08:00 - 18:00
Mini courses
Microscopic tools for the study of plant-pathogen interactions
This course will cover basic concepts of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and components of electron microscopes. In addition, examples of practical applications of SEM in different contexts applied to Phytopathology will be provided. Such as sample preparation techniques for routine use, cutting of material in liquid nitrogen, removal of the epidermis to visualize pathogens inside the leaves. Sample preparation and use of the X-ray Microanalysis system coupled to SEMs applied to Phytopathology. The course includes practical classes using Scanning Electron Microscopes: Leo Evo 40 and Tescan Clara, with demonstrations of sample preparation, adjustments to microscope configuration and image acquisition conditions, and preparation of slides for publication.
Implications and new challenges in the detection of pathogens in seeds
The mini-course will cover the topic "Detection of fungi in seeds", covering basic concepts, with methodologies already established and recognized worldwide, as well as the use of more advanced techniques in seed health testing.
Nematodes in Coffee Plants: Main Species, Production of Healthy Seedlings and Management in Infested Crops
Plant-parasitic nematodes, especially those of the genus Meloidogyne spp., are responsible for causing significant economic losses to Brazilian coffee growers. This short course will present the main species of nematodes that are parasitic on coffee plants, as well as data on the distribution of these nematodes in coffee plantations in the state of Minas Gerais. Among the existing measures for managing nematodes, the most efficient is exclusion, that is, preventing the entry of the pathogen into areas where the disease is not present. In the case of coffee growing, the presence of root-knot nematodes in seedlings sold in Minas Gerais continues to be a bottleneck for the production sector. The short course will present updated data on the incidence of Meloidogyne spp. in coffee seedlings and measures to prevent infestation of seedlings. Finally, there will be a discussion on genetic, cultural, biological and chemical management measures in infested crops.
Morphological diagnosis of phytopathogenic fungi
Phytopathogenic fungi from different taxonomic groups including Ascomycota (sexual and asexual phase) and the diseases they cause will be covered, as well as techniques for identification, illustrations, slide assembly, collection of diseased material.
Resistance in sight? What you need to know about fungal resistance to fungicides.
The mini-course will begin with an overview of modes and mechanisms of action, chemical group and active ingredient. A brief history of chemical control, followed by the classification of pesticides, types and mechanisms of fungal resistance to fungicides, adaptive cost and resistance management
Bioinformatics tools applied to phytopathology
Biological Control
Methods for verifying the compatibility of biological agents for controlling plant diseases with other agricultural pesticides.
Isolation, nucleic acid extraction, PCR and DNA quality control evaluation methods for phytopathogens and biocontrol agents
To successfully use molecular biology techniques, it is essential to obtain good quality genomic DNA, free of impurities and with the highest possible integrity. The short course will cover fundamental techniques for the study of phytopathogens and biocontrol agents, from isolation to DNA quality analysis. Methodologies for the extraction of nucleic acids will be presented, highlighting strategies to optimize DNA recovery from different microorganisms. In addition, the amplification of specific sequences by PCR will be discussed, including critical aspects for the success of the reaction. The course will also include quality control methods for the extracted DNA, ensuring its integrity and purity for applications in molecular biology
Understanding and Managing Diseases of Cannabis
Cannabis production is challenged by many fungal diseases that affect the roots, stems and flowers. Inoculum sources for these pathogens may be introduced from propagation materials or from the growing environment. In addition, there are a few viruses and Hop latent viroid that can cause losses in cannabis production. How can growers manage these diseases ? An overview of the symptoms of the major diseases will be discussed, followed by disease management strategies. These include cultural controls, applications of biological control agents, and evaluation of germplasm for genetic resistance. Any grower currently involved with, or planning to begin, cannabis production must be aware of these challenges posed by these pathogens that can reduce quality and yield, and how to manage them.
High-impact publishing in plant pathology: principles, article construction, post-writing and use of artificial intelligence
This course will cover techniques and tips for publishing in high-impact journals. It will cover topics such as the construction of the structure of scientific articles, selection of journals, aspects of post-writing of the manuscript, and the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence tools for writing and language correction. The course also focuses on the importance of scientific communication for an academic career and issues related to open access publishing.
Diagrammatic Scale: from elaboration to practical application
Disease quantification requires standardized methods that are easy to apply, represent different levels of disease severity and provide reliable results. The most widely used tool is the diagrammatic scale. It is based on visual estimation, through the representation of plants or parts of the plant with symptoms. Its use helps to quantify the disease quickly and practically, reducing the error between the estimated values ??and the real values ??of the diseases.
Speaker
Felipe Leal
Universidade Federal de Lavras - UFLA
R Language: Statistical analysis applied to Phytopathology
This short course aims to train students and professionals in the field of Phytopathology in the use of the R language for statistical analysis of phytopathological experiments. Fundamental steps will be covered, such as experimental design (DBC and DIC), factorial scheme, parametric and nonparametric tests, post-hoc test (Dunn, Tukey, Scott-Knot, Dunnett, etc.), regression and disease progress curve analysis (DPC). In addition, the course will cover data visualization with customized graphs in ggplot2 and the interpretation of results with a focus on scientific decision-making. The short course will include practical exercises using real data sets from the agricultural area, promoting applied training aligned with the current demands of plant health research.
Speaker
José Manoel
Universidade Federal de Lavras - UFLA
Procedure for registering pesticides: from conducting tests to writing the report
Nesse minicurso será abordado todo o procedimento para registro de bula de agrotóxicos no Brasil, desde a legislação atual a condução do ensaio e escrita dos laudos de eficiência e praticabilidade.
Fluorescence and Confocal Laser Microscopy: Applications in Phytopathology
This course will cover basic concepts such as the phenomenon of fluorescence, illumination sources, light spectra used, types of microscopes, such as the Epi-Fluorescence microscope and the Confocal Laser Scanning microscope, and microscope components. In addition, examples of practical applications will be discussed for different contexts applied to Phytopathology, such as clarification techniques, studies with autofluorescent specimens, use of fluorochromes, and fluorescent proteins associated with genetic transformation, immunostaining or nucleic acid hybridization. The course includes a practical class using the LSM 780 Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (Carl Zeiss), with demonstration of sample preparation, microscope configuration adjustments and image acquisition conditions in the Zen software (Carl Zeiss).
CRISPR
CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized plant pathology by enabling precise gene editing in pathogens and host plants, accelerating the discovery of virulence and resistance genes and opening up new strategies for disease control. In this short course, we will cover everything from basic concepts to practical applications, including sgRNA design and mutation analysis, focusing on how this tool can transform plant health management and boost agriculture.
Good practices for optimizing the use of spraying drones in coffee farming
This short course aims to present and discuss best practices in the use of spraying drones applied to coffee farming, with a focus on operational efficiency. The main factors that influence the quality of the application will be addressed, such as weather conditions, equipment calibration, choice of nozzles, spray volume, flight height, flight planning and techniques to reduce drift losses.
