953309 Plant nematology

Type
Lecture and exercise
Semester hours
1
Lecturer (assistant)
Wieczorek, Krzysztof
Organisation
Plant Protection
Offered in
Wintersemester 2024/25
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

Nematodes are essential components of many ecosystems, playing various roles in the trophic hierarchy. This course focuses on the biology of plant-parasitic nematodes, their economic significance, and strategies for their control.

Students will be introduced to the structural and functional anatomy of nematodes, their plant-parasitic strategies and interactions with host plants. Practical activities will include examining different nematode species under the microscope, allowing students to identify and distinguish plant-parasitic nematodes. Additionally, students will learn how to isolate nematodes from soil samples, with a focus on plant-parasitic nematodes, and analyze their morphology and behavior.

Case studies will illustrate the importance of nematodes in various agroecosystems and provide insights into general principles of nematode management. The course will also explore key challenges in applied plant nematology, connecting them to current fundamental research in the field.
Previous knowledge expected

Basic biology and agriculture.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Students gain knowledge of:

- Basic nematology, including morphology, biology, and ecology
- Different groups of plant-parasitic nematodes, such as cyst, root-knot, and migratory nematodes
- Symptomatology and molecular aspects of nematode parasitism in plants
- Methods for isolating and analyzing soil organisms, with a focus on nematodes

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

- Identify and describe the major groups of nematodes, including their morphology and biology
- Characterize different groups of plant-parasitic nematodes (cyst, root-knot, and migratory nematodes)
- Explain the symptomatology of plant-parasitic nematodes
- Describe molecular aspects of nematode parasitism in plants
- Differentiate between free-living, predatory, and plant-parasitic soil nematodes
- Diagnose nematode infections based on above- and belowground symptoms and classify them into major groups (cyst, root-knot, or migratory nematodes)
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.