794-224 Specialist Industry Plant Protection

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Plant Protection I.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The objective of this subject is to extend the participant's ability working within specific industry streams to:

• identify and give the common name, genus and species of common pests, diseases and weeds which are recognised as being problematic;

• develop further diagnostic skills to deal with plant protection problems concerning pests diseases and weeds, peculiar to the nominated industry stream for study;

• explain and describe the major plant protection principles and practices which are applicable to the relevant industry;

• describe the common types of agricultural chemicals and application practices which are utilised in the nominated industry;

• prepare an integrated control program for pests, diseases and weeds, for a nominated industry stream, explaining the selection of strategies and the implications that follow where chemical control agents are employed;

• explain the fate of agricultural chemicals in the environment and how to minimise any unwanted effects, particularly in the urban environment.

The content includes: Advanced diagnostic field skills, plant protection principles and practices which are specifically employed in different sectors of the horticultural industries nominated by the student, detailed knowledge of pest disease and weed problems specific to nominated industry streams. Case studies of particular pest, disease and weed problems, damage thresholds and control strategies in the context of the urban environment and the economics of chemical use.

Assessment

One theory examination and submission of assignment work. Theory examination (50%), integrated pest management plans (30%), chemical application practices (20%).