10/15/1997

Plant Pathologists at AU Work to Improve Quality of Life and Serve Agricultural Interests

AUBURN, Ala. - Plant pathology, the study of plant diseases and methods for controlling them, could better be described as "plant medicine," according to Joe Kloepper, head of the Department of Plant Pathology in Auburn University's College of Agriculture.

"It's a science that deals with safety and quality of food production," he said.

The department is committed to focusing on quality of life issues like promoting techniques that ensure wholesome food, clean air and clean water, while still serving the needs of the agricultural community, said Paul Backman, professor of plant pathology.
"As plant pathologists, we address those diseases that cause problems in production, food quality and economic returns for farmers. As a portion of the state's economy, agriculture is important, and if plant pathologists weren't involved, there would be a reduction in earnings by farmers and a destabilization of rural communities," he said.

Biological control, using alternatives to chemical pesticides, is a focus for the department's research. Researchers concentrate on controlling soil-borne and foliar plant diseases which are common in Alabama, but they must work on control methods for all diseases that affect crops grown in the state, and watch for new diseases introduced to Alabama crops.

"We have to be ready to respond to new disease outbreaks," Kloepper said.

Integrated pest management, using methods other than, or in addition to chemical pesticides to control pests most economically and with the least harm, is becoming increasingly important for agricultural pest control.

"The discipline of plant pathology is a leader in some of the innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture," Kloepper said. "Plant diseases are everywhere -- they have to be controlled if you're going to have crop production."

The department's faculty is small, but highly productive in the three important areas of teaching, extension and research, he said. Some undergraduate courses are taught in plant pathology, but only graduate degrees are offered at this time. The department is currently exploring the potential of offering an undergraduate degree in plant health management.

"The science that we teach is primarily for graduate students. We develop at the graduate level novel applications of scientific expertise," Backman said.

The department offers training to about 20 to 30 masters and doctoral students per year, most with backgrounds in horticulture, agronomy or microbiology.

Most students graduating from the program are employed as scientists in private industry and universities, or by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Backman said.

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News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu
by Anna M. Lee

October 15, 1997