*Syllabus may change from year to year; this is only an example.
PRINCIPLES OF PLANT PATHOLOGY
Molecular and Cellular approach to the study of
I. Catalog Description - BIOS 864B – Cellular and Molecular Plant Pathology
An advanced course with PLPT 369 (or equivalent) and biochemistry (may be waived) as prerequisites. Emphasis will be on cellular and molecular aspects of plant diseases. Topics include recognition and colonization, pathogenicity and virulence determinants, host pathogen interaction, resistance mechanisms, and other current topics. Information is presented in the context of viral, bacterial, fungal and nematode interactions with host plants.
II. Name of Instructor
Department of Plant Pathology
Amit Mitra, Coordinator
III . Objectives (in measurable behavioral terms)
To demonstrate through examination and oral discussion, an understanding of disease development and establishment at the molecular level.
Enhance student's understanding of current scientific research in plant pathology.
Prepare students for additional taxon based classes in Plant Pathology and Molecular Biology classes.
Formulate strategies of plant disease management options utilizing targets in host-pathogen interaction events.
IV. Need or justification for the course
This course will provide the minimal comprehensive unit of knowledge for graduate students in plant pathology and related disciplines and undergraduate students in Plant Protection Sciences, and related disciplines.
No similar course exists in the University.
The course will provide standardization for all students entering the Plant Pathology program and a basic background for any student conducting research in Plant Pathology.
The course establishes a conceptual link between introductory and taxon specific courses in plant pathology.
V. Methods
The course will be presented in class interactive lecture style, based on past and current literature and use written exams for student evaluation.
An emphasis will be placed on student participation, mainly through student led discussion of relevant journal papers.
Grading Procedures
Percent of Grade
40 - Closed or open book mid-term exam covering viruses and bacteria.
60 - Closed or open book final exam, primarily covering fungi and nematodes.
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100 TOTAL
Grading Scale: 90 - 100% = A > 97% = A+
80 - 89% = B > 87% = B+
70 - 79% = C > 77% = C+
60 - 69% = D
< 59% = F
VI. Relations to other courses
There are no similar courses at UN-L
Course material will be presented in greater depth than Plant Pathology 369, while adhering to the basic concepts of plant pathology as introduced in the introductory course.
The course will contain fundamental information essential for all other taxon related courses (BIOS 866, Phytopathogenic Nematodes; BIOS 867, Plant Pathogenic Bacteria; BIOS 869 Phytopathogenic Fungi; BIOS 965, Plant Virology; and, BIOS 963, Genetics of Host-Parasite Interaction).
VII . Course Outline - BIOS 8864B - Principles of Plant Pathology
Pathogens of Plants – Bacteria: Plasmids, Partition, Incompatibility; Bacteria as plant pathogen; Toxins, Virulence and Pathogenicity; Agrobacterium, Type IV Secretion, Binary Vectors, Plant Biotechnology; Resistance to bacterial disease.
Pathogens of Plants – Viruses: +ssRNA Viruses, -ssRNA, dsRNA, DNA Viruses , Replication/Movement , Infectious clones / mutagenesis , Virus/Virus-host Interaction , Vector Transmission , Virus population genetics, Unusually Large DNA Viruses .
Pathogen of Plants – Fungi: What is a Fungus , Genetics of Fungi , Fungal Development and Disease , Biotrophy , Fungal cell wall degrading enzymes , Fungal Toxins , Gene for gene and resistance , Disease Resistance .
Pathogen of Plants – Nematodes: Nematode Biology , Nematode Ecology , Nematode Genetics , Nematodes as parasites.
