BIO/PLS 332: Plant Pathology: Introduction to Plant Diseases

Spring 2004

Syllabus and Outline

http://www.uri.edu/cels/pls/englander/pls332.htm

Course Goals: The historical development of the discipline of Plant Pathology will be presented at the beginning of the semester, followed by detailed studies of the nature of plant disease and its causal agents (fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, environmental/chemical agents), and of symbionts and their effect on plant health and disease resistance, epidemiological considerations on disease spread and major outbreaks, and disease control and management techniques (including resistance phenomena and impact).

Schedule: Tuesday 12:30-3:15 and Thursday 12:30-1:45, 216 Woodward.

Due to constraints of available facilities, equipment, experienced support personnel, and the limitations of the winter season (precluding outdoor specimen gathering or examination), the Tuesday 2-3:15 time slot frequently will be used as a practicum for specimen/problem analysis, pictorial presentations or for detailed discussion of special topics in place of a formal lab.

Required Texts: The required text for this course is Plant Pathology, by Agrios (Academic Press). The newest edition is the 4th, however, if you have access to an older edition, that will be OK. The text should be available at both local bookstores. In this course, unlike others you have taken or I have taught, I expect you to read the appropriate chapters in advance or concurrently with the lectures, so that you can participate in discussions during class (this means “getting called-on”).

Tentatively, the order of chapter coverage will be as follows:

1.: Substantial Introduction

2.: Parasitism/Disease Development

3.: Attack Methods

4.: Physiological Effects

5.: Plant Defenses

6.: Genetics

7.: Environmental effect

8.: Epidemiology

11.: Fungal Pathogens

12.: Bacteria/Phytoplasmas

13.: Phanerogams

14.: Viruses

15.: Nematodes

10.: Environmental Diseases

16.: Flagellates

9.: Control

Evaluation and Grading::There will be two hour-exams and a final exam. The final is scheduled for Tues., May 11
(the last class is Tues., May 4). Each week, potential exam questions will be proposed by the class and evaluated by the instructor. Course grade will be computed as follows: hour exams (2) = 25% @, final exam = 30%, presentations (see below*) = 20%, quality of quiz questions/answers and misc. exercises = 0% up to 10% bonus.

* Each of you will research information about a specific plant disease, jointly chosen by you and me. A preliminary, written outline will be presented to me (not graded, but critiqued), later followed by a ~10 minute oral presentation to the class and a written outline, with websites, of the talk submitted to me. Experience gained will be through: library and/or internet research, information organization and synthesis, and communication skills and techniques. Grading will be based equally on coverage (accuracy and comprehensiveness) and presentation efficacy. A decent, average job is worth a C. A good report will earn a B or B+. Only the most exceptional presentations will qualify for a higher grade.