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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
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) 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
