Plant Pathology: Academic Programs: Courses / Syllabi
PATH(ENTO) 4360/6360 - Ornamental Pest Management
Introduction to pest management on ornamental crops grown in greenhouses and nurseries, with emphasis on insects and diseases. Emphasis on production practices and their influence on pest population development. Scouting, integrated pest management, chemical pesticides, and pest identification will be covered.
Instructors - Jean Williams-Woodward & Dan Horton
Credit Hours - 3 (Lecture).
Course
Offered - every fall of even numbered years
Prerequisite:
PATH 3530-3530L or ENTO 4000/6000-4000/6000L
COURSE OBJECTIVES OR EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
The main objective of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of pest management on ornamental crops. The course is intended to provide knowledge of disease, insect, and weed identification; scouting; pest sampling; and cultural, physical, biological, and chemical control options currently available to pest control managers involved in greenhouse and nursery production. In addition, ornamental production practices such as container selection, propagation, structures, irrigation, and plant placement and how they influence pest population development will be covered. By the end of the semester, students will be expected to develop pest control guides that will then be distributed to all students for future reference. Students will be expected to solve pest management problems by correctly identifying pests and providing realistic control recommendations. Students will be graded on their written pest control guide, 3-hourly exams throughout the semester, and a cumulative final. This course will better prepare Plant Protection and Pest Management (Plant Pathology), Entomology, and Horticulture undergraduate and graduate students for employment as pest managers or consultants within the ornamental industry.
INSTRUCTORS
Dr. Jean Williams-Woodward, Extension Plant Pathology
Office: 2106 Miller Plant Sciences
Tel: 542-9146 E-mail: jwoodwar@arches.uga.edu
Office Hours: by appointment
Dr. Dan Horton, Extension Entomology
Office: 436E Biological Sciences Bldg.
Tel: 542-9030 E-mail: dlhorton@arches.uga.edu
Office Hours: by appointment
Guest Lecturers:
Dr. Mark Czarnota, Horticulture
Dr. Paul Guillebeau, Entomology
CLASS MEETING TIMES
MWF 11:15 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
Miller Plant Science Bldg. Rm. 2108 (MW) and Rm. 2104 (F)
Field trips as arranged will be held on Fridays.
TEXTBOOK
There is no required textbook for this course. Reading material will come from a variety of sources, including the Internet. A reference list will be provided as a guide to locating or purchasing possible references for use in your career.
SUPPLIES
Although not required it is suggested that every student should purchase a good hand lens (10X-20X), which will help you in your career.
GRADING:
A-F based upon the following activities:
Activity |
Percentage of total grade |
1 hour exam (3) |
60 (20 x 3) |
Final Exam |
20 |
Plant Pest Control Guide |
20 |
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to come to class. A student who incurs more than three unexcused absences may be withdrawn from the class at the discretion of the instructor(s). If a student misses an exam, a grade of zero will be assigned unless that absence is approved in advance by the instructor or supported by a documented excuse. No make-up exams or assignments will be given for unexcused absences.
TOPICAL OUTLINE
Introduction, objectives, assignments
Entomology review, external anatomy, physiology, life cycles
Identification and biology of important pests, mites
Important pests - catepillars, borers, leaf beetles
Important pests - thrips, leafminers, gall makers
Important pests - scale, sucking bugs (leaf hoppers, etc.)
Important pests - whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs
Plant Pathology review, disease triangle, pathogen groups
Root rot diseases
Fungal leaf spot diseases, anthracnose
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, rusts
Bacterial leaf spots, blights
Viruses, Nematodes
Introduction to IPM/ICM, concepts, philosophy
Insect IPM sampling tools, use, scouting
Introduction to pest control guides
Resistant varieties, threshold/aesthetic levels, indicators/traps
Sanitation, disinfection
Production considerations, pot size, media components
Irrigation timing/pattern, recycled irrigation water treatment
Propagation, inspection/quarantine
Weed Identification
Weed Management
Pesticide safety, record keeping, WPS
Pesticide storage, facilities design, pesticide stewardship
Insecticides, modes of action, resistance management
Insecticides, selectivity for beneficials, pesticide rebound
Fungicides, modes of action, types
Fungicides, resistance management, biological control
Pest Case Study: Azalea - Insects
Pest Case Study: Azalea - Diseases
Pest Case Study: Poinsettia - Insects
Pest Case Study: Poinsettia -Disease
HONOR CODE AND ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
All academic work must meet the standards contained in "A Culture of Honesty." Each student is responsible to inform themselves about those standards defore performing any academic work.