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Microbial Pest Control
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:39
Abstract
This lecture provides conceptual as well as biological and ecological background on microbial pest management. Methods and techniques applied to develop and monitor microbial control agents are elucidated.
Objective
To know the most important groups of insect pathogens and their characteristics. To become familiar with the basic steps necessary for the development of microbial control agents. To understand the techniques and methods used to monitor field applications and the procedures involved in registration of products for microbial pest management.
Content
Definitions and general terms used in microbial control are presented. Biological and ecological aspects of all arthropod-pathogenic groups (virus, bacteria, fungi and nematodes) as well as their advantages and disadvantages in relation to biocontrol are discussed. Particular emphasis is put on hypocrealean and entomophthoralean fungi. Examples are used to demonstrate how projects in microbial control can be set up, how pathogens can be applied and how efficacy, non-target effects, persistence and dissemination are monitored. Furthermore, the necessary steps for product development, commercial aspects and registration requirements are discussed.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes comprising the basic aspects will be provided.
Literature
Additional literature will be indicated in the lecture
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 with exercise |
Microbial Pest Control
A voluntary exkursion to the company Andermatt Biocontrol AG in Grossdietwil will be organised. A definitive date will be communicated in the beginning of the semester.
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2 h weekly |
Offered In
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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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