In this workshop we review the common causes of plant disease such as viruses and fungi, the impacts these can have both on the plant itself and on humans. We focus on Rose Black Spot, looking for evidence of this on real plants in the Garden’s collection, studying it under the microscope and learning how this disease can be managed. We also visit various plants in the collection to learn about their methods of defence against disease, predators and pests.
Availability
This workshop is available mid April to October.
Learning objectives
Pupils will:
- Identify signs of active fungal disease in roses
- Learn about how the disease is spread and controlled
- Use microscopes to study diseased leaves
- Understand some of the physical and chemical defences plants have to protect themselves from attack by predators or pathogens
Curriculum links
| GCSE AQA Fungal diseases | Rose black spot is a fungal disease where purple or black spots develop on leaves, which often turn yellow and drop early. It affects the growth of the plant as photosynthesis is reduced. It is spread in the environment by water or wind. Rose black spot can be treated by using fungicides and/or removing and destroying the affected leaves. |
| GCSE AQA Plant diseases | (HT only) Plant diseases can be detected by: • stunted growth • spots on leaves • areas of decay (rot) • growths • malformed stems or leaves • discolouration • the presence of pests. (HT only) Identification can be made by: • reference to a gardening manual or website • taking infected plants to a laboratory to identify the pathogen.
Plants can be infected by a range of viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens as well as by insects. Knowledge of plant diseases is restricted to tobacco mosaic virus as a viral disease, black spot as a fungal disease and aphids as insects. |
| GCSE Edexcel Biology | 5.9B Describe how some plants defend themselves against attack from pests and pathogens by physical barriers, including the leaf cuticle and cell wall.
5.10B Describe how plants defend themselves against attack from pests and pathogens by producing chemicals, some of which can be used to treat human diseases or relieve symptoms. 5.11B Describe different ways plant diseases can be detected and identified, in the lab and in the field including the elimination of possible environmental causes, distribution analysis of affected plants, observation of visible symptoms and diagnostic testing to identify pathogen. |
Complimentary self-led activities
If you are looking for ideas of activities to self-lead in the Garden after your workshop ends, we recommend:
