None
Progress test (written examination) and final oral examination at the end of the course
Provide students with knowledge on the biological and physiological processes regulating insect life and behaviour, the main techniques and strategies employed for pest management and their mode of action up to the molecular level, the insecticidal active substances with special regard to the last generation industrial innovations.
Insect systematics and their role in the ecosystems. Fundamentals of entomology and biotechnology applied to entomology. Insect body organization and main functions. Interactions with the external environment. Behaviour and feeding. Insect anatomy and physiology. Biology and development of insects and their populations. Insect tissues as target for insecticidal molecules. Biotechnological approach to study insect biology and to the discovery of new pesticides. Entomopathogenic agents and their interactions with insect pests. Communication among insects (semiochemicals). Practice exercises: case study analysis.
THE SCIENCE OF ENTOMOLOGY. Third Edition, Romoser, William S. And John G. Stoffolano, Jr Rechcigl & Rechcigl. Biological and Biotechnological Control of Insect Pests - CRC Press Teacher’s slides and notes.
Face to face lessons on theoretical aspects supported by the use of imaging. Practice exercises.
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