Life
Subject: POST-HARVEST LOSSES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT (A.A. 2023/2024)
master degree course in FOOD SAFETY AND CONTROL
| Course year | 1 |
|---|---|
| CFU | 6 |
| Teaching units |
Unit Unico
To be chosen by the student (lesson)
|
| Exam type | oral |
| Evaluation | final vote |
| Teaching language | Italiano |
Teachers
Overview
The course will offer students a broad knowledge on phytosanitary problems in post-harvest productions and on related pathogens and/or physiologica dosorders. Emphasis will be given to the management of such problems, both in the field and in stores, in order to reduce product losses caused by plant pathogens connected to risks posed by human or animal pathogens. Students will be given indications on how to monitor or detect the most important pathogens in post-harvest productions, as well as on possible contaminating agents of clinical interest.
Admission requirements
Plant Pathology. Microbiology or Biology of Microrganisms. English knowledge, level B2.
Course contents
Post harvest losses on a global basis (FAO). Main disorders and diseases affecting crops in post-harvest. Bacteria and fungi as pathogens of plant products during processing and storing. Management strategies to ensure quality and safety of vegetables and cereals from the field to the store. Clinical pathogens in vegetable production chains: Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Credits (CFU) may vary according to students' learning ability; they will be planned as follows: 1 CFU (8 hrs) on product losses; 3 CFU (24 hrs) of physiological disorders; 2 CFU (16 hrs) on post-harvest diseases.
Teaching methods
Power Point lessons. One visit to a company with international business related to fruits and vegetables. Teaching language is English. Attendance is not mandatory, bu strongly encouraged.
Assessment methods
An oral examination with questions on topics presented during the classes. An intermediate exam is not foreseen. Indicators for the evaluation: Ability to use knowledge (25%); Ability to link knowledge (25%); Use of technical language (15%); Ability to discuss specific topics (20%); Ability to go into specific details (15%).
Learning outcomes
Students will get knowledge and skills related to identify problems arising from physiological disorders and diseases affecting crops after harvesting and in store. Particularly epidemiology and control according procedures ensuring consumers' safety and protection of the environment and biodiversity. Indicators for the evaluation: Ability to use knowledge (25%); Ability to link knowledge (25%); Use of technical language (15%); Ability to discuss specific topics (20%); Ability to go into specific details (15%).
Readings
1) De Cicco V., Bertolini P., Salerno MG. "Patologia postraccolta dei prodotti vegetali". PICCIN Editore, Padova.
2) Barkai-Golan R, Postharvest Diseases of Fruits and Vegetables. Development and Control. Elsevier Science.
Testo 1 disponibile in biblioteca; testo 2) non disponibile.
Inoltre: materiale distribuito dal docente durante il corso e appunti delle lezioni.