Plant Science 352 – Alien and Invasive Plants
Biology, Ecology and Management
http://plsc352weeds.pbwiki.com/
Fall Term 2008 – Lecture M W F 1000 -1050
Lab T 1400 - 1650
Rm. 113
Agriculture/Forestry Centre
Course Instructor:
Linda Hall
Laboratory Instructor:
Vanessa Kavanagh
416 C Agriculture/Forestry
Phone: 492-3281
Email: linda.hall@ualberta.ca
416J Agriculture/Forestry
Phone: Not Available
Email: vanessa.kavanagh@ualberta.ca
Plant Science 352 combines both theoretical concepts and practical
knowledge of weed biology, ecology and management applicable to
students in both agricultural and environmental sciences. On
completing the course, students will be able to identify common weeds
and invasive plants of Western Canada by sight and know their life
cycles, growth habits, reproductive characteristics, occurrence and
adaptation. Additionally, students will have an understanding of control
options embracing preventative, cultural, biological and chemical control
methods including knowledge of the mode of action of herbicides and
their fate in the environment. Current research, hands-on exercises and
real-life examples will be used throughout the course to illustrate and
underscore the principles of integrated weed management.
Course Outline
COURSE OVERVIEW
1. Introduction
a. Course Structure; Expectations; Assignments
b. Definitions and Perceptions of Weeds
WEED BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
2. Classification of Weeds
a. Weeds as cultural artifacts
b. Groupings according to kind and occurrence
3. Characteristics and Growth Habits of Weeds
a. The idiotypic weed
4. Life Cycles and Reproductive Biology
a. Asexual vs. Sexual reproduction
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b. Mating systems
c. Relevance to Weed Management Systems
5. Dispersal Mechanisms of weed propagules
6. Seed banks
a. Dormancy and longevity
b. Periodicity of Germination
c. Germination Requirements and Seedling Recruitment
7. Invasive Species and Alien Invaders
a. Principles of invasiveness
b. Environmental implications
8. Crop/Weed Interference
a. Principles of competition
b. Factors influencing competitiveness
9. Acts, Regulations and Organizations
a. Federal Seeds Act
i. Weed Seeds Order
b. Canadian Food Inspection Agency
c. Canadian Seed Growers Association
& Canadian Seed Institute
d. Provincial Weed Control Act
i. Weed Designation Regulation
ii. Seed Cleaning Plant Regulation
e. Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act
WEED CONTROL, PRINCIPLES AND TOOLS
10. Biological control
a. Principles of classical biocontrol
b. Current status
c. Weeds, bugs, mice and men
11. Cultural and Management Practices influencing weed
populations
a. Crop rotations
b. Direct Seeding & Tillage
c. Grazing systems & Reclamation practices
12. How Herbicides Work
a. Introduction to herbicides
b. Uptake, translocation and metabolism
c. Herbicide groups
13. Factors affecting herbicide performance
a. Plant growth stage and timing of application
b. Environmental factors
14. Herbicide formulation and application
15. Impact of herbicides on the environment
a. Herbicides in soil
b. Environmental fate of herbicides
c. Toxicology
16. Herbicide resistance in weeds
17. Herbicide resistant crops
18. Reducing herbicide use
a. Estimating crop losses from weeds
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b. Strategies to reduce herbicide use
c. Crop scouting exercise
INTEGRATED PRACTICES – COMBINING MANAGED
SYSTEMS, BIOLOGY AND CONTROL
19. Principles of integrated weed management
20. Weeds in Rangelands
21. Weed control in reclaimed areas
22. Weeds in Forages (Guest Lecture, Dan Cole, AAFRD)
23. Weeds in Canola
24. Weed Control in Organic Systems
Required Texts:
Bubar, C.J., S.J. McColl and L.M. Hall. 2000. Weeds of the Prairies.
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. 266 pp.
Weed Seedling Guide: Early Identification of Grass and Broad-leaved
Weeds. 1996. Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. 62 pp.
Hall, L.M., H. Beckie and T.M. Wolf. 1999. How Herbicides Work:
Biology to Application. Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural
Development. 134 pp.
Grading Scheme:
Examination
Lecture
Mid-term Exam
Class Projects
Final Exam
Laboratory
Bi-weekly quizzes
Lab Final Exam
Total
% of Grade
Date
15
15
35
October 17, 2008
See Class Calendar - Wiiki
Dec 10, 9:00 am
15
20
100
See Class Calendar - Wiiki
December 1, 2008
Grade Distribution:
Grades will be converted to letter grades using a distribution as outlined
in the 2007-2008 University of Alberta Calendar, taking into account
both absolute achievement and relative performance in the class, such
that the median final grade for the class will approximate a B.
Policy respecting late assignments:
For each day an assignment is past the due date, 5% will be deducted
from the student’s grade on that assignment for up to 7 days and for a
maximum deduction of 35%. Assignments will not be accepted if they
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are submitted more than 7 days past the due date in which case a
grade of 0 will be recorded.
In cases where a student has a bona-fide reason for missing a due
date, e.g. illness supported by a medical certificate, the instructors will
exercise discretion in deducting grades. If, for any reason, a student
anticipates being unable to submit an assignment on the due date, s/he
should contact the course advisor as early in advance as possible.
Academic Integrity
“The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of
academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar
with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the
policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged
to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student
Behaviour (www.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm) and avoid any
behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating,
plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence.
Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension
or expulsion from the University.” (GFC 2003)
Code of Student Behaviour
“All students at the University of Alberta are subject to the Code of Student
Behaviour, as outlined at
http://www.ualberta.ca/~unisecr/policy/sec30.html. Please familiarize
yourself with it and ensure that you do not participate in any inappropriate
behavior as defined by the Code. Key components of the code include the
following statements.
30.3.2(1) No Student shall submit the words, ideas, images or data of another
person as the Student’s own in any academic writing, essay, thesis, project,
assignment, presentation or poster in a course or program of study.
30.3.2(2) c. No Student shall represent another’s substantial editorial or
compositional assistance on an assignment as the Student’s own work.”
Just for fun
The Amazing Seed Race
Plant Survivor
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