Learning objectives
Knowledge and ability to understand
At the end of the course, the student will be able to know and understand:
1. Causal agents in plant diseases, pest management in different agricultural systems, in accordance with the European legislation in force
2. Elements governing purchases: current legislation and buyer's requests
Understanding and knowledge application
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Apply the knowledge acquired about plant health and its implications in agricultural and food production.
2. Combine the knowledge of codified aspects (standards and legislation), the contractual needs of the buyer, with the knowledge of pathogens and diseasesAutonomy of judgment
At the end of the course, the student will have acquired the knowledge to:
1. Assess plant products in terms of quality (related to plant diseases)
2. Evaluate the compliance of the products with contractual requirements.
Communication skills
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
1. use in an appropriate way the scientific language and the specific lexicon of plant pathology to describe and transfer the acquired concepts in oral and written form.Learning ability
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
1. To increase his/her knowledge on phytopathological problems, also through the consultation of sector texts, scientific and educational journals.
2. Find and consult legislative references
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
Phytopathological problems of products of plant origin and impact on the quantitative-qualitative and hygienic-sanitary aspects of production. Crop production and protection systems (integrated crop production and organic farming) and legislative constraints. Phytosanitary management of agricultural production in postharvest for both fresh and dried products. Production regulations and requirements requested by buyers regarding the management of phytosanitary problems. Outline of the sustainability of processes and the reuse of vegetable waste.
Full programme
1. General introduction to plant health and description of the course objectives
2. Biotic and abiotic plant diseases, causes of plant diseases.
3. Impact of plant disease in the field and postharvest, including aspects relating to food safety. Disease symptoms, field production losses and post-harvest damage. Toxic compounds produced by fungi.
5. Mycotoxins in plants and derived products. Main mycotoxins of interest and their toxic effect, main products of plant origin contaminated by mycotoxins.
6. Diagnostic approaches in plant pathology.
7. Reference legislation for crop management
Bibliography
Patologia Vegetale. A.A.V.V. EdiSES università
Difesa sostenibile delle colture. A.A.V.V. Edagricole
Teaching methods
The lessons will be held with the support of power point presentations.
The course will be integrated with seminars on specific topics relevant for plant health.
Working groups will be organised on plant health topics of interest for the students.
Assessment methods and criteria
Summative assessment will be written. The written examination will contain multiple choice questions and open questions on the main course topics.
Other information
Lesson frequency is not mandatory, but strongly encouraged.
