University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Host Plant Resistance

Entomology 496D/896D

Who's It For?

Lots of people can benefit from Host Plant Resistance.

This course will be of interest to students of agronomy, biology, entomology, crop production, horticulture, plant pathology, weed science, and environmental studies. Teachers of science, biology, and agriculture can benefit, as can crop consultants, extension educators, seedsmen, field and production agronomists and biotechnology specialists. Anyone who wishes to learn more about the techniques, screening, development, and deployment of plants with genes for resistance to insects, plant pathogens, and herbicide tolerance can benefit.

Here's What You'll Gain

When you complete this eight week course, you'll learn:

How plants can defend themselves naturally
How insects have adapted to overcome these mechanisms through coevolution
How to screen and breed for insect resistance
The relationship of plant resistance to insects in an integrated pest management (IPM) system
The major sources of genes for resistance: native genes and transgenes
How to compare the development of insect resistance with plant pathogen resistance and herbicide tolerance

Here's How It Works:

For eight weeks, you'll receive a videotape containing two or three one-hour entomology sessions that incorporate current, up-to-date information. The tapes are yours to keep. You can stop, rewind, fast forward, and review each lecture as many times as you wish.

Each videotape will be indexed with the major topics it discusses. And if you have Internet access, you can discuss class materials with other class members through email.

You can also watch the classes presented via Internet video streaming. Each new class will run and you can log on at your own convenience. Each class session will be available on the Internet for seven days.

References, assignments, and other course materials will be available through a special web site for the course.

Here's What You Do

Subscribe. Call 1-800-755-7765 for a registration packet.
Watch the Internet programs or the VHS videotape you VS each week. Check the web site for other class materials.
Take the tests and quizzes to test your knowledge. Answers will be emailed or sent with the next tape. Grade yourself unless you are taking the course for credit. If something isn't clear, watch the tape again.

The Textbook

Everyone registering for the course is required to purchase the textbook, which is Host Plant Resistance to Insects by N. Panda and G.S. Khush. Most of the lectures will be supported by readings from this book. It is available through the University Bookstore and can be ordered using Visa, Mastercard, or check by calling the bookstore at (402)472-7300. Ask for the Textbook Department and identify yourself as a distance education student.

To Participate Via the Internet

To participate via the internet your computer needs a World Wide Web browser, sound card, and at least a 28.8 baud rate phone modem access to the Internet. You can download the RealVideo player free. "How To" information will be sent upon registration in the course.

About The Instructor

John E. Foster is a professor of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has served the University as Department Head and is currently Interim Dean and Director of International Programs in Agriculture. Dr. Foster also received the 1998 UN-L Sigma Xi Outstanding Scientist Award.

In addition to teaching the Host Plant Resistance course, he teaches an insect genetics course at UN-L. For over 30 years, he has served as an extension and research entomologist with a specialization in plant resistance to insects in field crops. He has worked on nine different crops and has co-developed several insect resistant germplasm and cultivar releases. He has served as a consultant to seed companies, biotechnology companies, and international research institutions developing both native and transgenic insect resistant plants.

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