Crop Protection in Organic Farming

Biology, Plant Protection and Agriculture.

In order to achieve the objectives of the course and acquire the expected competences, the teaching-learning process is based on various methodologies.

1. Presentation and discussion of theoretical concepts by the lecturers and students.

2. Development of guided bibliographical research in scientific articles/publications within the scope of the course and subsequent presentation by the students of technical itineraries for the protection of various crops (case studies) in organic farming.

Recognise the importance of good agricultural practices in preserving ecosystems and their importance for the sustainability of agriculture. Know how to assess the impact of crop protection practices on the environment and public health and be able to develop technical solutions to solve problems in accordance with organic farming rules. This will enable better protection of crops, biodiversity, the landscape and natural resources and the production of differentiated quality goods that are valued on the market. In this course, students should acquire the necessary knowledge to achieve the following objectives: 1. Know the concepts and legislation related to crop protection in Organic Farming 2. Recognise the main enemies of crops of major national importance 3. Know the protection methodologies available in Organic Farming.

1. Introduction. Definitions and concepts. The Directive on the Sustainable use of Pesticides and legislation on pesticide use and crop protection in Organic Farming.

2. Priority and complementary practices for the protection against crop enemies in Organic Farming. Ecological infrastructures. Biopesticides. Protection against diseases. Solarization and biofumigation. Beneficial arthropods. 

3. Crop protection in Organic Farming. Main crop enemies. Importance and losses. Risk estimation. Methodologies for preventing and fighting in Organic Farming.

4. Technical Itineraries for crop protection in Organic Farming. Case studies.

Continuous assessment

Learning outcomes will be assessed using two assessment instruments.

1. Development of a project in Organic Farming (e.g. a technical itinerary for protecting a crop, or a relevant topic in AB Protection) and its written and oral presentation with discussion (50%).
2. A written test (50%).

The student will pass when they have met the minimum attendance requirement (75%) and obtained a weighted average of 9.5 marks or more.

Exam

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

The exam will consist of a written test in which all the content covered in the course unit will be assessed.

The student passes when they have obtained a mark of 9.5 or more.

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NAO