CIHEAM IAMB

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4. Precision Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Fruit and Vegetable Crops

The Master Programme: One Academic Year  (60 ECTS)

The Master Programme in "Precision Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Fruit and Vegetable Crops" has been designed to train graduate students researchers or professionals plant health, crop production and protection, biology, biotechnology, agricultural engineering, horticultural sciences, farm management, natural sciences, environmental sciences) in modern and sustainable integrated management of economically important pests affecting main Mediterranean fruit and vegetable crops in pre and post-harvest. 

The programme is based on an intensive learning course and on the preparation of an IPM project. 

The main objective of the course is to prepare experts able to apply and transfer the IPM approach by combining all appropriate and innovative techniques in a total management system and by minimizing economic, health and environmental risks. Students build capacity and develop skills in:

• basic IPM principles and methodologies;
• proactive measures: plant quarantine, pest risk analysis, certified propagating material, resistant/tolerant cultivars or graft combinations, biodiversity maintenance;
• sustainable use of pesticides and relative regulations; applications of alternative non-chemical pest management methods;
• food quality and safety;
• sound management of biotic and abiotic disorders in pre and post-harvest;
• smart-decisions support systems;
• communication and entrepreneurship.

A one-week IPPC-FAO/CIHEAM Bari Diploming Course is also organized as integral part of the programme. Such course is an opportunity for students to upgrade knowledge on the main principles and regulations on a proactive IPM approach and receive background information on trade facilitation, International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and guidance material on phytosanitary issues.

The levels required to apply for admission to the Master Programme are:

• Three years of university studies (180 ECTS);

• Four years of university studies (240 ECTS);

• Four years out of five (240 ECTS), upon agreement between the sending University and CIHEAM Bari according to which the year attended at CIHEAM Bari is recognized as fifth year by the University of origin in order to graduate;

• Five years of university studies (300 ECTS);

• Professionals having a degree (3-4years) and at least 2 years of experience in a field related to the Master Programme.

Priority will be given to applicants with a proved background in plant health and food safety.

The Master of Science Programme: Two Academic Years  (120 ECTS)

The second year is dedicated to scientific research related to a pest/pathogen of economic importance for the Mediterranean region.

Students who have successfully completed the first year and met all the prerequisites set by the Institute, carry out scientific research and draft a final thesis on an original topic related to a pest or pathogen of great interest for the Mediterranean region.  In particular, students build capacity and develop skills in:

• application of innovative field and/or laboratory techniques/methodologies/technical protocols relating to the research topic;
• in-depth and critical analysis of research data;
• autonomy in work;
• teamwork;
• bibliographic research on English scientific material;
• preparation and presentation of a scientific paper.

The aim of the course is to promote the transfer of knowledge to and between the Mediterranean countries. The MSc thesis work can be carried out at CIHEAM Bari or at another Mediterranean scientific research institution. The scientific outcome of the research work is usually announced on the occasion of national and international conferences and/or published in scientific journals.

Topics of MSc theses on pests/pathogens of fruit and vegetable crops are to be chosen among the following research lines:

• Sampling methodologies;
• Pests monitoring, identification and management;
• Pathogen detection, characterization and control;
• Pest/pathogen epidemiology;
• Remote sensing, GIS and Information technology applied in plant health;
• Forecasting models for pests and diseases;
• Detection and control of mycotoxins and pesticide residues.

During the second year, some students will be guided towards a PhD programme jointly carried out by Italian Universities and CIHEAM Bari.