ARTHROPOD PEST MANAGEMENT IN MEDITERRANEAN CROPS

Module BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF ARTHROPOD PESTS

1) Knowledge and understanding

Aim of the course is to provide general knowledge on multitrophic interactions among plants, arthropod pests, and their biocontrol agents in natural and agricultural ecosystems. Moreover, specific information on biology and rearing methods of natural enemies as well as on biocontrol field strategies are provided.

Students will be able to recognize and exploit the main control agents of arthropod pests in Mediterranean crops; also, they will acquire theoretical and practical skills on field application of biological pest control strategies in Mediterranean crops

2) Applying knowledge and understanding

Through the acquisition of knowledge on the biology of natural enemies and their interactions with arthropod pests, along with the application methods of microbials agents and habitat management strategies, students will acquire the skills to plan biological control strategies of arthropod pests in the main Mediterranean crops.

3) Making judgements

With the help of lectures, laboratory exercises, field visits and seminars, students will acquire full autonomy in the analysis of arthropod pest dynamics, developing autonomy of judgment for the choice of the most effective and sustainable biocontrol measures.

4) Communication skills

Through the reading of scientific articles and participation to lectures and seminars, and particularly by means of the preparation, as med term exam, of a thematic presentation in English language, students will develop a correct use of technical-scientific terminology in English in the field of biological control as well as the ability to work and interact in groups.

5) Learning skills

The course will contribute to the development of skills and autonomy of analysis useful to acquire skills in carrying out research activities, especially aimed at finding scientifically valid sources of information, the analysis of scientific results and the preparation of the thesis, also preparing students for the continuation of higher-level university studies.

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 consists of 30% of classes and 70% of laboratory, field, seminars and other kind of training activities.

If teaching is given in a mixed or on-line mode, necessary changes may be introduced to what was previously stated in order to comply with the current syllabus.

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 through our Department advisors.

1. Concepts of population dynamics of arthropod pests and their natural enemies in natural and agricultural ecosystems
2. Identification and biology of the major groups of entomopathogenic agents and entomophagous arthropods
   1. Virus (NPV - nuclear polyhedrosis virus, GV- granulosis virus)
   2. Fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, Poecilomyces lilacinus)
   3. Bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis)
   4. Nematodes (Steirnenema, Heterorhabdidis)
   5. Arthropods
      1. Mites (Phytoseidae: Phytoseiulus, Amblyseiulus, Typhlodromus, Phytoseius)
      2. Insects (Hemiptera Heteroptera: Pentatomidae, Anthocoridae, Miridae, Reduvidae, Nabidae; Neuroptera: Chrysopidae, Coniopterygidae; Diptera: Syrphidae, Cecidomyiidae, Tachinidae; Coleoptera: Carabidae, Staphylinidae, Coccinellidae; Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae, Braconidae, Scelionidae, Chalcididae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Aphelinidae, Trichogrammatidae)
3. Rearing techniques of entomophagous arthropods and their application in crop protection
4. Microbial control: application of viruses, bacteria, fungi and entomopathogenic nematodes
5. Basic principles of agro-ecology: ecological infrastructures; habitat management for enhancing the functional biodiversity in agroecosystems
6. Natural control and biological control strategies in the main agro-ecosystems: citrus orchard, vineyard, olive grove, fruit orchard, open field and protected vegetables

1. Heimpel G.E. & Mills N.J. (Eds) 2017. Biological control: ecology and applications. Cambridge University Press, New York

2. COPPING L.G. (Ed.) 2011. The manual of biocontrol agents: a world compendium. 4th Edition. BCPC Publ. (British Crop Production Council (978-1-901396-17-1)

3. FLINT M.L. & DREISTADT S.H., 1998. Natural enemies handbook: the illustrated guide to biological pest control. Univ. Calif. Div. Agric. Nat. Res. Publ.3386, University of California Press (978-1-879906-41-9)

4. HELYER N., BROWN K., CATTLIN N.D., 2014. Biological control in plant protection: a colour handbook, Second Edition CRC Press (978-1-84076-117-7)

The learning assessment is divided in two parts: a test during the class period and another one after the class end. As regards the first one, a single student or a group of 2 students will give a presentation in English on a topic previously selected in agreement with the professor. The final test consists of an individual oral exam where the specific knowledge and skills gained by students will be evaluated. For each of the two tests, the evaluation will be out of thirty and will account of relevance, quality of content and exposition. In addition, students must demonstrate the ability to correlate different topics of the course.The final score of the course will result from the average scores of the two tests. 

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 students will take place on the basis of the following criteria: learning ability and level of depth of the topics covered, properties of synthesis and presentation, reasoning skills. The marks will be assigned following the scheme below

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 and praise

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent.

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Remarkable.

Use of references: Important insights.

• Describe the main factors affecting the population dynamics of phytophagous arthropods in agro-ecosystems
• Describe the main morfological and biological traits of Coccinellidae
• Describe the morphological, biological and technical features of the imenopteran parasitoid Aphytis melinus and mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis
• Describe the main rearing methods of the main entomophages used in crop protection
• Describe the main available microbiological control agents and applications in Mediterranean agrosystems
• Describe examples of habitat management applications
• Describe organic control strategies in citrus and vineyards