Plant Diagnostics Training Workshop
The Plant Research and Development Division, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, and Rural Development took the initiative to facilitate a “Plant Diagnostics Training Workshop” centered on plant/crop disease and laboratory techniques.
Practical aspects of disease diagnosis, development, and management in agricultural crops are needed to aid in crop protection and extension services. As such, the overall goal was to strengthen the technical capacity of field officers, to meet an overall objective of equipping officers with further knowledge and skills which would ultimately contribute to more informed decision-making as it relates to plant disease diagnosis in field conditions.
The training workshop was held from June 26th– June 30th, 2023 at the National Diagnostic Facility Conference Room (Union) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
A total of 13 extension officers and other crop management personnel from various divisions participated in the workshop.
Main areas covered:
Theoretical Sessions:
- Disease Identification based on Symptomology and Microscopy
- Disease Assessment methods
- Integrated Disease Management Strategies
Practical/ laboratory Sessions:
- Media preparation and isolation techniques for plant pathogens
- Seed Health testing for quarantine purposes
- Pathogen isolation and confirmation
