Pharmacognosy

Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Plant pathology investigates the biotic and abiotic factors behind the failure of plants to reach their genetic potential, and develops interventions to protect plants, reduce crop losses and improve food security. Biotic disease is caused when virulent pathogens infect susceptible plants under favorable environmental conditions. Plants are protected from most microbes by passive physical and chemical barriers, and invoke active defence responses when these barriers are breached by invasive pathogens. However, virulent pathogens suppress these responses and engage in an arms race with host plants. Plant disease management depends on accurate diagnosis, a complete understanding of the disease cycle and biology of disease.