AGRI100469 Plant protection methods

Type
course with continuous assessment
Semester hours
3
Lecturer (assistant)
Laure, Nicole , Steinkellner, Siegrid , Walzer, Andreas , Wieczorek, Krzysztof , Winter, Silvia , Redl, Markus , Koschier, Elisabeth Helene
Organisation
Plant Protection
Offered in
Sommersemester 2026
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

The course provides fundamental and applied knowledge of plant protection practices in both research and practical settings. It covers selected evaluation methods as a basis for decisions on plant protection measures, as well as methods for crop monitoring and diagnosing the causes of plant damages. Students practice diagnostic techniques to identify animal, microbial, and abiotic damage factors in arable crops, orchards, vineyards, and vegetable production. This includes monitoring methods, morphological and molecular diagnostic approaches, and the use of plant protection equipment and digital decision-support tools. The significance of different farming systems and the assessment of the effectiveness of plant protection measures are conveyed in a hands-on, practical manner.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After completion of the course, students will be able to …
•systematically investigate plant damages and distinguish between animal, microbial, and abiotic causes.
•apply identification keys and scientific literature to identify plant pests and pathogens.
•explain and apply monitoring methods as well as damage thresholds in plant protection.
•collect, analyse, and interpret plant protection–relevant data.
•select cultural, mechanical, chemical, and digital plant protection measures in a targeted manner.
•explain the areas of application of equipment, digital tools, and forecasting models in plant protection and describe their advantages and limitations.
•apply diagnostic methods for the detection and identification of pests and pathogens, including morphological identification, molecular biological approaches (PCR-based detection of selected pathogens), and seed health testing methods (germination, purity, and infection analyses).
•evaluate the effectiveness of plant protection measures in different agricultural production systems.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.