Ateneo - UPO

Fundamentals of biological control of insect pests; main problems caused by phytophagous in agricultural and forest field, and their sustainable management

Lecture slides in PDF format, available to students on DIR pages. The following books are recommended: Viggiani G., 1994. Lotta biologica e integrata nella difesa fitosanitaria. Volumi I-II. Liguori Editore, Napoli.
Ernst F. Boller, Fritz Hani & Hans-Michael Poehling, 2004. Ecological infrastructures: ideabook on functional biodiversity at the farm level: temperate zones of Europe.

The teaching aims to make the student able to analyse the main problems linking to insect pests and its biological control, and to properly apply best solution for a sustainable management of the agricultural and forest ecosystems

Student has to know basic principles of zoology, general entomology and ecology

Theoretical lectures with slide projection. Analysis of scientific papers on biological control subject. Practical activities for identification of the main phytophagous and beneficial arthropods, and diagnosis of pest damages. Visit to a farm applying biological pests control techniques

During lessons, teacher will make collective discussions proposing some questions about subject treated.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Oral examination: presentation of a scientific paper chosen by the student and some questions within the program of the course. Higher score for student demonstrating good comprehension, logic ability and synthesis will be assigned

Biological pest control: basic concepts. Biological control :agents and ecological basis. Prevention and control of pests; sampling and monitoring; ecological and economical strategies for the safeguard of biodiversity and protection of the environment. Biological control techniques and case-studies analysis. Economic thresholds. Management of agricultural and forest landscapes; ecological infrastructures; use of nectariferous plants, cover crops and compensation areas. Practical activities

Knowledge and understanding: to know the main problems linking to insect pests, the biological control techniques and the correct scientific language. Applying knowledge and understanding: ability to examine and identify the problems linked to the insect pests, and to choose the optimal biological control agent and technique. Making judgment: skill in dealing with issues of insect pests and proposing sustainable solutions. Communication skills: ability to use an appropriate scientific language in oral communication. Learning abilities: being able to understand and explain the topics of the course