FOOD PATHOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY

Module STORED FOOD PESTS

Knowledge and understanding The course aims to provide knowledge of the bio-ethological aspects of the main groups of pest animals, which is essential for defining the most appropriate management and control programmes for specific infestations affecting the agri-food production sectors in the region. In particular, students will acquire theoretical and practical knowledge on: i) the morphology, anatomy and physiology of insects, mites and rodents; ii) their impact on foodstuffs; iii) strategies for preventing infestations; iv) methods for controlling pest populations.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Through the acquisition of knowledge on the morphology and biology of pests, as well as their interactions with foodstuffs, students will gain insights useful for defining effective and sustainable control strategies for insects harmful to the agri-food supply chains.

Independence of judgement: Through a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals, farm visits and seminars, students will gain a thorough understanding of pests affecting foodstuffs, developing the ability to exercise independent judgement in selecting the most effective control measures.

Communication skills: Students will be able to communicate to third parties, using appropriate technical language, their knowledge of programmes for the protection of agri-food production, with particular emphasis on methods for the prevention, monitoring and control of pests.

Learning outcomes: The assessment aims to evaluate the student’s ability to address issues relating to the protection of foodstuffs from animal infestations, identifying appropriate control techniques and their impact on food safety.

The course also provides students with the guidance and advice necessary to enable them to tackle other topics related to those covered in the syllabus and to pursue further university studies at a higher level.

The course will consist of classroom-based lectures supplemented by laboratory work and educational visits. In-depth seminars will also be organised. If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus

Attending the classes is not mandatory, but strongly recommended, as it facilities the learning process and contributes to the achievement of the learning objectives.

Introduction: foodstuffs and damage caused by animal pests.

Arthropods: general characteristics.

Insects: morphology, anatomy and post-embryonic development. Population development and damage.

Mites: morphology, anatomy, post-embryonic development and damage.

Rodents: general characteristics. Murids: morphology, anatomy, development and damage.

The main Orders of insects - Insects harmful to foodstuffs

Prevention of infestations - Techniques for monitoring pest organisms

An overview of the physical, biological, biotechnological and chemical control methods

• 1 Paolo Guerra, Luciano Süss 2021: Gli infestanti nelle industrie alimentari. La gestione sulle derrate e nell'industria. Riconoscimento, modalità di prevenzione, monitoraggio e lotta. Avenue Media, ISBN: 8886817584Paolo Guerra, Luciano Süss 2021: Gli infestanti nelle industrie alimentari. La gestione sulle derrate e nell'industria. Riconoscimento, modalità di prevenzione, monitoraggio e lotta. Avenue Media, ISBN: 8886817584
• 2 Trematerra P. - Süss L. 2007. Prontuario di entomologia merceologica e urbana. Con note morfologiche, biologiche e di gestione delle infestazioni. Aracne Editrice, (ISBN: 978-88-548-1195-9)
• 3 Trematerra P. 2016 Entomologia urbana applicata. Aracne Editrice, (ISBN: 978-88-548-9143-2)

There will be two in-course assessments comprising multiple-choice and/or open-ended questions: the first will take place approximately halfway through the course and will cover the general part of the syllabus; the second will take place at the end of the course and will cover the applied part of the syllabus. Marks will be awarded out of 30. Students must achieve at least a pass mark in both assessments to be considered to have passed the module. The lecturer reserves the right to ask further questions during a final interview to assess the specific knowledge and skills acquired by the student.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

• discuss the body morphology of insects
• explain the morphology and anatomy of mites
• explain the life cycle of cereal weevils
• summarise the different types of pest control methods for foodstuffs