Overview

Plant pathology is an integrative discipline that bridges the plant, microbial, and environmental sciences. With scientists located on three campuses (Athens, Tifton, and Griffin), we are one of the largest and most comprehensive Departments of Plant Pathology in the country. We provide high-quality graduate and undergraduate education; conduct innovative research into the causes, nature, and management of plant disease; and help growers in Georgia and across the nation manage diseases through relevant and dynamic extension and outreach efforts.

We are especially proud of our vibrant graduate program and the success of our graduates (as measured by professional awards, recognitions, and job placement). In addition to the research-based MS and PhD degrees in Plant Pathology, an interdisciplinary, non-thesis Master of Plant Protection and Pest Management (MPPPM) is offered. We provide exceptional opportunities for students who are interested in understanding how basic biological principles are applied to the science of plant pathology so diseases can be understood and managed for the benefit of agriculture, industry, science, and society.

The return on investment of state-appropriated funds that support research and extension in the Department of Plant Pathology is typically in the range of $200 to 250 million per year if only the prevention of crop losses due to plant disease throughout the state are considered. This return is calculated based on the farm gate value of crops on which the department has programs, the impact of disease, and the cost of management.