M9 Lecture Recordings and Videos on Pesticides & Fertilizers

Introduction to Pesticides

This introductory lecture on pesticide defines “pests” and “pesticides” with examples. It describes agricultural and non-agricultural usage of pesticides and then classifies pesticides by the pests they control and by their chemical makeup. Historic usage and trends of different types of pesticides in California are presented in side-by-side figures and analyzed.

Classification of Pesticides by Their Chemical Makeup

There are four major classes of pesticides classified by their chemical make-up. These are: organophosphates, organocarbamates, organochlorides, and pyrethroids. Each of these types of pesticides are explained in more depth by describing their specific applications, modes of action in killing the pests, and their environmental impact.

Exposure to Pesticides

How do pesticides enter in the water cycle? What is the Pesticide Cycle? By answering these questions, you will be able to elucidate what happens to pesticides once they are applied to crops or in used for other applications. As pesticides spread in environment, all organisms are exposed via different pathways. This lecture presentation explains these pathways and identify individuals who are more at risk and why.

Methods of Pest Control and Pesticide Resistance

This video explores what Integrated Pest Management or IPM is and the various methods in IPM utilized to control pests. How can pests become resistant to pesticides? Is IPM effective in preventing pesticide resistance? This video will attempt to answer these questions.

Fertilizers

In this lecture, the major differences between organic fertilizers and synthetic/inorganic fertilizers are explained. To ensure proper growth and reproduction, plants need both macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients. These two types of nutrients are explained with emphasis on the role of macro-nutrients. The terms NPK as it applies to fertilizers are explained with visual aide. Finally, the environmental consequences of fertilizers are explained with emphasis on eutrophication and ocean dead zones.