Courses relevant to plant health management that offered as part of the B.Sc. and B.Sc. Agric programmes at the University of the Free State are:
PPG214 Principles in Plant Pathology (3+1) 16 Credits
One written examination of three hours.
On completion of this module the student will be acquainted with the impact, causes and diagnosis of plant diseases and the reasons why plant pathology is considered an important field of study. The student will have a sound understanding, based on the basic concepts of infection and colonisation of plant tissue, of how plant diseases arise and develop and how to approach disease problems.
Practical
In conjunction with the theory of plant pathology the student will be capable of identifying diseases of the most important economic crops and of prescribing control methods. The student will also be experienced in the collection, identification, description and preservation of herbarium specimens.
PPG314 Principles of plant disease control (3+1) 16 Credits
One written examination of three hours.
On completion of this module the student will be acquainted with the measuring of plant disease and control of diseases based on the principles of exclusion, eradication, protection and resistance. Following identification of a specific disease the student must therefore know which principle(s) of control is relevant and which strategies should be followed for the prevention or control of the disease.
Practical
After completion of the practical course the student will be skilled in certain aspects of plant pathological research.
PPG324 Plant Health Management (3+1) 16 Credits
One written examination of three hours.
On completion of this module the student will be acquainted with ecological and economic concepts that underlie the management of plant diseases within the context of a sustainable and integrated pest management (IPM) system. The student will be well-versed in the basic ecological principles pertaining to the stability and diversity of natural ecosystem vs. agro-ecosystems as influenced by variation in agricultural crops and pathogenic micro-organisms. An understanding of economic thresholds as they relate to crop yield, or losses, will enable the student to translate ecological considerations into economic ones.
Practical
Together with a sound knowledge of integrating disease control tactics, by means of case studies, the student will be well trained in developing disease control strategies that are both efficient and cost-effective.
PPG414 Fungal diseases of plants (3+1) 16 Credits
One written examination of three hours.
On completion of this module the student will be acquainted with the taxonomy and general characteristics of fungi, with specific reference to plant pathogens. The student will also be trained in the types of diseases that are caused by the main groups of fungi.
Practical
After completing the practical course the student will be able to identify the most important groups of plant pathogenic fungi and the symptoms they produce in plants.
PPG424 Plant diseases caused by bacteria and viruses (3+1) 16 Credits
One written examination of three hours.
This module will equip the successful student with a sound knowledge of the characterisation (i.e. morphology and classification) and ecology (survival and transmission) of bacteria, viruses and other procaroytic organisms that cause plant diseases. Various methods of managing or controlling diseases caused by these organisms will also be discussed.
Practical
The practical course will teach the student how to isolate and identify important plant pathogenic bacteria using specialised culture media.
PPG434 Epidemiology and ecology of plant pathogens (3+1) 16 Credits
One written exam of three hours.
The candidate on completion of this module will understand the ecological considerations that are relevant to the germination, dispersal and survival of plant pathogens. The student will also be able to quantify how these aspects, together with environmental and host factors, influence disease development in populations.
Practical
Following the practical experience offered by this course the student will be well-versed in the technical aspects of plant pathological research, particularly those relating to the eco-physiology of fungi.
PPG444 Host-pathogen interactions (3+1) 16 Credits
One written exam of three hours.
The successful student will after completing this module have a sound knowledge of the physical and physiological effects that plant pathogens have on their hosts, particularly the methods they use to attack plants and how plants in turn defend themselves.
Practical
Tutorial classes dealing with case studies of specific diseases extend the knowledge base of student, particularly with regard to the variety of interactions between host and pathogen.
PPG451/461 Seminar in Plant Pathology (1+0) 4 Credits
Continuous assessment; no formal exam.
A student will, after completing this module, have practical experience in assimilating literature, writing and presenting a review of a plant pathological subject. Important communication skills of specific relevance to the profession of plant pathology will also form part of the student’s skills.
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