PLANT PROTECTION 4

This is a ‘how to’ book that describes the process of diagnosing plant problems.
It is not intended for identifying specific pests, diseases and weeds –
there are already many resources available for this purpose.
WHO CAN THIS
BOOK HELP?
WHAT IS IN
THIS BOOK?
PLANT AND
PEST NAMES
2 Background briefing
This book will be useful for professional horticulturists, commercial and garden
diagnosticians, growers, nursery staff, trainers and students who must be able to
diagnose the pests, diseases and weeds associated with the plants they are
handling or growing.
• Background briefing This section will be useful for those with little
diagnostic experience. It summarises the causes of plant problems and
discusses the reasons for accurately identifying them. There are ‘Review
questions & activities’ at the end of each section.
• Diagnosis In this section of the book the 7 steps involved in diagnosing
plant problems are described. Some books in the Plant Protection series list
only 5 diagnostic steps, these have now been extended to 7 steps to include
the vital steps of the client’s enquiry and reporting the diagnosis:
Step 1. The client’s enquiry
Step 2. Identify the affected plant
Step 3. Examine plant parts for signs & symptoms
Step 4. Site visit, history, questions
Step 5. Consult references
Step 6. Seek expert help
Step 7. Report the diagnosis
There are ‘Case studies’ and ‘Review questions & activities’ at
the end of each step. These are an essential part of training and practise.
The case studies are real and have been collected from colleagues, plant
clinics and students. So that the case studies can be understood by all,
relatively simple examples have been chosen. However, the diagnostic
process remains the same.
• Checklist This is a prompt for the 7 steps in the diagnostic process.
• Appendixes To allow the reader to focus on the process of diagnosis,
detailed information on certain aspects of diagnosis has been placed in
appendixes:
Appendix 1. Communication guide
Appendix 2. Records
Appendix 3. Signs & symptoms
Appendix 4. Monitor & sample
Appendix 5. Diagnostic tests for specific causes
Appendix 6. Training & practice
Appendix 7. Control
Appendix 8. Evaluation
Accepted common names of plants, pests, diseases and weeds are used
when available and appropriate. If there is any possibility of confusion, scientific
names are used.