Course Description
The use of natural enemies to manage pest arthropods and weeds. Emphasis will be on principles, with examples of use.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Develop illustrated fact sheets for two different pathogens,
fungus, virus, nematode or bacterium in addition to the
undergraduate requirement for fact sheets of predators and
parasitoids. Graduate students will additionally either (1)
prepare an abbreviated (limited to 5 pages of text) grant
proposal (using current USDA proposal guidelines) dealing with
biological control in a system of interest, or (2) participate
in a group project developing a biological control program for
a current pest problem.
Athena Title
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Prerequisite
(BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1107L and BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L) or (PBIO(BIOL) 1210 and PBIO(BIOL) 1210L)
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The student will recognize the value of natural enemies in managing pests and will understand the principles of using natural enemies to manage target pests. Students also will learn the biology of important groups of natural enemies and how they integrate with other pest management practices.
Topical Outline
1. History and philosophy of biological control of insect pests 2. Ecological basis for biological control a. Ecosystem principles b. Food webs and trophic structure c. Predatory/prey interactions and dynamics 3. Biology of natural enemies a. Pathogens b. Predators c. Parasitoids 4. Principles and practice of biological control a. Importation b. Augmentation c. Conservation 5. Integration of biological control with other pest management practices a. Host plant resistance b. Pesticides 6. Case studies and implementation of biological control a. Row crop systems b. Forest systems c. Urban systems (landscape and structural) d. Forage systems e. Medical/veterinary systems
Syllabus
Public CV