Plant Pathology
Introduction:
Plant
pathology, also known as phytopathology, deals with the study of diseases in
plants and is one of the sub branches of plant protection science. Plant
protection science is the branch of agricultural science which studies the ways
to keep plants healthy by protecting them from various damages especially with
an aim of higher production. Plant entomology or entomology (the study of
insects), plant nematology or nematology (the study of nematodes or roundworms)
and weed sciences are the other sub braches of plant protection science.
Plant
pathology is an apt career for those who have a keen interest in agricultural
and biological fields. The studies in plant pathology mainly focus on plants
mounting; understanding the organisms and agents that cause diseases; how the
plants are affected by the diseases and how to control plant diseases. The
field of plant pathology is interrelated to other biological fields such as
microbiology, mycology, biochemistry, bio-informatics, virology etc.
People who
specialize in the field of plant health is termed as plant pathologist.
Nature of Work:
The major task of a plant pathologist is to keep the
plants healthy by preventing, controlling and stopping the diseases infected by
them and for this, they have to develop innovative ways. They try to control
the disease by useful methods such as developing medicines, altering the
conditions in the environment etc. Graduation or post graduation in biological
science with required personal skills such as analytical and observation
abilities will help an aspirer to start a prospective career in plant pathology.
Their main task is the management and control of the spread of diseases in
plants. And for this they have to do research work on living organisms,
non-living abiotic components and environment conditions, which are considered
as the major source of diseases in plants. They reveal disease-causing genes
and develop better plants with more resistance. For this, they work together
with other specialists like plant breeders, weed specialists etc.
Personality:
The most
important skill needed is none other than passion for the profession.
Analytical and research skills, communication skills, ability to understand and
express their ideas are the major attributes needed for a plant pathologist.
Essential qualities needed are good observation skill i.e a keen eye for
detail, ability to work along with a team and to take decisions independently.
Plant pathologists should be very confident; be aware and prepared for taking
up challenges; and be updated with all recent scientific developments regarding
the field.
Professional Courses:
Graduates in
plant pathology can take up their career as plant geneticist, plant breeder,
aquatic botanist, limnologist (study of life and phenomena of inland waters),
physiologist, plant pathologist etc. They can be appointed as farm and
greenhouse managers, park and golf course superintendents, agribusiness sales
representatives and in other biological science positions.
Duration:
After Graduation 4 yrs course
Eligibility:
The eligibility criteria for all the above
mentioned graduate courses are 10+2 or equivalent with physics, chemistry and
biology with minimum of 50 % marks.
Master's
degree and post graduation with a minimum of 60% is required for doctoral
(Ph.D.) programmes.
Career
Prospects /Companies:
This field provide ample opportunities both
in the public and private firms. Numerous job openings are available for the
plant pathologists in areas like research, product development, sales,
teaching, administration, regulatory work and private practice.
Graduates in
plant pathology can take up their career as plant geneticist, plant breeder,
aquatic botanist, limnologist (study of life and phenomena of inland waters),
physiologist, plant pathologist etc. They can be appointed as farm and
greenhouse managers, park and golf course superintendents, agribusiness sales
representatives and in other biological science positions. Professionals are
much in demand in research firms like tissue culture laboratories, diagnostic
laboratories and agricultural research centers. Agricultural field offers a
number of opportunities for qualified persons. Apart from being a field plant
pathologists, one can work as an agricultural research scientist or a lecturer
or production in-charge in the processing food and allied industry.
Remuneration:
A fresh graduate from a well-recognised agricultural university can earn an initial package of Rs. 15,000-22,000 per
month. An experienced person could be offered between 45, 000 - 60,000
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