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Crops

Pest and Disease Identification

The ability to recognise and differentiate plant health symptoms, pest infestations, and disease manifestations to inform appropriate biosecurity measures.

What does this skill involve?

Activities may include but are not limited to:

  • Observing and reporting basic pest or disease symptoms during supervised field work.
  • Assisting in field identification of pests and diseases, and matching symptoms to guides or databases.
  • Independently identifying common pests and diseases in the field using established protocols.
  • Validating difficult identifications, reviewing reports, and advising teams on complex symptoms or emerging pests.
  • Contributing to national pest identification resources or protocols.
  • Leading national or regional strategies for pest identification.

Skill levels

Observe and report basic pest or disease symptoms during supervised field work. Use visual aids or checklists.

Assist in field identification of pests and diseases, match symptoms to guides or databases. Record data accurately.

Independently identify common pests/diseases in the field using established protocols.

Train others on identification procedures. Lead surveys and manage identification processes in the field.

Validate difficult identifications, review reports, advise teams on complex symptoms or emerging pests.

Contribute to national pest identification resources or protocols. Mentor staff or develop and refine diagnostic procedures and identification guides.

Lead national or regional strategies for pest identification, including digital tools, reference materials, and training systems.

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