Provides an explanation of how plant diseases are diagnosed, the 'plant disease triangle', how to determine the cause of a specific disease, what 'biotrophs' and necrotrophs are, disease cycles and how they can be utilized. Specific chapters address plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, nematodes, viruses, parasitic flowering plants, abiotic factors of the environment including light, temperature, and atmospheric gases, pathogens, how people influence plant disease epidemics, the prevention or management of plant disease epidemics, and more.

Plant Pathology presents information and advances in plant pathology including disease induction and development and disease resistance and control. This book is organized into two major parts encompassing 14 chapters that focus on diseases, pathogenicity, and pathogen variability. The first part of the book deals with general considerations of disease, the disease cycle, parasitism and pathogenicity, and the variability in pathogens. This is followed by a presentation of the mechanisms by which pathogens cause disease and plants resist disease. Core chapters focus on the effects of pathogen-produced enzymes, toxins, growth regulators, and polysaccharides on the structural organization and on the basic physiological processes of photosynthesis, translocation, and respiration. The chapters also discuss the defense mechanisms of the plant. Moreover, this book explains the genetics of host-parasite interaction, effects of environment on disease development, and control. The second part of the book deals with the infectious diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, parasitic higher plants, viruses, and nematodes. This part also looks into the noninfectious diseases caused by environmental factors. The diseases caused by each type of pathogen are discussed comprehensively as a group and are subsequently discussed individually in detail. This book includes diagrams of cycles for each disease to create visual images for better understanding of the disease and message retention. This book is ideal for students with introductory course in plant pathology.

The variety of the mycological world is far greater than most people imagine. Tens of thousands of fungal species have been described and many more are known only from the abundance of their genes in soil and water. Fungi are hugely important as agents of wood decay in forests, and, as parasites, they have caused the deaths of millions of people by ravaging crops and reshaping natural ecosystems. Fungi perform a variety of essential functions in ecosystems, and are important to both agriculture and biotechnology. Their importance is now becoming better appreciated among scientists, though there is much still to be understood concerning their taxonomy and evolution. This Very Short Introduction highlights the variety and extraordinary natures of fungi, revealing the remarkable facts of fungal biology and the global significance of these enchanting organisms. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

"A subject collection from Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine."

It was a compliment to me to be asked to prepare the fourth edition of Westcott's Plant Disease Handbook, and the decision to accept the responsi bility for the fourth edition and now the fifth edition was not taken lightly. The task has been a formidable one. I have always had a great respect professionally for Dr. Cynthia Westcott. That respect has grown considerably with the completion of the two editions. I now fully realize the tremendous amount of effort expended by Dr. Westcott in developing the Handbook. A book such as this is never finished, since one is never sure that everything has been included that should be. I would quote and endorse the words of Dr. Westcott in her preface to the first edition: "It is easy enough to start a book on plant disease. It is impossible to finish it. " This revision of the Handbook retains the same general format contained in the previous editions. The chemicals and pesticides regulations have been updated; a few taxonomic changes have been made in the bacteria, fungi, and mistletoes; the changing picture in diseases caused by viruses and/or viruslike agents has been described. A few new host plants have been added, and many recently reported diseases as well as previously known diseases listed now on new hosts have been included. In addition, photographs have been replaced where possible, and the color photograph section has been retained.

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of plant diseases, including pathogens, plant-pathogen interactions, their management, and future perspectives. Plant diseases limit potential crop production and are responsible for considerable losses in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Our global food production systems are under increasing pressure from global trade, climate change and urbanization. If we could alleviate the losses due to plant diseases, we would be able to produce roughly 20% more food - enough to feed the predicted world population in 2050. Co-authored by a group of international teachers of plant pathology who have collaborated for many years, the book gives expert and seamless coverage. Plant Pathology and Plant Diseases: Addresses major advances in plant-pathogen interactions, classification of plant pathogens, and the methods of managing or controlling disease Is relevant for a global audience; it covers many examples of diseases with an impact worldwide but with an emphasis on disease of particular importance in a temperate context Features over 400 striking figures and colour photographs It is suitable for graduate students and advanced undergraduates studying plant pathology, biology, agriculture and horticulture.