Meaning and Objective of Plant Pathology
Definition of Plant Pathology:
The science that deals with the study of diseases of plants, their development and control is called Plant Pathology.
Plant diseases are caused by biotic agents like fungi, bacteria, actinomycets, Mycoplasma, viruses, nematodes, and flowering parasites or by abiotic like unfavorable environmental conditions or nutritional deficiencies. Study of plant pathology includes the study of sciences viz, Microbiology, Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Nematology, protozology, phycology, unfavorable , environmental factors, nutritional deficiencies and flowering plant parasites.
1. Microbiology: Study of Microorganisms
2. Bacteriology: Study of Bacteria
3. Virology: Study of Viruses
4. Mycology: Study of Fungi
5. Nematology: Study of Nematode
6. Protozology: Study of Protozoa
7. Phycology: Study of Algae.
Objectives of Plant Pathology:
Plant Pathology is one among the branches of agricultural science that deals with cases, etilogy, resulting losses and management of plant diseases with four major objectives.
1. Study the diseases (s) or disorders caused by biotic and abiotic agent.
2. Study of mechanism of disease development by pathogens.
3. Study of interaction between plant and pathogen in relation to the overall environment.
4. Develop suitable management strategies for managing the diseases and losses caused by them.