BIOLOGICAL CONTROL

Academic Year 2015/2016 - 2° Year - Curriculum Tecnologie fitosanitarie
Teaching Staff Credit Value: 12
Scientific field
  • AGR/11 - General and applied entomology
  • AGR/12 - Plant pathology
Taught classes: 64 hours
Term / Semester:

Learning Objectives

  • Biological control of arthropods pests

    Aim of the course is to provide knowledge on biocenotic interactions of plant pests in natural and agricultural ecosystems and their main natural enemies; the course also provides knowledge on rearing methods of natural enemies as well as on rational strategies for their application for crop protection.


Detailed Course Content

  • Biological control of arthropods pests
    • Principles of the population dynamics of arthropods pests in agro-ecosystems
    • Systematics and biology of the main groups of natural enemies *
    • Rearing techniques and methods of use of natural enemies *
    • Microbiological control: virus, bacteria, fungi and entomopathogenic nematodes *
    • Genetic control: the sterile insect technique, use of insect chemosterilants
    • Principles of agro-ecology: ecological infrastructure; habitat management and methods of application of functional biodiversity in agro-ecosystems *
    • Natural control and biological control applications in major agricultural ecosystems (citrus orchard, vineyard, olive orchard, vegetables in on open field and in greenhouses and other herbaceous crops) *
  • Biological control of plant pathogens
    • Strategies of integrated and biological control.
    • Selection of antagonistic microorganisms and mechanisms of action.
    • Production and formulation of commercial products. Induction of resistance.
    • Substances of natural origins.
    • Repressive soils.
    • Risk assessment.
    • Models of biological control against pre- and post- harvest diseases of fruits, vegetables and forest plants.

Textbook Information

  • Biological control of arthropods pests
    1. NICOLI G. & RADEGHIERI P. (a cura di), 2000. Gli ausiliari nell’agricoltura sostenibile. Calderini Edagricole Bologna (ed.) [ ISBN 88-206-4504-1].
    2. ALTIERI M.A., NICHOLLS C.I., PONTI L., 2003. Biodiversità e controllo dei fitofagi negli agroecosistemi. Accademia Nazionale Italiana di Entomologia (ed.) [ISBN 88-9000627-8-9].
    3. VIGGIANI G., 1994. Lotta biologica e integrata nella difesa fitosanitaria, Volume I: Lotta biologica. Liguori, Napoli (ed.).
    4. VIGGIANI G., 1997. Lotta biologica e integrata nella difesa fitosanitaria, Volume II: Lotta integrata ai fitofagi. Liguori, Napoli (ed.) [ISBN 88-207-2239-9]
  • Biological control of plant pathogens

    1) Agrios G.N., 2005. Plant pathology, 5° ed., Elsevier Academic Press, S. Diego, U.S.A.

    2) Belli 2° ed., 2012. Elementi di patologia vegetale. Piccin

    3) Biavati B-Sorlini C., 2012. Microbiologia ambientale. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

    4) De Cicco V., Bertolini P., Salerno M.G., 2009. Patologia postraccolta dei prodotti vegetali, Piccin.

    5) Iaccarino M. et al., 2006. Microrganismi benefici per le Ppiante. IDELSON-GNOCCHI, Napoli.