Distance Learning Weed Control Course
"Learn how to identify and control weeds".
This course provides valuable learning for land managers, farmers, gardeners, orchardists, market gardeners, landscapers, spray contractors, nurserymen or anone else concerned with the control of weeds.
Duration: 100 hours
COURSE STRUCTURE
The course is divided into 8 lessons as follows:
1. Weed Identification: review of the system of plant identification, general characteristics of the weeds, further information, contacts, etc.
2. Weed Control Methods: practical research on management of weeds, understanding terminology and the use of mulches
3. Chemical Weed Control: review of commercial and domestic herbicides, determining what differentiates them, their availability and use.
4. Weed Control In Specific Situations: understanding weed control strategies for particular situations, accessing first hand information about weed control from industry leaders and determining a weed control program for five different sites.
5. Safe Chemical Application: reviewing what types of chemicals and application methods are used in the industry and the required safety procedures for the handling and administrating chemical herbicides.
6. Non-Chemical Weed Control: determining any detrimental effects chemical herbicides have on the environment, reviewing non-chemical applications and their effectiveness.
7. Dealing With Specific Weed Control Problems: looking at current industry practices for weed control and the effects on the environment, in relation to specific weed control problems.
8. Developing A Major Weed Control Program: a practical lesson where the student can fully demonstrate their understanding of weed control by devising a weed management plan for a designated area.
What qualification will I achieve for completing this course?
This is an individual module course. The individual module courses are 100 hour long usually and can be taken on their own or as part of a larger program of study.
If you wish to take an individual module course as a stand alone course, you can elect to sit an optional exam at the end of it.
If you successfully pass the exam and all assignments, you will receive a Statement of Attainment. You can take examinations at a time and location to suit you. If you enrol, you will be sent further information on how to arrange examinations at the end of the course.
If you do not wish to take the exam, you will receive a Course Completion letter when you have passed all assignments.
There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. So for example, if an individual module course contains ten lessons, you will need to complete ten assignments. Assignments can be sent to us via email, post or fax.
Other qualifications, such as certificates, diplomas etc may require examinations to be taken as part of the overall assessment process.
You can find further information on the examinations process by clicking on the “Enrolment” link above.
You can find further information on other courses by clicking on the “Courses” link above.
AIMS
Distinguish between different types of weeds, and identify common weed species, growing in your locality. Explain the characteristics of different weed control methods. Explain the use of chemical herbicides to control weeds. Specify appropriate weed control methods, for different types of situations. Determine appropriate techniques for the safe application of chemical herbicide in a specific situation. Explain different non-chemical weed control methods. Devise appropriate methods for control of weeds, for specific problems, in both the horticultural and agricultural industries Determine a detailed weed control program for a significant weed problem. EXAPLES OF WHAT YOU MAY DO IN THIS COURSE
* Observe and consider over 100 different varieties of weeds and prepare plant review sheets for different weed plants.
*Make up a list of information resources.
*Plant, grow and observe different varieties of weeds.
*Make drawings of young seedlings of at least fifteen different weeds.
*Speak/interview people who have to deal with weed control in their daily life.
*Visit a nursery, garden shop or hardware store that sells herbicides to the public.
*Visit at least one supplier of herbicides for industrial and agricultural use.
*Contact larger chemical companies for leaflets on different herbicides.
*Investigate at least two workplaces where weed control programs are regularly carried out.
*Visit and inspect different sites where weeds are a problem.
*Photograph different places that have been treated with weedicides.
*Contact your local Department of Agriculture or Lands Department for researching purposes.
*Visit several farmers who raise different types of livestock.
*Develop a 12 month guideline for an integrated weed control program for a particular site
How Weedicides Work
There are a number of ways in which weedicides act on plants. Examples of these include:
· Disruption of Cellular Membranes
These are fast acting weedicides, causing the cells of the plant to rupture, similar to what naturally occurs during a heavy frost. As the cells have been affected, they cannot continue to function properly, and die quickly. Weedicides that function this way include Paraquat, Diquat and petroleum oil based weedicides.
· Auxin Effect
Auxin is a growth hormone, and in the case of these types of weedicides, they cause the plant to grow very quickly. The rate of growth causes the plant to become distorted and eventually to die, usually in about 14 days. Depending on the type of chemical used, the growth can occur in either the leaves or the roots of the plant.
Weedicides that function this way include 2,4-D and Modown.
· Metabolic
These weedicides affect the metabolism of the plant. Some types promote the plants metabolism, causing it to grow quickly and as a result, causing other natural functions of the plant to slow down. (It is different from the Auxin effect, which promotes growth to distort the plant. The quick growth with metabolic chemicals allows the chemical to attack and slow down other growth functions). Some types of metabolic weedicides inhibit the functions of the plant, without causing any quick growth. Some inhibit protein synthesis or root growth, while others inhibit the plant growth. Weedicides that function through metabolic means include arsenic based types, Roundup, Carbyne and Sutan.
· Photosynthesis
These weedicides act on the plant's ability to photosynthesize. Weedicides that function this way include Lorox, Sencor, Probe and Weedazol.
Not all weedicides work on all types of plants. The chemical structure of the weedicide changes when it makes contact with the plant. Some plants can inactivate a weedicide and therefore are not affected by it. Other plants will absorb or react to the weedicide, causing the plant to die. This is the reason why some chemicals are selective in what they will kill and others are non-selective.
More Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses
Who are our tutors?
Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “The School” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.
Sample Course Notes
Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.
What learning method should I choose?
We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Enrolment” box above, then “Learning Methods.”
How Long will it take to complete the course?
This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.
Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”
What Do Our Students think of us?
If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.
I don’t think this is the right course for me.
If you’re not sure about this course, then why not look at our wide range of other courses. Click on the “Courses” box above.
You may also wish to design your own course to fit in with exactly what YOU want. To do so, click on the “Enrolment” box, then “Design your Own Course”.
If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk
Recognition and Accreditation
For more information on our recognition and accreditation, click on “The School”, then “Recognition”.
Who is ACS Distance Education?
If you want to know more about ACS and our history, then please click on “The School”, then “About us.”
OUR TUTORS
Dr. Gareth Pearce BSc(Hons), BVSc, MA, MVetS, PhD, GradCertEd(HE), PGCertAqVetS, PGCertWLBio&Cons, DiplECPHM, MRCVS. Gareth has over 25 years of experience in teaching and research in agriculture, veterinary medicine, wildlife ecology and conservation in a variety of colleges and universities in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. He qualified as a veterinary surgeon at the Universities of Melbourne and Bristol, having previously graduated in Agricultural Science and gained a PhD in Livestock Behaviour and Production. He also has post-graduate qualifications in Education, Wildlife Conservation Medicine, Aquatic Veterinary Studies and Wildlife Biology & Conservation.
Anna Sylvester B.Sc.Hons.(Human Biology), M.Sc.Equine
Marius Erasmus B.Sc.Agric., B.Sc.(Wildlife), M.Sc.Agric.
