Course in Insect Pest Control Technology for Agricultural Crops

Agriculture plays a vital role in ensuring food security and the sustainable use of natural resources, yet insect pests remain one of the most critical challenges that farmers and agricultural specialists face. These pests directly affect crop yield and quality, often resulting in severe economic losses. With the rapid progress in agricultural sciences, it has become essential to adopt modern technologies in pest control to reduce reliance on harmful chemical pesticides, protect the environment, and safeguard consumer health. Geneva Institute of Business Administration presents this specialized training program entitled “Insect Pest Control Technology for Agricultural Crops”, which aims to equip participants with advanced knowledge and practical approaches to applying scientific methods and modern technologies for sustainable and effective pest management.

Target Audience

• Farmers and agricultural engineers seeking to apply advanced methods for protecting their crops from insect pests.

• Plant protection specialists and agricultural researchers aiming to expand their expertise in pest management.

• Employees in pesticide companies and suppliers of agricultural technology solutions.

• Agricultural extension officers working in government and private institutions.

• Students and graduates of agricultural faculties who wish to gain deeper insights and practical skills in pest control.

Objectives

• Provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of insect pests and their negative impacts on crop productivity and quality.

• Enable participants to learn about the most up-to-date technologies and strategies used in pest control.

• Strengthen participants’ ability to select the most effective and sustainable approaches to minimize pest infestations.

• Develop participant knowledge of eco-friendly and sustainable pest control practices.

• Support agricultural institutions in designing long-term integrated strategies that protect both the environment and agricultural outputs.

Course Outline 

• Introduction to Agricultural Pests

  • Definition of insect pests and their role in agricultural ecosystems.

  • Main biological characteristics and life cycles of crop pests.

  • The relationship between pest outbreaks and environmental factors.

  • Effects of pests on crop yield and product quality.

• Classification of Insect Pests in Agriculture

  • Sap-sucking pests such as aphids and whiteflies.

  • Chewing pests including caterpillars and soil insects.

  • Piercing-sucking pests and their damage to crops.

  • Pests as vectors of plant diseases.

• Pest Monitoring and Surveillance Methods

  • Early detection tools and techniques.

  • Use of light and pheromone traps.

  • Periodic sampling and crop inspection methods.

  • Importance of record keeping for pest management.

• Mechanical and Physical Control

  • Removal of weeds as habitats for pests.

  • Use of protective barriers and crop nets.

  • Application of heat or cold for pest reduction.

  • Modern practices in protected agriculture.

• Biological Pest Control

  • Definition and importance of biological control.

  • Use of natural predators such as ladybirds.

  • Role of parasitoids in pest suppression.

  • Application of beneficial microbes like Bacillus thuringiensis.

• Chemical Pest Control

  • Common categories of insecticides.

  • Guidelines for safe use and recommended dosages.

  • Pest resistance to chemicals and how to reduce it.

  • Regulatory frameworks governing pesticide use.

• Modern Technology in Pest Control

  • Use of remote sensing technologies for pest detection.

  • Applications of drones in crop protection.

  • Smart spraying systems for precision pesticide use.

  • Artificial intelligence in predicting pest outbreaks.

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

  • Concept and objectives of IPM.

  • Combining biological and chemical control methods.

  • Role of good agricultural practices in reducing pests.

  • Strategies to minimize pesticide dependence.

• Environmental and Health Impacts of Pest Control

  • Risks of excessive pesticide application.

  • Effects on non-target organisms and ecosystems.

  • Impact of pesticides on soil and water resources.

  • Health hazards for farmers and consumers.

• Sustainability in Agricultural Pest Control

  • Adoption of environmentally friendly farming practices.

  • Reducing the agricultural sector’s carbon footprint.

  • Promoting biodiversity as a natural defense mechanism.

  • Long-term strategies to maintain agricultural productivity.