KS4 Biology: Plant pathogens, pests and diseases

What pathogens affect plants and how are they spread? What can we do to reduce or prevent these threats?

A teenage student examines a flower

Level

Key Stage 4

Duration

90 minutes

Allocated space

15 pupils per group

Overview

What pathogens affect plants and how are they spread? What can we do to reduce or prevent these threats? 

Putting themselves in the role of Kew horticulturists, pupils will be immersed in the world of plant diseases and pests. They will investigate key questions and discover the amazing ways in which plants can defend themselves from pathogens, infection or predation. 

Please note, part of this session will take place in one of our classrooms.

Learning outcomes

Pupils will be able to:

  • Explain how pathogens are spread and how they can be reduced and prevented.
  • Name and describe a variety of common plant diseases, infections and pests.
  • Understand how to identify and detect plant diseases both in the field and the lab.
  • Describe physical and chemical plant defense responses.

We will ensure learning outcomes are relevant to your pupils and will focus on your chosen exam board.

Keywords: 

Pests, pathogens, infections, diseases, defences, adaptations, chemical, physical, medicine, antimicrobial, environment, conservation 

Curriculum links

AQA - Biology 

4.3: Infection and response

  • 4.3.1.1: Communicable (infectious) diseases
  • 4.3.3.1: Detection and identification of plant diseases
  • 4.3.3.2: Plant defence responses

Edexcel - Biology 

Topic 5: Health, disease and the development of medicines – 5.6, 5.9B, 5.10B, 5.11B

OCR A - Biology 

Topic B6: Global challenges

  • B6.3: Monitoring and maintaining health – d, e, g, h, i

OCR B - Biology 

Chapter B2: Keeping healthy

  • B2.1: What are the causes of disease? 3
  • B2.2: How do organisms protect themselves against pathogens? 3, 6
  • B2.3: How can we prevent the spread of infections? 1
  • B2.4: How can we identify the cause of an infection? 1a

BTEC - Biology

Topic 5: Health, disease and the development of medicines – 5.4, 5.5, 5.6

Skills links 

  • Explain everyday and technological applications of science; evaluate associated personal, social, economic and environmental implications; and make decisions based on the evaluation of evidence and arguments. 
  • Use of appropriate apparatus and techniques for the observation and measurement of biological changes and/or processes 
  • Make and record observations and measurements using a range of apparatus and methods. 
  • Safe and ethical use of living organisms (plants or animals) to measure physiological functions and responses to the environment 
Girl using a magnifying glass

Key Stage 4 sessions

Our Key Stage 4 sessions are aimed at pupils studying for the Biology and Geography curricula.