Content

In the first part, focus will be on basic concepts and terminology related to plant pathology. The different factors that are required for pathogens and plants to result in disease will be discussed.

In the second part, students will gain in-depth knowledge on the different organisms that cause disease in plants including bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, viruses, insects and nematodes. Examples of pathogens causing disease in both temperate as well as tropical regions will be discussed.

In the third part, we will have a closer look at the interaction between pathogens and plants; which strategies of pathogenicity are known and how a plant recognizes and responds to pathogen attack.

In a fourth part, the most important management strategies to prevent or limit damage and yield loss caused by the most important pathogens to agricultural crops are discussed, with an emphasis on integrated pest management (IPM).

Finally, students will individually carry out a case study on an economically important plant-pathogen interaction in which above mentioned general and in-depth knowledge needs to be implemented. Students will need to write a report and give a presentation on their case study.

Course material

PowerPoint presentations

Format: more information

In addition to the lectures, students will individually carry out a case study on an economically important plant-pathogen interaction. Students will need to make and present a poster on their case study.

There will also be two discussion sessions: one on pesticides and one on genetically modified organisms. Attendance to these sessions is mandatory.