Greenway Training is pleased to announce that it has received Pocket Diagnostic® Phytophthora rapid lateral flow tests from industry partner SORBUS, providing course candidates with access to a specialist tool used to support the identification of potentially damaging plant diseases.
The addition of this resource strengthens the practical training available to those working in grounds maintenance, helping candidates develop a greater understanding of plant health, disease detection and the importance of early intervention in maintaining healthy landscapes.
Phytophthora is a genus of plant pathogens associated with a range of serious plant diseases, including Phytophthora ramorum, linked to sudden oak death, and Phytophthora infestans, which causes potato and tomato blight. Diseases can affect a wide range of plants, trees and shrubs, making awareness of plant health risks an important part of professional grounds maintenance.
The Pocket Diagnostic® Phytophthora rapid test uses lateral flow technology to detect many Phytophthora species directly in the field. It can be used with a range of plant materials, including leaves, roots and woody tissues, with results available in approximately 10 minutes. Its portable design and straightforward process make it a useful resource for demonstrating how rapid testing can support plant health assessments and inform decisions about further investigation or intervention.
By making this technology available to candidates, Greenway Training can help bridge the gap between training and the practical challenges encountered in the workplace. Understanding how plant diseases are identified, why suspected infections need to be taken seriously, and when further expert advice may be required can all contribute to more informed grounds maintenance practices.
Although the test does not replace professional diagnosis or appropriate biosecurity procedures, it offers a valuable insight into the tools available to plant health professionals, growers, advisers and inspectors. A positive result can help inform next steps, including seeking specialist advice and following relevant plant health guidance.
Supporting skills for the workplace
The resource complements Greenway Training’s commitment to equipping course candidates with relevant knowledge and practical awareness for the grounds maintenance sector. As expectations around plant health, landscape management and responsible environmental stewardship continue to grow, familiarity with modern diagnostic tools can help candidates better understand the role of monitoring and early action in protecting plants and green spaces.
Sorbus’s contribution also highlights the value of collaboration between training providers and industry partners in ensuring candidates have exposure to resources and technologies used in professional practice.
A spokesperson for Greenway Training Ltd said:
“We are delighted to receive this resource from Sorbus. Grounds maintenance involves much more than keeping outdoor spaces tidy; it also means understanding plant health, recognising potential problems and knowing how to respond appropriately. Access to the Pocket Diagnostic® Phytophthora rapid test gives our candidates a valuable opportunity to learn about modern plant disease detection and how rapid testing can support better-informed decisions in the workplace.
“We are grateful to Sorbus for supporting our training provision and helping us ensure our candidates develop skills and knowledge that are relevant to the industry.”