M.Agr. 0009 Biological Control and Biodiversity (6 ECTS / 4 SWS)

Coordinator
Prof. Dr. M. Rostas
Department of Crop Sciences, Division of Agricultural Entomology
Language
English
Type of instruction
Lecture, seminar
Frequency and duration
WiSe, one semester
Instructors
Prof. Dr. M. Rostas, Prof C. Westpfahl

Content
Biological control of pests and weeds. The main antagonists and their importance in biological control are discussed. Theory and practice of different biological control methods are presented. Steps of a classical biological or inundative control are explained and illustrated by practical examples of biological control projects. Biodiversity and the contribution of an ecosystem to the agro-ecosystem, plant-herbivore-predator interactions and the principles of population dynamics are presented. In the seminar students will give a presentation on recent research results, which will be discussed in context with the topics of in the lecture.

Objectives
Students gain an understanding of what biological control is and how it can beused effectively as part of an IPM system and how biodiversity contributesto the control of pest populations and other ecosystem services, basic knowledge of biological control methods of herbivore insects, practical examples for development of bio-control techniques. Population dynamics of herbivore insects, multi-trophic interaction between plants, insects pests and antagonists, the role of biodiversity and its contribution to ecosystems should be understood.

Examination
Written Test 45 minutes, seminar presentation 20 minutes

Number of students
12