DAG 2030 - Pest and Weed Identification

This course is an introduction to the application of ecological principles to the management of pest populations. Principles and concepts of pest management will be presented and discussed. The importance of pest management as an environmentally sound practice will be emphasized based on economic, ecological and sociological consequences. The class will spend the first few weeks in the classroom, and the rest of the trimester in the field.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Course Competencies:

1. Identify and distinguish 10 tactics commonly used in IPM
2. Scout and identify what pests exist in the field
3. Apply current pest management principles to crop production and situations where pest management is critical, depending on climate, etc
4. Apply regenerative ag principles to crop production
5. Describe the economic impact of IPM
6. Understand problems resulting from misuse, overuse, and abuse of chemical pesticides
7. Utilize critical thinking principles for pest management decision-making
8. Identify and analyze alternatives to pest management (e.g., Indigo’s microbial seed treatment)
9. Recognize different pests, measure thresholds, controls, and alternatives to pest control