Ree Biocontrol of Pathogens - Innovative, Low Environmental Impact Approaches for the Control of Pathogens (BASIC)
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The students will obtain tools and competence regarding the possibility of employing strategies with low environmental impact - antagonistic microorganisms (BCA) or double-stranded RNA molecules - to control plant pathogens.
Subunit 1: preparation of low environmental impact control tools
a) isolation and characterization of BCA against different pathogenic agents
b) quantification of BCA/pathogens to be inoculated in the following greenhouse trials by use digital PCR and/or microscopy
c) synthesis of dsRNA molecules for the control of viruses (TAV and grapevine viruses) or fungi (e.g. Botrytis cinerea)
d) quantification of dsRNA by digital PCR
Subunit 2: trials in controlled environment and phenotype observation
a) treatments with BCA and dsRNA on plants experimentally inoculated with the pathogens previously described
b) phenotype observation: visual examination of symptoms, quantification of chlorophyll through fluorimetric analysis
c) statistical analysis of data
Subunit 3: Detection of treatment effect on the plants
a) quantification of pathogens, BCA, and dsRNA in inoculated plants by digital PCR
b) statistical analysis of data
Subunit 1: preparation of low environmental impact control tools
a) isolation and characterization of BCA against different pathogenic agents
b) quantification of BCA/pathogens to be inoculated in the following greenhouse trials by use digital PCR and/or microscopy
c) synthesis of dsRNA molecules for the control of viruses (TAV and grapevine viruses) or fungi (e.g. Botrytis cinerea)
d) quantification of dsRNA by digital PCR
Subunit 2: trials in controlled environment and phenotype observation
a) treatments with BCA and dsRNA on plants experimentally inoculated with the pathogens previously described
b) phenotype observation: visual examination of symptoms, quantification of chlorophyll through fluorimetric analysis
c) statistical analysis of data
Subunit 3: Detection of treatment effect on the plants
a) quantification of pathogens, BCA, and dsRNA in inoculated plants by digital PCR
b) statistical analysis of data
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the students will have acquired knowledge and skills on the laboratory methods employed to study pathogens through molecular techniques and on the control of pathogens by antagonist microorganisms or dsRNA molecules.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Subunit 1: Preparation of low-environmental-impact containment tools
a) Characterization of BCA against different pathogens.
b) Quantification of BCA/pathogen to use in the following experimental inoculations in greenhouse, using digital PCR or direct observation at the microscope.
c) Synthesis of dsRNA molecules for the control of virusal (TAV and grapevine viruses) and fungal (e.g. Botrytis cinerea) phytopathogens.
d) Quantification of dsRNA molecules by digital PCR.
Subunit 2: Biocontrol assays in controlled environment and phenotypical measurements
a) Treatments with BCS and dsRNA on plants inoculated with the aforementioned pathogens.
b) Phenotypical measurements: visual analyses, quantification of chlorophyll a by fluorometer
c) Statistical analyses
Subunit 3: Evaluation of the effect on the plant
The plants that were inoculated with pathogens, BCA, and/or dsRNA molecules will be subjected to
a) Quantification of the inoculated pathogens, BCS, and dsRNA molecules at the end of the experimental assay
b) Statistical analysis
a) Characterization of BCA against different pathogens.
b) Quantification of BCA/pathogen to use in the following experimental inoculations in greenhouse, using digital PCR or direct observation at the microscope.
c) Synthesis of dsRNA molecules for the control of virusal (TAV and grapevine viruses) and fungal (e.g. Botrytis cinerea) phytopathogens.
d) Quantification of dsRNA molecules by digital PCR.
Subunit 2: Biocontrol assays in controlled environment and phenotypical measurements
a) Treatments with BCS and dsRNA on plants inoculated with the aforementioned pathogens.
b) Phenotypical measurements: visual analyses, quantification of chlorophyll a by fluorometer
c) Statistical analyses
Subunit 3: Evaluation of the effect on the plant
The plants that were inoculated with pathogens, BCA, and/or dsRNA molecules will be subjected to
a) Quantification of the inoculated pathogens, BCS, and dsRNA molecules at the end of the experimental assay
b) Statistical analysis
Prerequisites for admission
Plant pathology
Teaching methods
Laboratory and screenhouse activities
Approved
Approved
Teaching Resources
scientific articles
Assessment methods and Criteria
Final Report
AGR/12 - PLANT PATHOLOGY - University credits: 3
Laboratories: 40 hours
Lessons: 4 hours
Lessons: 4 hours
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
On appointment by email
Second floor - Building 7, via Celoria 2, Milan
Reception:
On appointment by email (in case of health restrictions on Microsoft Teams)
Second flor - Building 7, via Celoria 2, Milan