PHP-30306 Plant-Microbe Interactions
Course
Credits 6.00
Teaching method | Contact hours |
Lectures | 16 |
Literature study | |
Practical intensively supervised | 40 |
Project learning | |
Tutorial | 16 |
Self-study |
Course coordinator(s) | dr. ir. MHAJ Joosten |
Lecturer(s) | prof. dr. ir. BPHJ Thomma |
dr. JAL van Kan | |
prof. dr. JM Raaijmakers | |
dr. ir. MHAJ Joosten | |
prof. dr. ir. FPM Govers | |
Examiner(s) | dr. ir. MHAJ Joosten |
Language of instruction:
English
Assumed knowledge on:
PHP-30806 Molecular Aspects of Bio-Interactions, ENT-30306 Ecological Aspects of Bio-Interactions
Contents:
The course focuses on the physiological, biochemical, molecular-genetic and ecological aspects of interactions between plants, pathogenic microbes (bacteria, fungi and oomycetes) and other microorganisms.
The following topics are discussed:
- the role of microbial gene products (effectors) and metabolites in pathogenesis;
- the role of microbial gene products and metabolites in microbial interactions;
- monogenic and polygenic resistance of plants to pathogenic microbes;
- perception of microbial effector (elicitor) molecules by plants;
- signal transduction in the plant leading to local and systemic defense responses;
- reproduction, survival, dispersal and competition in microbial communities.
Experiments in the practical course illustrate aspects of the theory.
Learning outcomes:
After the course the students:
- will have acquired insight into the molecular basis of interactions between plants and microbes (bacteria, fungi and oomycetes);
- will appreciate the role of microbial interactions in the biology and ecology of pathogens;
- will be able to demonstrate detailed understanding of how resistance proteins function in defending plants from microbial pathogens;
- will be able to perform basic experiments that are aimed at studying plant-microbe interactions;
- will be able to present a specialized case study to an audience;
- will be able to write a report about the aims, setup and outcome of an experiment.
Activities:
The course consists of different theoretical and practical elements:
- lectures dealing with defined pathosystems (bacteria, fungi, oomycetes) or with interactions between pathogenic or non-pathogenic microbes and plants;
- case studies of pre-selected recent publications; oral presentation of publication;
- practical course.
Examination:
Written exam (must be sufficient), literature presentation and report of practical (2:1:1).
Literature:
Reader available at the WUR-Shop.
Programme | Phase | Specialization | Period | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Restricted Optional for: | MBI | Biology | MSc | A: Cell Biology | 6WD |
MBI | Biology | MSc | B: Plant Biology | 6WD | |
MBI | Biology | MSc | D: Ecology | 6WD | |
MPS | Plant Sciences | MSc | E: Plant Pathology and Entomology | 6WD | |
MPB | Plant Biotechnology | MSc | C: Molecular Plant Breeding and Pathology | 6WD |