Principles Of Plant Pathology

A comprehensive study of the causes of plant disease, the processes involved in plant-pathogen interaction, the genetics of pathogenesis, and the epidemiology of plant disease. Includes an assessment of the application of our knowledge to practical plant disease control.

The rapid advances in concepts of different aspects of plant pathology since 1984 have compelled the present revision and expansion of the book. To avoid repetition, the chapter on plant disease management is condensed. At the same time new information on epidemiology, host-parasite relationship and genetic and molecular aspects of host-parasite interaction have been incorporated. Contents: Introduction / History of Plant Pathology / Causes of Plant Diseases / Symptoms and Indentification of Plant Diseases / Pathogenesis / Survival of Plant Pathogens / Dispersal of Plant Pathogens / The Phenomenon of Infection / Epidemiology / Effect of Infection on the Host / Role of Toxins in Plant Pathogenesis / Defence Mechanisms in Plants / Genetic Variability in Plant Pathogens / Genetics and Molecular Basis of Host-Parasite Interaction / Effect of Environments on Pathogenesis / Assessment of Disease Incidence, Severity and Loss / Disease Management Principles / Disease Management The Practices

The scientific study of diseases in plants that are caused due to pathogens and environmental factors is under the scope of plant pathology. Some common pathogens are fungi, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, etc. Pathogens typically infect the plant through the release of toxins, cell wall degrading enzymes and effector proteins. Some abiotic factors such as frost, drought, poor drainage, deposition of mineral salts, etc. also have a significant effect on the incidence of physiological plant disorders. This field encompasses the study of disease etiology, pathogen identification, economic impact, plant disease resistance, genetics and management of pathosystem genetics, etc. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts in the field of plant pathology. Different approaches, evaluations and methodologies have been included herein. For someone with an interest and eye for detail, this textbook covers the most significant topics in this field.

Historical development of plant pathology; Concepts of plant disease; terminology; diagnosis; classification of plant diseases; Non-parasitic agents of plant diseases; Parasitic agents of plant diseases; Variability in plant pathogens; Disease cycles; Inoculun, inoculun survival and inoculation; Pathogen's entry into plants; Colonization of the suscept; Mevhanisms of pathogenicity and host response; Mechanisms of defense; Epidemiology of plant deseases; Forecasting of plant diseases; Assessment of disease incidence and crop loss; Principles and methods of plant disease control.

Principles of Plant Disease Management is intended to provide a substantive treatment of plant disease management for graduate and undergraduate students in which theoretical and practical elements are combined. Reference is made to specific diseases and control practices to illustrate basic principles or strategies. The section on epidemiology includes a chapter in which arthropod vectors (aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies, Coleoptera and mites) are briefly discussed, and the section on control includes references to the use of crop varieties with resistance to such vectors, and also contains information on mechanical, cultural, biological and chemical measures that contribute to vector control. The technology of disease management is presented according to epidemiological principles Sections on diagnosis, epidemiology, environmental factors, disease forecasting, disease control (exclusion, physical, chemical and biological), plant resistance, cultural modifications to suppress epidemics, effects of chemicals and their major groups and uses, and examples of disease management in practice are included A bibliography and index are appended

General concepts. Historical introduction to plant pathology. The causes of plant diseases: non-parasitic agents. Viruses and Mycoplasma-like organisms as plant pathogens. Plant diseases caused by parasites: the taxonomy of plant pathogens. Bacteria as plant pathogens. Angiosperms, algae and protozoa as plant pathogens. Root diseases. Plant injury due to insects, mites, nematodes and other pests. The entry of pathogens into plants. The colonization of the infected plant. The results of infection. Mechanims of attack. Mechanims of defence. The genetic of plant-pathogen interaction. The factors whick influence infection. Epidemiology: the seasonal carry-over plant pathogens. The dispersal of plant pathogens. The spread of pathogens within crop areas; epiphytotics. The factors which influence the spread of pathogens with crop areas. The forecasting of plant diseases. The assessment of disease incidence and crop loss. The control of plant diseases: general considerations. Disease control by plant sanitation. Disease control by cultural pratctices. Physical and chemical methods of disease contro(1). Physical and chemical methods of disease control(2). Disease control by plant breeding and selection. Disease control by legislation and international cooperations: research and education. Sources of information.