Plant Disease Diagnostics & Management: Protect Your Crops From Pathogens

Introduction:

Plant Disease Diagnostics and Management equips agricultural professionals and farmers with the knowledge and skills to accurately identify and effectively control crop diseases. This course focuses on understanding disease symptoms, implementing diagnostic techniques, and developing integrated disease management strategies. Participants will learn to minimize crop losses, enhance yields, and promote sustainable agriculture. By mastering disease management, professionals can safeguard crop health and ensure food security.

Target Audience:

• Farmers and agricultural producers
• Agricultural extension officers and advisors
• Plant pathologists and diagnosticians
• Crop consultants and agronomists
• Researchers and scientists
• Seed producers and distributors
• Integrated pest management (IPM) specialists
• Horticulture professionals
• Agricultural inspectors and auditors
• Sustainability officers
• Agricultural educators
• Students of plant pathology and agriculture
• Individuals interested in crop health management

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principles and benefits of plant disease diagnostics and management.
• Implement techniques for identifying common plant disease symptoms.
• Understand the role of diagnostic tools and techniques in plant disease identification.
• Implement techniques for collecting and submitting plant samples for diagnosis.
• Understand the biology and epidemiology of major plant pathogens.
• Implement techniques for developing integrated disease management (IDM) strategies.
• Understand the role of cultural practices in disease prevention and control.
• Implement techniques for utilizing biological control agents in disease management.
• Understand the role of chemical control in plant disease management.
• Implement techniques for managing pesticide resistance in plant pathogens.
• Understand the role of disease forecasting and early warning systems.
• Understand the economic impact of plant diseases and the benefits of effective management.
• Develop strategies for promoting and implementing sustainable plant disease management practices.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Foundations of Plant Disease Management

• Principles and benefits of effective disease control.
• Understanding the role of diagnostics in crop protection.
• Benefits of integrated disease management strategies.
• Historical context and modern practices.

Module 2: Identifying Plant Disease Symptoms

• Techniques for recognizing common disease symptoms.
• Utilizing visual inspection and field diagnosis.
• Distinguishing between biotic and abiotic disorders.
• Managing symptom documentation and record-keeping.

Module 3: Diagnostic Tools and Techniques

• Understanding the role of laboratory diagnostics.
• Implementing microscopy and culturing techniques.
• Utilizing serological and molecular diagnostic methods.
• Managing diagnostic protocols and procedures.

Module 4: Sample Collection and Submission

• Techniques for collecting representative plant samples.
• Implementing proper sample handling and packaging.
• Utilizing sample submission forms and protocols.
• Managing sample transportation and storage.

Module 5: Biology and Epidemiology of Plant Pathogens

• Understanding the life cycles of major plant pathogens.
• Implementing disease epidemiology and spread analysis.
• Utilizing disease forecasting and risk assessment.
• Managing pathogen identification and classification.

Module 6: Integrated Disease Management (IDM) Strategies

• Techniques for developing comprehensive disease management plans.
• Implementing cultural, biological, and chemical control methods.
• Utilizing resistant varieties and crop rotations.
• Managing IDM implementation and evaluation.

Module 7: Cultural Practices for Disease Prevention

• Techniques for optimizing crop hygiene and sanitation.
• Implementing proper field preparation and planting practices.
• Utilizing crop rotations and resistant varieties.
• Managing irrigation and fertilization for disease suppression.

Module 8: Biological Control Agents

• Techniques for utilizing beneficial microorganisms and antagonists.
• Implementing biocontrol applications and monitoring.
• Utilizing natural enemies and predators.
• Managing biocontrol agent production and storage.

Module 9: Chemical Control of Plant Diseases

• Techniques for selecting and applying fungicides.
• Implementing proper application methods and timing.
• Utilizing pesticide safety and handling procedures.
• Managing chemical resistance and environmental impacts.

Module 10: Managing Pesticide Resistance

• Techniques for monitoring and preventing pesticide resistance.
• Implementing resistance management strategies.
• Utilizing alternative control methods.
• Managing pesticide rotation and application rates.

Module 11: Disease Forecasting and Early Warning Systems

• Techniques for utilizing weather data and disease models.
• Implementing remote sensing and GIS for disease monitoring.
• Utilizing early warning systems and alerts.
• Managing forecasting data and communication.

Module 12: Economic Impact of Plant Diseases

• Analyzing the economic losses due to plant diseases.
• Evaluating the benefits of effective disease management.
• Identifying cost-effective control strategies.
• Managing economic risk assessments.

Module 13: Promoting Sustainable Disease Management

• Developing communication and extension strategies.
• Building farmer networks and knowledge sharing platforms.
• Implementing training programs for disease management skills.
• Scaling up successful disease control models.

Module 14: Case Studies: Successful Disease Management

• Analyzing real-world examples of effective disease control.
• Highlighting best practices and innovative techniques.
• Documenting economic and environmental impacts.
• Farmer testimonials and field visits.

Module 15: The Future of Plant Disease Management

• Exploring emerging trends and innovations.
• Integrating new technologies and research findings.
• Adapting to evolving pathogen populations and climate change.
• Building resilient and sustainable crop protection systems.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.