Course code LauZ5122
Credit points 4.50
Biology of Harmful Organisms
Total Hours in Course120
Number of hours for lectures18
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes18
Date of course confirmation22.03.2011
Responsible UnitInstitute of Soil and Plant Science
Course developers
Biruta Bankina
Dr. biol.
Ināra Turka
Dr. habil. agr.
Course abstract
Provide knowledge about the relationship of living organisms in different agrobiocenosis. Undergoing systematic of plant pathogens. Learning about the biocenotic relationships between arthropods and pests and crop diseases in the agroecological systems. Systematics of plant pathogens. Characterisation of dynamics of pests and diseases. Biology and ecology of pests and diseases. Forecasting and warning systems of crop diseases and pests. Limiting factors and control measures of pests and diseases.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
Students understand the relationship of living organisms in different agrobiocenosis. Understanding systematics of plant pathogens. Study about limiting factors and spread of crop pests and diseases and their parasites. Understanding of disease and pest development cycles in relation to forecasting and warning and control possibilities.
Students acquire skills in analysis of complex agrobiocenotic relationship between harmful organisms and plants, to assess the specific environmental and agronomic factors that contribute to development and attacks of harmful organisms to control them. Student knows how to choose a recognized scientific methodology of trials and data analysis. Acquire skills to prepare presentations independently and publicly discuss.
Students are able to assess and analyze environmental conditions and production technology impacts on crop harmful organisms and the environment, as well as in-depth analysis of the scientific literature.
Compulsory reading
1. Gullan, P.J., P.S.Cranston P.S. The Insects An Outline of Entomology. Chapman&Hall, UK, 1998. 491.p.
2. Campbell C.L., MaddenV.L. Introduction to plant disease epidemiology . A John Wiley& Sons. INC New York, 1990. 532.
3. Augu slimības/B.Bankinas redakcijā . Jelgava, 2003. 247 lpp.
4. Priedītis A. Kultūraugu kaitēkļi.-Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC. 1996. 292 lpp.
Further reading
1. Agrios G.N. Plant Pathology. Elsewier. Academic Press, 2005.
Periodicals and other sources
1. Latvijas Entomologs Latvijas entomoloģijas biedrība, Latvijas PSR Zinātņu Akadēmijas Botāniskais dārzs. Rīga : Zinātne. ISSN 0320-3743.
2. Annals of Applied Biology. Published by Association of Applied Biologists. ISSN: 0003-4746.
3. Plant Diseases Published by The American Phytopathological Society. ISSN: 0191-2917.