Crop diseases are typically caused by a variety of abiotic and biotic factors. Among these biotic factors, microbial plant pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, phytoplasmas, viruses, and viroids are responsible for significant quantitative and qualitative losses in agricultural and horticultural crops. To effectively manage crop diseases, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the various aspects of these plant pathogens. This includes information on the precise identification of microbial plant pathogens, the process of disease development, epidemiology, assessment of losses due to diseases, principles of disease management, and their applications for containing the diseases. Additionally, information on possible ways of integrating these practices is necessary to develop and enhance the effectiveness of disease management systems suitable for different ecosystems. The basic plant pathological methods provided in the appendix and the glossary of plant pathological terms presented in this book will help students gain a clear understanding of the subject. This book will be useful for graduating students, researchers, and teachers who wish to update their knowledge on various aspects of microbial plant pathogens and the diseases they cause.
Professor P. Narayanasamy, Former Professor and Head, Department of Plant Pathology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 640 003, Tamil Nadu, India.
Part I: Causes and Development of Crop Diseases1. Introduction 2. Types of Crop Diseases 3. Methods of Establishing the Causes and Diagnosis of Crop Diseases 4. Development of Plant Diseases Caused by Microbial Pathogens 5. Molecular Basis of Microbial Pathogenicity and Host Plant Defense 6. Assessment of Losses Caused by Crop Pathogens Part II: Principles of Crop Disease Management7. Principles and Practices of Crop Disease Management 8. Exclusion of Diseases Caused by Microbial Plant Pathogens 9. Reduction of Pathogen Inoculum Using Physical and Chemical Techniques 10. Reduction of Pathogen Inoculum Using Cultural Practices 11. Reduction of Pathogen Inoculum Using Antimicrobial Chemicals 12. Reduction of Pathogen Inoculum Using Biological Agents 13. Host Plant Resistance to Microbial Pathogens 14. Induction of Resistance to Crop Diseases Part III: Practices Adopted for Crop Disease Management15. Integrated Management of Diseases Affecting Roots of Plants 16. Integrated Management of Diseases Affecting Stems of Plants 17. Integrated Management of Diseases Affecting Foliage of Plants 18. Integrated Management of Diseases Affecting Inflorescence of Plants 19. Integrated Management of Viral and Phytoplasma Diseases of Crops 20. Integrated Management of Postharvest Diseases