The purpose of this course is to equip learners with knowledge and skills on plant health management for productive and sustainable agrifood systems.

Identify insect pests, nematodes, weeds and disease pathogens affecting different crops

Diagnose plant diseases and pests

Apply different techniques and approaches for management of plant pests, diseases and disorders

Generate innovative technologies for sustainable management of plant pests, diseases and disorders

Economic Importance of Plant Pathogens and Pests: Impact of plant diseases, pests, and disorders on agricultural production; Plant Pathogens and Pests: such as insects, mites, rodents); Life cycles, modes of transmission, and mechanisms of damage caused by these organisms to plants; biology, ecology, and classification of plant pathogens (such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes; weeds); Disease and Pest Identification: symptoms and signs of plant diseases, pests, and disorders; biotic and abiotic stresses: pathogenic microbes, insects, temperature, heat etc. Diagnostic tools and techniques: visual inspection, microscopy, and molecular assays; Pest Management strategies:  cultural, biological, physical, and chemical control methods; preventive measures: crop rotation, sanitation, and quarantine, resistance or tolerance to diseases and pests, principles of host resistance; Integrated Pest Management (IPM): principles and practices of IPM; monitoring threshold levels, pest forecasting programs; Plant Health Monitoring and Surveillance: Plant health monitoring and surveillance activities to detect and track outbreaks of plant diseases and pests, developing of monitoring protocols; Weeds and plant health: common weeds; effects on weeds on crop growth; weed management; Decision-making in plant health management:  socio-economic factors; risk assessments for plant health threats; implementing biosecurity measures; quarantine regulations, pest risk analysis, and phytosanitary measures. Innovations and digital technologies in plant health management: digital pest & disease surveillance systems such as remote sensing, satellites, drones, IoT sensors etc; artificial intelligence & machine learning in plant disease diagnosis; precision agriculture technologies for plant health management; mobile advisory platforms and digital extension services; blockchain and digital traceability in plant health and biosecurity