Plant Pathology

What is plant pathology?

Plant Pathology is defined as the study of the organisms and environmental

Plant Pathology

conditions that cause disease in plants, the mechanisms by which this occurs, the interactions between these causal agents and the plant (effects on plant growth, yield and quality), and the methods of managing or controlling plant disease. It also interfaces knowledge from other scientific fields such as mycology, microbiology, virology, biochemistry, bioinformatic, etc.

Who are Plant Pathologists

Plant Pathologists are scientists concerned with the understanding of the dynamic processes involved in the plant health. Their work is more research oriented.

What does one need to become a plant pathologist? And what are Compulsory school subjects & Academic requirement:

You must have a strong interest in biological science studies and research. Biology and/or Agricultural Science in Matric. Normally a pass with E (HG) or D (SG) symbol is a prerequisite for admission in these courses by most institutions. Scientists have to qualify in BSc (Agric) in Plant Pathology (3 years).

Where can training be undertaken?

Various universities in the country with faculties of agriculture offer qualifications in plant pathology, for example Natal University, University of the Free State, University of Stellenbosch and University of Pretoria to name but four.

Where do people qualified in this field work and what do they do?

·        Government research:

o   National and Provincial Plant Pathologist in Government department

o   National ARC research centres

·        Agrochemical companies: Run registration trials and promote the products to farmers.

·        Seed companies: Test cultivars for disease resistance, breed seeds for better resistance.

·        Fertiliser companies: Their clients often have technical problems which are associated with diseases, so they hire plant pathologists.

·        University Academics : These work at most of the major plant pathology departments either as lecturers or Researchers.

·        Farmer, Nurseryman: Many go into the production field, either with their own interests or as a manager. Their broad training and understanding of the constraints of disease on production are excellent equipment for this role.

·        Pharmaceutical Representative : Several pathologists have ended up in this competitive and technically demanding job.

·        Private company : Some have Plant Pathologists start their own companies manufacturing biological control agents.

Private Consultant: This is a demanding job, as it is a challenging field to consult in.