Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Integrated Pest Management

• Concepts and principles of Integrated Pest Management

• Pest ecology and population dynamics

• Economic injury levels and action thresholds

• Role of IPM in sustainable agriculture and food security

• Practical Exercise: Identifying common crop pests and beneficial insects

Module 2: Pest Identification, Monitoring & Surveillance

• Major insect pests, diseases, and weeds

• Pest life cycles and damage symptoms

• Field scouting techniques and sampling methods

• Pest forecasting and early warning systems

• Hands-on Session: Pest identification using field samples and images

Module 3: IPM Control Strategies

• Cultural control practices (crop rotation, sanitation, resistant varieties)

• Mechanical and physical control methods

• Biological control and use of natural enemies

• Integration of multiple control strategies

• Workshop: Designing an IPM strategy for selected crops

Module 4: Chemical Control, Safety & Resistance Management

• Principles of safe and selective pesticide use

• Pesticide formulations, application techniques, and calibration

• Integrated resistance management strategies

• Environmental and human health considerations

• Practical Exercise: Developing a pesticide safety and resistance management plan

Module 5: IPM Program Design, Evaluation & Extension

• Developing farm-level and community-level IPM programs

• Monitoring and evaluating IPM effectiveness

• IPM adoption strategies and farmer education approaches

• Policy, regulatory, and certification considerations

• Final Capstone Exercise: Developing a complete IPM plan for a specific crop and production system