The objective of this course is to provide students with a biological basis for recognizing, diagnosing, and managing insects and pathogens affecting multiple uses of forest resources. This course describes the roles insects and pathogens play in natural ecosystem processes such as gap formation, nutrient cycling, and succession, as well as the challenges these biotic stress agents pose to sustainable management. These challenges include tradeoffs among multiple values, economic and environmental consequences of various pest management approaches, and natural resource issues such as biological invasions. The general principles of plant pathology, entomology, and pest management are introduced, followed by descriptions of the specific insects and disease agents involved. This course is structured to provide multiple modalities of learning: Lectures emphasize the integration of life history information with available management options. Laboratory sessions emphasize recognition of insects, microorganisms, and host tree symptoms. Field trips are intended to provide first-hand experience with insect and disease activities and consequent problems under actual growing conditions.

Course Description:

The objective of this course is to provide students with a biological basis for recognizing, diagnosing, and managing insects affecting multiple uses of forest resources. This course describes the roles insects play in natural ecosystem processes such as gap formation, nutrient cycling, and succession, as well as the challenges these biotic stress agents pose to sustainable management. These challenges include tradeoffs among multiple values, economic and environmental consequences of various pest management approaches, and natural resource issues such as biological invasions. The general principles of entomology and pest management are introduced, followed by descriptions of the specific insects involved.

What you will be able to do after completing this course:
1. Know the major insects affecting forest resources, and their biology’s;
2. Understand the roles of insects in basic ecosystem processes and biodiversity;
3. Be able to recognize these agents, and the various signs & symptoms that signify their
presence;
4. Be equipped with management options;

Grading:

Two midterm exams and one final exam each constitute 30% of your grade. Participation constitutes an additional 10%.

Prior exams are available at my lab web page: http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/raffa/
These exams should give you a useful guide as to the types of questions I ask, and to the approximate level of detail with which I have approached this subject matter in prior years.

Online Resources:

All lecture outlines and Power Point Presentations are online at Learn@UW. Please note that these serve different functions, so you should bring both to each class. Also note that these
materials are intended to facilitate your note taking and to illustrate the points I am making in lecture, but they are no substitute.

Course syllabus and overview are at Learn@UW. Readings are also at Learn@UW.

Special Considerations:

If anyone has any special circumstances that require my attention, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate them.
I have no objection to your recording lectures. If you feel that will help you learn the material, feel free to do so.

Contacting Me:

The best way to reach me is by email. I’ll likely reply by setting up a time when we can visit, as I feel face to face meetings are more conducive than email exchanges to understanding this
material.

Syllabus: