Thousands of years ago, when humans first roamed the earth, their food consisted largely of leaves, fruits, and seeds that they picked from plants growing in the wild. Even back then, plant diseases were present. Later, as humans became farmers, diseases became more of a problem as man grew a few types of plants in small areas, which made the spread of disease more likely. The organisms that cause disease in plants are often very similar to those that cause disease in humans and animals. As scientists, plant pathologists are interested in understanding these pathogenic agents and how they interact with plants.
Some plant pathologists work in the field, helping farmers solve their immediate problems.
Others work in laboratories in universities, government agencies, and companies, where they research longer-term strategies for controlling disease. Through their efforts, all plant pathologists are trying to prevent plant disease and improve the quality of all of our lives. If you want to learn more about plant pathology, you are encouraged to visit the American Phytopathological Society . Besides providing our food and oxygen, plants give man raw materials for industry, housing, clothing, and medicine. Plants are also important components of our recreational and home landscapes.