Definition: It is a program where the recognition of diseases, pests, and weeds causing economic losses in plant production, determination of their biological and ecological characteristics, along with their relationships with plants and each other, as well as training and education on cultural, biotechnical, biological, chemical, and integrated control methods are provided.

Objective: The aim is to detect diseases, pests, and weeds in plant production to meet the increasing food needs of the rapidly growing population and to obtain the highest yield and quality from the agricultural areas currently used. Additionally, the program aims to research and promote methods of control that do not have adverse effects on human health and the environment and can be applied by producers, as well as to train students who have gained sufficient experience, research, and problem-solving skills.

Targets: The increase in resistance of pests and diseases to chemical pesticides, the increase in labor and expenses, and the problems arising from the misuse of pesticides have increased the importance of technical personnel in plant protection worldwide. Proper combat conducted at the right time, with the right dose and in the right way will protect both human and environmental health. At the same time, by preventing unnecessary use of drugs, economic waste is avoided, and the environment is protected.

In this context, our goals are as follows:

• To work on the development and dissemination of effective, economical, and safe new control strategies, taking into account environmental pollution, natural balance, and economy in the fight against diseases, pests, and weeds, both in domestic and export crops.
• To train our students in associate degree programs as individuals who are more than just Plant Protection Technicians and who have developed the ability to solve problems, can understand the problems of plant health in our country well, and produce solutions.
• In addition to education and research activities in our department, we strive to provide solutions to plant health problems of our country's farmers.
• To educate middle-level technical staff who will follow current developments in the field of plant protection on national and international platforms, have high communication skills, self-confidence, entrepreneurship, innovation, and expertise in their field.
• As a potential workforce, to graduate technical personnel who work in the Plant Protection sector, follow current developments at the national and international level, and contribute to the development of the sector in line with the interests of the country.

Degrees Obtained: Students who successfully complete this two-year program receive an associate degree and are granted the title of "Plant Protection Technician."

Competencies of Students: Students who successfully complete the Plant Protection Associate Degree Program will have the following knowledge, skills, and competencies:

• They can identify microscopically and macroscopically diseases, pests, weeds, and beneficial organisms commonly seen in agricultural areas.
• They can define basic Plant Protection concepts and principles.
• They acquire the skill to collect data, analyze results, and interpret them in the field of Plant Protection.
• They gain the ability to inform relevant individuals and institutions about Plant Protection issues.
• They acquire knowledge and awareness about project management, occupational safety, worker health, social security rights, quality control, and management, as well as legislation related to Plant Protection.
• They are knowledgeable about relevant regulations in the field of Plant Protection.
• They can share their thoughts and recommendations on Plant Protection issues with both experts and non-experts.
• They can convey information to farmers about the diagnosis, damages, biology, and control of plant diseases, pests, and weeds.
• Graduates are able to work in various fields of the agricultural sector such as the public sector, seed and pesticide companies, pest control companies, agricultural pesticide dealers, and farms producing plant material free from diseases and pests. They can also establish their pesticide dealerships or work in cooperatives or associations as agricultural consultants after successfully completing the exam conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry