Plant diseases threaten the health and welfare of humankind today, just as they have for the thousands of years that plants have been cultivated for food and fiber. Plant pathologists historically have been concerned with identifying the local causes of diseases and how to manage them. Today's challenges are magnified by the ease of transcontinental trade and the threat of introduction of new plant pathogens. Such threats require a greater understanding of pathogen biology and ecology in order to predict and mitigate their impact.
Students in this program concentration have diverse interests in the fundamental biology, ecology and epidemiology of plant pathogens, and the management of plant diseases, but they are united in a common goal of improving human welfare through the management of plant diseases.
In their efforts to better understand the biology of plant pathogenic microorganisms, they often integrate studies across multiple levels of biological organization from molecular genetics to ecosystems science. In addition to three core courses in Plant Pathology, students in this program typically take advanced courses in allied fields such as Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Entomology, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Soil and Crop Science, or Statistics. Students in the Plant Pathology program concentration master fundamental knowledge of plant pathogens and diseases, and also develop conceptual knowledge and skills necessary for designing and implementing programs in integrated disease management.
Examples of additional Plant Pathology courses that might be taken:
- PlPa 3090 Fungi
- PlPa 4190 Agricultural Application of Plant Health Concepts
- PlPa 4200 Grape Pest Management
- PlPa 6600 Special Topics in Plant Disease Management
- PlPa 6610 Diagnostic Lab Experience
Examples of other courses that might be taken:
- STBTRY 601 Statistical Methods I
- STBTRY 602 Statistical Methods II