ALE 5990 (Z2)
Biologically Based IPM
University of Vermont
Fall 2026
Lecture + Lab
Jeffords Hall + UVM Greenhouse
Tuesdays, 9:00 am – 12:45 pm
Course Description:
This applied summer course explores the principles and real-world applications of biological control within integrated pest management (IPM). Students gain hands-on experience with microbial biopesticides, beneficial insects, entomopathogenic fungi, and nematodes as they learn to design and conduct bioassays, release and monitor natural enemies, and analyze field and lab data. The course also introduces cutting-edge topics in IPM innovation, including RNAi, gene editing, and resistance management.
Labs and lectures are complemented by field visits to commercial and research sites using biocontrol tools. Students will engage directly with the challenges and strategies of sustainable pest management through experiments, collaborative assignments, and a final research or case study project.
Course Expectations:
This course is designed for upper-level undergraduate or graduate students with prior coursework in entomology, greenhouse management, agroecology, or a related field. A strong interest in applied pest management and sustainable agriculture is essential. Students will work independently and in teams to culture organisms, interpret data, and critically evaluate biocontrol strategies. Previous experience with experimental design, statistics, or R is helpful but not required — foundational concepts and tools will be introduced throughout the course.
Topics:
This course will cover:
• Fundamentals of classical, augmentative, and conservation biological control
• Culturing and applying Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium, and microbial biopesticides
• Bioassay design, data collection, and statistical analysis
• Releasing and monitoring natural enemies in field and greenhouse systems
• Resistance management, habitat manipulation, and compatible IPM practices
• Regulatory frameworks and commercialization of biocontrol products
• Emerging technologies in pest management, including RNAi and gene editing
Biologically Based IPM
University of Vermont
Fall 2026
Lecture + Lab
Jeffords Hall + UVM Greenhouse
Tuesdays, 9:00 am – 12:45 pm
Course Description:
This applied summer course explores the principles and real-world applications of biological control within integrated pest management (IPM). Students gain hands-on experience with microbial biopesticides, beneficial insects, entomopathogenic fungi, and nematodes as they learn to design and conduct bioassays, release and monitor natural enemies, and analyze field and lab data. The course also introduces cutting-edge topics in IPM innovation, including RNAi, gene editing, and resistance management.
Labs and lectures are complemented by field visits to commercial and research sites using biocontrol tools. Students will engage directly with the challenges and strategies of sustainable pest management through experiments, collaborative assignments, and a final research or case study project.
Course Expectations:
This course is designed for upper-level undergraduate or graduate students with prior coursework in entomology, greenhouse management, agroecology, or a related field. A strong interest in applied pest management and sustainable agriculture is essential. Students will work independently and in teams to culture organisms, interpret data, and critically evaluate biocontrol strategies. Previous experience with experimental design, statistics, or R is helpful but not required — foundational concepts and tools will be introduced throughout the course.
Topics:
This course will cover:
• Fundamentals of classical, augmentative, and conservation biological control
• Culturing and applying Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium, and microbial biopesticides
• Bioassay design, data collection, and statistical analysis
• Releasing and monitoring natural enemies in field and greenhouse systems
• Resistance management, habitat manipulation, and compatible IPM practices
• Regulatory frameworks and commercialization of biocontrol products
• Emerging technologies in pest management, including RNAi and gene editing