Crop diseases are known to be caused by various abiotic and biotic
agents. Among the biotic agents, microbial plant pathogens -- fungi,
bacteria, phytoplasmas, viruses and viroids -- accounts for significant
quantitative and qualitative losses in agricultural and horticultural
crops. It is essential to have adequate knowledge of various aspects of
these plant pathogens. Information on precise identification of
microbial plant pathogens, process of disease development, epidemiology,
assessment of losses due to diseases, principles of disease management,
their applications for containing the diseases and the possible ways of
integrating the practices is required to develop and enhance the
effectiveness of disease management systems suitable for different
ecosystems. Basic plant pathological methods provided in the appendix
and glossary of plant pathological terms presented in this book will
help the students to have a clear understanding of the subject.
Graduating students, researchers and teachers desirous of updating the
information on different aspects of microbial plant pathogens and the
diseases caused by them, will find this book to be useful.