Technologies for the Environment

Module APPLIED MICOLOGY

The objectives and purposes of the course are to provide university students with the information necessary to understand the role of higher fungi in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, the notions and main elements of theoretical, practical and laboratory mycology. The study of Applied Mycology aims to make the student grasp the meaning of integrated sciences, where disciplines such as chemistry, biology, earth sciences and the links with other scientific subjects must not represent separate but interdependent didactic units.

Lectures and practical exercises in the laboratory (with the use of the optical microscope and chemical reagents). If the course is taught in a remote or mixed way, the necessary changes may be introduced with respect to what was previously stated, in order to comply with the program envisaged and reported in this Syllabus.

Knowledge of botany and systematic botany.

LESSONS ATTENDANCE

Not mandatory.

Biology, anatomy and morphological structure of higher epigeal fungi. Systematics of the main families and genera of ascomycetes and basidiomycetes fungi. Determination of the species with the use of the optical microscope and chemical reagents. Mycotoxicology, the most important long and short incubation poisoning syndromes. The edibility of wild mushrooms and cultivated species. The role of the mycologist and the Sicilian regional law.

Oppicelli N. - Funghi in Italy, practical guide to research and recognition. Erredi Graphic Editorials (2020).

AMB (edited by) - Photographic Atlas of Mushrooms of Italy vol. 1-2-3. AMB Mycological Studies Center (2002).

OTHER EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL

Printed and digital didactic material distributed by the teacher during the lessons.

METHOD OF VERIFICATION OF LEARNING

Oral exam from which knowledge and understanding of the topics in the program can be deduced with the possible use of fresh or dry material or microscope slides. Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it.

EXAMPLES OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND / OR EXERCISES

1 Biology and ecology, modalities of nutrition of mushrooms.

2 Characteristics of the main families of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes.

3 Poisonous mushrooms and short and long incubation syndromes.

4 Methods of collection and conservation of the main edible species.

5 The role of the mycologist and regional legislation.

6 Recognition of major live species.