CONTROL METHODS FOR ANIMAL PESTS

1) Knowledge and understanding
This course provides insights into pest control methods in agriculture, providing students with the technical skills to design effective plant protection programs against insects and other harmful organisms. Students will gain theoretical and practical knowledge on the evolution of arthropod pest management and key plant protection strategies within the framework of integrated pest management (IPM).
2) Ability to apply 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) Autonomy of judgment
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 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.

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

Knowledge on general and applied entomology are useful to achieve the learning objectives ofthe course.

Attendance is not compulsory to hold exams, but it is strongly recommended to attend at leastthe 70% of the didactic activities, 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 and use of biocontrol agents.
• Agronomic methods and habitat management.
• Biotechnical methods: semiochemicals and signal manipulation. 
• Physical methods. 
• Genetic methods and biotechnologies for pest control. 
• Chemical control: chemical and biochemical properties of pesticides; regulatory legislation. 
• Examples of IPM applications in mediterraenean crops.

1. PENNACCHIO F. 2014 Gli insetti e il loro controllo. Liguori Editore [ISBN: 978-88-207-5351-1].
2. COLAZZA S., PERI E., LO BUE P. 2018. Lineamenti di Entomologia in Agricoltura Biologica.  Palermo University Press. [EAN: 9788831919104]
3. VIGGIANI G., 1997. Lotta biologica e integrata nella difesa fitosanitaria, Volume II: Lotta integrata ai
fitofagi. Liguori, Napoli (ed.) [ISBN 88-207-2239-9].
4. BACCETTI B., BARBAGALLO S., SÜSS L., TREMBLAY E., 2000. Manuale di Zoologia Agraria. Delfino
Editore, Roma [ISBN 88-728722227];
5. 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]

The assessment of learning is divided into two parts: a test during the lesson period and another after the end of the lessons. As for the first, the test will consist of an open-ended written test on topics covered up to the time of the test. The final exam consists of an individual oral interview in which the specific knowledge and skills gained by the students will be evaluated. For each of the two tests, the evaluation will be in thirtieths and will take into account the relevance, quality of the contents and exposure. In addition, students will have to demonstrate the ability to correlate the different topics of the course.
Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.
As a summary of the above activities, the assessment of the preparation of individual studentswill take place based on the following criteria: learning ability and level of depth of the topicscovered, properties of synthesis and presentation, reasoning skills. The marks attributed willfollow 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 L
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent.
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Remarkable.
Use of references: Important insights.

• describe the application of a physical methods of control
• describe the mating disruption methods and their applications
• describe the side effects of pesticides applications
• describe the bio-chemical features and applications of the mineral oils