The growing anthropogenic pressure, the ongoing climate changes and the intensification of extreme events, expose plants to unusual and unpredictable environmental conditions, subjecting them to abiotic stresses that are atypical in intensity, frequency and duration. As a result of non-optimal growth conditions, plants develop an increased vulnerability to pathogens and weeds. Moreover, the increasingly advanced process of globalization facilitates the accidental introduction of alien species of potentially harmful and invasive pests and pathogenic microorganisms which creates significant damage to agricultural production, as well as representing a concrete threat to native biodiversity. Understanding plant responses to environmental stresses provides a fundamental knowledge for the development of innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture in a context of strong climatic variations, which protects food security, health, ecosystem and both native and agronomical plant biodiversity. The aim of this course is to provide the necessary skills to understand the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on plants and their responses to environmental changes, also considering the effects that these responses have on the environment.
teacher profile teaching materials
Secondary metabolism in plant-environment interaction. Main classes of secondary metabolites. Functional and ecological roles of secondary metabolism.
Typology of abiotic stresses and their impact on plants. Plant responses to abiotic stresses. Adaptations and acclimations to water deficit. Adaptations and acclimations to water excess and oxygen deficiency. Adaptations and acclimations to saline stress. Adaptations and acclimations to high and low temperatures. Adaptations and acclimations to different light conditions. High irradiance stress. Ultraviolet radiation stress.
Type of pollutants and their impact on plants. Plants responses to environmental pollutants. Nitrogen oxides. Tropospheric ozone. Heavy metals. Effects of high atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide.
Plant biotic interactions. Negative interactions between plants and other organisms. Constitutive defenses. Elicited defenses. Resistance and priming. Beneficial interactions between plants and other organisms. Nitrogen fixers, mycorrhizae and pollinators.
2. Biologia delle Piante Vol. 2: Interazioni con l’ambiente e Domesticazione. Smith A. M. et al; Zanichelli Editore
3. Fondamenti di Patologia Vegetale. Alberto Matta et al; Patron Editore, Bologna
4. Scientific articles and power point slides provided by the professor.
Mutuazione: 20410738 Interazioni pianta-ambiente e sostenibilità ambientale in Biodiversità e Tutela dell'Ambiente LM-6 R FRAUDENTALI ILARIA
Programme
Acclimatative and adaptive responses to environmental stresses. Tolerance, defense and homeostasis. Avoidance and contrast strategies. Phenotypic plasticity. Physiological and metabolic responses to environmental stresses.Secondary metabolism in plant-environment interaction. Main classes of secondary metabolites. Functional and ecological roles of secondary metabolism.
Typology of abiotic stresses and their impact on plants. Plant responses to abiotic stresses. Adaptations and acclimations to water deficit. Adaptations and acclimations to water excess and oxygen deficiency. Adaptations and acclimations to saline stress. Adaptations and acclimations to high and low temperatures. Adaptations and acclimations to different light conditions. High irradiance stress. Ultraviolet radiation stress.
Type of pollutants and their impact on plants. Plants responses to environmental pollutants. Nitrogen oxides. Tropospheric ozone. Heavy metals. Effects of high atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide.
Plant biotic interactions. Negative interactions between plants and other organisms. Constitutive defenses. Elicited defenses. Resistance and priming. Beneficial interactions between plants and other organisms. Nitrogen fixers, mycorrhizae and pollinators.
Prerequisiti
A basic knowledge of plant biology and physiology is recommended, particularly with regard to plant cell organisation, plant water relations, photosynthesis, respiration, mineral nutrition, and hormonal regulation. This background knowledge provides the foundation for understanding the mechanisms underlying plant responses to environmental changes.Core Documentation
1. Interazioni Piante-Ambiente. Luigi Sanità di Toppi; Piccin Editore2. Biologia delle Piante Vol. 2: Interazioni con l’ambiente e Domesticazione. Smith A. M. et al; Zanichelli Editore
3. Fondamenti di Patologia Vegetale. Alberto Matta et al; Patron Editore, Bologna
4. Scientific articles and power point slides provided by the professor.
Attendance
Attendance is strongly recommended.Type of evaluation
Assessment consists of a written examination with open-ended questions covering the topics addressed in the course. The examination may also include questions on the principles, procedures, and interpretation of results from laboratory practical sessions actually carried out during the course. The questions assess students’ knowledge of the course content and their ability to explain the mechanisms underlying plant responses, apply acquired concepts to specific situations, and establish connections between environmental stresses, physiological processes, and environmental consequences. Students may also be required to compare different response strategies and discuss experimental results relevant to the course. Assessment criteria: Assessment is based on the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, depth of understanding, ability to integrate different topics and provide well-reasoned interpretations, clarity of expression, organisation of responses, and appropriate use of scientific terminology. Minimum passing requirements: A satisfactory knowledge of fundamental concepts and the ability to accurately describe the main mechanisms underlying plant responses to environmental stresses. Higher grades reflect greater depth of understanding, the ability to establish connections between different topics, and independence in scientific reasoning. Honours (lode) may be awarded for examinations demonstrating exceptional completeness and scientific rigour, thorough mastery of the course content, and well-developed critical thinking skills. The examination directly assesses knowledge and understanding, the ability to apply acquired knowledge, independent judgement, and written communication skills. Learning skills are assessed through students’ ability to integrate, critically interpret, and synthesise the course content and study materials.