M.Agr. 0023 Interactions between Plants and Phytopathogens and Viruses ( 6 ECTS)

Coordinator
Prof. Dr. P. Karlovsky
Department of Crop Sciences, Division of Molecular Phytopathology and Mycotoxin Research
Language
English
Type of instruction/contact hours
Lecture, one week practical
Frequency and duration
WiSe, one semester
Instructors
Prof. P. Karlowsky, Dr. B. Koopmann

Content
Lecture
Different aspects of interactions between plants and phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
The infection by fungi, bacteria and viruses is described (spore germination, invasion of the host plant and spreading of pathogens, virus replication and distribution). Types of plant resistance, i.e. preformed and induced resistance, their importance and possibilities of inactivation through the pathogens as well as induced and systemically acquired resistance(SAR) are presented. The pathosystem Agrobacterium tumefaciens/ dicotyle plants is described and discussed. The gen for gen hypothesis and its experimental proof will be presented and discussed and well known genes of resistance will be described.
Practical
Phytoalexine extraction in oilsed rape and analysis by HPLC or TLC bioassay.

Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge of complex interactions between plants and pathogens, of plant disease infection and development caused by fungi, viruses and bacteria and mechanisms of host invasion, of plant defense structures and reactions (recognition of the pathogen, signal transduction, preformed and induced mechanisms of resistance, gene for gene hypothesis). Students will be able to formulate scientific questions and to critically evaluate methods used.

Examination
Oral examination, 20 minutes

Number of students
36