This guide investigates the identification and management of the various biological and environmental threats that compromise the health of garden plants. Authors Keith M. Harris and Stefan T. Buczacki, both established experts in entomology and plant pathology, synthesize decades of field research to provide a systematic framework for diagnosing plant ailments. The text utilizes a structured approach to categorize symptoms, allowing the reader to distinguish between pest infestations, fungal or bacterial diseases, and physiological disorders caused by environmental stress.

The subject matter points to a highly technical and practical reference work designed for serious horticulturists and students of plant science. Its systematic organization and reliance on visual evidence suggest a resource intended for frequent field use rather than casual reading.