Symptoms and diagnosis of viral, bacterial and fungal diseases; disease management strategies; physiology and genetics of host-pathogen interactions; resistance mechanisms and gene expression during host-pathogen interaction; application of genetic engineering in plant pathology.

Trace the evolution of plant pathology; define key terminology.
Examine physiological changes in diseased plants (photosynthesis, respiration, hormones).
Distinguish between pathogenicity and virulence; explain infection processes.
Apply gene-for-gene concepts and resistance mechanisms.
Differentiate between structural and biochemical plant defenses.
Analyze how environment, host, and pathogen influence epidemics.
Review major fungal diseases of crops. Describe bacterial structure, spread, and control.
Examine virus structure, transmission, and diagnosis.
Analyze nematode biology, interactions, and disease symptoms.
Integrate cultural, chemical, and biological control with host resistance.
By the end of the course, students should be able to diagnose plant diseases, understand pathogen biology, apply integrated disease management strategies, and critically evaluate scientific literature.

Agrios, G.N. Plant Pathology. 7th Edition. Elsevier/Academic Press.

Students are required to bring their laptops to download research articles and refer to scientific literature during class discussions.