Plant Pathology: Academic Programs: Courses / Syllabi

PATH 6240 - Plant Nematology

Morphology and biology of plant parasitic nematodes. An introduction to nematology, with an emphasis on nematode morphology, nematode disease of plants, and nematode management.

Instructor - Jim Noe
Credit Hours - 3 ( Two lectures and one 2-hour lab period)
Course Offered - spring semester of odd-numbered years

PREREQUISITES

PATH 3530-3530L

COURSE OBJECTIVES

To introduce students to the large body of knowledge in plant nematology including nematode morphology and anatomy, taxonomy, life cycles, biology, disease symptoms, and host-parasite interactions of the major plant-parasitic nematodes, population dynamics, nematode survival, role in disease complexes, and principles of nematode management. Lecture is supplemented with articles assigned for reading.

TOPICAL OUTLINE

I. Introduction
   A. What is a nematode
   B. Life cycles
   C. Feeding habits

II. Nematode morphology
   A. General morphology
   B. Body wall
   C. Esophagi and digestive system
   D. Nervous and excretory system
   E. Reproductive system

III. Diseases caused by nematodes
   A. Nematode parasitism of plants
   B. Disease symptoms
   C. Root-knot nematodes
   D. Cyst nematodes
   E. Sedentary semi-endoparasites
   F. Migratory endoparasites
   G. Ectoparasites
   H. Shoot parasites

IV. Nematode management
   A. Population dynamics
   B. Cropping systems
   C. Disease complexes
   D. Nematode survival
   E. Plant resistance
   F. Nematode control
   G. Nematode diagnostics and advisory services

UNIVERSITY HONOR CODE AND ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

Any form of academic dishonesty or use of unauthorized assistance may result in assignment of a grade of F for the course.