The aim of the course is to provide the basis for learning how to assess and monitor pest (entomology module) and pathogen (pathology module) risks using advanced techniques, including monitoring and forecasting systems, and innovative diagnostic tools. At the end of the course, students will be able to develop innovative and sustainable pest management strategies, integrating biological, chemical and cultural techniques. They will acquire skills in the use of advanced technologies to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of plant health practices and develop communication skills to effectively transfer knowledge and innovations in plant health to different stakeholders, including farmers, technicians and land managers.

Knowledge and understanding
Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the theories and principles governing plant health issues and the innovative solutions available to manage them.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Apply theoretical and methodological knowledge to the diagnosis and management of concrete phytosanitary problems, using advanced technological tools.

Making judgements
Make autonomous and critical judgements regarding different options for the management of plant health problems, taking into account practical, economic and environmental implications.

Communication skills
Use the correct technical-scientific terminology when describing course topics. Ability to synthesize and communicate effectively to specialists and non-specialists.

Learning skills
Demonstrate the ability to learn independently and continuously, keeping abreast of the latest innovations and developments in the field of pest management.

The course aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge for a modern approach to the (eco)sustainable management of phytosanitary issues related to abiotic and biotic stress, the latter with specific reference to fungi, bacteria, and viruses in agricultural and natural ecosystems. At the end of the course the student will be able to choose the latest digital tools and biotechnological methodologies to be used in the different contexts in which plant diseases can occur in both agriculture and forestry to prevent and/or contain their detrimental effects.KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND
Acquisition of a comprehensive knowledge of the basics of plant protection in the context of digital agriculture: understanding of the ways of occurrence and spread of plant diseases and how to evaluate them with innovative tools; understanding of the main innovative diagnostic strategies and how to apply them correctly; solid knowledge of the latest technological innovations for preventive and containment defense from phytosanitary adversities.
The course pursues the following educational objectives:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Acquisition of a comprehensive knowledge of the basics of plant protection in the context of digital agriculture: understanding of the ways of occurrence and spread of plant diseases and how to evaluate them with innovative tools; understanding of the main innovative diagnostic strategies and how to apply them correctly; solid knowledge of the latest technological innovations for preventive and containment defense from phytosanitary adversities.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Application of the management of phytosanitary problems through digital and innovative approaches; awareness of pre- and post-onset strategies to be implemented to minimize phytopathological damage.
MAKING JUDGMENTS
Ability to face a phytosanitary problem with the methodologies discussed in class or similar to them, and to draw on the knowledge acquired in the course to manage it better.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Use of the correct technical-scientific terminology in the description of the course topics. Synthesis skills and communicative effectiveness in the description of the course topics.
LEARNING SKILLS
Knowledge of the topics of the course and critical ability to fully understand the crucial aspects of a phytosanitary problem and how to deal with it with the latest methods.