Vineyard Protection

The aim of the course is to provide the student with the essential knowledge 1) for the management of grapevine pests, both animal parasites (arthropods, nematodes and vertebrates) and pathogens (fungi, bacteria and viruses), according to the most recent pest management strategies, 2) to be able to update oneself on the latest developments in the field of pest management and 3) to interact with technicians, agronomists, oenologists and winemakers.
The teaching aims to make the student acquire the ability to conduct a correct and effective decision-making process aimed at the management of grapevine pathogens and parasites.
This ability allows the student to integrate all the knowledge necessary to obtain high-quality production, optimizing the response of the vineyard agroecosystem to potentially harmful organisms and at the same time minimizing the negative side effects for humans and the environment.

Knowledge and understanding:
The student will be able to understand and know: 1) the bio-ecology of parasites and the biology and epidemiology of the main pathogens, their interactions with the grapevine and the damage they cause; 2) the tools for acquiring information (sampling, diagnostic techniques) and the techniques and means for the control, both preventive and curative, of harmful species; 3) the most advanced strategies of pest management; 4) the methods for obtaining updates on regulatory, technical and biological (new harmful species) novelties.
Applied knowledge and understanding:
The student will be able to apply the knowledge acquired during the lessons, exercises and vineyard visit to: 1) recognize the main parasites and pathogens of grapevine; 2) acquire information on their populations in the vineyard; 3) determine the real level of damage (loss of production); 4) choose and apply the best pest management options; 5) acquire knowledge in a continuous training process; 6) interact with collaborators and interlocutors and acquire/transmit information.
Critical Thinking and Judgment:
Critical thinking and judgment skills will be developed through the evaluation and integration of knowledge related to the above-mentioned points, involved in the decision-making process essential for the correct management of vine pests and pathogens.
Communication skills
At the end of this course the student will be able to use technical language in describing adversities and pest management techniques of grapevine.