Integrated Weed Management Systems
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
Building on students' prior foundational knowledge, this course provides advanced training in the ecology and integrated management of weed flora in herbaceous cropping systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the dynamics of weed community development, as well as on monitoring systems and modeling tools for analyzing weed populations, supporting decision-making, and optimizing control strategies.
The course also addresses advanced approaches to integrating preventive measures with chemical, physical, and biological control methods, applied at both uniform and site-specific scales. These strategies are discussed in relation to improving resistance management, minimizing environmental impacts, and reducing risks to human health.
In addition, the course includes hands-on activities in both field and computer lab settings, aimed at strengthening students' ability to use monitoring tools, modeling techniques, and image analysis for the development of optimized weed management plans.
The course also addresses advanced approaches to integrating preventive measures with chemical, physical, and biological control methods, applied at both uniform and site-specific scales. These strategies are discussed in relation to improving resistance management, minimizing environmental impacts, and reducing risks to human health.
In addition, the course includes hands-on activities in both field and computer lab settings, aimed at strengthening students' ability to use monitoring tools, modeling techniques, and image analysis for the development of optimized weed management plans.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
· Apply methods for the identification and quantitative assessment of actual and potential weed flora.
· Conduct weed surveys, calculate eco-physiological and biological spectra, and estimate equivalent weed density.
· Analyze weed community dynamics and crop-weed competition based on species traits and agronomic management practices.
· Use floristic survey data within decision support systems (DSS) and simulation models describing weed growth, development, and competitive interactions with crops.
· Evaluate advanced agronomic, chemical, physical, and mechanical methods for weed prevention and control.
· Apply integrated weed management principles in conventional, conservation, and organic herbaceous cropping systems, with particular attention to herbicide resistance management.
· Identify and monitor weed populations using image acquisition and analysis techniques.
· Develop infestation and prescription maps for site-specific weed control interventions.
· Apply methods for the identification and quantitative assessment of actual and potential weed flora.
· Conduct weed surveys, calculate eco-physiological and biological spectra, and estimate equivalent weed density.
· Analyze weed community dynamics and crop-weed competition based on species traits and agronomic management practices.
· Use floristic survey data within decision support systems (DSS) and simulation models describing weed growth, development, and competitive interactions with crops.
· Evaluate advanced agronomic, chemical, physical, and mechanical methods for weed prevention and control.
· Apply integrated weed management principles in conventional, conservation, and organic herbaceous cropping systems, with particular attention to herbicide resistance management.
· Identify and monitor weed populations using image acquisition and analysis techniques.
· Develop infestation and prescription maps for site-specific weed control interventions.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
· Course Introduction: Overview of the course syllabus, teaching methods, course schedule, and organization of practical activities. (Lecture: 1 hour)
Module I: Biology, Ecophysiology, Phenology, and Diagnosis of Potential and Actual Weed Flora
· Weed Classification Methods: Botanical, biological, ecophysiological, and ecological approaches to the classification of weed communities. (Lecture: 1 hour)
· Phenology and Temporal Development: Systematic application of the BBCH phenological scale to describe weed development. Estimation and modelling of weed growth based on thermal time (growing degree days). (Lecture: 1.5 hours; Computer lab: 1 hour)
· Practical Identification of Major Weed Species: Identification of the main weed species affecting agricultural crops at different phenological stages, with particular emphasis on seedlings, seeds, and vegetative propagules through hands-on pot-based identification activities. (Lecture: 2 hours; Field practical: 8 hours)
· Assessment of the Potential Weed Flora: Agronomic and laboratory techniques for quantifying the soil seed bank, including seedling emergence methods and physical seed extraction from soil samples. (Lecture: 2 hours; Field practical: 8 hours)
Module II: Digital Monitoring, Sensing, and Decision Support Systems (DSS)
· Remote-Assisted Weed Scouting: Use of remote sensing data (UAV/drone imagery and satellite imagery) to optimize the spatial and temporal organization of field weed scouting, identifying priority locations and critical monitoring periods. (Field and computer laboratory: 8 hours)
· Survey of the Actual Weed Flora: Field sampling and monitoring techniques for assessing weed populations in agricultural crops. (Lecture: 1 hour; Field practical: 3 hours)
· Analysis of Monitoring Data: Classification of surveyed weed species and calculation of the ecophysiological and biological spectra of weed communities. (Lecture: 0.5 hours; Computer lab: 1 hour)
· Crop Yield Loss Modelling: Calculation of Equivalent Weed Density. Predictive assessment of agronomic and economic risk based on field weed surveys to determine the need for weed control interventions. (Lecture: 1 hour; Computer lab: 1 hour)
Module III: Weed Management Strategies and Control Techniques
· Integrated Weed Management (IWM): Integration of preventive (crop rotation, cover crops), mechanical (tillage, inter-row cultivation), and chemical methods for weed management across different cropping systems. (Lecture: 1 hour)
· Biological and Agroecological Weed Management: Organic farming and agroecological approaches excluding synthetic chemicals; use of biological, physical, and mechanical control methods; intercropping and weed suppression through crop density and competitiveness management. (Lecture: 1 hour)
· Selection of Weed Control Strategies: Criteria for selecting chemical or mechanical weed control approaches (pre-sowing, pre-emergence, and post-emergence) according to crop type, weed flora, and field history. (Lecture: 1 hour)
· Herbicide Resistance Management and Herbicide-Resistant Cropping Systems: Selection criteria for herbicides targeting resistant weed biotypes. Agronomic management and guidelines for the sustainable use of herbicide-resistant/tolerant cropping systems (e.g., Clearfield® and Provisia® technologies) to prevent the evolution of herbicide-resistant weed populations. (Lecture: 1 hour)
· Responsible Use of Herbicides: Advanced use of official pesticide databases. Interpretation and application of herbicide labels, including rates, restrictions, and environmental requirements. (Lecture: 1 hour)
· Precision and Site-Specific Agriculture: Integration of weed scouting and remote sensing data for the generation of prescription maps. Site-specific and variable-rate application (VRA) technologies for targeted herbicide application and intelligent inter-row cultivation. (Lecture: 1 hour; Computer lab: 8 hours)
Module I: Biology, Ecophysiology, Phenology, and Diagnosis of Potential and Actual Weed Flora
· Weed Classification Methods: Botanical, biological, ecophysiological, and ecological approaches to the classification of weed communities. (Lecture: 1 hour)
· Phenology and Temporal Development: Systematic application of the BBCH phenological scale to describe weed development. Estimation and modelling of weed growth based on thermal time (growing degree days). (Lecture: 1.5 hours; Computer lab: 1 hour)
· Practical Identification of Major Weed Species: Identification of the main weed species affecting agricultural crops at different phenological stages, with particular emphasis on seedlings, seeds, and vegetative propagules through hands-on pot-based identification activities. (Lecture: 2 hours; Field practical: 8 hours)
· Assessment of the Potential Weed Flora: Agronomic and laboratory techniques for quantifying the soil seed bank, including seedling emergence methods and physical seed extraction from soil samples. (Lecture: 2 hours; Field practical: 8 hours)
Module II: Digital Monitoring, Sensing, and Decision Support Systems (DSS)
· Remote-Assisted Weed Scouting: Use of remote sensing data (UAV/drone imagery and satellite imagery) to optimize the spatial and temporal organization of field weed scouting, identifying priority locations and critical monitoring periods. (Field and computer laboratory: 8 hours)
· Survey of the Actual Weed Flora: Field sampling and monitoring techniques for assessing weed populations in agricultural crops. (Lecture: 1 hour; Field practical: 3 hours)
· Analysis of Monitoring Data: Classification of surveyed weed species and calculation of the ecophysiological and biological spectra of weed communities. (Lecture: 0.5 hours; Computer lab: 1 hour)
· Crop Yield Loss Modelling: Calculation of Equivalent Weed Density. Predictive assessment of agronomic and economic risk based on field weed surveys to determine the need for weed control interventions. (Lecture: 1 hour; Computer lab: 1 hour)
Module III: Weed Management Strategies and Control Techniques
· Integrated Weed Management (IWM): Integration of preventive (crop rotation, cover crops), mechanical (tillage, inter-row cultivation), and chemical methods for weed management across different cropping systems. (Lecture: 1 hour)
· Biological and Agroecological Weed Management: Organic farming and agroecological approaches excluding synthetic chemicals; use of biological, physical, and mechanical control methods; intercropping and weed suppression through crop density and competitiveness management. (Lecture: 1 hour)
· Selection of Weed Control Strategies: Criteria for selecting chemical or mechanical weed control approaches (pre-sowing, pre-emergence, and post-emergence) according to crop type, weed flora, and field history. (Lecture: 1 hour)
· Herbicide Resistance Management and Herbicide-Resistant Cropping Systems: Selection criteria for herbicides targeting resistant weed biotypes. Agronomic management and guidelines for the sustainable use of herbicide-resistant/tolerant cropping systems (e.g., Clearfield® and Provisia® technologies) to prevent the evolution of herbicide-resistant weed populations. (Lecture: 1 hour)
· Responsible Use of Herbicides: Advanced use of official pesticide databases. Interpretation and application of herbicide labels, including rates, restrictions, and environmental requirements. (Lecture: 1 hour)
· Precision and Site-Specific Agriculture: Integration of weed scouting and remote sensing data for the generation of prescription maps. Site-specific and variable-rate application (VRA) technologies for targeted herbicide application and intelligent inter-row cultivation. (Lecture: 1 hour; Computer lab: 8 hours)
Prerequisites for admission
- Agronomy and Field Crops
Teaching methods
The course adopts a competency-based approach aimed at developing practical skills. Classroom lectures are integrated with case-study discussions and extensive practical activities, including:
1. Field activities for direct weed surveys and the integration of remote sensing technologies.
2. Laboratory and greenhouse activities for soil seed extraction, seedling emergence tests, and weed identification using potted specimens.
3. Computer laboratory sessions focusing on the use of official pesticide databases, predictive models (Equivalent Weed Density and thermal time models), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), orthophoto processing, and prescription map generation.
1. Field activities for direct weed surveys and the integration of remote sensing technologies.
2. Laboratory and greenhouse activities for soil seed extraction, seedling emergence tests, and weed identification using potted specimens.
3. Computer laboratory sessions focusing on the use of official pesticide databases, predictive models (Equivalent Weed Density and thermal time models), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), orthophoto processing, and prescription map generation.
Teaching Resources
- Lecture slides and practical exercise materials available on the Ariel teaching platform.
- Recommended books:
1) Catizone, P., & Zanin, G. (2001). Malerbologia. Pàtron.
2) Covarelli, G. (1995). Principles of Weed Control. Edagricole.
3) Montemurro, P., & Viggiani, P. (2024). Integrated Weed Management in Agricultural Crops. Edagricole.
- Recommended books:
1) Catizone, P., & Zanin, G. (2001). Malerbologia. Pàtron.
2) Covarelli, G. (1995). Principles of Weed Control. Edagricole.
3) Montemurro, P., & Viggiani, P. (2024). Integrated Weed Management in Agricultural Crops. Edagricole.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment consists of an oral examination including:
1. Presentation and discussion of a report based on the practical activities carried out during the laboratory and field sessions.
2. Oral questions covering the theoretical components of the course.
Examination topics will reflect the contents covered throughout the course, allowing students to demonstrate both general and advanced knowledge of weed science, with particular emphasis on sustainable weed management in cropping systems.
During the oral examination, students will be evaluated on their knowledge of the subject, clarity of presentation, analytical and critical thinking skills, and appropriate use of technical terminology.
Final grades are awarded on a 30-point scale.
Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or disabilities are invited to contact the course instructor by email at least 15 days before the scheduled examination to arrange any necessary individualized accommodations. The email should also include the relevant University support service in CC:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
1. Presentation and discussion of a report based on the practical activities carried out during the laboratory and field sessions.
2. Oral questions covering the theoretical components of the course.
Examination topics will reflect the contents covered throughout the course, allowing students to demonstrate both general and advanced knowledge of weed science, with particular emphasis on sustainable weed management in cropping systems.
During the oral examination, students will be evaluated on their knowledge of the subject, clarity of presentation, analytical and critical thinking skills, and appropriate use of technical terminology.
Final grades are awarded on a 30-point scale.
Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or disabilities are invited to contact the course instructor by email at least 15 days before the scheduled examination to arrange any necessary individualized accommodations. The email should also include the relevant University support service in CC:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
AGRI-02/A - Agronomy and Field Crops - University credits: 4
Field activity: 16 hours
Computer classroom exercises : 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Computer classroom exercises : 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professors:
Marino Gallina Pietro, Ragaglini Giorgio
Shifts:
Professor(s)