PLSC 255 Plant Pest Control

Course Description:

What is this course about?

The study of crop mites and insects, their morphology, identification, and life cycles, host/habitat relationship and the methods of control. Field trips are required.

Section # 0424

Units 3

Location and Time

Lec. = Tues. 9:35 – 11:40 Zoom

Lab. = Thur. 9:35 – 12:40 ACE 180

Lab Final Thur., April 22, 2021; 9:35 - 12:40

Final Tues., April 27, 2021; 10:00 – 12:50

Instructor information:

Office hours: M 10:10 - 11:10 am
M 2:00 - 3:00 pm
T 2:15 - 3:15 pm
W 3:00 - 4:00 pm
TH 6:50 - 7:50 am

Office hour will be held via zoom.

Office room number: Ag 118

Office phone number: 575-6209

email address: moralesmi@mjc.edu

Required Text:

Any textbook that will help you I.D. insects

Classroom disturbances: Cell phones are to be
turned off while in the classroom and lab. If you
are seen using a cell phone, you will be asked to leave the lecture or lab.

Students must come prepared for lecture & lab or you will be asked to leave. (proper lab apparel)

No Electron devices are allowed in lecture or lab.

Grading and Evaluation:

Grades are earned by the students and are a reflection of their effort and understanding of the material. Class participation is important and graded. All homework must be typed, double-spaced, 1” margins, 12-point font, & Times New Roman. Pop quizzes will not be made up under any conditions. There will be no late assignment accepted. No make-up exams will be given. You may check the status of your grade during office hours only throughout the semester. Student must be present to be eligible for any assignment handed out in class.

Grade Scale:

The syllabus is tentative. There will be many other activities, assignments and topics covered during the course of the semester and the syllabus will be adjusted accordingly.

A 90-100% D 60-69%

B 80-89% F Below 59%

C 70-79%

Tests, Quizzes, Homework, & Classroom
Exercises 90%
Participation 10%

INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITIES:

MJC Agriculture Farm Lab - West Campus

Library - 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. - Monday - Thursday; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Friday

Research Information Course - CD ROM Database and OPUS

Library and Agriculture Computer Lab

Career Development Center- 575-6239

MJC Degree Application

MJC Certificate Application

Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus part 2

Class Survey

INSECT COLLECTION DUE:

April 8, 2021

Students need to log onto the zoom meetings with your video and sound on for all lectures. Let your class mates know what is going on if you could.

Thanks,

Mr. Morales

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

Knowledge:

1. The economic aspects, both harmful and
beneficial, of insects and related pests to
agricultural production.

2. Fundamental characteristics of insect
morphology, habits, and life history.

3. Basic insect classification.

4. General principles of insect control.

5. Current insecticide recommendations.

6. Current legal aspects of control.

7. Insects common to the crops of the region.

8. Basic insect terminology.

9. Where to go for information concerning insect
problems.

Skills

1. Describe the essential morphology of an insect.

2. Evaluate an insect specimen as to life cycle,
stage, and kind of host damage.

3. Identify and describe local crop insects.

4. Make a crop survey and recognize insect
damage.

5. Sweep a field for insect specimens.

6. Estimate critical levels in an insect population.

7. Select possible methods and timing of control
in a given circumstance.

8. Select specific insecticides and calculate
dilutions and application rates.

9. Collect, classify, and mount an insect.

EXPERIENCE

1. Laboratory dissections of typical specimens.

2. Field collection of insect specimens.

3. Identification of field and laboratory
specimens.

4. Survey crops for insect damage.

5. Laboratory insecticide experiments.

6. Viewing of participating in commercial
operations.

7. Preparing and classifying an insect collection

8. Discussion of insect problems with local
commercial representatives, farmers, or other.

Student Learning Outcome

After the student is given instruction on identifying insects and closely related plant pests. In addition to selecting possible methods and timing to control a pest problem in a given situation they will be able to design an IPM to control or eradicate the pests in question on a term project.

Notes, Lab. Information, ect..

Lab notebook instructions

Insect collection instructions

WE ARE GOING OUT IN THE FIELD FOR LAB #

Introduction Lab #1

History of Pest Management Lab #2

Entomology Lab #3

Insect Behavior Lab #4

Entomology Symptoms Lab #5

Insect Control Lab #6

Parts of an Insect Lab #7

The Insect Internally Lab #8