The father of modern plant pathology, Anton de bary (1831-1888) revealed first time that fungi are responsible for plant diseases. Later in systematic studies, several biotic and abiotic factors have been identified that affect the normal physiological processes of plant at various critical stages. The study of living and nonliving plant pathogens has always been a unique experience of exposure to the microbial world. Under standing of young student for deeper involvement of this fascinating science require patient learning and teaching process. Keep these understandings; the manual on plant pathogens and principles of plant pathology has been prepared for the young students, especially from agriculture, microbiology, botany and applied plant and bio-sciences, as per the course curriculum. The manual provides the opportunity to a young person to enter in the field with systematic understanding with joy and curiosity, which has never been considered before. The manual contains 13 chapters with a basic preamble with all about plant diseases, causes, nature, kinds, types, biotic causes, impact of pathogens and economically important pathogens. It provides a basic concept and picture in the mindset of young student about the lab equipments, microscope, staining of microbes, cultivation, collection and preservation, about chemicals that kills the fungi and biocontrol approach, apart from the rules and precautions to be taken in the lab. The manual is also appended with explanation of some technical terms that often used in the subject. We recommend this book for all the youngsters in plant pathology, biology, botany, microbiology, plant science which has been presented in a simple manner that is easy to understand.
Dr. Usha Bhale is the Associate Professor in Department of Plant Pathology, JN Agricultural University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. She received her Masters degree in Agriculture with specialization in Plant Pathology (1978) and Doctors degree in Botany. She is actively involved in teaching of plant pathology at undergraduate level. She is the life member of Indian Phytopathological Society, New Delhi and Indian Society of Mycology & Plant Pathology, Udaipur. She has published 30 research papers in national and international repute.
Ms. Madhuri Mishra is the Field Extension Officer in Department of Plant Pathology, JN Agricultural University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. She received her Masters degree in Agriculture with specialization in Plant Pathology. She has a specialization in the management of chickpea diseases.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar is the Senior Scientist in Department of Plant Pathology, JN Agricultural University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. He received Masters Degree in Agriculture with specialization in Plant Pathology and Doctors degree from Bihar. He has worked on the soil borne pathogens and specialization in the management of field crop diseases.
Dr. Om Gupta is Professor and heading the Department of Plant Pathology, JN Agricultural University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. She is the recipient of several national and international awards and recognized for her contributions in chickpea pathology at international level. She is the Fellow of Indian Phytopathological Society, New Delhi, Indian Society of pulses Research and Development, IIPR Kanpur, Mycology & Plant Pathology, Udaipur and Internationally, she is known for development of chickpea varieties resistant to vascular wilt pathogen. She is coordinating the chickpea research for plant pathology at national level.
