PLANT PATHOPHYSIOLOGY ARTHROPODS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Module ARTHROPODS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

The course aims to provide adequate basic knowledge on arthropods, in particular those of interest in agricultural production, and on potential aspects related to entomological biotechnology aimed at research for pest control.

Specifically, it will be analyzed the main morphological, biological, and physiological characteristics of arthropods, the methods through which biotechnology can be applied to the protection of agricultural and agro-food from harmful arthropods, the study of arthropod-plant-microorganisms relationships, environmental investigations, biodiversity, human and animal health and the choice of environmentally friendly pest control strategies.

Knowledge and understanding

The student will have to demonstrate correctly know the terminology, the basics of biology and control of pests infesting crops, and the main biotechnological innovations applicable in the field of plant protection.

Applying knowledge and understanding

Acquired the basic knowledge, the student will be able to properly organize the concepts of the topic, which is useful to know the tools necessary to study biotechnological techniques and their potential applications.

Making of judgment

Students will gain full autonomy in connecting assimilated knowledge with the most appropriate biotechnological solutions.

Communication skills

The student will be able to communicate with others in the appropriate technical language the basics of integrated programs in plant protection, with particular attention to biotechnological methods to control harmful arthropods.

Learning skills

The student will acquire the opportunity to update or expand his knowledge independently, drawing on texts, and scientific articles in the field of pest control and biotechnology applications. The teaching provides the student with indications and suggestions necessary to allow him to address other similar topics and to continue higher-level university studies.

The course is carried out through 42 hours of lectures (in class or remote). If teaching is given in a mixed formula or remotely, necessary changes may be introduced to what was previously stated to comply with the provided and reported syllabus.

Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can ask for a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD) of the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences.

• ARTROPODI E BIOTECNOLOGIE

Morphology, anatomy and physiology of insects

1. General characteristics of insects and their applied interest.
2. External morphology: head, thorax, abdomen and their appendages.
3. Elements of anatomy and physiology of insects: tegumental system; nervous system; sensory system; digestive system; respiratory system; circulatory system; excretory system; secretory system; reproductive system; postembryonic development; physiology of metamorphosis.

Means and methods of control of insects

1. Agronomic or cultural means.
2. Physical and mechanical means.
3. Biological control: entomophagous and entomopathogenic; classical biological control techniques; microbiological control; biotechnologies.
4. Chemical control: insecticides and their mode of action; commercial formulations and active ingredients; secondary effects of antiparasitic treatments.
5. Principles of supervised and integrated control.

Notions of entomological systematics and knowledge of the main orders of Insects

Collembola
Blattodea
Orthoptera
Thysanoptera
Hemiptera
Lepidoptera
Diptera
Coleoptera
Hymenoptera

Overview of other Arthropods of economic importance

1. Mites: systematic classification, morphology, anatomy and biology; damage and economic importance; control methods.

1. BACCETTI B., BARBAGALLO S., SÜSS L. & TREMBLAY E., 2000. Manuale di Zoologia Agraria. Delfino Editore, Roma.

2. TREMBLAY E., 1985-2000. Entomologia applicata, voll. 1-7. Liguori Editore, Napoli.

During the course, one or more intermediate tests (both in written and oral form) could be carried out that would allow to verify the activity carried out both by the students and by the course as a whole. A final oral talk will in any case complete the assessment of the students, allowing the verification of the degree of learning.

The verification of learning can also be carried out electronically if the conditions require it.

To guarantee equal opportunities and in conformity with current laws, interested students can request a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or dispensative measures, according to the teaching objectives and specific needs. You can also contact CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Inclusion - Disability Services and/or DSA) at the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences.

As a summary of the above activities, the assessment of the preparation of individual students will take place based on the following criteria: learning ability and level of depth of the topics, properties of synthesis and presentation, rand easoning skills. The marks attributed will follow the following scheme:

Unsuitable

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies.

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize.

Use of references: Completely inappropriate.

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At the threshold level. Obvious imperfections.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Just enough skills.

Use of references: As appropriate.

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Correct analysis and synthesis, with logical and coherent argumentation skills.

Use of references: Use of standard references.

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good.

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Good, with arguments expressed consistently.

Use of references: Use of standard references.

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: More than good.

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Remarkable.

Use of references: In-depth.

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent.

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Remarkable.

Use of references: Important insights.