LPhD091 Methods in insect pathology with focus on entomopathogenic fungi

Details
Responsible DepartmentDepartment of Agriculture and Ecology

Research SchoolAgriculture and Ecology (AGREC)
 
Course DatesIndividually decided
 
Course AbstractHands on introduction to methods used in insect pathology with focus on entomopathogenic fungi (Ascospherales, Entomophthorales and Hypocreales). The main areas include: a) Identification and taxonomy b) Isolation of entomopathogenic fungi from insects c) In vitro and in vivo cultivation d) Cryo-preservation of in vitro cultures of entomopathogenic fungi for long term storage e) Bioassay techniques of entomopathogenic fungi, including estimation of dose, analysis of data
 
Course RegistrationContact Associate Professor Annette Brunn Jensen (abj@life.ku.dk) or Associate Professor Nicolai Vitt Meyling (nvm@life.ku.dk)
 
Deadline for RegistrationIndividually decided
 
Credits4 (ECTS)
 
Level of CoursePhD course
 
Language of InstructionEnglish
 
Course Content
The course gives hands on introduction to methods used in insect pathology with focus on entomopathogenic fungi (Ascospherales, Entomophthorales and Hypocreales ). The main areas that will be covered are: a) Identification and taxonomy b) Isolation of entomopathogenic fungi from diseased insects c) In vitro and in vivo cultivation of entomopathogenic fungi d) Cryo-preservation of in vitro cultures of entomopathogenic fungi for long term storage e) Bioassay techniques of entomopathogenic fungi, including estimation of dose, analysis of data
 
Teaching and learning Methods
Laboratory based; individually arranged
 
Learning Outcome
The course covers theoretical and practical aspects of identification and taxonomy of Ascospherales, Entomophthorales and Hypocreales. This part includes preparation of sexual and asexual spore slides (Ascomata, resting spore and conidia), brief introduction to mycological terms used for classification and identification. Training in identification will be performed on class material covering the most common genera of insectpathogenic fungi and include different staining methods. The course will give an introduction to in vitro growth of entomopathogenic fungi (in liquid and solid media). Furthermore, the course will cover techniques for in vitro isolation of entomopathogenic fungi from diseased insects followed by Cryo-preservation of in vitro cultures at -80oC of entomopathogenic fungi for long term storage. Bioassay techniques of entomopathogenic fungi will cover the most commonly used assay techniques (per os, conidia shower or dipping) including spore concentration preparations and spore germination tests. Further, methods for estimation of doses and data recording will be included. Finally, data analysis will be discussed and various statistical packages will be presented.
 
Course Literature
Humber, R. A. (1997): Fungi: Identification. In.: Lacey, L. (ed.), Manual of Techniques in Insect Pathology pp. 153-186. Academic Press, San Diego, USA. Humber, R. A. (1997): Fungi: Preservation of cultures. In.: Lacey, L. (ed.), Manual of Techniques in Insect Pathology pp. 269- 280. Academic Press, San Diego, USA. Papierok, B. and Hajek, A. E. (1997): Fungi: Entomophthorales. In.: Lacey, L. (ed.) Manual of Techniques in Insect Pathology pp. 187-212. Academic Press, San Diego, USA. Goettel, M. S. and Inglis, G. D. (1997) Fungi: Hyphomycetes. In.: Lacey, L. (ed.) Manual of Techniques in Insect Pathology pp. 187-212. Academic Press, San Diego, USA. Humber, R. A. (2007): Recent phylogenetically based reclassifications of fungal pathogens of invertebrates. http://www.sipweb.org/fungi/humber.pdf Bissett, J. (1987): Contribution toward a monograph of the genus Ascosphaera. Can. J. Bot. 66: 2541-60.
 
Course Coordinator
Annette Bruun Jensen, abj@life.ku.dk, Department of Agriculture and Ecology/Section of Zoology, Phone: 353-32662
Nicolai Vitt Meyling, nvm@life.ku.dk, Department of Agriculture and Ecology/Section of Zoology, Phone: 353-32666
 
Type of Evaluation
Written report
 
Work Load
110
110