Topics include plant traits that deter or augment insect behavior and development, insect behavioral and physiological counter adaptations, and environmental mediation of these interactions. Possible implications of basic plant - insect interaction theory to natural resource management, environmental quality, and sustainable development are considered. Botany 151 and 152 or equivalent. The objective is to provide students with a basis for recognizing, diagnosing, and managing insect and disease problems of forests and tree plantations. The general principles of plant pathology, entomology, and pest management are introduced, followed by descriptions of the specific insects and disease agents involved.
Lectures emphasize the integration of life history information with available control options.
Laboratory sessions emphasize recognition of insects, microorganisms, and symptoms. Field trips are intended to provide first-hand experience with insect and disease problems under actual growing conditions. This course seeks to provide the student with an overview of the functional categories of insect behavior, and to investigate the taxonomic distribution and ecological correlates of behavioral specializations within the Class Insecta. Current areas of both empirical and theoretical behavioral research are examined. The course begins with individual behavior and proceeds through intraspecific nonsocial interactions, social behavior, and coevolved interspecific relationships.