Student Material: Activity 3

What's Wrong with the Plants?

Why is the Study of Plant Disease so important?

You are currently testing your hypotheses to determine what might be causing disease in plants. Perhaps you are asking yourself, "Why is the study of plant disease important?" In this activity your team is going to do some research on an aspect of plant disease and you will serve as plant consultants to report to the rest of the class.

Each team will choose a specific topic and will be evaluated on a written report and presentation. You will also be responsible for the information that is shared by each group. Below are the guidelines for your project.

Guidelines

1. All team members must take part in the research and presentation of your topic.

2. The project is worth 200 pts., 100 pts. for written, 100 pts. for presentation.

3. Team members will be given an individual presentation grade for knowledge of the subject, participation, and communication. All team members will receive the same research grade except in the case that one member does not contribute, in which case that person will receive no credit.

4. The written portion of the project must be a minimum of 3 typewritten pages (12 pt. font, double-spaced), using a minimum of 3 current resources. The report must also include appropriate visual aids and a standard bibliography. You may use the overhead projector, VCR, slide projector, or any other equipment necessary for your presentation. Advise me ahead of time concerning what you may need.

5. Remember, your team will be considered an authority on your specific topic. Prepare well!

**As you do your research, keep the question in mind, "Why is the study of plant disease important?"

Topics

1. Impact of Disease on Plant Production in the U.S. and Worldwide 2. Economic Impact of Plant Disease 3. The Science of Plant Pathology 4. Plant Pathogenic Viruses 5. Plant Pathogenic Bacteria 6. Plant Pathogenic Fungi 7. Plant Pathogenic Animals (not including Arthropods) 8. Chemical Pest Control 9. Physical Pest Control 10.Biological Pest Control 11.History of Plant Disease 12.Famines Caused by Plant Disease
Key Words:
Agriculture, Crops, Plant pathogens, Plant Science, Pest Control, Pesticides, Food Production, Farming, Plant Pathology, Famine, Blight

The University of Arizona
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
General Biology Program for Secondary Teachers
warder@email.arizona.edu