In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences .
Course Offerings
Plant pathology and plant-microbe biology faculty study interactions of microbes with hosts. The emphasis is on plant hosts, but some investigations apply generally to host-pathogen interactions. Some specialists in the field choose to focus their attention on the cause and management of plant diseases and others employ contemporary tools of molecular biology to answer fundamental questions about the nature of host-pathogen interactions. Working together, they advance the frontiers of science to ensure rapid deployment of new strategies for growing healthy crops with maximum yields and minimal impacts on the surrounding environment.
For most students, a concentration in Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology is preparation for graduate study. However, graduates may also be employed in technical positions with life science companies, with Cooperative Extension, with state or federal agencies, and with agribusiness companies. Suggested courses beyond the Plant Science core include organic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, ecology, calculus, introductory plant pathology, mycology, entomology, agricultural science and plant breeding.
Faculty
G. C. Bergstrom, chair (331 Plant Science Bldg., (607) 255-3245); A. J. Bogdanove, A. R. Collmer, K. D. Cox, M. J. Filiatrault, M. Fuchs, S. M. Gray, M. Harrison, K. T. Hodge, A. Khan, M. Lindeberg, G. B. Martin, M. T. McGrath, M. G. Milgroom, R. J. Nelson, T. Pawlowska, K. L. Perry, S. J. Pethybridge, C. D. Smart, B. M. Swingle, B. G. Turgeon, X. Wang