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Modern Pesticides - Mode of Action, Residues and Environmental Fate
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:22:09
Abstract
The biochemical principles of the mode of action of current use plant protection products (PPP) are presented. Important topics are mechanisms for selectivity, development of resistance, residue formation in crops and food safety as well as behavior in the environment.
Objective
The structures and modes of action of current use pesticides (synthetical compounds, natural compounds) are presented. The structure-activity relationships lead to considerations of actual use conditions in crops such as fungicides in viticulture, residues in edible parts of treated plants, possible side effects and environmental fate.
Content
After a short introduction on pesticide registration (administrative process as in Switzerland and EC, food safety), the biochemical background of the mode of action of important groups of current use PPP active ingredients is presented. Furthermore, selectivity of pesticides, leaching of herbicides to groundwater, accumulation of pesticides in soil, development of resistance of fungicides, formation of residues in edible parts of the crops, and side-effects on non-target organisms shall be covered.
Resources
Lecture Notes
An e-script (pdf-files) is provided as download at the beginning of spring term.
Literature
none
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- electronic lecture notes
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
- Mode
- written 60 minutes
- Aids
- None
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Modern Pesticides - Mode of Action, Residues and Environmental Fate |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Crop Health (This minor will only be offered in the academic year 22/23. As of the academic year 23/24, the minor can no longer be chosen. The course units offered in the minor can still be taken as electives.)
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General Crop Science (This minor will only be offered in the academic year 22/23. As of the academic year 23/24, the minor can no longer be chosen. The course units offered in the minor can still be taken as electives.)
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Crop- and Grassland Science (This minor is new and in force from the academic year 22/23. The complete courselist for this minor will be published on the website of the Study Programme.)
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