AGS402 Weed and Pesticide Sciences (PG) (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
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: AGS402

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 and critically analyse the problems caused by weeds
- be able to discuss and apply 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 and critically analyse 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 and demonstrate an understanding of 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 analyse and 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 and apply the results.

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.

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