PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT

After you complete your study of this course, you should be able to: Explain why identification of the pest and disease is the first step in developing an effective control strategy. Describe “monitoring” as it relates to pest and disease control. Use a control strategy that will reduce the disease to an acceptable level. Define “integrated pest management” and list several possible control tactics that may be used in an IPM strategy. Describe ways to help avoid the development of fungicide resistance.

Knowledge and understanding: by the end of the course the student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the course's main content by oral examination.

Applying knowledge and understanding: by the end of the course the student must demonstrate the ability to identify and suggest the most effective control methods and means by oral examination.

Making judgements:  by the end of the course the student must be able to formulate interpretative judgments based on the knowledge acquired and on scientific publications by oral examination.

Communication: by the end of the course the student must demonstrate the ability to select and use technical terminology and to analyze and synthesize a scientific publication. The student will be required to produce a PowerPoint presentation summarizing a scientific publication.

Lifelong learning skills: by the end of the course the student must be able to keep their knowledge and skills up to date by oral examination.

21 hours of frontal lessons and 42 hours of practical exercises in classroom and in lab.

As a guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on teaching objectives of the discipline. 
It is also possible to ask the departmental contacts of CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSAs), in the persons of professors Giovanna Tropea Garzia and Anna De Angelis.

CONTENTS Diseases identification. Quantification of the damage: disease incidence and severity. Control strategy: principles and tactics. Chemical and non chemical soil and substrate disinfestations. Cultural control. Chemical control. Fungicide resistance and guidelines for to avoid resistance. Schedule treatments. Web sites related to disease control.

Goal 2

Target 2.4 By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, help maintain ecosystems, strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and progressively improve land and soil quality.

Lecture-based format.

1) Methods for Evaluating Pesticides for Control of Plants Pathogens. Edited by Kenneth D. Hickey. APS PRESS.

2) Fungicides in Crop Protection. H.G. Hewitt. Cab International.

3) Fungicide Resistance. Edited by S. Heaney, D. Slawson, D.W. Hollomon, M. Smith, P.E. Russell and D.W. Parry. British Crop Protection Council.

UNSUITABLE: Knowledge and understanding of the topic: significant shortcomings and inaccuracies. Ability to analyze and synthesize: irrelevant with frequent generalizations. Use of references: completely inappropriate

18-20: Knowledge and understanding of the topic: very modest with evident imperfections Analysis and synthesis skills: barely adequate. Use of references: just appropriate

21-23: Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge is slightly above the minimum acceptable level. Ability to analyze and synthesize: a fair bility to analyze and synthesize information, presenting arguments in a logical and coherent manner. Using references: use standard references

24-26: Knowledge and understanding of the topic: good knowledge. Analysis and synthesis skills: good analytical and synthesis abilities, arguments are presented consistently. Using references: use of standard references

27-29: Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge more than good. Ability to analyze and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis. Use of references: the topic has been explored in depth

30-30 with honors: Knowledge and understanding of the topic: excellent knowledge. Ability to analyze and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis. Use of references: important insights

Control methods.

The main anti-powdery mildew, anti-downy mildew, and anti-Botritys active ingrediends and commercial formulates.

Anti-resistance strategies.

The main web sites of phytoiatric interests.

Criteria for establishing a schedule treatments.