Best Career in Plant Pathology In 2023
- Naief Khatri
- Updated Date : August 18, 2023
Table of Contents
Plant pathologists study the causes of sickness (pathogens) in plants, and how pathogens, environments and hosts interact, in order to better understand and control such sickness. The pathogens may include fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and other microbes. Pursuing agricultural technology here would involve direct work with the commodity industries; pursuing biotechnology on the other hand would be better of you want to proceed to graduate schools or conduct research at universities/R&D laboratories.
Plant pathology is a branch of agricultural science that studies plant diseases. Plant pathologists work in a variety of settings, including academia, government, industry, and private practice. They use their knowledge to diagnose plant diseases, develop control strategies, and prevent the spread of diseases.
Plant pathologists can specialize in different areas of the field, such as:
- Fungi:Â Plant pathologists who study fungi focus on diseases caused by fungi, such as rusts, molds, and mildews.
- Bacteria:Â Plant pathologists who study bacteria focus on diseases caused by bacteria, such as fire blight and bacterial wilt.
- Viruses:Â Plant pathologists who study viruses focus on diseases caused by viruses, such as tobacco mosaic virus and cucumber mosaic virus.
- Nematodes:Â Plant pathologists who study nematodes focus on diseases caused by nematodes, which are microscopic worms.
- Other microbes:Â Plant pathologists who study other microbes focus on diseases caused by a variety of other organisms, such as algae, protozoa, and insects.
Plant pathologists play an important role in protecting crops and other plants from disease. They work to develop new methods of disease control, and they also help to educate farmers and other growers about how to prevent plant diseases.
The agricultural technology option in plant pathology prepares students to work in the agricultural industry. Students learn about the principles of scientific agriculture and plant medicine, and they gain hands-on experience in applying these principles to real-world problems. The biotechnology option in plant pathology prepares students to work in the biotechnology industry. Students learn about the principles of modern biology and plant medicine, and they gain hands-on experience in using these principles to develop new products and technologies.
If you are interested in a career in plant pathology, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
Study hard in school:Â Take courses in biology, chemistry, and math.
Get involved in research:Â Volunteer or intern in a plant pathology lab.
Network with plant pathologists:Â Attend conferences and workshops, and connect with plant pathologists on social media.
Careers in Plant Pathology In 2023
A career in plant pathology can be both challenging and rewarding. Plant pathologists work to protect plants from diseases, pests, and other environmental stresses. They use their knowledge of plant biology and ecology to develop new methods of disease control, and they also help to educate farmers and other growers about how to prevent plant diseases.
Plant pathologists can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Academia: Plant pathologists can work as professors, researchers, or lecturers at universities and colleges.
- Government: Plant pathologists can work for state or federal agencies, such as the USDA or the EPA.
- Industry: Plant pathologists can work for seed companies, chemical companies, or agricultural biotechnology companies.
- Private practice: Plant pathologists can work as consultants to farmers, growers, or businesses.
The specific duties of a plant pathologist will vary depending on their job title and the setting in which they work. However, some common duties include:
- Diagnosing plant diseases
- Developing control strategies for plant diseases
- Conducting research on plant diseases
- Educating farmers and other growers about plant diseases
- Writing scientific papers and reports
- Presenting research findings at conferences
To become a plant pathologist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in plant pathology or a related field. You will also need to complete a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in plant pathology.
If you are interested in a career in plant pathology, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Take courses in biology, chemistry, and math: These courses will give you the foundation you need to understand plant biology and ecology.
- Get involved in research: Volunteer or intern in a plant pathology lab. This will give you hands-on experience working with plant diseases.
- Network with plant pathologists: Attend conferences and workshops, and connect with plant pathologists on social media. This will help you learn about job opportunities and make connections with potential employers.
With hard work and dedication, you can pursue a rewarding career in plant pathology.
Here are some of the benefits of a career in plant pathology:
- Helping to protect plants and food security: Plant pathologists play an important role in protecting plants from diseases, pests, and other environmental stresses. This helps to ensure a safe and abundant food supply for the world.
- Working in a challenging and rewarding field: Plant pathology is a challenging field, but it is also very rewarding. Plant pathologists have the opportunity to make a real difference in the world by helping to protect plants and food security.
- Opportunities for research and development: Plant pathology is a rapidly growing field, and there are many opportunities for research and development. Plant pathologists can work on developing new methods of disease control, new varieties of crops, and new ways to improve plant health.
- Job security: Plant pathologists are in high demand, and there are many job opportunities available. The job outlook for plant pathologists is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years.
Best Career in Plant Pathology In 2023
Plant pathology is a growing field, as the world’s population continues to grow and demand for food increases. Plant pathologists are in high demand in a variety of industries, including agriculture, food production, and environmental protection.
Some of the best career paths in plant pathology in 2023 include:
- Research scientist:Â Research scientists conduct research on plant diseases, developing new methods to control them. They may work in universities, government agencies, or private research institutions.
- Extension agent:Â Extension agents work with farmers and other crop producers to help them prevent and control plant diseases. They may also provide educational programs on plant pathology.
- Diagnosis and control specialist:Â Diagnosis and control specialists work in diagnostic laboratories to identify plant diseases and recommend control measures. They may also work for agricultural companies or government agencies.
Opportunities in Plant Pathology
There are many opportunities in plant pathology. Here are some of the most common:
- Academia:Â Plant pathologists can work as professors, researchers, or lecturers at universities and colleges. They teach students about plant pathology and conduct research on plant diseases.
- Government:Â Plant pathologists can work for state or federal agencies, such as the USDA or the EPA. They conduct research on plant diseases, develop control strategies, and educate farmers and other growers about plant diseases.
- Industry:Â Plant pathologists can work for seed companies, chemical companies, or agricultural biotechnology companies. They develop new varieties of crops that are resistant to disease, develop new pesticides and herbicides, and conduct research on plant diseases.
- Private practice:Â Plant pathologists can work as consultants to farmers, growers, or businesses. They diagnose plant diseases, develop control strategies, and help to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Non-profit organizations:Â Plant pathologists can work for non-profit organizations that focus on plant health, such as the American Phytopathological Society or the Plant Health Alliance. They conduct research on plant diseases, develop educational materials, and advocate for policies that protect plant health.
The specific opportunities available to plant pathologists will vary depending on their education, experience, and interests. However, there are many opportunities for plant pathologists to make a difference in the world by helping to protect plants and food security.
Here are some of the specific job titles that plant pathologists can hold:
- Professor:Â A professor teaches courses in plant pathology at a university or college. They also conduct research on plant diseases and publish their findings in scientific journals.
- Researcher:Â A researcher conducts research on plant diseases. They develop new methods of disease control, new varieties of crops that are resistant to disease, and new ways to improve plant health.
- Lecturer:Â A lecturer teaches courses in plant pathology at a university or college. They do not have the same level of responsibilities as a professor.
- Consultant:Â A consultant provides advice and services to farmers, growers, or businesses on plant health. They diagnose plant diseases, develop control strategies, and help to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Extension agent:Â An extension agent provides education and outreach services to farmers and other growers on plant health. They teach farmers about plant diseases, help them to develop control strategies, and conduct research on plant diseases.
- Regulatory inspector:Â A regulatory inspector inspects plants and plant products to ensure that they are free of disease. They also investigate outbreaks of plant diseases and take steps to prevent the spread of diseases.
The salary for plant pathologists varies depending on their education, experience, and job title. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for plant pathologists was $73,190 in 2020. The lowest 10% of plant pathologists earned less than $46,120, and the highest 10% earned more than $112,750.
If you are interested in a career in plant pathology, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Study hard in school:Â Take courses in biology, chemistry, and math.
- Get involved in research:Â Volunteer or intern in a plant pathology lab.
- Network with plant pathologists:Â Attend conferences and workshops, and connect with plant pathologists on social media.
Plant Pathology Institutes In India
There are many plant pathology courses available in India at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Here are some of the top institutes offering plant pathology courses in India:
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore
- Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
- G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar
- Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Pune
- Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Ranchi
- Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth (DBSKKV), Ratnagiri
- University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
- Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSU), Hisar
The eligibility criteria for admission to plant pathology courses vary from institute to institute. However, most institutes require students to have a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or a related field.
The fees for plant pathology courses vary from institute to institute. However, the fees are typically affordable.
After completing a plant pathology course, you can work in a variety of settings, such as:
- Government agencies
- Private companies
- Non-profit organizations
- Research institutes
- Educational institutions
You can also work as a consultant or start your own business.
The job prospects for plant pathologists are good. The demand for plant pathologists is expected to grow in the coming years due to the increasing incidence of plant diseases and the need to protect crops from pests and diseases.
Plant Pathology Eligibility Criteria
In India, there are 34 state agricultural universities, 3 deemed agricultural universities and 3 central universities offering courses in different disciplines of agricultural science at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Apart from offering Plant Pathology as an optional subject, few universities offer specialized course in Plant Pathology both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. There are total of 16 agricultural universities in India having separate department of plant pathology.
Most of the agricultural universities in India offer bachelors and masters programs in Plant Pathology. Students after completing +2 Science (with Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Ag. Sc. etc) can opt for Bachelor of Science course in Plant Science with specialization in plant pathology, and options either in agricultural technology or biotechnology.
One can also pursue allied course like Entomology, Nematology, and Weed Sciences etc to become a scientist/expert in the field. For masters program in Plant Protection/ Plant Pathology/ Entomology/ Nematology and Weed sciences subjects, candidates have to pass their Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences or in agriculture, under 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 pattern.
Candidates must have obtained at least 60% marks or its equivalent overall grade point average (OGPA) for general category and for SC/ST/PH 55% marks or equivalent OGPA. The admission can be obtained through All India Combined Entrance and State level Entrance Examinations conducted separately. The All India Entrance is being held regularly by the ICAR that also provides the JRF scholarships to students.
Courses In Plant Pathology In India
There are two main courses in plant pathology offered in India:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Plant Pathology:Â This is a 3-year undergraduate degree program that provides students with the basic knowledge of plant pathology, including the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and control of plant diseases.
- Master of Science (M.Sc) in Plant Pathology:Â This is a 2-year postgraduate degree program that builds on the knowledge gained in the BSc program and provides students with more advanced training in plant pathology.
The M.Sc. program typically includes courses on the following topics:
- Plant disease epidemiology
- Plant virology
- Plant mycology
- Plant bacteriology
- Plant nematology
- Plant pathology laboratory techniques
- Plant disease management
After completing an M.Sc. in Plant Pathology, students can pursue careers in research, teaching, or extension. They can also work in the private sector for companies that develop and sell pesticides, fertilizers, or other agricultural products.
Plant Pathology Jobs
Plant pathology is a branch of agricultural science that studies plant diseases. Plant pathologists work to protect plants from diseases, pests, and other environmental stresses. They use their knowledge of plant biology and ecology to develop new methods of disease control, and they also help to educate farmers and other growers about how to prevent plant diseases.
Agricultural Jobs In Plant Pathology
There are many agricultural jobs in plant pathology. Here are some of the most common:
- Plant pathologist:Â Plant pathologists work to protect plants from diseases, pests, and other environmental stresses. They use their knowledge of plant biology and ecology to develop new methods of disease control, and they also help to educate farmers and other growers about how to prevent plant diseases.
- Crop advisor:Â Crop advisors provide advice and services to farmers on crop production, including plant health. They diagnose plant diseases, recommend control strategies, and help farmers to improve their crop yields.
- Extension agent:Â Extension agents provide education and outreach services to farmers and other growers on a variety of agricultural topics, including plant health. They teach farmers about plant diseases, help them to develop control strategies, and conduct research on plant diseases.
- Regulatory inspector:Â Regulatory inspectors inspect plants and plant products to ensure that they are free of disease. They also investigate outbreaks of plant diseases and take steps to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Laboratory technician:Â Laboratory technicians perform laboratory tests on plant samples to diagnose plant diseases. They also prepare cultures of plant pathogens and conduct other laboratory research.
- Seed technologist:Â Seed technologists develop and test new varieties of seeds, and they also help to ensure that seeds are free of disease.
- Horticultural pathologist:Â Horticultural pathologists work to protect ornamental plants from diseases, pests, and other environmental stresses. They use their knowledge of plant biology and ecology to develop new methods of disease control, and they also help to educate horticulturists about how to prevent plant diseases.
- Soil scientist:Â Soil scientists study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. They use their knowledge of soil science to help farmers to improve their crop yields and to protect plants from diseases.
The salary for agricultural jobs in plant pathology varies depending on the job title, experience, and education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for plant pathologists was \$73,190 in 2020. The lowest 10% of plant pathologists earned less than \$46,120, and the highest 10% earned more than \$112,750.
If you are interested in a career in agricultural jobs in plant pathology, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Study hard in school:Â Take courses in biology, chemistry, and math.
- Get involved in research:Â Volunteer or intern in a plant pathology lab.
- Network with plant pathologists:Â Attend conferences and workshops, and connect with plant pathologists on social media.
Goverment Jobs In Plant Pathology
Here are many agricultural jobs in plant pathology. Here are some of the most common:
- Plant pathologist:Â Plant pathologists work to protect plants from diseases, pests, and other environmental stresses. They use their knowledge of plant biology and ecology to develop new methods of disease control, and they also help to educate farmers and other growers about how to prevent plant diseases.
- Crop advisor:Â Crop advisors provide advice and services to farmers on crop production, including plant health. They diagnose plant diseases, recommend control strategies, and help farmers to improve their crop yields.
- Extension agent:Â Extension agents provide education and outreach services to farmers and other growers on a variety of agricultural topics, including plant health. They teach farmers about plant diseases, help them to develop control strategies, and conduct research on plant diseases.
- Regulatory inspector:Â Regulatory inspectors inspect plants and plant products to ensure that they are free of disease. They also investigate outbreaks of plant diseases and take steps to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Laboratory technician:Â Laboratory technicians perform laboratory tests on plant samples to diagnose plant diseases. They also prepare cultures of plant pathogens and conduct other laboratory research.
- Seed technologist:Â Seed technologists develop and test new varieties of seeds, and they also help to ensure that seeds are free of disease.
- Horticultural pathologist:Â Horticultural pathologists work to protect ornamental plants from diseases, pests, and other environmental stresses. They use their knowledge of plant biology and ecology to develop new methods of disease control, and they also help to educate horticulturists about how to prevent plant diseases.
- Soil scientist:Â Soil scientists study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. They use their knowledge of soil science to help farmers to improve their crop yields and to protect plants from diseases.
FAQs
- Colleges and universities (research, teaching, and extension)
- Agricultural consulting companies.
- Agrichemical companies.
- Seed and plant production companies.
- Tissue culture laboratories.
- Diagnostic laboratories.
- International agricultural research centers.
- Botanical gardens and arboreta.
 After completing MD Pathology, candidates get a wide scope of opportunities with employment as Medical Pathologists, Veterinary Clinical Pathologist, Forensic Pathologist, Professor,
Heinrich Anton de Bary is known as the Father of mycology and Father of Plant pathology (Phytopathology).
- Neuropathologist. Salary range: $362,500-$387,500 per year. …
- Anatomic Pathologist. Salary range: $343,500-$381,500 per year. …
- Pediatric Pathologist. …
- Forensic Pathologist. …
- Physician Chief of Pathology. …
- Clinical Pathologist. …
- Anatomic Pathology Manager. …
- Plant Pathologist.
Plant Pathologist average annual salary in India ranges between ₹ 5.4 Lakhs to ₹ 6.9 Lakhs.
- B.Sc in Pathology.
- Bachelor of Science Medical.
- Bachelor of science in Medical Laboratory technology.
- Bachelor of Audiology speech.
- Language Pathology.
Article Updates:
17/08/2023: General Update, Interlinking
17/08/2023: FAQS Update and Infographic
17/08/2023: General Update
