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Unit Overview

Description

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a decision system with an economic basis used to limit the damage caused by pests (weeds, diseases and insects). This unit explores the practical and paddock-scale approach to development and deployment of IPM tactics for shorter-term (1-2 seasons) pest problems. The unit highlights examples and reasons for successful and failed pest management approaches, underlying economic implications, as well as short- and long-term consequences of pest management decisions. Additionally, different practical approaches to IPM are highlighted, including various combinations of chemical (mode of action grouping, application methods, pesticide resistance evolution detailed), cultural, physical, biological, and genetic (e.g. host plant resistance) options, and feature situations where different options have most or least to offer in terms of practical IPM. This unit aims to provide a clear understanding of the knowledge required to produce and implement practical IPM plans, including monitoring methods for early detection; assessing damage and losses; economics of practical pest control; usefulness of different pest control options; and awareness of unintended consequences. It is ideally suited to students with interests in applied crop protection and also highly relevant to students with interests in crop and/or animal (i.e., feed-base) production systems, but also those with a broader interest in food security and natural resource management.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand the diverse practical pest control methods along with their varying advantages and disadvantages in different production systems; (2) explain the economic, environmental and societal costs of major pest species, and the major pest control methods; (3) identify the major practical techniques used for pest monitoring and surveillance; and (4) identify, compare and evaluate practical pest management tactics, beyond pest control methods.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial presentation; (2) integrated pest management plan; and (3) presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Hugh Beckie
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
72510 Master of Agricultural Science
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.