BOTA 32043

>< Type/Status : Elective
>< Course title : Postharvest Biology and Plant Pathology
>< Prerequisite(s) : BOTA 21013
>< Objective: By the end of the course, the student will acquire comprehensive knowledge and demonstrate skills in
(i) modern post-harvest practices for improvement of quality of commodities.
(ii) basic aspects of plant diseases and their management
>< Course content:

Post-harvest physiology/biochemistry of fresh produce, post-harvest losses, of perishables, post-harvest diseases and their control, harvesting practices and post-harvest handling, quality assurance, packaging and packhouse operations, transport and storage of perishables, minimal processing and value addition, marketing and quarantine in trade.
Concepts and symptoms of plant diseases. Causative agents. Pathogens, pathogenesis and disease establishment. Host-pathogen interaction at molecular and population levels. Types of diseases and their management with special reference to local crops.

>< Methodology: Lectures, tutorials, practical assignments, field visits and audio visual presentations.
>< Scheme of evaluation: End of course written and practical examination and reports on field visits
>< Recommended reading:
01. Wills, R, McGlosson, B, Graham, D and Joyce, D (1998). Post-harvest – An Introduction to the Physiology and Handling of Fruits, Vegetables and Ornamentals. CAB International.
02. Mitra, S (1997). Post-harvest Physiology and Storage of Tropical and Subtropical fruits.CAB International.
03. Thompson, A K (1998). Controlled atmosphere storage of fruits and vegetables. CAB International.
04. Dickinson, C H and Lucas, J A (1982). Plant Pathology and Plant Pathogens. 2nd Edition. Blackwell.
05. Agrios, G N (1997). Plant Pathology. 4th Edition. Academic.
06. Manners, J G (1982). Principles of Plant Pathology. Cambridge University

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