Print Syllabus

Syllabus

P000098 Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM), 5.0 Credits

Subjects

Education cycle

Postgraduate level

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Entry if enrolled at PhD level, or MSc with further justification.

Objectives

The course will equip participants with the knowledge needed to translate IPPM concepts into action, towards meeting growing public demand for pollinator-dependant crops, and reducing farmer reliance on chemical pesticides and agronomic inputs.

Upon completion, course participants should be able to:

1. classify key practices and priorities within the IPPM systematic framework;
2. describe the essential role of pollination and biocontrol and means for their coordinated management;
3. plan coordinated strategies for IPPM implementation backed by monitoring and economc decision support tools.

Content

The PhD course "Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management" covers basic principles for the design and implementation of IPPM strategies, focusing on the co-management of pests and beneficial organisms in agroecosystems.

Teaching will cover a range of theoretical and applied topics at the forefront of IPPM, including:

• The ecology and economics of interactions between crops, pollinators, pests (insects, weeds, pathogens), and natural enemies (insect and microbial biological control agents);
• Conflicts and synergies between crop pollination, pesticide use, and other IPM practices (e.g. companion cropping, biopesticides);
• Practical monitoring and decision support tools for IPPM (e.g. pollinator action thresholds);
• Pollinator health and climate change;
• Industry, societal, and policy perspectives.

Teaching format

The course will be offered in hybrid form and consist of pre- and post-course assignments, and the main course on-site.

On-site participation is compulsory for PhD students at Swedish universities. However, upon request, international students can participate in the course online.

The course will incorporate lectures, pre- and post-course assignments, problem-oriented group study, and hands-on training of concepts and tools in computer labs and field excursions (SITES Lönnstorp Research Station). Q&A sessions with industry experts and agricultural advisors will provide course participants with the opportunity to explore career development options.

Additional information

**Schedule**

Pre- and post-course assignments


- Class virtual introduction (2 h): mid-September 2024 (date tbc) via Zoom
- Pre-assignments (2 ECTS): Initial report and presentation (to present during the main course) on an IPPM topic by 11 October
- Post-assignment (1.5 ECTS): Final report (incorporating peer feedback) by 31 October 2024

Main course (14-18 October 2024 - 1.5 ECTS):


- Monday: Introduction lectures
- Tuesday: Introduction lectures
- Wednesday: In-depth lectures
- Thursday: Field excursion
- Friday: Problem-orientated group study, closing lectures



**Contact for application and further information**

Paul Egan paul.egan@slu.se

Chloë Raderschall chloe.raderschall@slu.se

Responsible department

Department of Plant Protection Biology