212-409 Plant Pathology

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Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students should: be familiar with the biology and taxonomy of the major biotic causes of disease; understand the processes of infection and pathogenesis; be aware of the factors leading to epidemic diseases; be capable of diagnosing common diseases of agricultural and horticultural crops; be able to formulate a practicable approach to disease control in commercial species.

Content:

Taxonomy, identification and biology of the main groups of plant pathogens and abiotic causes of plant diseases. Host parasite relationships, the nature of resistance to and tolerance of pathogenesis; means of transferring, including and modifying resistance in plants. Mycotoxicoses in feed and fodder crops. Aspects of aerobiology, ecology and variation of plant pathogens. The processes leading to plant disease epidemics and their evaluation; the types and uses of fungicides, the bases of biological control of plant disease, insects and weeds and the management and control of plant diseases in general. Practical Work: The identification and diagnosis of disease and the development of skills in research techniques and methodology in plant pathology. Excursions and assignments will be included when appropriate.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

• Agrios G N, Plant Pathology, 3rd ed. 1988 Academic Press.
• Alexopoulos C J and Mims C W, Introductory Mycology, 1979 Wiley.