Phytopathology,
or Plant Pathology: The Study of Diseases of Plants
Using Plant Pathology to Grow Better Plants
Plant pathology is an interdisciplinary science that includes knowledge
of botany, microbiology, crop science, soil science, ecology, genetics,
biochemistry, molecular biology, and physiology. Most plant pathologists
have master's and doctoral degrees and are employed by colleges and universities,
state and federal government agencies, industrial firms, international
institutes; and as private practitioners. See our Careers
In Plant Pathology area for more information on the exciting and
changing field of plant pathology.
Understanding and Managing Plant Diseases
Plant diseases are caused by living organisms (called pathogens) such
as fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, phytoplasmas, protozoa, and
parasitic plants; and by nonliving agents such as air pollutants, nutrient
imbalances, and various environmental factors. New diseases and changes in
existing pathogens remain a constant threat to our forests, food and fiber
crops, and landscape plants. Development of new and innovative ways to
control plant diseases is a constant challenge for plant pathologists.
Plant diseases may be managed by altering the host plant, the pathogen,
and/or the environment. Examples include growing resistant plant
varieties, planting pathogen-free seed or stock, applying a biological
control agent, modifying environmental conditions to decrease disease, and
using plant medicines that inhibit or kill the pathogen without harming
the plant or the environment.
Plant pathology is an interdisciplinary science that includes knowledge
of botany, microbiology, crop science, soil science, ecology, genetics,
biochemistry, molecular biology, and physiology. Most plant pathologists
have master's and doctoral degrees and are employed by colleges and universities,
state and federal government agencies, industrial firms, international
institutes; and as private practitioners. See our 
Plant diseases are caused by living organisms (called pathogens) such
as fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, phytoplasmas, protozoa, and
parasitic plants; and by nonliving agents such as air pollutants, nutrient
imbalances, and various environmental factors. New diseases and changes in
existing pathogens remain a constant threat to our forests, food and fiber
crops, and landscape plants. Development of new and innovative ways to
control plant diseases is a constant challenge for plant pathologists.
Plant diseases may be managed by altering the host plant, the pathogen,
and/or the environment. Examples include growing resistant plant
varieties, planting pathogen-free seed or stock, applying a biological
control agent, modifying environmental conditions to decrease disease, and
using plant medicines that inhibit or kill the pathogen without harming
the plant or the environment.