Pests, Parasites and Beneficials

This module is about insects and agriculture; the benefits, costs, and their links with sustainability and sustainable management. It provides an overview of the biology and ecology of invertebrate pests, parasites and beneficials of agricultural importance, and in introduction to integrated pest management. Topics include: the biology, life histories and identification of the major pest, parasite and beneficial groups, review of the main types of damage and benefits caused, the nature and causes of pest and disease outbreaks and the basic principles of pest control and integrated pest management. The module comprises taught lecture classes and a total of 5 x 2 hour practical classes held in the laboratory for class groups A and B on alternate weeks during the trimester. Students will be informed of their practical class group at the start of the trimester.