Plants and Pests

In this Lunchtime Lab, find out about the pesky pests and dastardly diseases that can cause real problems for plants. But don't worry - scientists from the Sainsbury Laboratory and the John Innes Centre are on the case, working to protect our planet's plant-life:

Did you know that plants can get diseases, just like humans? Become a plant doctor with this handy guide to common plant diseases and their symptoms:

Download Plant Disease Identification Activity

Scientists use agar plates for all sorts of different experiments... and now you can too! Make your very own agar plates with these instructions:

Download Homemade Agar Plates Experiment

Leaves are teeming with life! Make a leaf print on your agar plate to see just how much bacteria is on a single leaf:

Download Plant Printing Activity

Follow the clues and figure out which insects are behind the damage to three different plants at the John Innes Centre, in this activity:

Download Pest Detective Activity

Who will win: the pathogens, the pests or the pals? Play this game developed by the John Innes Centre and see for yourself:

Download Pathogens, Pests and Pals Activity

Plants are nature's bioreactors! If you could use a plant to create any medicine, what would you create?

Download Leaf Expressions Activity

(The Lunchtime Labs originally aired as part of Norwich Science Festival At Home in October 2020. The videos and featured activities are suitable for young people aged 7-13, and can be done in school or at home.)