| Course ID: | PMR-SE>BENENTOMO |
| Course title: | BENEFICIAL ENTOMOFAUNA |
| Semester: | 2 / Spring |
| ECTS: | 3 |
| Lectures/Classes: | 15 / 15 hours |
| Field of study: | Plant Medicine |
| Study cycle: | 1st cycle |
| Type of course: | compulsory |
| Prerequisites: | Zoology with entomological elements, Botany, Principles of plant production |
| Contact person: | dr hab. Jacek Twardowski jacek.twardowski@upwr.edu.pl |
| Short description: | The main aim of this course is to become familiar with beneficial fauna, appropriate for plant protection against pests. There is also a study of pollinators (honey bee, bumblee bees and wild bees) important in plant production. The different risks for these beneficial organisms and ways to increase their numbers in agroecosystems are presented. |
| Full description: | The ecological importance of all the organisms in different ecosystems, including agriculture landscape. Study and characteristic of most important beneficial organisms. A systematic review of predators, parasitoids and bees. The evaluation of the effectiveness of their actions in natural and artificial ecosystems. Insects as crucial pollinators of flowering plants, their mutual adaptation and importance in yielding crops, fruits and vegetables. Biological weed control. |
| Bibliography: | Biological and Biotechnological Control of Insect Pests. , Rechcigl J.E., Rechcigl N.A., Lewis Publishers 2000. Integrated Pest Management Principles and Practice by Dharam P. Arbol and Uma Shankar (Eds.) CAB International 2012. Handbook of Agricultural Entomology. Van Emden H.F., Wiley- Blackwell Publisher, 2013. Hajek A., Natural Enemies, An Introduction to Biological Control. Cambridge University Press, 378 pp. 2004. |
| Learning outcomes: | Knowledge Student knows the position of the most important taxonomic groups of beneficial organisms occurring in different ecosystems. It has a basic knowledge of their morphology, developmental biology, and ecology, as well as understands the impact of abiotic and biotic factors. Has knowledge on environmental biodiversity, methods for protection and enhancing of biodiversity level. He knows and understands the range of beneficial organisms in biological plant protection and identifies its significant in modern agriculture. Skills Student demonstrates an understanding of insects in increasing crops yield within different agroecosystems. He is able to determine the conditions essential for their occurrence. He considers the effectiveness of natural enemies in reducing pests’ populations. Recognizes predatory and parasitic natural enemies of plant pests. Can offer an effective method of use of beneficial natural enemies in pest control. Can indicate how to protect beneficial organisms in front of different agricultural threats. Social competences Student understands ecological relationships in agroecosystem and has a broad environmental awareness on the phenomena occurring in nature. Student demonstrates the need for protectionist measures in relation to beneficial entomofauna and can assesses its main threat. He uses this knowledge in nature conservation. It is aware of the need for education and self-improvement in terms of profession. |
| Assessment methods and assessment criteria: | Written exam from lectures. Note from colloquium and from practical abilities of identifying beneficial insects. Assessment of knowledge and correct deduction presented in discussions. Grade obtained at classes (50%) + grade obtained at lectures (50%). |