208-307 Plant Pathology

On completion of this subject, students should:

• be familiar with the biology and taxonomy of the major biotic causes of disease;

• understand the use of molecular biology techniques in plant pathology;

• be aware of the factors leading to disease epidemics;

• be capable of diagnosing common diseases of agricultural and horticultural crops; and

• be able to formulate a practicable approach to integrated control in commercial species.

Topics covered include:

• taxonomy, identification and biology of the main groups of plant pathogens and abiotic causes of plant diseases;

• host pathogen relationships, and the nature of resistance and pathogenesis;

• the application of molecular marker technology in pathogen identification, disease resistance and pathogen diversity;

• the processes leading to plant disease epidemics and their evaluation;

• the management and integrated control of plant diseases.

Practical work includes the identification and diagnosis of common diseases; and the development of skills in research techniques and methodology in plant pathology.

Three-hour end-of-semester examination (50%). Practical class assessments (20%), oral presentation 10 minutes duration worth 10% of final marks and an assignment comprising a collection of plant diseases (20%).

• J F Brown and H J Ogle, Plant Pathogens and Plant Diseases. Rockvale Publications, 1997.
• G N Agrios, Plant Pathology. 5th edn, Harcourt/Academic Press, 2004.