PROTEZIONE DEGLI AGROSISTEMI MEDITERRANEI DAI FITOFAGI

Module CONTROLLO BIOLOGICO DEGLI ARTROPODI FITOFAGI

1) Knowledge and understanding

Aim of the course is to provide general knowledge on multitrophic interactions among plants, arthropod pests, and their biocontrol agents in natural and agricultural ecosystems. Moreover, specific information on biology and rearing methods of natural enemies as well as on biocontrol field strategies are provided.

Students will be able to recognize and exploit the main control agents of arthropod pests in Mediterranean crops; also, they will acquire theoretical and practical skills on field application of biological pest control strategies in Mediterranean crops

2) Applying knowledge and understanding

Through the acquisition of knowledge on the biology of natural enemies and their interactions with arthropod pests, along with the application methods of microbials agents and habitat management strategies, students will acquire the skills to plan biological control strategies of arthropod pests in the main Mediterranean crops.

3) Making judgements

With the help of lectures, laboratory exercises, field visits and seminars, students will acquire full autonomy in the analysis of arthropod pest dynamics, developing autonomy of judgment for the choice of the most effective and sustainable biocontrol measures.

4) Communication skills

Through the reading of scientific articles and participation to lectures and seminars, and particularly by means of the preparation, as med term exam, of a thematic presentation, students will develop a correct use of technical-scientific terminology in the field of biological control as well as the ability to work and interact in groups.

5) Learning skills

The course will contribute to the development of skills and autonomy of analysis useful to acquire skills in carrying out research activities, especially aimed at finding scientifically valid sources of information, the analysis of scientific results and the preparation of the thesis, also preparing students for the continuation of higher-level university studies.

The didactic objectives will be achieved through classes conducted with digital tools and laboratory trainings. The laboratory activities focus on topics covered in theoretical lessons and on the analysis of case studies. In addition, technical field visits of multidisciplinary interest will be organized. The course is delivered by a 50% of classes and a 50% of laboratory and field training.

Information for students with disabilities and / or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview to plan compensatory and / or relief measures, based on the didactic objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP Disability Advisory Centre of our Department.

Knowledge on general and applied entomology are important to achieve the learning objectives of the course.

Attendance is not compulsory to hold exams, but it is strongly recommended to attend at least the 70% of the didactic activities.

1. Concepts on the population dynamics of arthropod pests and their natural enemies in natural and agricultural ecosystems

2. Identification and biology of the major groups of entomopathogenic agents and entomophagous arthropods

a. Virus (NPV - nuclear polyhedrosis virus, GV- granulosis virus)

b. Fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, Poecilomyces lilacinus)

c. Bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis)

d. Nematodes (Steirnenema, Heterorhabdidis)

e. Arthropods

Mites (Phytoseidae: Phytoseiulus, Amblyseiulus, Typhlodromus, Phytoseius)

Insects (Hemiptera Heteroptera: Pentatomidae, Anthocoridae, Miridae, Reduvidae, Nabidae; Neuroptera:Chrysopidae, Coniopterygidae; Diptera: Syrphidae, Cecidomyiidae, Tachinidae; Coleoptera: Carabidae,Staphylinidae, Coccinellidae; Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae, Braconidae, Scelionidae, Chalcididae,Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Aphelinidae, Trichogrammatidae)

3. Rearing techniques of entomophagous arthropods and their application in crop protection

4. Microbiological control: application of viruses, bacteria, fungi and entomopathogenic nematodes

5. Basic principles of agro-ecology: ecological infrastructures; habitat management for enhancing the functional biodiversityin agroecosystems

6. Natural control and biological control strategies in the main agro-ecosystems: citrus orchard, vineyard, olive grove, fruittrees, open field and protected vegetables

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]

COLAZZA S., PERI E., LO BUE P. 2018. Lineamenti di Entomologia in Agricoltura Biologica. Palermo University Press. [EAN: 9788831919104]

FLINT M.L. & DREISTADT S.H., 1998. Natural enemies handbook: the illustrated guide to biological pest control. Univ. Calif.Div. Agric. Nat. Res. Publ.3386, University of California Press [ISBN: 978-1-879906-41-9]

PENNACCHIO F. 2014 Gli insetti e il loro controllo. Liguori Editore [ISBN: 978-88-207-5351-1].

VIGGIANI G., 1994. Lotta biologica e integrata nella difesa fitosanitaria, Volume I: Lotta biologica. Liguori, Napoli (ed.).

VIGGIANI G., 1997. Lotta biologica e integrata nella difesa fitosanitaria, Volume II: Lotta integrata ai fitofagi. Liguori, Napoli (ed.) [ISBN 88-207-2239-9].

The learning assessment is arranged in two parts: a test during the class period and another one after the class end. As regards the first one, a single student or a small group of students will give a presentation on a topic previously selected in agreement with the professor. The final test consists of an individual oral interview where the specific knowledge and skills gained by students will be evaluated. For each of the two tests, the evaluation will be out of thirty and will account of relevance, quality of content and exposition. In addition, students must demonstrate the ability to correlate different topics of the course. The final score of the course will result from the average scores of the two tests.

As a summary of the above activities, the assessment of the preparation of individual students will take place based on the following criteria: learning ability and level of depth of the topics covered, properties of synthesis and presentation, reasoning skills. The marks attributed will follow the following scheme:

Unsuitable

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies.

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize.

Use of references: Completely inappropriate.

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At the threshold level. Obvious imperfections.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Just enough skills.

Use of references: As appropriate.

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Correct analysis and synthesis, with logical and coherent argumentation skills.

Use of references: Use of standard references.

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good.

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Good, with arguments expressed consistently.

Use of references: Use of standard references.

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: More than good.

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Remarkable.

Use of references: In-depth.

30-30 and praise

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent.

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Remarkable.

Use of references: Important insights.

Describe the main factors affecting the population dynamics of phytophagous arthropods in agro-ecosystems

Describe the main morfological and biological traits of Coccinellidae

Describe the morphological, biological and technical features of the imenopteran parasitoid Aphytis melinus and miridpredator Nesidiocoris tenuis

Describe the main rearing methods of the main entomophages used in crop protection

Describe the main available microbiological control agents and applications in Mediterranean agrosystems

Describe examples of habitat management applications

Describe organic control strategies in citrus and vineyards