BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PLANT PATHOGENS

The course aims to increase the knowledge regarding the biological control of plant pathogens in pre- and post- harvest environments. Particular attention will be paid to the selection strategies of the antagonists, their mode of action and potential applications to major crops and vegetables for the containment of the most significant pathogens in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere and in post-harvest.

The course is made of 28 hours of classes and 28 hours of laboratory, training and field visits to crops. Presentations and slides used for the classes are available to the student.

Basic Knowledge of Plant Pathology and Microbiology

Frequency is not compulsory to hold exams, but it is strongly recommended to follow at least 70% of the didactic activities

1. Strategies of integrated and biological control.

2. Microbial antagonists, isolation and selection modes, action mechanisms

3. Antagonistic bacteria and “Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria”

4. Antagonistic fungi and Trichoderma spp.

5. Antagonistic yeasts and post-harvest biological control

6. Bioformulations based on antagonistic fungi, bacteria, and yeast and substances of natural origin

7. Models of biological control against pre- and post- harvest diseases of fruits, vegetables and forest plants.

1) Agrios G.N., 2005. Plant pathology, 5° ed., Elsevier Academic Press, S. Diego, U.S.A.

2) Pandey A., Mukerji K.G.(Eds.) 2006. Biological Control of Plant Diseases ( 9781560223276)

3) Copping L.G. (Ed.) 2011. The manual of biocontrol agents: a world compendium. 4th Edition. BCPC Publ. (British Crop Production Council (978-1-901396-17-1)

4) Ciancio A., Mukerij K.G. (Eds). 2008. Integrated management of diseases caused by fungi, Phytoplasma and bacteria. (978-4020-8570-3)

.Teacher provides the didactic material in digital format and it will be also available on the STUDIUM website

The exam consists of an individual oral interview that seeks to verify their acquired knowledge and skills, verifying the reasoning skills and linking the acquired knowledge.

The final profit test consists of an oral exam during which the student will have to demonstrate the ability to correlate the topics of the course.