Anthracnose on tomato [photo:Richard Gardiner] Bio 4218a
Microorganisms and Plant Disease
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course deals with the principles of plant pathology and the causes of disease. Concepts and models of diagnosis, infection, development of symptoms, disease spread, plant defenses and disease control are discussed in lectures and further illustrated in a weekly 3-hour laboratory period.
Prerequisites for the course Biology 3218F/G or permission of the Department.
CLASS TIMES:
Lectures - Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:30 - 12:30
Labs - Thursdays 1:30 - 4:30 B&G 2065
Instructors:
Dr. Richard Gardienr (Course Chair)
Dr. J. A. Traquair (Agriculture Canada)
Dr. K. Dobinson (Agriculture Canada)
Dr. K. Conn (Agriculture Canada)
Dr. D. Cuppels (Agriculture Canada)
Dr. P. Abbasi (Agriculture Canada)
Distribution of Marks:
Mid-Term Test......................... 30 %
Final Exam............................... 40 %
Two Lab Tests ........................ 30 % (2 x 15 %)
Lecture Topics May Include
History and Impact of Plant Diseases
Diagnosis and Symptoms
Abiotic vs Biotic Factors
Viral diseases
Bacterial diseases
Nematode diseases
Fungal Diseases
Disease Triangle, Disease Cycle and Epidemiology
Penetration and Infection - fungi
Penetration by bacteria and viruses /vectors
Pathogenesis - biotrophic vs. necrotrophic fungal mechanisms
Pathogenesis by bacteria
Survival and Spread - all microbes
Host Defense Mechanisms:
- active versus passive, structural vs passive
- plant immunity to disease
Host Resistance: single/multigene
Flor’s gene-for -gene hypothesis; tolerance
Quarantine/Forecasting
Cultural Control - farming practices
Cultural Control – biofumigation, solarization
Chemical Control – protective, topical
Chemical Control – curative, systemic
Biocontrol – mechanisms, approach & IDM
Biopesticides – commercialization chain NA
Laboratory Topics
Aseptic Technique and Isolation of Microbial Plant Pathogens
Making slide cultures, transferring cultures, direct plating
Basic Use of the Compound Light Microscope in Pathology
Preparation of Slides for the LM
Dispersal of Microbial Plant Pathogens
Rainsplash Dispersal
Infection by Microbial Plant Pathogens
Bacterial Infection (Agrobacterium crown gall)
Fungal Infection (Powdery Mildew Haustoria)
Viral Infection (Tobacco Mosaic Virus)
Production of Lytic Enzymes in Soft Rot
Mechanisms of Biological Control
Chemical Fungicides: Development of Resistance to Pesticides (lab 10)
