Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Pathogens
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Aim of the course is to develop the ability to combine theoretical and practical knowledge to address the challenges of plant protection from pests and diseases, adopting an approach focused on safeguarding human health and the environment. Particular attention is given to deepening knowledge on the biology, epidemiology, and population dynamics of the main pests and plant diseases, as well as on the key methods and strategies of integrated and biological control, and the guidelines and regulations regarding the use of plant protection products and biological control organisms. The teaching approach aims to develop skills in applying sustainable disease and pest prevention and management strategies, encouraging critical analysis and problem-solving through the study of concrete case studies.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the biological, ecological, and regulatory principles that guide the integrated management of pests and diseases, with particular attention to innovative strategies, population dynamics, and interactions among organisms. They will acquire knowledge of molecular tools used to develop sustainable control methods at both the population and agroecosystem levels. Students will be able to apply integrated approaches to pest and disease management using advanced scientific and technical solutions, aiming to maximize sustainability. They will also be able to critically analyse issues related to plant protection from both native and newly introduced pests, selecting management strategies suited to the context and integrating regulatory, productive, and environmental protection aspects. Throughout the teaching, students will develop communication skills that will enable them to present analyses, operational proposals, and results clearly and professionally, using appropriate technical language. Finally, students will be able to continue independently exploring topics related to plant protection, using up-to-date sources and emerging technologies.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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
year
Prerequisites for admission
A basic knowledge of entomology, plant pathology and general plant biology is required, with particular reference to the interaction of the plant with the insect/pathogen and the environment.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The verification of learning is by means of an oral test, with evaluation in thirtieths for both Modules
During the interview, the student will have to demonstrate
- understanding of the basic principles of plant protection
- ability to link theoretical and applicative aspects;
- aptitude for critical analysis of protection strategies in concrete contexts.
Entomology Module
The test consists of three main questions. Sufficient preparation in all subjects is required to pass the examination.
Plant pathology Module
The examination consists of two main questions. Sufficient preparation in both subjects is required to pass the examination.
The final mark, expressed in thirtieths, is the arithmetic mean of the marks obtained in the individual module.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
During the interview, the student will have to demonstrate
- understanding of the basic principles of plant protection
- ability to link theoretical and applicative aspects;
- aptitude for critical analysis of protection strategies in concrete contexts.
Entomology Module
The test consists of three main questions. Sufficient preparation in all subjects is required to pass the examination.
Plant pathology Module
The examination consists of two main questions. Sufficient preparation in both subjects is required to pass the examination.
The final mark, expressed in thirtieths, is the arithmetic mean of the marks obtained in the individual module.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
Entomologia applicata
Course syllabus
Applied entomology deals with the dual nature (useful and harmful) of insects living in man-made areas. The course aims to explore various aspects of applied entomology that have not been covered in depth in the general entomology courses already taken by students during their careers. A series of topics will be developed that will address different issues, moving from the infinitely small (molecules and genes) to a larger scale approach: the insect first and the environment later. Case studies will also be presented.
In detail:
Molecules.
1) Communication in insects.
Communication.
Odour perception in insects.
Pheromones- hydrocarbons
insect perception of pheromones
how to detect pheromones - chemicals - electronic nose.
Tritrophic interaction. How insects find hosts for feeding.
2. plant protection products on insects.
Regulatory references and organisations responsible for plant protection at local, national and international level (part shared between the two modules).
Mechanism of action
Resistance strategies
Phytosanitary measures
3)genetics
B. sex determination in insects. Mode of reproduction (sex ratio) polyploidy-aploidy
successful parthenogenesis
biotechnology
molecular diagnostics
Insects
1) food requirements in insects.
2) pest management
3) Exotic species (Theories on the establishment of exotic species/Diffusion)
4) Biological control
Methods
Breeding of insect species
Bioethology
The importance of laboratory studies for insect breeding.
Landscape.
1) Landscape management
2) Enhancement of beneficial insects
3) Habitat management
4) Greenhouse cultivation
Special Part
Case studies on invasive insect species in agricultural (open field and protected environment), forestry and urban contexts. The species of greatest application interest, cycle, harmfulness and containment methodologies will be analysed, with a focus on the most innovative and sustainable strategies.
In detail:
Molecules.
1) Communication in insects.
Communication.
Odour perception in insects.
Pheromones- hydrocarbons
insect perception of pheromones
how to detect pheromones - chemicals - electronic nose.
Tritrophic interaction. How insects find hosts for feeding.
2. plant protection products on insects.
Regulatory references and organisations responsible for plant protection at local, national and international level (part shared between the two modules).
Mechanism of action
Resistance strategies
Phytosanitary measures
3)genetics
B. sex determination in insects. Mode of reproduction (sex ratio) polyploidy-aploidy
successful parthenogenesis
biotechnology
molecular diagnostics
Insects
1) food requirements in insects.
2) pest management
3) Exotic species (Theories on the establishment of exotic species/Diffusion)
4) Biological control
Methods
Breeding of insect species
Bioethology
The importance of laboratory studies for insect breeding.
Landscape.
1) Landscape management
2) Enhancement of beneficial insects
3) Habitat management
4) Greenhouse cultivation
Special Part
Case studies on invasive insect species in agricultural (open field and protected environment), forestry and urban contexts. The species of greatest application interest, cycle, harmfulness and containment methodologies will be analysed, with a focus on the most innovative and sustainable strategies.
Teaching methods
The teaching approach is oriented towards the development of application skills and critical capacity. The teaching is therefore divided into lectures, classroom and laboratory exercises, and supplementary field activities. The lectures provide the theoretical basis for the topics covered in the programme, while the practical activities provide an in-depth operational understanding of some of the main plant protection issues.
Practical activities
- An educational visit (0.5 CFU) to a company in the sector to deepen knowledge of biological pest control strategies
- One laboratory exercise (0,25 CFU) focusing on the breeding of model species for laboratory tests
- One laboratory exercise (0,25 CFU) on laboratory tests
All activities are aimed at stimulating the independent application of knowledge and critical reasoning in the face of real cases.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Practical activities
- An educational visit (0.5 CFU) to a company in the sector to deepen knowledge of biological pest control strategies
- One laboratory exercise (0,25 CFU) focusing on the breeding of model species for laboratory tests
- One laboratory exercise (0,25 CFU) on laboratory tests
All activities are aimed at stimulating the independent application of knowledge and critical reasoning in the face of real cases.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Power points of lectures available on MY ARIEL
Scientific articles, technical papers and regulatory materials selected and provided in the course of the lectures.
Reference books
1. Lineamenti di Entomologia. Gullan P.J. and Cranston P.S. Zanichelli 2006. (Entomologia generale)
2. Gli Insetti e il loro controllo - a cura di Francesco Pennacchio. Liguori Editore 2014.
3. Insect Ecology - An Ecosystem Approach. Timothy Schowalter. Academic Press 2006
4. Chemical Ecology of Insect Parasitoids. Eric Wajnberg and Stefano Colazza, Wiley 2013
Scientific articles, technical papers and regulatory materials selected and provided in the course of the lectures.
Reference books
1. Lineamenti di Entomologia. Gullan P.J. and Cranston P.S. Zanichelli 2006. (Entomologia generale)
2. Gli Insetti e il loro controllo - a cura di Francesco Pennacchio. Liguori Editore 2014.
3. Insect Ecology - An Ecosystem Approach. Timothy Schowalter. Academic Press 2006
4. Chemical Ecology of Insect Parasitoids. Eric Wajnberg and Stefano Colazza, Wiley 2013
Fitoiatria
Course syllabus
Plant disease management refers to the discipline concerned with protecting plants from biotic stresses. This module focuses on protecting plants from diseases caused by pathogens, with a particular emphasis on sustainable management strategies. The programme is divided into a general section, dedicated to the basic concepts of plant disease management, and a special section centred on the analysis of relevant case studies.
General section
Introduction to plant disease management and its role in the One Health framework
Plant health and food security
Regulatory framework and authorities responsible for plant protection at local, national, and international levels
Epidemiology: basic concepts, damage assessment, and intervention thresholds
Control measures:
Legislative: quarantine, eradication, mandatory control, phytosanitary certification
Physical: heat treatments and physical barriers
Agronomic: cultural practices and management of environmental parameters
Genetic: constitutive and induced plant resistance
Chemical: definition, authorisation, and sustainable use of plant protection products; mode of action of fungicides; definition and management of fungicide resistance
Biological: categories of products and principles of biological control
Principles of integrated and organic plant protection
Forecasting models for disease management
Special section
Case studies related to plant protection in agricultural systems (e.g. grapevine, maize, rice, and tomato), forestry (e.g. oak), and urban environments (e.g. plane tree). The main diseases and control strategies will be analysed.
General section
Introduction to plant disease management and its role in the One Health framework
Plant health and food security
Regulatory framework and authorities responsible for plant protection at local, national, and international levels
Epidemiology: basic concepts, damage assessment, and intervention thresholds
Control measures:
Legislative: quarantine, eradication, mandatory control, phytosanitary certification
Physical: heat treatments and physical barriers
Agronomic: cultural practices and management of environmental parameters
Genetic: constitutive and induced plant resistance
Chemical: definition, authorisation, and sustainable use of plant protection products; mode of action of fungicides; definition and management of fungicide resistance
Biological: categories of products and principles of biological control
Principles of integrated and organic plant protection
Forecasting models for disease management
Special section
Case studies related to plant protection in agricultural systems (e.g. grapevine, maize, rice, and tomato), forestry (e.g. oak), and urban environments (e.g. plane tree). The main diseases and control strategies will be analysed.
Teaching methods
The teaching approach is oriented towards the development of application skills and critical capacity. The teaching is therefore divided into lectures, classroom and laboratory exercises, and supplementary field activities. The lectures provide the theoretical basis for the topics covered in the programme, while the practical activities provide an in-depth operational understanding of some of the main plant protection issues.
Specifically, for the "Plant Protection Management" module, the following activities are planned:
A site visit (8 hours) to a company involved in research and development of plant protection products
A field visit (8 hours) to assess the effectiveness of plant protection strategies, including application of experimental design, data collection, and interpretation
A classroom exercise (4 hours) focused on the use and validation of forecasting models for disease management
A laboratory exercise (4 hours) aimed at evaluating the efficacy of plant protection products
All activities are intended to encourage independent application of knowledge and critical reasoning when facing real-world problems.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Specifically, for the "Plant Protection Management" module, the following activities are planned:
A site visit (8 hours) to a company involved in research and development of plant protection products
A field visit (8 hours) to assess the effectiveness of plant protection strategies, including application of experimental design, data collection, and interpretation
A classroom exercise (4 hours) focused on the use and validation of forecasting models for disease management
A laboratory exercise (4 hours) aimed at evaluating the efficacy of plant protection products
All activities are intended to encourage independent application of knowledge and critical reasoning when facing real-world problems.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Power points of lectures available on MY ARIEL
Scientific articles, technical papers and regulatory materials selected and provided in the course of the lectures.
Reference books:
1. Principi di fitoiatria, seconda edizione, Edagricole
2. Difesa sostenibile delle colture, Edagricole
Scientific articles, technical papers and regulatory materials selected and provided in the course of the lectures.
Reference books:
1. Principi di fitoiatria, seconda edizione, Edagricole
2. Difesa sostenibile delle colture, Edagricole
Entomologia applicata
AGR/11 - GENERAL AND APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY - University credits: 6
Field activity: 8 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Lupi Daniela
Fitoiatria
AGR/12 - PLANT PATHOLOGY - University credits: 6
Field activity: 16 hours
Practicals: 4 hours
Laboratories: 4 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Practicals: 4 hours
Laboratories: 4 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Professor:
Toffolatti Silvia Laura
Professor(s)
Reception:
upon appointment throug e.mail
in my office/online
Reception:
Monday, 10-12 am
Building 21070, first floor