Diagnostic Methods for Tree Diseases

The module "Diagnostic Methods for Tree Diseases," has a special focus on fungal pathogens, integrating theoretical learning with practical application.

In the seminar segment of the course, students will learn about various diagnosis methods that are applied in the field of forest pathology and tree disease identification and the theoretical background of these applications. Also, the students will experience how to extract methodological descriptions from scientific articles and how to evaluate their usage.

Moving to the practical aspect, the course offers hands-on experience in identifying and analyzing symptoms of biotic damage in trees. Students will be trained in classical methods such as microscopic examination and morphological identification. But a significant portion of the course is dedicated to modern molecular genetic techniques, including Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP). Those methods are going to be applied in the lab and in the field, respectively, by each student, guided by us. These methods are invaluable for their precision in identifying fungal DNA, a key factor in diagnosing and managing tree diseases effectively. Additionally, the course introduces students to techniques like sonic tomography, a non-invasive approach to detecting internal tree damage.

The course concludes with students presenting their findings in the seminar and compiling a detailed written report. These exercises are designed not only to reinforce the knowledge gained but also to enhance students' abilities in scientific communication.

Overall, this module is designed to offer a dynamic and comprehensive educational experience, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, to prepare students for advanced roles in forest pathology and environmental sciences.