2023/2024

The aim of the course is to provide students with the basis for understanding the great biodiversity and importance of insects, particularly in forest environment. Morphology, anatomy and physiology of insects as well as methods for the evaluation and control of harmful insect populations, according to current legislation, will be addressed. In addition, methods are provided for the identification of the main groups and the knowledge of insects that infested the main plant species typical of the forest environment is deepened. The course pursues the following educational objectives: KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING Development of knowledge of the basic principles of general and applied entomology; identification of the most important insects (order level) and comprehension of the role these organisms play in ecosystems. Learning the main monitoring strategies of insects and how to apply them correctly. Knowledge of pest control strategies. Knowledge of the main insects in forest environment. APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING Understanding of experimental approaches to entomology in forest environments discussed in class and their applications to specific cases. MAKING JUDGMENTS Interpretation of entomological issues, in analogy with what was discussed in class. Application of the knowledge acquired in the course to manage the various phytosanitary issues and to preserve taxa of interest. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Use of the correct technical-scientific terminology in the description of the course topics. Synthesis skills and communicative effectiveness in the description of the course topics. LEARNING SKILLS Knowledge of the topics of the course and critical ability to understand the crucial aspects of a phytosanitary problem, how to deal with it, and how to carry out the necessary insights.

Basic skills in biological disciplines

General entomology:
E. Tremblay, 2003. Entomologia applicata. Vol. I, generalità e mezzi di controllo. Liguori Ed. Napoli.
L. Masutti, S. Zangheri, 2001. Entomologia generale e applicata. CEDAM, Padova.
Applied entomology:
A. Pollini, 2002. Manuale di Entomologia Applicata. Edagricole, Bologna.
P. Luciano, P.F. Roversi, 2001. Fillofagi delle querce in Italia. Industrie grafiche Poddighe, Sassari.
A. Battisti et alii., 2013, Lineamenti di zoologia forestale. Padova University Press, Padova.

General part.
Biodiversity and importance of insects, particularly in the forest environment.
Insect morphology: exoskeleton, head, thorax, abdomen, endoskeleton.
Anatomy: circulatory system, digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, sense organs, etc.).
Reproduction and development of insects.
Insect ecology. Social behaviour.
Methods of monitoring and control, of populations. Systematics and phylogeny. Major insect orders and identification using dichotomous keys.
Special part.
Main insects and mites associated with the following plant species:
oak
chestnut
pines, firs and other conifers
beech

Slides provided by the lecturer
For the general entomology:
E. Tremblay, 2003. Entomologia applicata. Vol. I, generalità e mezzi di controllo. Liguori Ed. Napoli.
For the applied entomology:
A. Pollini, 2002. Manuale di Entomologia Applicata. Edagricole, Bologna.
P. Luciano, P.F. Roversi, 2001. Fillofagi delle querce in Italia. Industrie grafiche Poddighe, Sassari.

The course will be held in presence. Field activities will be carried out (2/ 4 hours) during which the student will come into contact with the main entomological issues addressed in the lectures and which concern both the contrast to harmful insects and the protection of organisms of particular ecosystem interest. There will also be classroom microscopy exercises (at least 2 hours) for the observation and identification of the main entomological taxa, applying the knowledge acquired during the lectures. Two (2) hours of the course will be dedicated to the instructions for preparing an entomological collection, consisting of 30 insects that the student will have to present at the exam and on which will be evaluated.

The oral exam begins with the student's presentation of the entomological collection he/she has set up and the insects it contains. In particular, the student will have to be able to identify at order/suborder level the organisms in the collection and provide information on their ecological role. Afterwards, the oral examination will focus on the course programme and on the practical and laboratory activities carried out: in general, one question will be on the general entomology part, one on the main monitoring and/or control methods examined in the lecture, and one on one of the main insects infesting forests.
The final grade will take into account
- the quality of the entomological collection (preparation of the insects, knowledge of the ecology of the organisms present, etc.)
- the student's knowledge acquired on the course programme;
- his or her active participation during the course and related activities;
- the student's manner of expression and mastery of the correct terminology;
- the critical view of entomological issues;
- the overall mastery of the subject (linkage between different topics).

    Mario CONTARINI