National plant pathology diagnostics training
Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 6, 2020 (ZIZ News): The Department of Agriculture has kicked off celebrations for the International Year of Plant Health* 2020 by facilitation of a National Plant Pathology Diagnostics Training from 30th to 31st January, 2020. The training session helped to build the capacity of Plant Health Professionals in basic diagnostic techniques for pathogens, in particular those of priority in the Caribbean and strengthened the safeguarding systems in the Region, which would help to reduce the pest incursions that could potentially threaten agriculture production and trade.
The topics covered over the two day period included: techniques for field observations and field diagnosis, sample collection, handling and triage, common fungal and bacterial diseases, common field tests, pesticide treatments, culturing of bacteria and fungi and identification keys. The training equipped professionals who work in the field and laboratory setting with the appropriate knowledge to make suitable diagnoses of plant diseases.