Plant pathology and plant diseases What is a plant disease History of plant pathology The disease cycle and life style Fungal plant pathogens Fungal like plant pathogens Bacterial plant pathogens Plant viruses Nematodes causing plant diseases Diagnosis of plant diseases Mechanisms of pathogenicity Plant defense against pathogens Race specificity and plant immunity Population genetics in plant pathogen interactions Epidemiology disease in plant populations Cultural practices for disease management Chemical plant disease control Biological control of plant diseases Disease management strategies using host resistance Biotechnology for plant disease control From disease assessment to decision support systems Integrated pest management Plant health legislation Plant pathology in a changing world. This new textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspect of plant diseases including pathogens plant pathogen interactions their management and future perspectives