Plant Pathology is the study of plants and their pathogens, the
process of disease, and how plant health and disease are
influenced by factors such as the weather, nonpathogenic
microorganisms, and plant nutrition. The discipline of plant
pathology, and UW-Madison's Department of Plant Pathology, have
made major contributions to the knowledge of plant biology that
is essential to meet the future demands and challenges of
Wisconsin and world agriculture. Specializing in plant health A
plant pathologist is a professional who specializes in plant
health much as a physician specializes in human health or a
veterinarian in animal health. Keeping plants healthy requires
an understanding of organisms and agents that cause disease as
well as an understanding of how plants grow and are affected by
disease. Through college courses in botany, microbiology, crop
sciences, soil science, ecology, genetics, biochemistry,
molecular biology and physiology, students receive the necessary
background for exciting careers in the