RMRS - Plant Pathology - Science Resource Center

Science Application & Integration

Plant Pathology

The study of plant diseases is referred to as plant pathology. Pathogens and nonliving agents, such as air pollutants, nutrient imbalances, and various environmental factors cause diseases in plants. New diseases and changes in existing pathogens remain a constant threat to our forests, food and fiber crops, and landscape plants. The trick in ridding plants of diseases caused by external or internal forces is to do so in a manner that will not harm or kill the existing plant, but simply alter its make-up or surroundings enough that the plant will no longer carry potentially fatal diseases: for the plant and for the plant's consumers.

Plant pathologists specialize in plant health, which requires a deep and varied knowledge in botany, microbiology, crop science, soil science, ecology, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and physiology (APS, 2009).

Current research is being conducted in plant pathology so as to keep our fruits, vegetables and prairies and meadows clear of diseases.

All Scientists

Scientist

Research

Brian Geils
Research Plant Pathologist

SW Forest Sciences Lab, Flagstaff

Interests:

Mistletoe
Stem rusts of pine
Disturbance Regimes and their relationships to forest health

Geographical Areas: Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico; Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico; California; Blue Mountains, Oregon.

Ned Klopfenstein
Research Plant Pathologist