HORT 206 - Plant Pathology

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 2
Laboratory Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): HORT 120 and HORT 130 or permission of instructor.

This course consists primarily of the study of viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases that affect ornamental and native woody and herbaceous plants, turf, and greenhouse/ indoor plants. Among the topics emphasized are identification, life cycle, history, significance, human practices as they relate to control and transmission, and appropriate control methods of the pest. This course also includes nematodes and parasitic plant pests. The principles of Integrated Pest Management will be used when determining pest-control methods.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:

1. Identify common diseases of trees, shrubs, herbaceous, turf, indoor and greenhouse plants. (assessed through lab observation and online quizzes)

2. Understand the life cycle of diseases and the horticultural significance of each stage of the life cycle. (assessed through quizzes both in lecture and in lab.

3. Recognize symptoms and signs of disease damage and be able to separate those from caused by insects, mites or physiologic problems. (assessed through observation in lab and in lab quizzes)

4. Identify and evaluate appropriate actions, if any, to take against disease. (assessed through lab observation and quizzes)

5. Explain the differences among the various diseased examined and be able to identify an unknown disease. (assessed via quizzes)

6. Demonstrate proficiency at using references to identify diseases. (assessed by out of class assignments)

7. Apply techniques of sampling to actual disease populations. (assessed by observation in lab)

8. Determine the appropriate control method using the principles of Integrated Pest Management. (assessed via quizzes)

9. Distinguish between diseases caused by virus, bacteria, fungi, and apparently similar conditions caused by abiotic conditions (weather for example), mites, nematodes etc. (assessed by lab observation and quizzes.)