AGRN 373
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
Fall 2015
I. General Information
AGRN 373 (Integrated Pest Management) is a 4 credit hour that covers the identification and biology of
economically-important weeds, insects, diseases and vertebrate pests affecting plants; selection and use
of effective biological, cultural, chemical and mechanical pest control methods; safe handling and
application of pesticides.
Lecture:
Laboratory:
MWF 10:00-10:50 a.m., Knoblauch 152
041 - TH 8:00-9:50 a.m., Knoblauch 226 or AFL – Agronomy Unit
042 - TH 10:00-11:50 p.m., Knoblauch 226 or AFL – Agronomy Unit
043 - TH 1:00-2:50 p.m., Knoblauch 226 or AFL – Agronomy Unit
Prerequisites:
AGRN 176 – Principles of Crop Science or equivalent
Instructor:
Dr. Mark Bernards
Knoblauch Hall 227
Office: 309-298-1569
Mobile: 309-313-5917
Email: ml-bernards@wiu.edu
Office Hours:
M 11:00-11:50 a.m.; W 11:00 a.m.-12:50 p.m., F 9:00-9:50 a.m. or by appointment
Required Texts:
1. Bissonnette et al. 2010. Field Crop Scouting Manual. University of Illinois Extension, Champaign,
IL. ($66.00 plus shipping through https://pubsplus.illinois.edu/).
2. Carson R. 1962. Silent Spring. Mariner Books, Boston, Massachusetts.
3. Wiesbrook et al. 2012. Illinois Pesticide Applicator Training Manual – General Standards. SP39.
University of Illinois Extension, Champaign, IL. ($10.00 plus shipping through
https://pubsplus.illinois.edu/).
Reference texts used in course development:
1. Bohmont BL. 2007. The Standard Pesticide User’s Guide. Pearson-Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle
River, New Jersey.
2. Cavigelli et al. 2000. Michigan Field Crop Pest Ecology and Management. Michigan State
University Extension Bulletin E-2704. (available for $12 at http://shop.msu.edu/product_p/bulletine2704.htm).
3. Mueller DS, Bradley CA. 2008. Field Crop Fungicides for the North Central United States. North
Central IPM Center, Champaign, Illinois. http://www.ncipmc.org/action/Fungicide%20Manual4.pdf
4. Norris RF, Caswell-Chen E, Kogan M. 2003. Concepts in Integrated Pest Management. PearsonPrentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.
5. Whitford F. 2002. The Complete Book of Pesticide Management. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New
York.
II. University Policies and Expectations
Student rights and responsibilities: Please see: www.wiu.edu/provost/students.
Academic Integrity (http://www.wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php): Western Illinois University, like all
communities, functions best when its members treat one another with honesty, fairness, respect, and
trust. . . It is the student's responsibility to be informed and to abide by all University regulations and
policies on Academic Integrity. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty constitute a
serious violation of University conduct regulations. Students who engage in dishonesty in any form shall
be charged with academic dishonesty. . . Any student, faculty member, or staff person who has witnessed
an apparent act of student academic dishonesty, or has information that reasonably leads to the
conclusion that such an act has occurred or has been attempted, has an ethical responsibility for
reporting said act(s).
The policy for AGRN 373: Any confirmed act of academic dishonesty (especially plagiarism or cheating)
will result in the loss of all points associated with that assignment, and may result in an “F” for the course.
Non-Discrimination (http://www.wiu.edu/policies/affirmact.php): Western Illinois University complies fully
with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws, orders, and regulations. The University is
committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and work environment for its students,
faculty, and staff that is free from discrimination based on sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender
identity and gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Disabilities: In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
academic accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an
accommodation. For the instructor to provide the proper accommodation(s) you must obtain
documentation of the need for an accommodation through Disability Resource Center (DRC) and provide
it to the instructor. It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to the instructor's
attention, as he/she is not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students. Students
who may require special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should contact the
instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency. Contact Disability
Resource Center (DRC) at 298-2512 for additional services.”
Education Majors: You are required to receive a grade of a "C" or better in this course to meet state
certification requirements.
III. Course Expectations and Policies
1. Live the Golden Rule. Treat others with respect and courtesy in your conversation and actions. Turn
off and put away electronic devices during the class period unless directed to use them for class
activities. Class is not the time to read the newspaper or magazines.
2. Show up. Attendance and punctuality is expected. Notify the instructor in advance if you have any
reason to miss a class period through the O.A.R.S system (http://wiu.edu/oars). A minimum of 24 h
notice (email or phone) is required if there is any cause to miss a quiz. If you do miss a class period,
do not ask the instructor “Did I miss anything important?” It is your responsibility to make
arrangements to get the information you missed and to make up any missed assignments.
3. Participate. Be prepared for class discussions by completing readings, answering questions, taking
notes, asking questions, and working effectively with other students on lecture and laboratory
activities.
4. Study. You should plan to spend a minimum of 7 hours outside of class each week to adequately
learn the material.
5. Complete assignments. Assignments not turned in on the assigned date may have 10% of the total
potential points deducted for each day after the due date. The instructor will generally return exams
and assignments within 1 week.
6. The use of tobacco is prohibited in Knoblauch Hall, nor is it allowed during sessions at the AFL.
7. Students must wear sturdy, close-toed to participate in lab sessions at the AFL. The wearing of long
pants is highly recommended.
Two dismissals due to disruptive or unprofessional behavior will result in a permanent disbarment from
the course and a final grade of “F” will be assigned.
IV. Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course you should be able to:
a. Describe the life cycle and identify at least 20 common insect pests or beneficial insects found in
Illinois crops
b. Describe the life cycle and identify at least 20 common disease pests of Illinois crops
c. Describe the life cycle and identify at least 20 weeds common to Illinois crops
d. Describe the life cycle and identify 7 common vertebrate pests or damage caused by vertebrate
pests
e. Scout fields systematically to diagnose probable causes of poor crop growth
f. Provide examples of chemical, behavioral, biological, and physical methods for managing insect,
disease, weed and vertebrate pest problems
g. Define Integrated Pest Management, economic threshold, economic injury level, toxicity,
exposure and risk
h. Demonstrate how to use principles of Integrated Pest Management to address insect, disease,
weed, and vertebrate pest problems
i. Read and understand a pesticide label
j. Describe pesticide mechanism of action and site of action
k. Identify appropriate pesticides for a variety of pests
l. Clearly explain what pesticide resistance is, how it develops or evolves, and how it differs from
resurgence or replacement
m. Describe the more common types of pesticide formulations and adjuvants and how they affect
pesticide tank-mixtures and pesticide efficacy
n. Select appropriate pesticide application equipment to effectively apply pesticides
o. Calculate the appropriate rates of pesticide to apply
p. Calibrate a sprayer and granular applicator
q. Demonstrate how to safely use pesticides and application equipment to protect yourself, others
and the environment
r. Explain key laws and regulations that govern use of pesticides in the U.S. and Illinois
s. Explain the potential fate of a pesticide after it is released into the environment
t. Describe how management of insect, disease and weed pests has changed over the last 60
years and why those changes have been enacted
u. Demonstrate how to communicate effectively with the public about issues relating to pesticides
v. Pass the Illinois Private Applicator Certification Exam
V. Grading
Attendance will be factored into the grade. Each student will be allowed 3 “vacation” days (for
funerals, interviews, oversleeping, etc). Absences that exceed “3” will result in the lowering of the
grade one step for each absence (e.g., B+ to B). Absence for WIU-sanctioned activities like
livestock judging competitions will not count against “vacation” days. Absence due to illness will
be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will not count against the vacation days.
Probable Grade components
Participation
Assignments
Lab quizzes/exams
Lecture quizzes and Final
Grading Scale
Percentage
Grade
93.0-100
A
90.0-92.9
A87.0-89.9
B+
83.0-86.9
B
80.0-82.9
B77.0-79.9
C+
VI. Learning Assessments
Portion
6%
32%
22%
40%
Percentage
73.0-76.9
70.0-72.9
67.0-69.9
63.0-66.9
60.0-62.9
<59.9
Grade
C
CD+
D
DF
Participation: A composite of preparedness for and participation during class. Reading assignments
beyond those listed in the syllabus will be announced at the beginning of lectures and posted at Western
Online
Assignments will include at the minimum the following:
 Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson, was published in 1962 (53 years ago). This book was important
in raising awareness of unintended consequences of pesticides, and this awareness eventually
led to the passage of key laws and regulatory agencies that now govern pesticide use. As part of
the class you will be expected to read Silent Spring. You will be asked to complete a weekly
question set and participate in class discussion on the reading assignment. At the conclusion of
the class you will write a reflection paper (1000 word minimum) regarding your impression of the
book and how you will apply what you learned.
 Pest Presentation: Imagine you are an Agronomist who has been asked to provide education on
an important pest at a field day or during a farm visit. Prepare a 5 minute field presentation and a
handout (1 page summary sheet) on an important insect, disease, weed or vertebrate pest as
agreed to with the instructor. You will give this presentation during a laboratory session. The
presentation must include information on identification of the pest, its biology and life cycle, the
reasons it is regarded as a pest, and integrated pest management strategies for controlling it.
You must meet with the instructor to review your handout prior to giving your field presentation.
Your grade will be based on the content and quality of the presentation and the handout.
 Pest Collection: Each student will make a pictorial collection of 10 weed species, 10 insect
species, and 10 plant disease examples. The collections will be graded on content and quality. A
rubric will be provided for you in the first lab session.
 Participate in the School of Agriculture Career Fair and write a 1 page summary of your
experience and what you learned.
 Pesticide Calculations and Sprayer and Spreader Calibration exercises. In a series of lab
sessions you will complete problem sets that will prepare you to apply pesticides accurately. The
assignments will be graded on showing how you solved the questions. An answer key will be
provided.
 Online Pest Management Resources: You will be assigned to summarize information available
on pest management from government, company or university resources.
 Pest management plans: You will be assigned to develop an appropriate integrated pest
management plans in a series of assignments.
Laboratory Quizzes and Exams: A quiz will be given most laboratory periods that will review material
covered in previous lab sessions. A Pest ID exam and a Calculations and Calibration exam will also be
administered during laboratory sessions.
Lecture Quizzes: A quiz will be administered during the first half of a lecture period every other week.
The lecture quizzes will include multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short essay questions.
Extra Credit: Extra Credit will be available for participating in sessions of the College of Business and
Technology 2015 Professional Development Series, Sept 10-25. For more details visit
http://www.wiu.edu/cbt/career/ .
VII. Course Calendar
Date
Topic (Location)
Reading/Assignment Due
Aug 24
Aug 26
Introduction to IPM
Syllabus Review Quiz. Scouting,
Sampling and Diagnosis
Scouting, Sampling and
Troubleshooting (AFL)
Pests and What is (and is NOT)
IPM?
Syllabus / Survey sheet
FCSM pp 8-43,177-178 – Please bring book to class / Pest
Presentation Sign-up
FCSM pp 8-43, 177-178 / Reading Review Questions,
Student Pictures
FCSM pp. 2-7; IPATM pp 2-4 /
Aug 27
Aug 28
Date
Topic (Location)
Reading/Assignment Due
Aug 31
Field Crop Pest Ecology
Sep 2
Economic Thresholds and Injury
Levels, Discussion on Silent
Spring Ch. 1-2;
Pest ID Keys (226 KH)
IPM Strategies and Tactics
Labor Day. No class.
Quiz 1. What is a pesticide?
Pesticide Classification.
Pesticide value. Pesticide use
statistics
CBT Professional
Development Series
Pest ID & Management 1 (AFL)
Review Quiz 1. Discussion on
Silent Spring Ch. 3. History of
Pesticides. Pesticide issues
Arthropods and Insect Life
Cycles
Economically Important Insect
Orders
Pest ID & Management 2 (AFL)
Discussion on Silent Spring Ch
4-5, Insect Pest Ecology
Quiz 2. Insecticide Mode of
Action 1
Review Quiz 2. Insecticide Mode
of Action 2 and Insecticide
Selection
Pest ID & Management 3 (AFL)
Insect Pest Management,
Discussion on Silent Spring
Chapters 7-8
What makes a plant a weed?
Weed life cycles and weed seeds
Pest ID & Management 4 (AFL)
Herbicide Mode of Action,
Discussion on Silent Spring Ch.
6
Quiz 3. Herbicide Use and
Selection
Career Fair – No Class
Pest ID & Management Exam
(KH 226)
Review Quiz 3. Managing to
minimize weed success 1
Managing to minimize weed
success 2, Discussion on Silent
Spring Ch. 9-10
Pesticide Formulation, Adjuvants
and Application Terminology
Characteristics of Pesticide
Formulations and Adjuvants,
mixing order (KH 226)
Fall Break
Quiz 4. Plant Pathogens
Review Quiz 4. Plant pathogen
survival and Disease
WO post: Principles of Field Crop Pest Ecology / Extension &
Company Pest Resource Summaries due
Silent Spring Ch. 1-2; FCSM pp. 3-4, 179-181 / Silent Spring
Ch. 1-2 question set
Sep 3
Sep 4
Sept 7
Sep 9
Sep 1025
Sep 10
Sep 11
Sep 14
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 21
Sep 23
Sep 24
Sep 25
Sep 28
Sep 30
Oct 1
Oct 2
Oct 5
Oct 7
Oct 8
Oct 9
Oct 12
Oct 14
Oct 15
Oct 16
Oct 19
Oct 21
FCSM 107-117, 182-184 / Scouting App Review
IPATM pp. 3-4 /
IPATM pp 14, 21 /
EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES
Handout /
Silent Spring Ch 3; IPATM pp 22-23; WO post from Norris et
al. / Silent Spring Ch. 3 question set
IPATM pp. 4-7 /
Pest Handouts / ID quiz
Silent Spring Ch 4-5, WO Post: Insect Ecology and
Management / Silent Spring Ch. 4-5 question set
ID Quiz
Silent Spring Ch 7-8, WO Post: Insect Ecology and
Management / Insecticide Selection Exercise, Silent Spring
Ch. 7-8 question set
IPATM pp. 10-13, FCSM pp 4-6 /
Insect Management Scenarios due
ID Quiz
FCSM pp 207-22, Silent Spring Ch. 6 / Silent Spring Ch. 6
question set due
/ Career Fair Summary due, Herbicide Selection Exercise
due
Silent Spring Ch 9-10 / Silent Spring Ch. 9-10 question set
due
IPATM pp. 14-20, Purdue Extension PPP-31 / Pest
Collections due
Formulation, Adjuvant and Application Terminology quiz /
Integrated Weed Management Scenario due
IPATM pp. 7-10 /
Date
Oct 22
Oct 23
Oct 26
Oct 28
Oct 29
Oct 30
Nov 2
Nov 4
Nov 5
Nov 6
Nov 9
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Nov 16
Nov 18
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 23 –
27
Nov 30
Dec 2
Dec 3
Dec 4
Dec 7
Dec 9
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 14
Topic (Location)
Development
Pesticide Calculations 1 (AFL)
Fungicide Mode of Action and
Use, Discussion of Silent Spring
Ch 11-12
Managing crops to minimize
disease development
Nozzle Technology
Sprayer Components & Sprayer
Nozzle Selection (AFL)
Wildlife Pest Ecology and
Management
Quiz 5. Pesticide Risk
Review Quiz 5. Discussion on
Silent Spring Ch 13-14
Sprayer Calibration 1 (AFL)
Pesticides and Human Health,
Protecting Self and Family
Pesticide Handling, Storage and
Disposal, Worker Protection
Standards
Pesticide Labels and Safety Data
Sheets
Sprayer Calibration 2
Pesticide Laws and Record
Keeping, Discussion on Silent
Spring Ch 15-16
Quiz 6.
Reading/Assignment Due
IPATM pp. 64-66, 72-76
Silent Spring Ch 11-12, Field Crop Fungicides for the North
Central US / Silent Spring Ch. 11-12 question set
/ Fungicide Selection Exercise due
IPATM pp. 69-72, TeeJet Catalog / Silent Spring Ch. 13
IPATM pp. 67-69, TeeJet Catalog; Pesticide Calculations 1
/ Disease Management Scenarios due
IPATM pp 31-34
Silent Spring Ch 13-14 / Silent Spring Ch 13-14 questions
due
IPATM pp 35-45
IPATM pp 45-52, 95-96
IPATM pp 24-31
Sprayer Calibration 1 calculations due
Silent Spring Ch 15-16, IPATM pp 82-97 / Silent Spring Ch
15-16 questions due
Review Quiz 6. Unintended
consequences: Resistance,
Resurgence and Replacement
Granular Applicator Calibration /
Pesticide Calculations 2
Managing to Prevent Resistance.
Discussion of Silent Spring Ch
17
Thanksgiving break
IPATM pp 22-23, FCSM pp 231-234 / Pesticide label
question set due
Environmental Fate of Pesticides
1
Environmental Fate of Pesticides
2
Calculations and Calibration
Exam (KH 226)
Pesticide Discovery and
Development
Quiz 7. Rachel Carson’s Silent
Spring
Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring
TBA
Review Quiz 7. The future of IPM
FINAL EXAM,
10:00 -11:50 a.m.,
Knoblauch 152
IPATM pp 53-62, FCSTM pp 222-227 / Silent Spring
Reflection Paper
IPATM pp 53-62, FCSTM pp 222-227
Sprayer Calibration 2 calculations due
Silent Spring Ch 17, FCSM pp 231-234;
Silent Spring Ch 17 questions due
Pesticide Calculations 2 due
Purdue Extension PPP-71
/ Course evaluation
August 24, 2015