208-337 Plant Protection Systems

This subject provides information on, and stimulates investigation of, the most significant diseases, pests and weeds affecting plant production in the cropping, pastoral and horticultural industries of south-eastern Australia, in an industry context.

Topics covered include:

• identification and taxonomy of pathogens, diseases and invertebrate pests;

• crop loss assessment and the economics of control strategies;

• strategies to limit production losses;

• environmental effects and social implications of control measures;

• interactions among and between pathogens, pests and weeds;

• integrated crop protection systems; and

• industry-based case studies including practical work on the management of weeds, pests and diseases.

On completion of this subject, students should:

• have an understanding of the biology of the major biotic limitations to plant production;

• have the knowledge to choose appropriate control measures and make recommendations on the most economic crop protection systems;

• be able to explain and apply the principles of integrated crop protection systems;

• have the capacity to develop new approaches to plant protection as society and industry requirements change; and

• have communication skills to impart information on integrated plant protection to academia and industry.

Three-hour end-of-semester examination (50%), four case-study reports (10% and maximum of 1000 words each) and oral presentation (10%).