Plant Pathologists are plant doctors. They study plant diseases and disorders, seek safe, effective and economical control  methods, and explain health management techniques to the public.

Plant Pathologists help protect agriculture crops against disease. They also help homeowners, florists, landscape architects, foresters, and others to control plant diseases. 

Some plant pathologists specialize in diseases of a particular crop - potatoes, for example. Others study a single disease, such as wheat leaf rust. Extension plant pathologists provide an important link  between the research scientists, growers and industry. All participate in teaching and providing service to commodity groups.    

Nearly 40 percent of North Dakota's income is derived from agriculture crops.  The state is the largest U.S. producer of durum, hard red spring wheat, barley, sunflower, canola, and flaxseed, and a major producer of navy and pinto beans, sugarbeets, rye, and potatoes. 

Plant pathologists at North Dakota State University work to protect this vital industry from losses caused by plant diseases, estimated at 15 percent of total crop produced  nationwide. They help growers reduce losses, reduce production costs, reduce chemical use and increase quality and yields.

Formerly established  in 1960,the department grew out of a strong tradition of plant disease research that dates back to the institution's founding more than a century ago. Pioneer researcher H.L. Bolley did something back then that was previously unheard of : he exposed plants to disease to find selections that proved resistant. Today, Bolley's techniques are basic to crop improvement.  Another pioneer NDSU plant pathologist, H. H. Flor,  developed the scientifically-renowned gene for gene theory.

The tradition continues. State faculty, federal researchers, extension pathologists and support personnel contribute to the department's rolls of research, teaching and outreach. Researchers have developed effective controls  for many major plant diseases of North Dakota crops.  In cooperation with plant breeders and other scientists, they have identified genetic resistance to disease and participated in releasing improved crop varieties.  In wheat alone, wide-spread use of NDSU-developed rust-resistant varieties minimizes losses that could reach nearly $100 million   statewide during an epidemic. 

NDSU plant pathologists are constantly improving control programs to meet market demands, address environmental concerns and apply new technologies.  When pathogens overcome plant resistance, pathologists must find new sources of resistance.  With plant breeders, pathologists find disease-resistant genetic materials from  domesticated and wild varieties worldwide.  New biotechnology techniques help pathologists incorporate genetic resistance into crop varieties more rapidly.  Plant pathologists also seek safer and more effective pesticides, including biological controls, to protect crops until adequate genetic resistance is available.  Plant pathologists also examine cultural techniques that reduce disease threats.

Prospective students may schedule a visit by calling 1-800-488-NDSU (6378).