SUSTAINABLE PEST CONTROL

1) Knowledge and understanding

The course aims to provide insights into methods for controlling harmful pests in agriculture in order to develop technical skills for the definition of programs for the protection of plants from insects and other harmful animal organisms. In particular, students will acquire theoretical and practical knowledge on: i) Evolution of the methods of animal pest control; ii) Plant protection methods (agronomic, biological, biotechnical, physical, genetic and biotechnologies, chemical); iii) examples of integrated control applications. 

2) Applying knowledge and understanding

Through the acquisition of knowledge on the main and most up-to-date techniques for controlling pest infestations, students will acquire the ability to plan modern strategies for sustainable control of animal organisms harmful to agricultural crops. 

3) Making judgements

With the help of lectures, laboratory work, field visits and seminars, students will acquire full autonomy in choosing the most effective, sustainable and up-to-date methods for the management of crop pests. 

4) Communication skills

Through the reading of scientific articles and participation to seminars on specific topics, but above all through the realization, at the end of the course, of thematic group studies with consequent presentation of the relative results, students will develop a correct technical-scientific terminology in the field of protection of agricultural crops.

5) Learning skills

The course will contribute to the development of skills and autonomy of analysis useful for the development of skills in carrying out technical consultancy activities for the definition of sustainable crop protection plans as well as in carrying out research activities, especially aimed to finding of scientifically valid sources of information, the analysis of scientific results and the preparation of the thesis as well as working in the field of plant protection.

The course will comprise classes (n. 21 hrs), laboratory and field training, seminars and other activities (n. 42 hrs) (traditional classes or online courses)

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

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

Evolution of the control methods of insect and other arthropod pests. Integrated pest management: principles and application techniques. Principles of biological control. Cultural methods. Biotechnical methods: semiochemicals and signal manipulation. Physical methods. Genetic methods and biotechnologies for pest control. Chemical control: Chemical and biochemical properties of pesticides; Legislation. Examples of IPM applications.

1. Radcliffe E.B., Hutchinson W.D., Cancelado R.E. (Eds.). 2008. Integrated Pest Management. Concepts, Tactics, Strategies and Case Studies. Cambridge University Press [ISBN: 9780521875950]

2. Kogan, M.; Jepson, P. C. 2007. Perspectives in ecological theory and integrated pest management. Cambridge University Press [ISBN: 9780511752353]

3. Coll, M., Wajnberg, E. (Eds.) 2017. Environmental pest management : challenges for agronomists, ecologists, economists and policymakers. John Wiley and Sons Ltd [ISBN: 9781119255550]

Two mid-term  tests will be given to students attending classes during the course. A final test will consist of a presentation on the different control techniques of a pest chosen by the student. The evaluation will be made out of thirty. It will be necessary to obtain at least a pass (18/30) in all the tests  to consider the exam passed. Additional questions can be asked during the presentation, in order to verify the specific knowledge and skills acquired by the student.

The marks assigned will follow the following scheme:

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).

- Please illustrate the open field application of physical means of pest control

- Please describe the mating disruption technique

- Please explains the secondary effects of plant protection products