Content
Topic Introduction
This topic introduces the technologies for the prevention and control of forest pests, including plant quarantine, biological control, chemical control and physical control.
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
- Explain the concept of plant quarantine, biological control, chemical control and physical control.
- Discuss implementation conditions and application scope of various control technologies.
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of biological and chemical control techniques
- Propose various methods and approaches for controlling forest pests.
Readings
Required Readings
Supplementary Materials (Optional)
- Wainhouse, D. (2004). Ecological methods in forest pest management. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN-13: 9780198505648
This book is about the management of forest pests. It focuses predominantly on insect pests, but many examples relate to fungal pathogens, some of which are vectored by forest insects. The central theme is the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the main impetus for which comes from the need to use environmentally sensitive methods of control appropriate to both semi-natural and plantation forests. These forests are often managed for timber production, for recreation and to enhance biodiversity. An introductory chapter describes how forests have been transformed by exploitation and management and how altering the composition and distribution of forests can contribute to pest problems. Subsequent chapters focus on the ‘techniques’ of management and control that contribute to IPM (i.e., plant health, risk-rating, silviculture, tree resistance, biological control, microbial control, semiochemicals). By focusing on these important elements of management, the aim is to provide a critical analysis of the theory and practice of each one in relation to key aspects of both pest and forest ecology. The final chapter brings together elements of the previous chapters, discussing them in the context of the economic and environmental impact of pests, the economics of control, and the role of decision support systems. Detailed case studies are provided and future developments in IPM discussed in relation to sustainability, conservation and the potential impact of climate change.
Self-check Quiz (For certificate learning only)
Now take a little time to complete an online self-check quiz after finishing required readings and viewing each lecture for this topic. The main purpose of the quiz is for you to self check how well you grasp the fundamental concepts covered in the required readings and lectures for this topic. You will have 5 mins to complete the quiz. You can attempt as many times as you like until you get the full mark.
When you are ready, click the link Self-check Quiz 4.1 or go to left menu > Quizzes > Self-check Quiz 4.1 to start taking the quiz.
Activities & Assignments (For certificate learning only)
Online Group Discussion 4
We will start our fourth group discussion this week, Online Group Discussion 4: Main selection criteria of improved variety. Several aspects should be considered when conduct a discussion about seed and seedling production. It is better to follow a logical order as the following:
- Discuss concepts of plant quarantine, biological control, chemical control and physical control etc.
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of biological and chemical control techniques.
Since it is a group discussion, the role of group leader is very important. The group leader has the duty to monitor and organize the discussions. You can follow the logical order provided on the up paragraph and encourage the group members to actively participate the discussion. After complete the discussion, you should make a summary and show it to your group members. You may need to revise it if they make some suggestions. Then you can submit it.
Please be reminded that Online Group Discussion 4 Summary is Due at 23:59pm on Day 5 of this week (PST).
About how to organize or participate in the group discussion and the grading, please refer to the detailed descriptions of Assignment Overview and Online Group Discussions.
Graded Assignments
Final Design, Presentation and Peer Review
From this week on, you need to start working on Final Design, Presentation & Peer Review. Please see detailed deadlines for each assignment in the Course Schedule. Please complete it before the due date and keep Academic Integrity in mind.
Topic Summary
This topic mainly focuses on the concept of the technologies for pest control. To propose approaches for controlling forest pests, one should Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each control method on pests. Furthermore, implementation conditions and application scope of various control technologies.
Self Review (For self learning)
Please use the self-reflection questions below as a study guide to conduct self-review for the topic.
- What is plant quarantine? What are the commonly used techniques for plant quarantine and disinfestation treatment in forestry?
- The concept of biological control? What are the main means?
- What is chemical control?
- What is physical control?
- What are the factors influencing the effect of chemical control?
- In chemical control, which kinds of pesticides can be divided into according to the mode of action?
- Briefly describe the advantages and disadvantages of biological control and chemical control.
- How to better coordinate the biological control, chemical control, physical control and other measures of forest pests?
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