LPLF10350U Plant Diseases

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc Programme in Agriculture
Content

The biology of the viruses, bacteria and fungi in a broad sense causing plant diseases.

Introduction to:

  • the concepts symptomology, etiology, pathogenicity, taxonomy and diagnosis
  • the molecular, cellular and genetic aspects of pathogenicity and disease resistance.
  • basic ecological and epidemiological principles in relation to the establishment and spread of plant diseases.
  • plant disease control measures (disease management) - including prophylactic measures and biological control, disease resistance, forecasting, legislation and chemical control.
  • post harvest diseases and food safety
  • case studies of plant diseases in agriculture, horticulture and forestry systems to facilitate subsequent specialisation.
Learning Outcome

The course gives a basal understanding of how microorganisms interact with plants and each other. Secondly, introduces the methods used to study these interactions.
On completing the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge:

  • Describe the mechanisms underlying the interactions of pathogenic microorganisms with plants and the basic biology and relationships of these organisms.
  • Describe how the mechanisms influence the ecology of microorganism and the development of plant diseases.
  • Describe the molecular mechanisms involved in plant responses to microorganisms.


Skills:

  • Explain the biological components that determine host/pathogen interactions, including the cellular structures and genetic elements.
  • Evaluate how the knowledge gained can be applied to defeating pathogens and minimise the consequences of plant diseases.
  • Reflect on the ethical aspects of using biotechnology and pesticides for controlling diseases.
Competences:
  • Discuss and disseminate knowledge of plant diseases to both specialists and non-specialists.
Literature

Schumann,G.L. and D'Arcy,C.J. (2009) Essential Plant Pathology. Saint Paul: APS Press. ISBN 978-0-89054-381-8

See http:/​/​www.apsnet.org/​apsstore/​shopapspress/​Pages/​43818.aspx

Hockenhull, J., Danielsen, S., de Neergaard, E., Thomsen I. Illustrated Atlas of Fungal Plant Pathogens (Illustrated by N. Leroul).

A set of this will be available in Danish at the practical exercises

supplemented with primary literature, course notes and a laboratory manual as a reference

Lectures
Colloquia
Theoretical exercises
Practical exercises
Excursion
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 27
  • Exam
  • 4
  • Excursions
  • 3
  • Lectures
  • 30
  • Practical exercises
  • 42
  • Preparation
  • 100
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 4 hours under invigilation
---
Exam registration requirements
75& of the laboratory classes and theoretical reports has to be approved
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Flere interne bedømmere
Re-exam
If 10 or fewer register for the reexamination the examination form will be oral.
Criteria for exam assesment
See learning outcomes