Pathological Problems of Economic Crop Plants and Their Management

Author: S.M. Paul Khurana
Publisher: Scientific Publishers
Language: English
Edition: 1st Edition
ISBN: 9788172331788
E-ISBN: 9789387893436
Pages: 672
Size: 7 x 9 inches
Weight: 700 gms
Binding: Hardbound
Year of Publication: 1998

Overview:
Plant pathology has been a concern since the dawn of agriculture, posing significant threats to crops and the products they yield. The interaction between hosts (plants) and pathogens is a vital struggle for survival, and under natural conditions, a balance exists between the two. This ecological equilibrium ensures that both pathogens and plants continue to exist in harmony. However, in modern agriculture, especially under the intensive conditions of monoculture, the risks of disease outbreaks have dramatically increased. Improved agricultural practices, such as fertigation and tillage, have inadvertently created environments that favor the spread of pathogens, causing devastating epidemics and significant crop losses across vast areas.

This comprehensive book explores the historical and economic significance of plant diseases, which have been studied extensively due to their catastrophic impacts. While modern science has been successful in managing many of these diseases, some continue to defy prediction, causing serious and unpredictable damage. Despite advancements, only a handful of diseases remain of major concern due to their substantial economic impact on crops. This book provides critical insights into how disease development is influenced by the interplay between pathogens, their hosts, and the broader agricultural environment. It emphasizes the importance of preventing the spread of plant diseases through early intervention and effective management strategies.