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751-4902-00L 2 Credits MSC D-USYS , D-HEST

Modern Pesticides - Mode of Action, Residues and Environmental Fate

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Judith Blom, Dr. Thomas Poiger, Dr. Ignaz Josef Bürge
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:13:57

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

• understand why pesticide active substances (both sythetic and natural compounds) are grouped in families according to their modes of action (moa) and know many important moa families of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides • be able to assess the use of pesticides in various crops in terms of selectivity, resistance management and possible side-effects on non-target organisms • independently interpret information on pesticide residues in food • relate pesticide properties to potential for leaching of the substances to groundwater or accumulation in soil

Content

After a short introduction on pesticide registration (administrative process as in Switzerland and EU, food safety), the biochemical background of the mode of action of important groups of current use PPP active substances 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 are covered.

Resources

Lecture Notes

An e-script (pdf-files) is provided as download at the beginning of spring term.

Literature

none

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 60 minutes
Aids
use of the lecture notes and own notes and summaries are allowed; electronic devices are not permitted.
written exam; use of the script and own notes are allowed; electronic devices are not permitted.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Modern Pesticides - Mode of Action, Residues and Environmental Fate
  • Wed 10:15-12:00 (HG D 5.2)
2 h weekly

Offered In