Plant-microbe interactions

Coordinator

Marie Garmier

Goals

Acquire the knowledge and methodologies necessary to understand the dynamics of plant–microorganism interactions, pathogenic or symbiotic, in relation to environmental factors; understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in these interactions; be aware of the societal and ecological implications of such interactions; and consider both traditional and innovative control strategies aimed at improving the quality and yield of agricultural production.

Skills

- Master the main infectious processes of pathogenic micro-organisms and their specific features, in relation to the various parasitism strategies. 
 - Master the main plant immune mechanisms (microorganism perception mechanisms, signalling and defence). 
 - Understand the epidemiological factors explaining the appearance and spread of a disease on different spatio-temporal scales. 
 - Be able to describe crop protection control methods. 
 - Be able to describe the diversity of symbiotic interactions in plants, the molecular dialogue between microbiota and host plant and discuss the ecological and societal importance of symbiotic interactions.
 - Be able to name the niches of the plant microbiota and describe the process of establishment of the plant microbiota. 
 - Know how to implement the main plant pathology techniques. 
 Complementary skills:
 - Be able to analyse a scientific article and produce a summary on a scientific subject.
 - Know how to search for information in scientific literature.
 - Be able to communicate a scientific message in English, either orally or via a scientific communication medium.

Content

Plants interact with microorganisms in their environment and must continuously adapt to them. These microorganisms can exert either negative (pathogenic) or beneficial (symbiotic) effects on plants, both in natural ecosystems and agroecosystems. This issue is particularly relevant today, as agricultural practices must ensure productivity while preserving the environment. 
 The teaching unit includes 9 hours of lectures on plant–pathogen interactions (fungi, bacteria, viruses), 3 h on plant–symbiotic microorganism interactions, and 1.5 h on the plant microbiota and its interactions within the rhizosphere. Students are introduced to epidemiology (3 h of lectures), plant immunity (6 h), and methods for plant protection (3 h).
 The course is complemented by a 1.5-h seminar involving the analysis of scientific articles on symbiosis, and 9 h of practical work during which students apply techniques and concepts from plant pathology to assess the susceptibility/resistance of two plant genotypes (wild type and mutant) to various pathogens, and discuss the role of the altered function in plant immunity.
 Throughout the course unit, students work in teams on a plant pathology topic, culminating in an oral presentation based on a scientific poster.

Format

The teaching unit is structured around lectures, tutorials focused on article analysis, and three practical sessions, all centered on a common theme. On the first day, students are assigned a presentation topic and grouped into pairs or trios to conduct a bibliographic review on a specific interaction—either parasitic or beneficial. At the end of the course, each group delivers an oral presentation supported by a scientific poster. Students are also assessed by a 2-hour written exam. 

Language : English

Elective TU

ECTS : 4

Lectures : 25,5 ;  Directed Study : 1,5; Practical Study : 9