Fundamentals of Plant Pathology

This book provides an introduction to plant diseases, their nature, causes, and impact, as well as the history of plant pathology as a scientific discipline and the disease cycle as a key tool for understanding disease development and management strategies. It also describes the diverse organisms and agents that cause diseases, known as plant pathogens.

Format: Hardback
Length: 418 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate world of plant diseases, providing a comprehensive exploration of their nature, causes, and profound impact on agriculture and ecosystems. It serves as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this complex field.

In the opening chapter, the book introduces the fundamental aspects of plant diseases, including their definition, classification, and the various factors that contribute to their development. It sheds light on the diverse range of organisms and agents that can cause diseases, emphasizing the role of plant pathogens as the primary culprits.

The second chapter delves into the historical development of plant pathology as a scientific discipline. It traces the evolution of plant disease recognition, diagnosis, and management from ancient times to the present day. The chapter highlights the contributions of renowned scientists and researchers who have made significant strides in understanding and combating plant diseases.

Building upon the previous chapters, the third chapter introduces the disease cycle as a key tool for understanding disease development and devising appropriate management strategies. It explains how plant diseases occur through a series of interconnected steps, from the initial infection of a plant to the manifestation of symptoms and the spread of the disease to other plants. The chapter emphasizes the importance of identifying the disease cycle in order to develop effective control measures.

In the subsequent chapters, the book explores the diverse organisms and agents that cause plant diseases. It provides detailed descriptions of plant pathogens, including their morphology, physiology, genetics, and modes of infection. The chapter also discusses the strategies employed by plant pathogens to evade host defenses and establish infections, as well as the mechanisms by which plants defend themselves against disease.

The book further explores the impact of plant diseases on agriculture and ecosystems. It discusses the economic losses caused by diseases, including reduced crop yields, increased production costs, and reduced quality of produce. It also highlights the ecological consequences of diseases, such as the loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, and the disruption of ecosystem services.

To enhance the understanding of plant diseases, the book includes case studies and examples from various regions and crops. These case studies provide practical insights into the diagnosis, management, and control of plant diseases, and showcase the successful strategies employed by farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals.

In conclusion, this book serves as a comprehensive and authoritative resource for anyone interested in plant diseases. It provides a thorough understanding of the nature, causes, and impact of plant diseases, as well as the historical development of plant pathology as a scientific discipline. The disease cycle is introduced as a key tool for understanding disease development and devising appropriate management strategies. The book also explores the diverse organisms and agents that cause plant diseases, providing detailed descriptions of plant pathogens and their strategies for infection. Through case studies and examples, it offers practical insights into the diagnosis, management, and control of plant diseases, highlighting the successful strategies employed by farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals.

Weight: 948g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032711843