2023
Crop Protection
Name: Crop Protection
Code: FIT10440M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Agronomy
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
1. Acquire knowledge on the general principles of Integrated Plant Disease Management (IDM); 2. Develop ability to analyse a phytopathological problem,based on the observation of the crop, knowledge on the biology and epidemiology of the pathogen, and to suggest an IDM programme for the crop; 3. Acquire knowledge on the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM); 4. Develop capacities to identify and manage the pests in the crop, through the knowledge of their biology, epidemiology, damage risk and control measures, to establish a program of PI/IPM for the crop; 5. Learn how to analyse and discuss potential ethical issues (human health and environmental quality ) that may arise from the application of the suggested program.
Students are expected to acquire skills in analysing a crop sanitary problem, to propose a plan to solve it and communicate it to the farmer in an effective way.
Students are expected to acquire skills in analysing a crop sanitary problem, to propose a plan to solve it and communicate it to the farmer in an effective way.
Contents
1.Integrated Plant Disease Management. Study of methods, measures, strategies and tactics used in IDM: Exclusion; Eradication; Protection); and Resistance (includes resistant plants obtained by genetic engineering/GMOs, use of "plant activators" to potentiate systemic acquired resistance/SAR,etc).
Importance of crop scouting and use of combination of strategies, as monitoring climate factors, disease forecasting models and economic thresholds, in a coordinated integrated manner, to obtain maximum benefits.
2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Study of the relevant methods, measures, strategies and tactics used in IPMI, considered in 3 phases: Estimation of the Damage Risk, Economic Threshold and Control measures/Protection. Includes discussing and analysing pest control methods, as biological, cultural, biotechnical, genetic and chemical methods, their applicability, advantages and limitations, of their use within the framework of the Integrated Pest Manegement.
Importance of crop scouting and use of combination of strategies, as monitoring climate factors, disease forecasting models and economic thresholds, in a coordinated integrated manner, to obtain maximum benefits.
2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Study of the relevant methods, measures, strategies and tactics used in IPMI, considered in 3 phases: Estimation of the Damage Risk, Economic Threshold and Control measures/Protection. Includes discussing and analysing pest control methods, as biological, cultural, biotechnical, genetic and chemical methods, their applicability, advantages and limitations, of their use within the framework of the Integrated Pest Manegement.
Teaching Methods
Teaching methods will include: lectures, seminars/colloquia by guest specialists, field visits to crops where sanitary problems are known to be present and collect samples for further analysis; laboratory classes in which identification of target pathogens is to be accomplished; and practical exercises using either a real or hypothetical crop under specific environmental conditions for which a IDM/IPM program is to be recommended. Final evaluation will include an essay (term paper) written by the student on a selected topic which is to be presented and discussed orally. A written test and a final exam is required. Participation in classes will be taken into account in the final grade.
Teaching Staff
