This course will explore the modern molecular techniques being used to investigate plant/microbe interactions and will examine the way in which pathogens cause disease.

The contents encompass the modern molecular techniques in plant pathology. Genom organization, genetic of the host-pathogen interaction, pathogenic determinants are defined. Identification of by RNA extraction-isolation, northern blot analysis DNA extraction-isolation, southern blot analysis DNA/RNA hybridization, dot-blot hybridization. Labelling and storage of nucleic asid probes. Nucleic acid amplification tecniques: polymerase chain reaction. Genome analysis by RFLP and RAPD, cloning and gene expression. Characterized defence response genes. Genetic modification of plants for pathogens resistance are discussed.