M.Agr.0009: Biological control and biodiversity
Learning outcome, core skills:
Gain an understanding of what biological control is and how it can be used effectivelyas
part of an IPM system and how biodiversity contributes to control of pest populations
and other ecosystem services.
Course:
Course: Biological Control and Biodiversity (Lecture, Exercise, Seminar)
Contents:
• Theoretical foundations of biological control
• Natural enemy behaviour and biological control success
• Biodiversity and ecosystem services in agroecosystems
• Practical examples of biological control projects
• Plant-herbivore-predator-interactionsPrinciples of population dynamics
• Biological weed control
Examination:
Written exam (70%; 45 minutes) and presentation (30%; approx. 20 minutes)
Examination prerequisites:
regular attendance at seminar and exercise and presentation of a seminar talk
Examination requirements:
Basic knowledge of the mechanisms of biological control of herbivorous insects; methodological approaches based on case examples; role of biodiversity for ecosystem processes and the population dynamic of herbivorous insects, multitrophic interactions between plants, herbivorous insects and their natural enemies; biodiversity and services of ecosystems..
Workload:
180 h (84/96 h, Attendance time/Self-study time)
Admission requirements:
None
Recommended previous knowledge:
None
Language:
English
Person responsible for module:
Prof. Dr. Stefan Vidal
Course frequency:
each winter semester
Duration:
One semester
Number of repeat examinations permitted::
Twice
Recommended semester:
1-3
Maximum number of students:
12