The aim is to introduce students to harmful organisms of animal origin (insects, mites, nematodes, snails, rodents and other invertebrate and vertebrate pests) that cause damage to ornamental plants, and to equip them with the knowledge of control methods used against these pests. The course will cover the biology of pests, the forms of damage they cause, and integrated pest management approaches.

The concept of pests in ornamental plants and their economic importance; insect pests and types of damage; mites and their effects on plants; the importance of nematodes in ornamental plants; damage caused by snails and slugs; rodent pests; pest life cycles and population dynamics; cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical control methods; integrated pest management (IPM); pest control strategies for greenhouse and outdoor ornamental plants.