PLANT PROTECTION 4

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Step 4. Visit site, history, questions 59
Introduction 60
Pest information sheet - pest signature 61
Site map 62
Site inspection 63
Patterns of signs & symptoms 63
Pest calendars & time frames 64
Soil type, topography & structures 65
On-site diagnostic tests 66
History & records 67
Crop history 67
Pest, disease & weed history 68
Environmental history 69
‘20 Questions’ 70
A diagnosis based on a site visit 71
Summary 73
Case studies 74
Review questions & activities 75
Step 5. Consult references 77
Books, colleagues & computers 78
What should I look for? 79
Host & pest indexes 79
Pest information sheets 80
Keys & expert systems 81
Image matching 82
Diagnosis based on references 83
Summary 84
Case studies 85
Review questions & activities 86
Step 6. Seek expert help 87
How can the experts help me? 88
Diagnostic services 89
List of diagnostic services 91
Diagnostic ‘tests’ 93
Types of ‘tests’ 94
Signs & symptoms 94
Microscopy & electron microscopy 94
Taxonomy 95
Isolation, culturing & baiting 95
Indicator plants 96
Biochemical tests 96
Serology (ELISA) 97
DNA fingerprints 97
Koch’s rules 98
Soil, water & plant tissue analyses 98
Diagnosis based on expert advice 99
Summary 100
Case studies 101
Review questions & activities 102
Step 7. Report the diagnosis 103
Proof of diagnosis 104
How to report the diagnosis – diagnostic road map 104
Common errors in diagnosis 106
Summary 109
Case studies 110
Review questions & activities 111
A diagnostic checklist 113
Step 1. The client’s enquiry 113
Step 2. Identify affected plant 113
Step 3. Examine plant parts for signs & symptoms 113
Step 4. Visit site, history, questions 114
Step 5. Consult references 116
Step 6. Seek expert help 116
Step 7. Report the diagnosis 116
Appendixes 117
Appendix 1. Communication guide 117
Appendix 2. Records 119
Appendix 3. Signs & symptoms 123
Appendix 4. Monitor & sample 175
Appendix 5. Diagnostic tests for specific causes 179
Appendix 6. Training & practice 185
Appendix 7. Evaluation 191
Appendix 8. Control 193
Selected references 195
Glossary & acronyms 201
Index 207