Plant Protection

Pest and Diseases

To achieve the objectives of the Curricular Unit and the acquisition of the expected competences, the teaching learning process is based on
(a) Presentation and discussion of theoretical concepts, during classes both by the teacher and students;
b) In field classes held in the farm of ESAC where students come into contact with crop enemies and develop different techniques for risk estimation;
c) In laboratory classes with development of methodologies for identification and quantification of enemies and auxiliaries detected in the risk estimation;
d) In the development of bibliographic research on topics within the scope of the curricular unit and subsequent presentations by the students; e) In the preparation of a written report in the form of a panel on a field and laboratory work, to be developed during the semester, its presentation and discussion of results.

The objectives to be achieved in this course are that the students acquire the knowledge that will enable them to develop the following skills: 1. know the crop protection measures against pests, diseases and weeds compatible with organic farming; 2. have the ability to make decisions about the most appropriate measures to solve problems in concrete situations and to apply them.

1. Principles and components of sustainable crop protection.

2. Methodologies for monitoring crop enemies and risk assessment.

3. Indirect control measures against crop enemies.

4. Direct control measures as an alternative to plant protection products

5. The sustainable use of plant protection products.

6. The use of authorized plant protection products in organic farming.

7. Legislation on plant protection products and their application.

Continuous assessment

The evaluation components consist of three presentations with discussion/defense (50% weight) and a test (50% weight) that allow the evaluation of the theoretical and practical concepts developed in the curricular unit. The presentations will focus on risk estimation methodologies (1st), protection measures against crop enemies and phytosanitary monitoring of a crop, with the preparation of a panel from the data obtained in the field and laboratory work developed during the course of the Curricular Unit (2nd). The 3rd paper, integrates the information obtained, i.e., 1- risk estimation, 2- economic levels of attack, 3 - means of protection, 4- decision making, also taking into consideration phenological and meteorological data and data on the history of treatments.

The student will pass if he obtains a classification equal or superior to 9,5/20.

Exam

In each academic year, a student who does not pass the exam during the teaching period (i.e. in frequency) has access to a final exam in Normal and Appeal Period and, eventually, in Special Period, on dates defined in the Academic Calendar and in the Examination Calendar.

The exam will consist of a written test where all the contents of the curricular unit will be evaluated and the student will be approved if he obtains a classification equal or superior to 9,5 points.

If necessary, alternatives will be created for specific situations provided by law.

NAO