207-207 Plant Health

202-103 Biology for Land and Food Resources

The content includes:

• factors affecting the health of plants and methods of diagnosis;

• the concept of plant disease - nature and cause;

• understanding of the disease cycle and environmental factors influencing disease;

• the classification and recognition of plant disease causing organisms and plant affecting insects and related pests;

• identification of selected symptoms and signs of disease/pests affecting horticultural crops and plants in the urban environment;

• the use of beneficial organisms and practices to improve the health of desirable plants; and

• selection of control measures for a range of pest and disease problems, and integrated pest and disease management.

One 2-hour examination (35%), one 2-hour mid-semester examination (25%), one practical examination (20%), one 2500-word assignment (20%).

• J Brown and J H Ogle (eds), Plant Pathogens and Plant Diseases. Rockvale Publications, Armidale NSW, 1997.
• S Goodwin and M Steiner, Pests, Diseases, Disorders and Beneficials in Ornamentals: Field Identification Guide. NSW Agriculture, 2002.