AGS301 Weed and Pesticide Sciences (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Agricultural and Horticultural Studies (AGHOR)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
A study of the biology, ecology and management of weeds in a range of environments (agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, and natural ecosystems) , plus the characteristics, technology, correct handling and application of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and animal health products as part of the integrated management of weeds, insects, plant pathogens and animal parasites.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 2 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Wagga Wagga |
| Distance * | Wagga Wagga |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: AGS301
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to describe the problems caused by weeds
- be able to discuss the principles of weed ecology and population dynamics
- be able to integrate short term weed control tactics into long term strategic weed management programs
- be able to discuss the role of pesticides and best practice use in integrated pest management programs
- be able to describe the modes of action and use patterns of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and animal health products.
- be able to discuss the processes of pesticide development, legislative controls and risk management
- be able to describe the dynamics of pesticides in the environment, the cause and management of pest resistance to pesticides, and how to minimise residues
- be able to explain the principles and technology of pesticide application including the correct adjustment and calibration of hand held equipment, boom sprayers, mist blowers and aircraft.
- be able to develop and implement pesticide management plans and spray drift controls.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- Characteristics of weeds and weed interference - Weed ecology, population dynamics, invasion and succession - Biology of weeds - Weed management tactics including physical, cultural, biological and chemical controls, and their integration - Weeds of pastures, rangelands, horticulture/viticulture, broadacre crops and natural ecosystems - Legislation, economics and weed management plans - Characteristics and best practice use of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and animal health products in integrated pest management programs - Characteristics, modes of action and use patterns of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and animal health products - Safe handling and use of pesticides - Legislative controls, product development and management of risks of pesticide use - The dynamics of pesticides in the environment, the cause and management of pest resistance, and pesticide residues and their minimisation - Principles, technology and methods of pesticide application including selection, correct adjustment and calibration of hand held equipment, boom sprayers, mist blowers and aircraft - Spray droplet behaviour, target coverage and spray drift minimisation - Development of pesticide management plans
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 4 day residential school.
The residential school provides a hands on approach to the theory taught in the subject and involves, lectures and tutorials.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.