Modul M.Agr.0175 Plant-Herbivore Interactions (Experimental course, 3 ECTS)

Coordinator
Prof. Dr. M. Rostas, Department of Crop Science, Division of Agricultural Entomolgy
Language
English
Type of instruction
Practical
Frequency
SoSe
Instructors
Prof. Dr. M. Rostas

Contents
The practical complements the lecture "Plant Herbivore Interactions" and deals with the interactions
between (crop) plants and herbivore insects. The theoretical knowledge acquired in the lecture will be deepened. Students will learn experimental methods used in chemical ecology/ agricultural entomology. Different defense strategies used by plants against herbivores will be examined. The relevance of predators and parasitoids for the management of herbivore insect populations and herewith integrated crop protection will be studied.
Literature: Schoonhoven et al. (2005) Insect-Plant Biology, 2nd Ed., Oxford

Objectives
Students will learn to plan anf carry out experiments, to do the statistic evaluation, interpret and present results graphically. They will be able to isolate and quantify secondary metabolites from plants, which are responsible for signal or/and defense reactions. Students will learn the procedure of bioassays to detect and prove the defense function of secondary metabolites.

Examination
Laboratory protocol will be graded

Maximum number of students
12 students