2017/2018

2019/2020

DM270

BIO/02 (SYSTEMATIC BOTANICS)

DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

NATURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES

PERCORSO COMUNE

3°

1st semester (01/10/2019 - 15/01/2020)

3

24 lesson hours

Italian

WRITTEN AND ORAL TEST

GIROMETTA CAROLINA ELENA (titolare) - 3 ECTS

Basic elements of mycology. The mandatory course "Systematic Botany" provides an adequate background with concern to the following main topics: fungal cell, systematics of Fungi, fungal ecology.

The main objectives of the course are:
1) to become familiar with the main fungal groups of food interest as it concerns identification, ecology, applications and possible cultivation as well as conservation;
2) to acquire a general method that would help identify and distinguish with non-interest or toxic groups;
3)t o provide tools for the critical interpretation of complex groups, including in reference to metabolomic and sensory differences and correct nomenclature;
4) to frame the the mycologist job.

The course mainly focuses on macrofungi that are used for food and/or nutraceutical purposes.
Particular attention is paid to the correct identification of edible species, especially when there is a strong resemblance to species that are not. Part of the course is dedicated to the cultivation of mushrooms, a practice that allows extensive use in different fields.
1 – Introduction to the Course. Reminder of basic mycology: fungal cell and mycelium development; mitosporic mushrooms; ascomycota and Basidiomycota.
2 – Ecological aspects: macrofungi and trophic groups. It is also planned to address the content of the lesson through field activities.
3 – Morphological criteria to identify macrofungi. Practical examples in the course's fungi of interest.
4 – Ascomycota: the Morchella and Tuber genres. In particular examples of sustainable use of the territory through the production of truffles.
5 - Macrofungi and medicinal properties: a general overview
6 – Agaricus bisporus (champignon): the most cultivated mushroom in the world
7 – The genus Pleurotus: many species and different cultivation techniques.
8- The genus Ganoderma and the genus Hericium
9– From the field to the conservation of biodiversity. From morphological identification of species to biomolecular. Selection and maintenance of fungal strains.
10 - Mushrooms and biotechnology in the food field. Overview of national and European legislation.

The FRONTAL LESSONS will include in part the exposure and discussion of the aforementioned topics, in part the live examination of fresh fungal samples, compatible with their availability and seasonality.
- THE FIELD ACTIVITY will provide an exit of about 4 hours in a location easily accessible by all students;
- LABORATORY ACTIVITY will occupy a single session on the date to be agreed and will take place at the Micology Laboratory (Botanical Garden Headquarters) with optical microscopes, stereomicroscopes and specialized texts.

The material is the files relating to the presentations of the frontal lectures and other documents selected by the teacher, as well as the photographic documentation necessary to practice for the examination. No specific textbook is indicated, but it is noted that excellent recognition guides are available at the Botanical Garden Library.
Part of the material will be in English as it is not available in Italian.

Oral examination.
The examination will be split in two parts:
- RECOGNITION: Due to the inability to guarantee the availability of suitable fresh samples, the test will take place on photographic documentation.
- SEARCH AND CRITICAL EXAMINATION: The student is required to briefly present and argue on a topic of his choice as long as it is consistent with the topics of the course. Particular attention will be given to the selection and critical interpretation of the bibliography sources.