AGLL 2701 - Horticultural Entomology Introduction

AGLL 2701 is the first of three, one-credit courses that collectively cover the insects that one may commonly find feeding on plants in yards, gardens and landscape settings. Horticultural Entomology (AGLL 2701-2703) is designed to provide a firm supporting background in entomology for students pursuing degrees in horticultural programs. However, these courses are also aimed to provide a means of continuing education for those already professionally involved in plant protection. This course should also be of interest to most anyone who has an interest in plants and their care, and would like to learn more about the insects found in yards and gardens and to learn about their management.

Learning Objectives:

In AGLL 2701 (Horticultural Entomology Introduction) fundamental entomology principles are covered. This includes basics of insect/mite life history (life cycles, development), features that define insects and other arthropods, insect identification (adults and immatures) to the order level, and an exposure to reference sources that can allow further specialization. Students will also become familiar with basic concepts used to manage insects with strong emphasis on understanding the principles underlying Integrated Pest Management, and how to apply them.

This is a four-week asynchronous course. There is no official meeting time and during the week students are able to set their own schedule of class participation. All lectures, quizzes, recommended readings, and weekly project assignments will be released at the beginning of this course. Due dates of assignments will be staggered with all to be completed by the end of this course.

Topics to be covered include:

• Section One: Introduction to Arthropods, External Features of Insects, Insect Development and Metamorphosis, Arachnid Features
• Section Two: Introduction to Taxonomy, Learning the Insect Orders
• SectionThree: Natural Enemies of Insects (Predators, Parasitoids, Hunting Wasps, Insect pathogens)
• Section Four: Introduction to IPM Principles, Cultural and Mechanical Controls, Attractants and Repellents, Biological Control, Bees
• ection Five: An Introduction to Insecticides, Natural Products/“Organic” Insecticides, Major Insecticide Classes and Features

Additional courses in this series are AGLL 2702 (Horticultural Entomology: Food Crops) and AGLL 2703 (Horticultural Entomology: Landscape Plants), which are offered sequentially. AGLL 2701 is required to enroll in these other courses.