Course Goals:
To provide advanced training in plant bacteriology and plant-microbe interactions. The mechanism of interaction and sequence of events leading to disease production by various bacterial pathogens will be reviewed. Active student participation is required.
Entry Level:
Students should be familiar with basic bacteriological concepts and laboratory techniques. Prerequisites: Bacteriology 2 and 3 (or Microbiology 1 equivalent); Plant Pathology 120 and Biochemistry 101A-B.
Course Format:
- The course is presented bi-weekly with active student participation during discussion sessions. The discussion preparations and laboratory assignments will exceed beyond course time. The laboratory also includes several field trips coordinated with laboratory and lectures.
- Students will be graded based on project papers and examinations.
Subject Outline:
- Evolution of pathogenesis
- General characteristics of plant pathogenic bacteria
- Overgrowth causing pathogens
- Gene regulation of pathogenicity
- Necrogenic pathogens
- Molecular genetics of macerative pathogens
- Biology of vascular wilt pathogens
- Concept of hrp and avr genes
- Conservation of path genes
- Biological control