- Docente: Antonio Martini
- Credits: 5
- SSD: AGR/11
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies (cod. 0878)
Learning outcomes
The student will learn in details the main physiological processes that regulates the insect life, with emphasis on the understanding the mode of action of the different classes of insecticides.
Course contents
Lectures:
Introductory comments.
The integument: structure and functions.
Insect reproduction and embryonic development: male and female reproductive organs; oogenesis and spermatogenesis; egg fertilization and embryonic development.
The nervous system: the nerve cell; signal trasmission; neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Anatomy of insect nervous system.
Sensory system: classification of sensory receptors; meccanoreception; chemioreception: olfactory and gustatory; insect vision.
Endocrine system: hormones and neurhormones; endocrine organs; transport and mode of action of hormones; hormone titer during embryonic and post-embryonic development.
Alimentary canal: anatomy of the gut; digestion and absorption; nutritional requirements.
The circulatory system: anatomy and blood circulation; hemolymph composition and functions.
The excretory system: excretory organs; nitrogenous excretion; water regulation; detoxification.
The muscular system.
Insect secretion with intra- and interspecific significance.
Tracheal system.
Readings/Bibliography
- Lecture notes
- Reference books:
- Nation J.L., Insect Physiology and biochemistry 2nd Edition, CRC Press 2008.
- Chapman R.F., The insect, 4th Ed., Cambridge University Press 1988
Teaching methods
The lectures are supplemented with audio-visual aids.
The course includes laboratory practicals.
Assessment methods
The student will have to take an oral examination
Teaching tools
Videoprojector, PC
Office hours
See the website of Antonio Martini