Crop diseases are typically caused by a combination of abiotic and biotic factors. Among these biotic factors, microbial plant pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, phytoplasmas, viruses, and viroids can result in significant qualitative and quantitative losses for agricultural and horticultural crops. It is crucial to possess comprehensive knowledge about these plant pathogens and their various aspects. This includes information on the precise identification of microbial plant pathogens, the process of disease development, epidemiology, the assessment of losses due to diseases, disease management principles, and their applications for mitigating the spread of diseases. Developing and enhancing the effectiveness of disease management systems requires knowledge 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 the various aspects of microbial plant pathogens and the diseases they cause.

Part I: Causes and Development of Crop Diseases: 1: 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 Management: 7: 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 Management: 15: 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