What does this skill involve?
Activities may include but are not limited to:
- Touring the farm to scout pest and diseases
- Applying pest and diseases prevention and control practices
- Operating tools and equipment used in management of pest and diseases
- Strengthening skills and knowledge of farmers on pest and disease management
- Produce extension materials used to train farmers
- Provide technical leadership in the management of invasive species
Skill levels
Level 1 - Follow
Notices the presence of common pests and diseases in the field. Follows simple instructions to scout and manage pests and diseases in the field.
Level 2 - Assist
Seeks guidance in unfamiliar cases to identify pests and diseases in the field. Recognises the presence of invasive species. Understands basic biological principles of how pests and diseases spread. Demonstrates basic skills in using equipment for managing pests and diseases. Demonstrates basic skills in applying available pests and diseases management methods.
Level 3 - Apply
Confirms the presence of a problem caused by a pest or a disease in the field. Understands the biology of some pests and diseases and how they spread. Can operate simple equipment for managing pests and diseases. Applies effective management practices in simple pest and disease cases. Consults experts in complex or unknown pest and disease cases.
Level 4 - Enable
Analyses the status of pests and diseases and decides on which management practices to apply. Correctly applies a methodology for diagnosing pests and diseases. Applies effective management practices in complex cases. Recommends suitable treatments for known pests and diseases.
Level 5 - Ensure, Advise
Ensures that measures for mitigation and control of pests and diseases are applied correctly. Provides technical guidance on invasive species management. Ensures that management practices are economically viable, environmentally friendly and compliant with regulations. Organises awareness campaigns for pests and diseases management.
Level 6 - Initiate, Influence
Demonstrates expertise in pest and disease management. Initiates proposals of strategic measures to control pests and diseases. Conducts studies on pests and diseases and their effective management. Works with stakeholders to advocate for strategies and policies that reflects the situation and influences major shifts in the sector. Leads the team to study and predict the economic implications of damage caused by pests and diseases.
Level 7 - Set strategy, Inspire, Mobilise
Applies wide-scale leadership in the management of pests and diseases. Sets strategy for invasive species management. Leads the development of policies on management of pests and diseases.
Courses related to this skill
View All
VerifiedAgriculture science: Soil science and plant nutrition
by Alison - Empower YourselfThis course is designed to help you achieve optimal productivity by introducing you to best farming practices for high-quality crops. Seed planting methods and crop management forms a part of this course. You will also learn the characteristics and properties of soil and what practices contribute to fertile soil along with the necessary control measures for pests and weeds.
Online, Self-study 
3 hours 
English VerifiedClimate-smart crop production
by FAO e-learning AcademyThis course looks at the relationship between crop production and climate change. In the course you will be introduced to principles and practices for sustainable and profitable production of annual and perennial crops to meet food, feed, energy, fibre needs and foster economic growth in a variety of contexts and crop systems.
Online, Self-study 2 hours 30 minutes Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish VerifiedPlant health: Pest risk analysis (intermediate level)
by COLEADIn this intermediate level course, you will learn about the international context of plant protection and the rights and responsibilities of importing and exporting countries. You will also focus on pest risk analysis (PRA) in detail. You will learn about the roles of the International Plant Protection Convention, national and regional plant protection organisations, the WTO Agreement on SPS Measures, and international standard-setting.You will also be provided an opportunity to look at two specific illustrations: a pathway-initiated PRA and a pest-initiated PRA. Once the intermediate level is successfully completed, you can move to the advanced level.
Online, Self-study Self-paced English VerifiedShort course programme: Crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection, crop harvesting and crop storage
by AGCO Future FarmFuture Farm short online course teaches basic agronomy and farm business management. This course consists of 5 modules.Each module teaches a different topic. To establish a a successful cropping system, you must understand soil. You will learn about soil texture, soil quality and how to manage soil.To maximise your yield, it is important to have a good understanding of the science behind feeding plants. You will also be exploring the process of crop harvesting, the factors influencing post-harvest quality of crops and the use of optimum post-harvest storage environments.
Online, Self-study Self-paced English VerifiedSoybean rust crash course
by Soybean Innovation LabIn this course, you will learn the impact, identification, scouting, and management of soybean rust. This course also consists of an optional module for breeders and researchers.
Online, Self-study Self-paced English VerifiedUnderstanding the risk environment in agriculture
by FAO e-learning AcademyIn this course, you will be presented with an overview of concepts linked to agricultural risk management, describing which risks farmers face, within a holistic approach that covers the entire agri-food system.
Online, Self-study 1 hour English, French
Other related skills
View AllAgriculture Chemical Management
Managing and using chemicals used in agriculture.
Crops Crop Pests and Diseases Management
Managing and controlling pests and diseases for short and long term management actions.
Crops Cropping Systems
Planning a cropping regime that provides a regular workflow, income and keeps the soil healthy and productive.
Crops Fertiliser Management
The procurement, control, storage, handling and application of fertilisers so as to provide an economically appropriate environment for crop production.
Crops Irrigation and Water Management
Managing and applying water management technologies to enhance soil productivity and conserve natural resources.
Crops Managing Machinery
Managing, planning and using farm equipment to perform the job at the right time on the farm.
Crops Nutrient Deficiency Management
Recognising and controlling crop nutrient deficiencies.
Crops Phytosanitation
Preventing the introduction of plant pests and diseases into new areas.
Crops Post-Harvest Management
Managing produce, during and after harvesting, to prevent any form of damage, spoilage and loss.
Crops 
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