Principles of Weed Science – PLSC 3233 credits

      Instructor: Jen Obrigewitch

      Office: 100F or Agrosecurity Office, West Campus

      Office Phone: 483-2325  Fax: 483-2055

      Home Phone: 565-2369 Cell: 260-2108

      Email: jen.obrigewitch@dickinsonstate.edu

      Class Time: As pre-described as in the Fall or Spring schedule

      Office Hours: Tues, Wed, Thurs. Catch me if you can or call to make an appointment.

      Text: Applied Weed Science by Ross & Lembi

            Weeds of the West by Whitson et al. 

Private applicator training packets (or commercial packets). These will be available at a later date from the instructor or Bev at the DSU Ag Department (private only). There will be a charge.

Course Description

The intent of this course is for the student to learn basic information pertinent to the introduction to biological, chemical, cultural, and mechanical weed control. Students will be familiarized with characteristics of weeds and their identification, pesticides application and dissipation.

Student Learning Outcomes

Institutional

  1. Critical thinking skills. Exemplified by applying basics of identification to real life situations to prevent future problems.
  2. Writing/Technology  Weed characteristics, identification, biological, chemical, cultural, and mechanical control, application and dissipation of pesticides.
  1. Discipline Based Knowledge. Utilize local resources to enhance student learning and encourage students to become privately or commercially certified for pesticide application.

Course

    1. To develop proficiency in biological weed control
    2. To develop basic proficiency in chemical weed control.
    3. To develop basic proficiency in mechanical weed control
    4. To identify weeds and their characteristics.
    5. To attain a private applicator pesticide certification.
    6. To calibrate pesticide application equipment.
    7. To determine pesticide application rates.

Course Content:

General Terminology

Weed Characteristics

Weed Identification

Introduction to Weed Control and Herbicides

Factors Affecting Herbicide Efficacy

Regulatory Aspects of Weed Control

Levels of Success in Weed Suppression

Pesticide Dissipation from the Environment

Student Responsibilities

-Participate in class. Get involved in discussion. ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

-Read or listen to directions carefully and follow them. This is an important life skill!

- DO NOT LEAVE ANY QUESTION BLANK

Make an attempt to answer each question on a quiz/test. This is a no brainer.

-BE OBSERVANT. Make mental notes and pay attention to detail.

          This is an even more important life skill!!

-Take quizzes and exams when they are scheduled. Most quizzes will be in the field and will be impossible to take at a later date. If you must miss a quiz, notify the instructor AHEAD OF TIME. Arrangements may be made for a paper or assignment to make up for the quiz. No make up will be available if arrangements are not made in advance.

-If you must miss a regular class, please inform the instructor as to your reasons and make arrangements to get notes/handouts from the instructor or a fellow classmate.

-If you miss class for a school related activity, do not assume that the instructor is aware of the activity or that you will not be required to make up work missed due to school activities. If the activity involves several students in class, bring it up ahead of time, in class, and we will discuss alternatives.

Evaluation: (approximate)

      Several Plant ID quizzes

      1 midterm and 1 final test

      Possibly a research paper or presentation

      Final test will be the ND Pesticide Certification exam for Private or

      Commmercial Pesticide Application.

A 90-100%, B 80-89%, C 70-79%, D 60-69%, F You can do better than this, can’t you?

Attendance and participation may be used as a factor to tip the scales in favor of or away from a higher letter grade for students on the borderline.