Plant pathology

Plant Pathology is the scientific study of diseases in plants caused by pathogens (infectious organisms) and environmental conditions (physiological factors).

Overview

Plant Pathology involves the study of pathogenic organisms, identification of diseases in plants, the causes of these diseases (etiology), the mechanisms by which diseases occur (pathogenesis), the interactions between plants and disease-causing agents (epiphytotics), and methods for managing diseases.

Pathogens and Disease Development

Pathogens that cause diseases in plants include fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, virus-like organisms, phytoplasmas, protozoa, nematodes and parasitic plants. Not included are ectoparasites like insects, mites, vertebrate, or other pests that affect plant health by consumption of plant tissues.

Disease Management

Disease Management in plant pathology involves the use of cultural practices, resistant varieties, and the application of chemicals, as well as biological control methods.

History

The history of plant pathology can be traced back to Theophrastus (~370–287 BC), who in his work 'Enquiry into Plants' had speculated the cause of rusts and mildews to be due to some kind of 'dew' falling from the stars which made the plants sick.

See Also

• Agriculture
• Botany
• Mycology
• Virology
• Bacteriology

External Links

• American Phytopathological Society