CABI is now offering an online course on Crop Pest Diagnosis Fundamentals, designed to equip users with the skills and knowledge needed to identify and diagnose common crop pests.
Pests can cause significant damage to crops, making accurate diagnosis an important part of effective crop management. This course helps you recognise key pest characteristics and behaviour, understand how to diagnose pest problems, and learn how to confirm and communicate your findings clearly.

Course objectives
The Crop Pest Diagnosis Fundamentals course aims to build your knowledge and confidence in diagnosing crop pest problems. By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Explain what is meant by a crop pest
- Understand the pest diagnostic process and why it is important
- Identify major pests by their key characteristics and behaviour
- Recognise common symptoms linked to different pest groups
- Analyse plant symptoms to identify likely causes
- Refine and confirm diagnoses using guides and diagnostic tools
- Avoid common mistakes when diagnosing crop pest problem
Course structure
The course is delivered through a series of practical modules that guide you step by step through the diagnostic process.
You will work through topics such as:
- Recognising symptoms commonly found on crops
- Identifying pest insects, mites and the damage they cause
- Distinguishing between different causes of crop symptoms
- Recognising nutrient deficiency symptoms
- Practising diagnostic skills to build confidence
The course content includes real-world examples, images and practical exercises to support learning and application in the field.
Course assessment
At the end of the Crop Pest Diagnosis Fundamentals course, you will complete an assessment to demonstrate your understanding of the material.
- A certification assessment is required to complete the course
- On successful completion, you will receive a CABI Academy certificate
- Certification is aligned with CABI Academy levels, supporting professional development.
Who is it for?
This course is designed for people working in agriculture and plant health, particularly those supporting farmers. It is suitable for:
- Agricultural advisors and extension workers
- Agronomists and crop consultants
- Farmers and growers
- Students studying agriculture or plant science
It is especially relevant for those providing advice, where accurate diagnosis is essential for recommending the right solutions.
Accessibility
The course is available in English. The course length is estimated at 10 hours.
Register now
For more courses and information, visit: CABI Academy Products and Services Page
To register, get full course details and start learning: CABI Academy Sign-up/Log-in