PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Course objectives

General objectives: At the end of the course the student will be able to describe: the techniques used in plant pathological biotechnology, using specific examples to illustrate them the main discoveries in the sector, including recent ones the most recent advances in biotechnology or the use of biotech approaches to prevent or limit diseases and damages (both quantitative and qualitative) caused by them in plants and their products Specific objectives: Knowledge and understanding - The student will acquire the essential concepts, experimental approaches and techniques used in plant pathological biotechnology to deal with plant diseases caused by viroids, viruses and microorganisms also in the light of ongoing climate change, using specific examples. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding - The student will acquire the ability to interpret and discuss current research in plant pathological biotechnology Critical and judgment skills - The student will learn to design experiments in the field of phytopathological biotechnology and to critically evaluate the results and legal implications Ability to communicate what has been learned – The student will learn to discuss and present experimental data Ability to continue studying autonomously throughout life - The student will acquire not only the scientific foundations, but also the methodologies and specific vocabulary of the sector. This knowledge will allow the student to continue their studies independently, even after the end of the course and the passing of the exam.

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MASSIMO REVERBERI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Biology and Genetics of Phytopathogenic Viruses and Viroids Biology and Genetics of Phytopathogenic Prokaryotes Biology and Genetics of Phytopathogenic Eukaryotes (Oomycetes and Fungi) Biochemical and molecular basis of the plant immune system Plant hormones: biosynthesis and metabolism Resistance of plants to the attack of the pathogen structure, function and evolution of resistance genes in plants defense signal transduction in plant resistance defense responses: morpho-structural mechanisms, synthesis of antimicrobial compounds, hypersensitive cell death (HR) post-transcriptional gene silencing as a mechanism of resistance against viral pathogens systemic resistance: signals and molecular mechanisms governing acquired systemic resistance (SAR), induced systemic resistance (ISR) and the systemic response to wounding Plant-pathogen interaction Molecular sensing between host and pathogen Pathogen effectors and plant wall degradative enzymes Secondary fungal metabolism Plant-viroid interaction Plant-virus interaction Plant-bacteria interaction Plant-oomycete interaction Plant-mushroom interaction Integrated defense strategies The phytopathological diagnosis Biotechnological applications for the production of plants resistant to the main pathogens
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology, molecular biology, biochemistry and plant physiology, basic plant pathology
Books
M. Reverberi - M. Ruocco - L. Covarelli - L. Sella · Patologia Vegetale Molecolare (2022) Agrios G.N. Plant Pathology, 5th Edition (2004) Buchanan et al. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plants, 2nd Edition (2015)
Frequency
Lectures are not mandatory. At least 75% of lab sessions are mandatory.
Exam mode
Oral exam and a power point presentation on a scientific article regarding phytopthology. The evaluation is expressed in thirtieths (minimum mark 18/30, maximum grade 30/30 with honors).
Lesson mode
lectures in presence by means of slides that summarize the main concepts taken from textbooks and recent reviews on specific aspects of molecular phytopathology Tutorials in which they educate themselves to the third generation sequencing based advanced diagnostic techniques
MARZIA BECCACCIOLI Lecturers' profile
  • Lesson code10611979
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseBiotechnology and Genomic for Industry and Environment
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDAGR/12
  • CFU6