Urban Entomology and Parasitology

A.Y. 2024/2025
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/11
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide students with notions for the identification of phytophagous insects and other animals, not belonging to the class of insects, like nematodes, mites, myriapods, crustaceans, molluscs and vertebrates (mammals and birds) which can cause damage to ornamental plants. In addition to the notions on identification, biology and type of damage, the various prevention and integrated management techniques will be illustrated.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will learn to approach the problems concerning the damage from different animal species to ornamental plants, linking the information provided on biology, behavior, methods of struggle, in an integrated management perspective, on the basis of modern pest control techniques.
The course will provide the necessary knowledge for the recognition of the main pests of ornamentals for greening and their damage.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Urban entomology
Arthropods in the city. Microclimate and gradations. Problems related to the control of pests, applicative control methods. Native and invasive insects. Practical examples of insects associated with urban trees, shrubs and lawns (cycle, harmfulness, control)
Urban parasitology.
Nematodes: morphological and physiological characteristics. Biology and damage of the main plant parasitic nematodes. Mites: morphological and physiological characteristics of the most important families. Nematodes and mites in biological control. Myriapods, Crustaceans, Molluscs. Mammals. Birds. General morphology, anatomy and means of control.
Prerequisites for admission
Students must have knowledge of biology as prerequisites, as well as basic knowledge of agricultural entomology and in particular of morphology and anatomy of insects and their biological cycles
Teaching methods
The course is based on lectures. Teaching materials will be uploaded on Ariel website
The methods and criteria for participation in lectures will be published in time on the pages Ariel of teaching
Teaching Resources
Entomology and parasitology texts available in the library, and PDF on ARIEL platform. Lecture slides.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam is an interview, and takes place on different dates for each Learning Units. The final grade is expressed in thirtieths. It will result from the average of the grades obtained in the two units (urban entomology and urban parasitology).
In particular, the exam will be focused at:
- ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding;
- verify the student's knowledge on the various topics covered in the course regarding urban entomology and parasitology
- ascertain the mastery of the language.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
AGR/11 - GENERAL AND APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday 14.30-15.30
DiPSA