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BI1354

Plant-microbe interactions

In the course, interactions between plants and microbes are discussed on general and detailed level for both pathogenic and symbiotic interactions. Infection mechanisms, defence of plants, stress responses and a large number of important problems within agriculture, horticulture and forestry are taken up. Examples are brought from ongoing research at SLU and are presented by the researchers themselves. Topics that are covered are:



  • infection mechanisms; attachment; pathogen effectors; the role of toxins and other compounds; invasion of plant tissue; subversion of host cell biology



  • establishment of symbiotic relations (mycorrhiza, rhizobium)



  • interplay of plants with the microbiome and its effect on plant growth and health



  • resistance mechanisms against attack by plant pathogens (including nematodes) and insects; gene-for-gene interactions; pathogen recognition; induced resistance; non-host resistance



  • ecological consequences of resistance and susceptibility to pathogens and insect pests at population level



  • commonalities and differences in defence responses to biotic and abiotic stimuli




The course consists of Lectures, Laboratory practicals (compulsory), Seminars (compulsory), Project work (compulsory), Exercises, Self studies, Examination and evaluation.


Information from the course leader

Welcome to the Plant-Microbe Interactions course!

The course starts on Monday, November 1, 2022 at 9:15 am in the PRIMA room at the Ultuna library. A preliminary course schedule can be found at the SLU course page (BI1354). The course is organised partly in cooperation with the University of Helsinki and the lectures will be given by lecturers from Sweden or Finland via videoconference/ZOOM. So far, we plan to organise the lectures and "discussions of study questions" as "on-campus" activities in respective videoconference (Areanders/Ultuna library and Sal H) and meeting (BioCenter) rooms. In addition, the course consists of a laboratory practical in a research group, a computer exercise and a literature project. We are looking forward to seeing you soon.

Daniel Hofius, Anders Hafrén, and Anders Kvarnheden (Course Organizers)

Course evaluation

The course evaluation is now closed

BI1354-20184 - Course evaluation report

Once the evaluation is closed, the course coordinator and student representative have 1 month to draft their comments. The comments will be published in the evaluation report.

Additional course evaluations for BI1354

Academic year 2023/2024

Plant-microbe interactions (BI1354-20019)

2023-10-31 - 2024-01-14

Academic year 2021/2022

Plant-microbe interactions (BI1354-20037)

2021-11-02 - 2022-01-16

Academic year 2020/2021

Plant-microbe interactions (BI1354-20020)

2020-11-02 - 2021-01-17

Academic year 2019/2020

Plant-microbe interactions (BI1354-20063)

2019-11-01 - 2020-01-19

Syllabus and other information

Grading criteria

PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS BI1354, 15 HEC, GRADING CRITERIA

Objectives

After completion of the course the student is expected to be able to:

  1. comprehensively discuss interactions between plants and pathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses as well as the defence reactions of the host plant (biotic stress)
  2. comprehensively discuss interactions between plants and non-pathogenic/symbiotic bacteria and fungi
  3. create hypotheses for why plants and microbes react in certain ways in pathogenic and symbiotic interactions
  4. demonstrate the ability independently to interpret scientific results to understand regulation and responses in plant-microbe interactions
  5. demonstrate the ability to use knowledge about plant-microbe interactions in the control of plant diseases and to stimulate plant growth
  6. demonstrate insight into the consequences, on population and ecosystem level, of compatible and incompatible interactions

Grade 3

Objectives 1, 2, 3, 6: The student is able to give a general description of interactions between plants and pathogenic or non-pathogenic/symbiotic microbes, including fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Objective 4: The student is able to write a lab report containing interpretation and discussion of scientific results to understand regulation and responses in plant-microbe interactions.

Objective 5: The student is able to use knowledge about plant-microbe interactions in the control of plant disease and to stimulate plant growth.

Grade 4

Objectives 1, 2, 3, 6: The student is able to give a detailed description of interactions between plants and pathogenic or non-pathogenic/symbiotic microbes, including fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Objective 4: The student is able to write a lab report containing interpretation and discussion of scientific results to understand regulation and responses in plant-microbe interactions. The student is able to write the report within a given time frame.

Grade 5

Objectives 1, 2, 3, 6: The student is able to give a detailed description of interactions between plants and pathogenic or non-pathogenic/symbiotic microbes, including fungi, bacteria and viruses, in a way that shows a deeper understanding of the subject.

Objective 4: The student is able to write a lab report with limited supervision containing interpretation and discussion of scientific results to understand regulation and responses in plant-microbe interactions. The student is able to write the report within a given time frame.

To obtain grade 5 in the course, it is required to have:

Grade 5 on objectives 1, 2, 3, 6

Grade 5 on objective 4

Grade 3 on objective 5

To obtain grade 4 in the course, it is required to have:

Grade 4 on objectives 1, 2, 3, 6

Grade 4 on objective 4

Grade 3 on objective 5

To obtain grade 3 (=pass) in the course, it is required to have:
Grade 3 on all objectives.

Main examination forms

Objectives 1, 2, 3, 6: Written exam, exam home correction

Objective 4: Lab reports

Objective 5: Literature report

Course facts

The course is offered as an independent course: Yes The course is offered as a programme course: Plant Biology for Sustainable Production - Master's Programme Plant Biology for Sustainable Production - Master's programme Tuition fee: Tuition fee only for non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens: 38060 SEK Cycle: Master’s level (A1N)
Subject: Biology Biology
Course code: BI1354 Application code: SLU-20184 Location: Uppsala Distance course: No Language: English Responsible department: Department of Plant Biology Pace: 100%