Plant Pathology
- Biology and Ecology of Plant Pathogens
- Epidemiology and Population Biology of Plant Pathogens
- Etiology, Diagnosis and Management of Plant Diseases
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 intercontinental 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 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 four 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 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.
Faculty affiliated with the Plant Pathology program
Examples of additional Plant Pathology courses that might be taken:
- PlPa 309 Fungi
- PlPa 419 Application of Disease Concepts
- PlPa 420 Grape Pest Management
- PlPa 642 Pathogen Population Biology
- PlPa 660 Plant Disease Management
- PlPa 661 Diagnostic Lab Experience
Examples of other courses that might be taken:
- STBTRY 601 Statistical Methods I
- STBTRY 602 Statistical Methods II
Trapping spores of Gibberella zeae in a wheat field in New York .
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Approximately half of our graduate students are focusing their studies in the area of Plant Pathology.
Plant pathology field trial.