Welcome to Plant Disease Diagnostics! If you want a clear, practical foundation in plant diagnostics, so you can tell normal variation from true problems and determine the issue the plant has, you’re in the right place. Built by UMaine Cooperative Extension, this short course blends approachable science with field-tested tips you can use right away in gardens, greenhouses, or production settings.

In about 6-8 hours, you’ll learn how to read plant symptoms, tell abiotic from biotic issues, and work through a simple five-step diagnostic process that leads to confident next steps.

Upon successful completion, you’ll earn the Plant Disease Basics micro-badge, a digital credential you can add to résumés and LinkedIn to showcase evidence-based diagnostic skills. Additionally, you will be eligible for six pesticide credits from the Maine Board of Pesticide Control.

What You'll Learn

• Tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy plants using five core functions.
  
• Spot and name symptoms (chlorosis, scorch, cankers, wilting, etc.) and why precision matters.
• Distinguish abiotic stress (nutrients, planting depth, frost, salts, herbicides) from biotic pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes) using patterns and distribution clues. 
• Apply a 5-step diagnostic workflow: host ID, symptom ID, history, problem ID, and action planning.
• Know when to sample or lab-test and where to find trusted, science-based resources.

Accommodations:
If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this course, please contact rebecca.gray@maine.edu