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BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
NUNZIO ISIDORO

Seat Agraria
A.A. A.A. 2016-2017
Credits 6
Hours 54
Period 1^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code LM SAT-PP 3A122

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of entomology, agronomy, arboricolture, chemistry and ecology. 

Development of the course

The didactic method is based on ppt lectures (4 ECTS) (provided in copies to the students), in addition laboratory experiences and guided tours inside farms will be organized in order to put into practice what the students have learned in class (2 ECTS). The course will be also available through an e-learning version using the Moodle platform. Within this platform, the course will be divided into: (i) teaching materials composed by different learning units; (ii) self-assessment tests; (iii) laboratory exercises and guided tour information and reservations.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge. The course enables students to acquire appropriate knowledge about the biology and damages, to different agro-ecosystems, of the most important phytophagous insects, as well as on different control methods against them.

 

Applying knowledge and understanding. The main aim of this course is to provide a fully development ability of the students to develop and implement biological and integrated pest control strategies against phytophagous insects with a reduced environmental impact.

 

Cross-expertise. In order to improve the independent development and the communication skills of students it is proposed the study of specific topics carried out in a team work with a final delivery report.

 

Program

Ecology of insect pests. Population dynamics. Sampling techniques. Economic thresholds. Forecasting models. Phytosanitary legislation (1 ECTS).

Evolution of control strategies for agricultural crops: from the blind use of chemical control methods to the integrated agricultural production. Insect pests control methods: agronomic and genetic, physical, mechanical, biological, microbiological, biotechnical, chemical (insecticides, miticides, nematicides, molluscicides) (2 ECTS).

Strategies for integrated and biological control of the major insect pests of orchard crops (olives, grapes, pome and stone fruit), herbaceous (corn, potato) and vegetables (tomato, pepper, eggplant, etc.) (3 ECTS).

 

Development of the examination

Learning evaluation methods

The final exam will be based on an oral discussion. During the course, there will be self-evaluation tests available on the Moodle platform (e-learning mode), in order to provide to the students useful information about their skill level.

Learning evaluation criteria

During the oral exam, the student will have to demonstrate: (i) knowledge of the identification of the main phytophagous and zoophagous insect pests; (ii) knowledge of the different control methods against phytophagous insects; (iii) life cycle, damages and control strategies of the major phytophagous insect pests in different agro-ecosystems. To pass the oral exam, the student must demonstrate an overall understanding of the content using appropriate technical terminology; in addition, the student must be able to deal with deductive reasoning that enable him to create links within matter, and to have a complete mastery of the subject.

 

Learning measurement criteria

The final mark is attributed in thirtieths. Successful completion of the examination will lead to grades ranging from 18 to 30 “cum laude”.

 

Final mark allocation criteria

The oral examination consists of three questions; each of ones will be quantified in the range 0 - 10. The degree of 30 “cum laude” is attributed when the student demonstrates complete mastery of the subject.

Recommended reading

TREMBLAY E., “Entomologia Applicata”. Liguori Editore. Napoli, 1985.

POLLINI A., “Manuale di Entomologia Applicata”, Edagricole, Bologna, 1998.

VIGGIANI G., “Lotta biologica e integrata nella difesa fitosanitaria”, Vol. II., Liguori Editore Napoli, 1997.

 

 

Tutorial session

Thursday 11 am – 1 pm

 

 

 

 

Courses

• C.L.M. - Scienze Agrarie e del Territorio - Curriculum PRODUZIONE E PROTEZIONE DELLE COLTURE (LM SAT - PP)