific requests. During the course of the laboratory activity, the ability to critically analyse the results of the trials will also be verified.

Communication skills: The student will be encouraged to study, individually or in groups, some topics to deepen their knowledge independently and to communicate on the topics covered during the course or laboratory activity.

Learning skills: Ability to learn the scientific concepts of laboratory methods and biological applications for the solution of plant pathology problems and the basis for stimulating autonomy also in relation to subsequent cycles of study.

Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA

As a guarantee of equal opportunity and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview so that any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures can be planned, based on educational objectives and specific needs. You can also contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSAs) contact teacher of our Department Prof. Santina Chieco.

The course (6CFU) is organised as frontal lectures (42 hrs) and other activities. The lessons will be conducted with the aid of MS PowerPoint presentations. In addition, some topics will be discussed with students during the lecture using scientific publications. Other activities will include laboratory exercises and seminars. 

Basic knowledge of biology, botany and plant pathology 

Attendance is compulsory in accordance with the rules of the Teaching Regulations of the CdS inSFA as listed in the link: http://www.dsf.unict.it/corsi/l-29_sfa/regolamento-didattico; 

Method of ascertaining attendance. Each lecturer establishes a method for ascertaining attendance in the course he/she is in charge of and, at the end of the course, notifies the Student Secretary of the list of students who have not met the attendance requirement.

The teaching will provide basic knowledge regarding diseases of medicinal plants. Special attention will be given to laboratory methods for isolation and cultivation of the pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms, to pathogens of medicinal plants and to plant diseases control with the use of antagonistic microrganisms or other eco-friendly methods. In details, the topics will be:

Introduction to plant pathology.

Laboratory methods for isolation and cultivation of the pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms.

Koch's postulates.

Main methods of disease diagnosis (molecular methods, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis).

Morpho-biochemical analysis of pathogens and production of toxic metabolites.

Biological and integrated pathogen control.

Main diseases of medicinal plants. 

1) Matta A. et al., 2017. Fondamenti di patologia vegetale (2^a edizione), 490 pp. Patron editore ISBN 9788855533829 

2) Vannacci G. et al., 2021. Patologia vegetale. ISBN 978-88-3623-0419, EdiSES Edizioni S.r.l.

3) Reverberi M. et al., 2022. Patologia vegetale molecolare., ISBN 978-88-299-3141-5, Piccin

Oral exam. For the first question the student has the opportunity to present an in-depth study or a case study on the topics of the course. In addition to the relevance of the answers to the questions raised, the quality of the content and the ability to link with other topics covered by the program and to give examples will be evaluated.

The voting follows the following scheme:

Not suitable

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies. Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize. Use of references: Completely inappropriate.

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At the threshold level. Obvious imperfections. Analysis and synthesis skills: Just enough skills. Use of references: As appropriate.

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge. Ability to analyze and synthesize: It is capable of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently. Using references: Use standard references.

24-26

Subject knowledge and understanding: Good knowledge. Analysis and synthesis skills: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently. Using references: Use standard references.

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good. Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis. Use of references: Has explored the topics.

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge. Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis. Use of references: Important insights.

For the dates of the final test, log on to the Department of Drug and Health Sciences (DSFS) link:

www.dsf.unict.it/sites/default/files/files/ESAMI%20CDL%20SFA(12).pdf

Methods for isolation and cultivation of the pathogens. Morphological and molecular characterization, phylogenetic analysis. Koch's postulates. Secondary metabolites production. Case studies of medicinal plant diseases. Selection and mechanisms of action of antagonistic microorganisms.