Courses list

Wersja polska

Course code: MRS10022o14
Semester: 2014/2015 winter
Name: Beneficial Entomofauna
Major: Plant Medicine
Study Type: first cycle
Course type: compulsory
Study Semester: 3
ECTS points: 2
Hours (Lectures / Tutorials / Other): 15 / 15 / 0
Lecturer: dr hab. Jacek Twardowski
Language of instruction: Polish / English


Learning outcomes: The student knows the position of the most important taxonomic groups of beneficial organisms occurring in different ecosystems. It has a basic knowledge of their morphology, developmental biology, and ecology, as well as understands the impact on them of abiotic and biotic factors. Acquire basic knowledge about the functioning of insects and mites naturally conducive to the human economy. The student learns the most important predatory insects, parasites (as natural enemies), pollinators as well as soil organisms that determine soil fertility. The student recognizes their habitat and food requirements. He knows the extent of the use of beneficial organisms, plant protection and identifies the methods of protection. The student demonstrates an understanding of insects in increasing crops yield in agroecosystems. He is able to determine the conditions essential for their occurrence and abundance. He considers the effectiveness of natural enemies in reducing pests. Identify predatory and parasitic natural enemies of plant pests. It can offer an effective method of use of beneficial natural enemies in pest control. It can indicate how to protect beneficial organisms against different agricultural threats.

Competences: The student demonstrates an understanding of ecological relationships in agroecosystem and has a wide knowledge concerning ecological processes within environment. Student indicates the need for protection of beneficial fauna and evaluates its main threats. The student is able to create the habitat useful for numerous occurrences of natural enemies. It uses the knowledge gained in the protection of nature. He is aware of the need for education and self-improvement.

Prerequisites: Zoology, Botany, General Entomology

Course content: The role of insects in different ecosystems. The most important natural enemies (predatory and parasitic), their contribution in controlling of pests and possibilities their active use in biological control. Evaluation of the effectiveness of their activities in natural and protected ecosystems. Insects as pollinators of flowering plants, their relative importance in the adaptation and yield of agricultural crops, fruit and vegetables. Biological control of weeds. Systematic review of predators, parasitoids and bees.

Recommended literature: 1. Boczek J., Lipa J. 1978. Biologiczne metody walki ze szkodnikami roślin, PWN 2. Banaszak J. 1999. Podstawy ekologii. WSP Bydgoszcz. 3. Banaszak J. 1993. Ekologia pszczół. PWN. 4. Boczek J. 1992. Niechemiczne metody zwalczania szkodników roślin. SGGW 5. Szafer W. 1969. Kwiaty i zwierzęta. PWN. 6. Wiech K. 1997. Pożyteczne owady i inne zwierzęta, Mediks Plus.

Assessment methods: Knowledge: Colloquium on tutorials, written exam Skills: Score test, the assessment of practical skills in identifying natural enemies against phytophagous organisms. Social competence: Assessment of knowledge, the correctness and importance of arguments presented in the discussion in the classroom.

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