for segue forms (.pdf) click below

Objectives

• Demonstrate some of the basic aspects of plant pathology particularly as they relate to studies of traditional societies.

• Illustrate broad applications of plant pathology.

• Develop avenues for students to continue to learn about plant pathology that lead directly out of the segue experience.

Learning Structure

• Class-room/Laboratory discussion groups (students will have already watched assigned video presentations)

  • Students will discuss concepts plant pathology that affect their daily lives (i.e. what are common pathogens found on supermarket fruits and vegetables or that grow in the refrigerator.)

  • Students will observe several different papaya pathogens with a dissecting microscope. The purpose of the experiment is multi-faceted: 1) the students learn about pathogen growth on plant products 2) the students learn how to use a dissecting microscope 3) the students learn how to recognize variation in plant pathogens.
    　

• Community observations

  • Following the above in-class work, students will be asked to find one diseased plant product at home, in their dorm, etc. and try to identify the pathogen(s) present.  Students will be asked to think about how plant pathogens impact society, both locally and globally.
    　

• Web-based delivery of information to students:

  • Provide a brief overview of some of the most interesting areas of plant pathology.

  • Direct students to practitioners of plant pathology within the University and in the community at-large.

  • Show students specific courses or other educational opportunities that can be used to further explore interests in plant pathology.

Learning Outcomes

(1 = Most Desired Outcome, 3 = A Desirable Outcome, 5 = Least Desired Outcome)

1. Students seek more information about studies in plant pathology, register to take a course in plant pathology, and become a degree seeking major in food and plant pathology.

2. Students seek more information about studies in plant pathology and register to take a course in plant pathology as part of an effort to broaden their education.

3. Students develop a sufficient (but minimal) understanding of plant pathology to be able to make decisions about their own career (and inclusion or not of this science). These students are probably better citizens/voters.

4. Students do not learn anything about plant pathology.

5. Students develop a negative perspective about plant pathology because of the information received through this project.

Ethnobotany Segue

• Two ethnobotany experiments are conducted together bridging this segue with a segue to mycology.
  　

• During the class session, the students will observe different pathogenic effects on papayas using a dissecting microscope and compound microscope.  As a follow-up to the lab, students will be assigned to find one example of a plant pathogen, and share it next week in class.

Other Science

• Plant pathology, or phytopathology, is the scientific study of plant diseases caused by pathogens (infectious diseases) and environmental conditions (physiological factors). Organisms that cause infectious disease include fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, viroids, virus-like organisms, phytoplasmas, protozoa, nematodes and parasitic plants. Not included are insects, mites, vertebrate or other pests that affect plant health by consumption of plant tissues. Plant Pathology also involves the study of the identification, etiology, disease cycle, economic impact, epidemiology, pathosystem genetics and management of plant diseases.
  　

• Historical background of cultural diversity in managing plant pathogens

• Techniques used in plant pathogen management

• Biotechnology applications used to study plant pathology

Other Science Practitioners

• If you are interested in learning more about plant pathology you may want to contact Dr. Janice Uchida, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, St John 304C.  She can be contacted at juchida@hawaii.edu and (808) 956-282.
  　

• Dr. Brent Sipes, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences St John 309A, is also available to speak with students about opportunities in plant pathology. He can be contacted at sipes@hawaii.edu and (808) 956-7813.
  　

• Other practitioners of plant pathology may include:
  　

  • Industry researchers

  • Farmers

  • Plant pathology consultants

  • Landscapers

  • Natural resource managers

  • Community extension educators

  • Inspection agents

Other Science Courses

• Students interested in learning more about plant pathology may want to take PEPS 210 Environmental Resources: Issues and Options or PEPS 310 Environment and Agriculture.

Resources

• For career information, students may want to view the occupational outlook for potential careers in plant pathology at the U.S. Department of Labor:
  　

  • Agriculture and Food Scientists

  • Biological Scientists

  • Chemists and Materials Scientists

  • Engineering and Natural Science Managers

  • Environmental Scientists and Hydrologists

  • Science Technicians

  • Scientific Research and Development Services