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Plant Protection
Plant Protection 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Plant Protection
This Plant Protection Course Online provides a unique and systematic approach to plant protection, drawing on input from our horticultural experts in the UK, Australia and New Zealand
It is unlike other plant protection courses in terms of it’s international approach.
This allows you to benefit from a more diverse range of experts (and their diverse experiences); something that is not often found in other schools.
Protect your plants using appropriate pest, disease and weed control techniques – a detailed course for horticulturists, technicians and also for enthusiastic gardeners.
Understanding the life cycles of insects and weeds and learning how to identify them is important in the protect of plants from disease and insect and the spread of weed species. This course shows you how to identify diseases, insects and weeds, understand their life-cycles and select and use appropriate treatments. Control techniques are covered in detail using chemical and biological solutions along with safety procedures and practices.
Course Information
Other Categories
Lessons
Lesson Structure: Plant Protection BHT207
There are 10 lessons:
1 Â Introduction
- Naming of Weeds: Common Names, Scientific Names, Examples
- Pests
- Diseases
- What you Need to Know About Diseases
- Common Terms
- Diagnosis of Problems
- Symptoms of Disease
- Conducting an Inspection
- Shortcuts to Problem Identification – Insects Only: What Insect is it?, Difficult to Diagnose Problems
2 Â Control Techniques
- The Main Ways of Controlling Pests or Diseases: IPM (Integrated Pest Management), What Does IPM Involve?
- Non-Chemical Pest Control Methods: Cultural and managerial, Biological and microbial, Pheromones and attractants, Insect growth regulators, Repellents, Desiccating dusts, Pesticidal soaps and oil, Botanical pesticides
- Law
- Labels
- Biological Control (Biocontrol) of Pest & Diseases: Advantages of Biocontrol, Disadvantages of Biocontrol
- Soil Treatment to Control Plant Diseases: What is controlled?
- Sprayer Maintenance and Cleaning
- Mister/Duster Blowers
- What Damage is Being Done to the Environment?: Soil, Water, Air, Vegetation, Wildlife, Humans
- Your Spray Machine – Is it Good Enough? Selection of Pump and Tank, Calibration, Constant Tractor Speed
- Rules for Handling Pesticides: Safety Rules for Using Chemicals, Safely Storing Chemicals, Safely Mixing Chemicals, Using Chemicals, Â Agitation, Cleaning Up and Disposing of Chemicals
- Basic First-Aid in Relation to Chemicals: In the event of a liquid spill, In the event of a powder spill
- Natural Pest and Disease Control: Cultural Controls, Physical Controls, Organic Sprays and Dusts, Companion Planting, Do Not Plant the Following Combinations…..
- Plant Protection Techniques: Staking, Frost Protection, Sun Protection, Cages and Netting, Props, Cabling, Bolting
- Government Quarantine Laws
- Insect Pest Management
- Elements of an Integrated Pest Management System (i.e. IPM): Natural Control, Sampling, Economic Levels, Insect Biology and Ecology, Cultural Control
- Safety Procedures When Using Agricultural Chemicals: Rules for Using Chemicals, Keeping Records
3 Â Chemicals
- Introduction
- Summary of Insecticides: Inorganic Insecticides, Botanical Insecticides, Organochlorine Insecticides, Organophosphate Insecticides, Carbamate Insecticides, Synthetic Pyrethroides
- Characteristics of Insecticides: Toxicity, Spectrum of Activity, LD50, Persistence, Volatility, Repellency, Flushing Action, Knockdown Action, Phytotoxicity
- Chemical Pesticides – Fungicides/Nematicides
- Definition of Pesticide Terms
- Effects of Chemicals on Humans and Animals: Acute Poisoning, Chronic Poisoning
- Keeping Records: What Information Should Be Kept
- Spray Programs
- What Chemical Can be Mixed With What?: Incompatible chemicals, MSDS Relevance
4 Â Identifying Diseases
- Morphological Symptoms: Necrosis, Plesionecrotic, Holonecrotic, Plesionecrosis, Hydrosis, Holonecrosis, Hypoplases, Hyperplases
- Types of Pathogens: Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, Nematodes
- Disease Lifecycles
- A Key to Sympoms of Disease in Plants
- Techniques for Diagnosis of Plant Diseases: Hand Lenses, Monobjective Microsopes, Stereomicroscopes, Preparing Plant Pathogens for Microscopic Observation, Culturing Pathogens
- Plant Viruses – Their Detection and Diagnosis
- Virus Control
- Fungus Biology
- The Process of Tree Decay
- Common Diseases: A – Z
- Turf Diseases
5 Â Disease Control
- The Lifecycle of a Disease: Inoculation, Penetration, Infection, Growth and Reproductive, Decimation
- Systemic Fungicides
- Fongarid
- Sclerotinia Rot on Vegetables
- Non-Parasitic Problems with Turf: Dry Patch, Heat Scald, Algae, Mosses, Chemicals
- The Plant & Water: Water excess, Water Deficiency
- Citrus Virus Diseases: Scaly Butt (Exocortis), Lemon Crinkle
6 Â Insect Classification and biology
- Insect Biology: Mouthparts, Legs, Lifecycle
- Insect Classification
- The Orders of Insects: Subclass APTERYGOTA, Subclass PTERYGOTA
- Feeding Habits: Insects (and other pests) which chew above ground, Insects (and other pests) which suck plant parts above ground, Insects (and other pests) which feed below grounds, Borers
7 Â Insect Control
- Introduction
- Insect Control
- Forms of Applied Insect Control: Mechanical Control, Cultural Control, Biological Control, Legislation
- Technical Information on Rogor: Properties of Pure Dimethoate
- Insect Pests on Fruit Trees: Time of Infestation, Nature of Damage
- Dutch Elm Beetle & Fungus
8 Â Other Pests
- Plant Nematodes: Plant parasitic Nematodes
- Nematodes & Citrus Production
- Millipedes
- Red Spider Mites
- Slaters or Wood Lice
- Snails & Slugs
9 Â Weed Identification
- Some Common Groups of Weeds: Grasses, Onion Family Weeds, Daisy Weeds, Thristles, Cabbage Family, Pea Family (Fabaceae)
- Encyclopedia of Common Weeds: A – Z
- Weeds: Identifying Weeds
10 Weed Control
- Introduction
- Weeds in Turf: Methods of Controlling Weed Problems
- Some Turf Weedicides (Herbicides)
- MCPA
- Law in Relation to Chemical Use
- Weeds in Nurseries: Control in Greenhouses, Recommended Weedicides for in Nursery
- Herbicide Classification: Groups 1 – 14
- Weed Control: Steps in Controlling Weeds, Ways to Control Weeds
- Identifying Weeds: Types of Weeds Problems, Fence lines and Borders, Weeds at the base of trees, Weeds in Garden Beds, Weeds in Hard Surfaced Areas, Plants that go to Seed, Vigorous, Invasive Creepers that take root (periwinkle, ivy), Suckers, Underground Rhomes, Tubers, Bulbils and Corms, Weeds in Lawns, Poisonous Plants, Noxious Weeds
- Profiles of Some Common Weeds: Bamboo, Bindii, Blackberry, Bracken Fern, Capeweed, Clover, Dandelion, Dock, Gorse, Grasses, Lantana, Nettle, Oxalis, Singapore Daisy, Thistles
Learning Goals
Learning Goals:Â Â Plant Protection BHT207
- Identify the broad category which a plant health problem belongs to. The first step in knowing how to control a pest, disease or weed is to be able to identify it and the plant which it is affecting accurately
- Explain a range of methods for controlling plant problems
- Select appropriate chemical pesticides for different problems
- Identify the symptoms of different plant diseases, including most common and some uncommon problems, in your locality
- Develop procedures to control specific plant diseases
- Identify different insects, including significant taxonomic orders, common pest species, and some less common pest species, found in your locality
- Determine appropriate methods to control different types of insects
- Identify different non-insect pests found in the learner’s locality. Determine appropriate control methods for different non-insect pests
- Identify a range of different weeds. Identify different non-insect pests found in the learner’s locality. Determine appropriate control methods for different non-insect pests
- Manage the control of different types of weed problems
Practical (Set Tasks)
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.Â
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit.  - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
Career Options
What's Included
THE IMPORTANCE OF INSECT BIOLOGY
An insect is an animal classified into the class “insecta“. It has the following characteristics:
- An exoskeleton (i.e. a hard shell on the outside of the body – not hard bones within the body like in fish or higher animals).
- The body is segmented into three sections
- Head
- Thorax
- Abdomen
- There are three pairs (6 in total) legs attached to the thorax.
- There are normally one or two pairs of wings (occasionally no wings).
- There is one pair of antennae attached to the head.
The HEAD contains a pair of eyes, antennae and mouthparts. Characteristics of the mouthparts and antennae are used in distinguishing one type of insect from another.
The THORAX consists of three ring-like segments joined together (i.e. the prothorax, the mesothorax and the metathorax). One pair of legs attaches to each of these three segments. In some species of insect, the prothorax covers the other two segments on the top of the insect’s back. The characteristics of the legs, wings and the three thorax segments are used a lot in distinguishing between species.
The ABDOMEN is made up of up to 11 ring-like segments, each segment made up of an upper plate and a lower plate joined together. Membranes joining these segments allow the plates to move.
Mouthparts
Most fall into one of two different types of mouthparts:
Chewing mouthparts made up of an upper lip (called a labrum), a pair of mandibles to pinch or crush food, a lower lip (called a labium), a tongue like structure (called a hypopharynx) and a pair of jaw like structures called maxillae.
Sucking mouthparts are the same structures basically, but with modifications to some or all of those parts to allow the insect to secure liquid food. The modifications may be in the form of a structure which pierces and sucks liquid through the skin of another animal, or plant (e.g. mosquitoes or aphids). These mouthparts may be rasping and sucking in action, or tube like.
Legs
The insect’s legs are divided into 4 main sections:
The coxa and trochanter are short stubby sections joining the leg to the body.
The femur is a long section attached to the trochanter.
The tibia is another long section below the femur.
The tarsi are a series if segments at the end of the leg (The equivalent of a foot).
Lifecycle
Most insects go through a metamorphosis stage in their lifecycle. This means that they change form at some stage between hatching from an egg, and reaching maturity as an adult. For example, a butterfly begins as a caterpillar. Its metamorphosis stage is when it forms a cocoon and changes from the form of a crawling grub into the form of a flying caterpillar.
The typical development is four stages:
1.           Egg ‑laid by a mature adult
2.           Larva ‑grub like crawler emerges from egg with no wings.
3.           Pupa ‑may be exposed, or may be in a capsule such as a cocoon.
4.           Adult ‑usually winged
There are exceptions, but this is normally the course followed by an insect.
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERALÂ
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q:Â When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q:Â I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q:Â Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A:Â The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q:Â What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A:Â Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q:Â When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q:Â Where Do I Take My Exams?
A:Â UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q:Â Exam Pass Marks?
A:  Module – pass 50%.  Commendation 70%.
Qualification:Â 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A:Â You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,