Résumé de section


  • Teacher name: M.Kourta
    Contact: m.kourta@centre-univ-mila.com

    Semester: 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 protection

    1.1. 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-harvest

    Chapter 2. Epidemiology, dynamics, and identification of pest populations

    2.1. 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 birds

    Chapter 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 diseases

    Chapter 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 weeds

    Chapter 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 warnings

    Chapter 6. Developing a crop protection strategy

    6.1. Objectives and general principles of plant protection
    6.2. The different stages of intervention
    6.3. Main strategies
    6.4. Crop protection strategies

    Chapter 7. Chemical treatment of crops and harvested products

    7.1. 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 resistance

    Method of Assessment

    Assessment is based only on a final written exam.


    • 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.


    • 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.
    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.