This module provides the knowledge and skills required by an honours degree graduate to know and understand the legislation and current best practices underlying the use of a broad range of chemicals and other agents in the treatment of horticultural produce and facilities. The learner will acquire the knowledge and analytical skills to understand the basis of current practice and legislation. They will also be able to advise companies or other agencies on these issues based on this knowledge.
The History of Plant Treatment, fertilisers and Pesticides
The development of modern fertilisers, pesticides, growth regulators and other treatments and their impact on food supply, food security, population growth and dietary habits. Questions on safety and the regulation history of these treatments, the societal debate on the use of pesticides and other plant treatments.
The mechanisms of fertilisers, Pesticides and Plant Treatment
The development of modern pesticides. The mechanisms and basis of pesticide activity. Types and classifications of pesticides. The nature of fertilisers, the mechanisms by which they provide food, nutrients and other required elements. Their interaction with the soil, including various types of soils and its constituent elements. The mechanism for their absorption by plants. Possible dangers in their interaction with humans, animals and other plants. Identified dangers and suspected dangers and long term effects of their use. Issues around the use of plant growth regulators and other common treatments. The use of these treatments in agriculture and in commercial crop production. The nature of safety limits advised for fertilisers, pesticides and other treatments. Advanced methods in dispersal of these treatments. Treatments used for post-harvest logistics. The mechanisms and processes behind attempts at preservation during transportation, storage and at point-of-sale.
Plant Treatment and the Law
Pesticides and the law. Legal framework for the handling and use of fertilisers, pesticides, growth regulators and other chemicals in agriculture, and particularly in commercial crop production. Irish Health and safety regulation on the use of chemicals in commercial crop production, particularly food crops. Legislation in Britain, France and The Netherlands as comparators. European Union legislation. The legal status of plant treatments as potential pollutants in these legal systems.
Plant Treatment in the Horticulture Sector
Standard and non-standard plant treatment processes in a variety of settings, including food plants, nursery production, ornamental plant production and the treatment of horticultural amenities. The implementation of the use of plant treatment processes of the legal and biological/health and safety factors discussed above. The implications of these restrictions on the organisation of safe work practices in a horticultural amenity, food and other crop production facility and in horticultural concerns in general. The training required by staff members of these organisations. The economic implications of such safe practices.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |
| Formal Examination | 70 |