Agriculture

Training Course on Advanced Plant Pathology and Molecular Disease Diagnostics

Introduction

In an era marked by climate change, globalization, and evolving plant diseases, advanced plant pathology and molecular diagnostics have become critical for sustainable agriculture and global food security. Training Course on Advanced Plant Pathology and Molecular Disease Diagnostics is designed to equip professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in diagnosing and managing plant diseases using molecular tools and advanced plant pathology principles. It will emphasize the integration of genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics in disease surveillance, resistance breeding, and pathogen characterization to mitigate crop losses and improve yields.

Through hands-on training, case studies, and expert-led sessions, participants will delve into pathogen-host interactions, molecular assay development, and disease forecasting models. This course will also enhance capacities in rapid diagnostics, field-based detection systems, and the application of AI and machine learning in plant health management. Whether you're a plant scientist, agronomist, or policy-maker, this training will provide actionable insights and transferable skills aligned with global best practices.

Programme Curriculum

Training Course on Advanced Plant Pathology and Molecular Disease Diagnostics

Introduction

Course Objectives

Understand emerging plant diseases and their global impacts.
Analyze host-pathogen interactions at cellular and molecular levels.
Apply PCR, qPCR, and LAMP techniques in diagnostics.
Develop skills in genomic and proteomic data interpretation.
Master DNA/RNA extraction and purification methods.
Implement bioinformatics tools for disease diagnosis.
Learn disease surveillance and early warning systems.
Explore AI-powered diagnostics and machine learning in plant pathology.
Study disease resistance genes and molecular breeding tools.
Identify biological control agents and integrated disease management (IDM) strategies.
Examine the role of climate-smart agriculture in disease prevention.
Strengthen capacity in lab-to-field translation of diagnostic tools.
Conduct risk assessment and policy development for disease outbreaks.

Target Audiences

Agricultural research scientists
Plant pathologists and virologists
Agronomists and extension officers
Phytosanitary inspectors
Biotech company professionals
Graduate students in plant sciences
Policymakers and regulators in agriculture
Seed and crop protection industry experts

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Fundamentals of Advanced Plant Pathology

Overview of plant disease concepts
Classification of plant pathogens
Economic impacts of emerging plant diseases
Introduction to molecular diagnostics
Host-pathogen interaction case study
Case Study: Panama Disease in Bananas

Module 2: Molecular Tools in Disease Diagnostics

PCR, qPCR, and RT-PCR techniques
LAMP and CRISPR-based detection
DNA/RNA extraction protocols
Gel electrophoresis and imaging
Sensitivity and specificity evaluation
Case Study: Rapid detection of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus

Module 3: Genomics and Proteomics Applications

Introduction to plant genomics
Pathogen genome sequencing
Proteomic profiling of infected plants
Use of molecular markers in diagnostics
Integrative ‘omics’ approaches
Case Study: Rice Blast Resistance Gene Discovery

Module 4: Bioinformatics in Plant Disease Diagnostics

Genomic databases and tools
Sequence alignment and BLAST analysis
Phylogenetic tree construction
Data interpretation from NGS
Use of cloud platforms in diagnostics
Case Study: Tracking Wheat Rust Strain Evolution

Module 5: Field-Based Disease Surveillance and Forecasting

Digital surveillance tools
Use of AI and IoT in monitoring
Predictive modeling of outbreaks
Geo-mapping and spatial analytics
Data collection protocols and ethics
Case Study: AI-based Early Detection of Maize Lethal Necrosis

Module 6: Integrated Disease Management (IDM) Strategies

Cultural and biological control methods
Chemical management and resistance issues
Role of beneficial microbes
Crop rotation and soil health
IDM framework implementation
Case Study: IDM Approach for Fusarium Wilt in Tomatoes

Module 7: Climate Change and Plant Disease Dynamics

Effects of temperature and rainfall on pathogens
Climate-resilient crops
Adaptation strategies for farmers
Policy implications for disease control
Integration into extension services
Case Study: Late Blight Management in Changing Climates

Module 8: Diagnostic Lab Management and Quality Assurance

Lab safety protocols and biosafety levels
Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
QA/QC in molecular labs
Equipment calibration and validation
Accreditation and certification systems
Case Study: Setting up a Regional Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab

Training Methodology

Interactive lectures and real-world examples
Practical lab sessions on molecular diagnostics
Demonstrations of software and bioinformatics tools
Group discussions and expert Q&A
Hands-on case study analysis
Fieldwork and simulation exercises

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Programme Fee

Duration: 5 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $1,000

Physical Price: $1,500

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 23 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $1,000