Aperçu des sections
General information
Teacher name: M.Kourta
Contact: m.kourta@centre-univ-mila.comSemester: 5
Teaching unit UED
Subject 2: ENEMIES OF CROPS
Teaching Objectives:
The objectives of this course are to introduce students to the diversity of plant pests, including phytopathogenic agents (fungi, bacteria, and viruses), insects, nematodes, mites, birds, and weeds, and to provide the knowledge required to identify, monitor, and manage them effectively.
Recommended prior knowledge:
The student must have knowledge of general plant biology and basic field sampling methods.
Content of the material:
Chapter 1. Importance of crop pests and the need for protection1.1. Importance of crop pests for protection and the need for a crop protection strategy
1.2. General information on pests, diseases, and weeds
1.3. Crop infestation, damage during production and post-harvestChapter 2. Epidemiology, dynamics, and identification of pest populations2.1. Epidemiology of pest populations
2.2. Identification of pest populations
2.3. Biology and identification of insect pests
2.4. Mites
2.5. Myriapods
2.6. Nematodes
2.7. Rodents and harmful birdsChapter 3. Development and identification of plant diseases
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Diseases caused by pathogens
3.3. Phytopathogenic fungi
3.4. Prokaryotes (bacteria and phytopathogenic mollicutes)
3.5. Phytopathogenic viruses and viroids
3.6. Non-parasitic diseasesChapter 4. Competition and identification of weeds
4.1. General information on the biology and harmfulness of weeds
4.2. Classification and identification of weeds
4.3. Cultural factors favoring weed development
4.4. Examples of harmful weedsChapter 5. Observation techniques and sampling methods
5.1. Methods for observing and sampling pest populations in the field
5.2. Methods for observing fungi and bacteria
5.3. Risk thresholds, forecasting models, and agricultural warningsChapter 6. Developing a crop protection strategy
Chapter 7. Chemical treatment of crops and harvested products6.1. Objectives and general principles of plant protection
6.2. The different stages of intervention
6.3. Main strategies
6.4. Crop protection strategiesMethod of Assessment7.1. General information on plant protection
7.2. Properties and modes of action of insecticides
7.3. Properties and modes of action of fungicides
7.4. Properties and modes of action of herbicides
7.5. Management of pesticide resistanceAssessment is based only on a final written exam.
Chapter 1. Importance of crop pests and the need for protection
This chapter introduces students to the significance of crop pests and the necessity of developing effective protection strategies. It provides general information on the main types of pests, diseases, and weeds and explains the impact of infestations on crops during both production and post-harvest stages.
Chapter 2. Epidemiology, Dynamics, and Identification of Pest Populations
- This chapter covers the study of pest population dynamics and the principles of epidemiology. Students will learn how to identify different pest groups, including insects, mites, myriapods, nematodes, rodents, and harmful birds, and understand their biology and behavior for effective monitoring and management.
Chapter 3. Development and identification of plant diseases
This chapter introduces the development and diagnosis of plant diseases. It covers diseases caused by various pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, mollicutes, viruses, and viroids, as well as non-parasitic diseases, providing students with the knowledge to identify and differentiate disease types.
Chapter 4. Competition and identification of weeds
This chapter introduces the biology, competition, and identification of weeds in agricultural environments. It covers the mechanisms of weed harmfulness, strategies for persistence, and classification systems, including the differentiation between grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds, as well as the influence of cultural practices on weed communities, providing students with the knowledge to recognize weed species and understand their ecological impact
.
Chapter 5. Observation Techniques and Sampling Methods
This chapter outlines the essential methodologies for monitoring pest populations and diagnosing plant diseases within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework. It covers statistical sampling foundations, practical field techniques for insects and pathogens, including the distinction between symptoms and signs, and explains how to utilize economic thresholds and forecasting models to make data-driven management decisions.
Chapter 6. Developing a Crop Protection Strategy
This chapter outlines the strategic framework for modern crop protection, shifting from a "kill-all" approach to a systems-based management of the agro-ecosystem. It details the hierarchy of interventions, prevention (prophylaxis), monitoring, and therapy, and explains key principles such as Economic Injury Levels (EIL), resistance management, and the integration of genetic, cultural, biological, and chemical methods to ensure sustainable and economically viable production.
Chapter 7. Chemical Treatment of Crops and Harvested Products
This chapter outlines the principles of chemical control within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework, prioritizing safety and sustainability
. It explains key regulatory standards such as Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) and Pre-Harvest Intervals (PHI) , details the specific modes of action for insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides , and provides strategies to manage and delay pesticide resistance .