Weed Sience

The laboratory exercises of the course require teamwork by students in the field used by the Laboratory of Agriculture to assess the frequency, density and uniformity of weeds at preselected points as well as the sample collection / identification of weeds for the preparation of a Weed catalogue/datasheet. In addition, the course consists in laboratory workshops relating to a) the formulations of herbicides, b) the appropriate application of herbicides (dose calculation, types and settings of spray means) and c) the safe use of herbicides.

Objectives

The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to the basic knowledge of biology and ecology of weeds and parasitic plants. Particular emphasis is given to the principles of integrated pest management with the use of cultivation methods and biological, physical and chemical means. Moreover, we study the interactions of weeds with crop (Competition / allelopathy). In addition, the course focuses on the study of herbicides (groups, mechanisms of action, selectivity, fate and behavior in soil, movement on the plant, metabolism) and the advantages-disadvantages of chemical and non-chemical weed control methods. A separate reference is made to the problem of weed resistance to herbicides (and in the prevention and management methods) but also in the ways of proper application of herbicides.

Prerequisites

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Syllabus

1. Weed Ecology and Biology Α’ 2. Weed Ecology and Biology Β’ 3. Workshop in Weed Ecology and Biology 4. Crop-Weed Interactions (Competition) 5. Final assessment of weed affluence 6. Herbicides, plants and soil Α’ 7. Herbicides, plants and soil Β’