What is Phytopathology?
Phytopathology or plant pathology is the study of disease in plants. Diseases caused by pathogens which attack plants are studied by phytopathologists, along with damage caused by environmental factors. Because humans rely heavily on plants for food, this branch of the biological sciences is very important, and specialists in the field can sometimes command very high fees for their services. Learning to identify plant diseases is one aspect of phytopathology, as is learning the terminology associated with the description of plant diseases to ensure consistency. Most researchers are also interested in learning how to manage specific outbreaks of disease, and in preventing future outbreaks. Phytopathologists can work in labs, examining samples from diseased plants and growing test crops, and they can also work in the field for agricultural companies, government agencies, and nurseries. In terms of pathogens, there are a number of things which can cause damage to plants, including fungi,
Phytopathology or plant pathology is the study of disease in plants. Diseases caused by pathogens which attack plants are studied by phytopathologists, along with damage caused by environmental factors. Because humans rely heavily on plants for food, this branch of the biological sciences is very important, and specialists in the field can sometimes command very high fees for their services. Learning to identify plant diseases is one aspect of phytopathology, as is learning the terminology associated with the description of plant diseases to ensure consistency. Most researchers are also interested in learning how to manage specific outbreaks of disease, and in preventing future outbreaks. Phytopathologists can work in labs, examining samples from diseased plants and growing test crops, and they can also work in the field for agricultural companies, government agencies, and nurseries.
