Abstract
Yield loss due to pests (from weed, pathogen, invertebrate and vertebrate species) is one of the largest costs to agricultural production. Pest management is also a major source of commercial revenue within the Industry. In this subject, students familiarise themselves with the types of pests affecting plant production systems in … For more content click the Read More button below.
Syllabus
This subject will cover the following topics:
What is a pest?Biology, ecology and management:
Weeds;Invertebrates;Plant disease-causing agents;
Estimating pest impact;Pest management in:
Horticulture production systems;Pastures;Annual broadacre crops; and
Integrated pest management approaches.
Assessment items
1. Literature Review
2. Digital Pest Collection
3. Pest Fact Sheet
4. Final Exam
Assumed knowledge
Plant biology, as covered in BIO100, AGR130, PSC102, or PSC103, and microbiology, as covered in MCR101.
Enrolment restrictions
Incompatible
Work integrated learning
Internship Duration 37 hours Details Students spend a week, 5 days (approx 37 hours), on a plant-based production system (e.g. a cropping or horticultural enterprise) gathering information and samples relating to pests affecting the production system and how they are managed.
Learning activities
Intensive School
Learning resources
Additional resources required by students
Students attending compulsory intensive schools on Charles Sturt campuses and work integrated learning placement will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources (minimum: lab coat, safety glasses and covered footwear for lab-based practicals).