The book titled "Plant Pathogens and Principles of Plant Pathology" offers fundamental and advanced information that serves as an introduction to its readers about its scientific basis. This literary work is beneficial in filling the gaps and providing support to its readers. The following are the main features of this volume: 1. The subject matter has been arranged in a systematic manner with appropriate illustrations. 2. The book contains recent information. 3. The language used is clear and easily comprehensible. 4. It comprises of 41 chapters that cover a significant portion of the syllabus prescribed by Indian Universities, particularly in the field of Plant Pathology. 5. The book includes a Glossary of technical terms for convenient reference at the end.

Sanjeev Kumar is Assistant Professor/Scientist, Department of Plant Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. He is very sincere and hard working teacher. He has taught many undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D courses with great dedication to the great satisfaction of the students and actively involved in all teaching activities. Dr. Kumar has guided 20 M.Sc and 1 Ph.D student and has been actively involved in his research and extension activities too. As a researcher, he has been associated with 8 major research projects sponsored by ICAR, NATP,TSP and JICA, Japan. He has published 68 research and reviews papers, 25 book chapters, 105 popular articles, 1 research bulletin and 3 technical folders. He is an active member of over six National and International Societies. He is the fellow member of Indian Phytopathological Society, IARI New Delhi, Indian Society of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Udaipur, Rajasthan and Society of Biocontrol Advancement, Banguluru. He has attended many conferences, symposia, workshops and presented papers. He has also attended the World Soybean Research Conference held in Durban, South Africa.

Dr. Kumar has authored seven books entitled Plant Pathogens & Principles of Plant Pathology, Diseases of Horticultural Crops: Identification & Management, Diseases of Field Crops and their Integrated Management, Pesticides and Plant Protection Appliances and Diseases of Field & Horticultural Crops & Their Management-II Fundamentals of Plant Pathology published by New India Publishing Agency, New Delhi and three practical manuals. His research interests include pulse pathology and biological control.

1. Introduction and Importance of Plant Pathology in Agriculture 2. Plant Pathology-The Science 3. History of Plant Pathology 4.Important Plant Pathogenic Organisms 5. The Pathogens- Fungi 6. Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Classification of Fungi 7. Subdivision: Mastigomycotina 8. Subdivision – Zygomycotina 9. Subdivision: Ascomycotina 10. Subdivision – Basidiomycotina 11. Subdivision : Deuteromycotina 12. Prokaryotes: Classification of Prokaryotes According to Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology 13. The Pathogens-Bacteria 14. The Pathogens – Viruses 15. The Pathogens-Phytoplasmas, Spiroplasma and Fastidious Vascular Bacteria 16. The Pathogens-Viroids, Algae, Protozoa and Prions 17. The Pathogens – Nematode 18. The Pathogens-Phanerogamic Parasites 19. Physiological Disorders 20. Basic Terminology and Definitions in Plant Pathology 21. Classification of Plant Diseases 22. General Symptoms of Plant Diseases 23. Dispersal of Pathogens 24. Survival of Plant Pathogens 25. The Infection Process 26. Pathogenesis: Role of Enzymes, Toxins, Growth Regulators and Polysaccharides 27. Plant Defenses 28. Variation in Plant Pathogens 29. Plant Disease Epidemiology 30. Plant Disease Forecasting 31. Principles of Plant Disease Management 32. Physical Management 33. Cultural Management 34. Biological Management 35. Host Plant Resistance 36. Regulatory Methods - Plant Quarantine 37. Chemical in Plant Disease Management 38. Methods of Application of Fungicides 39. Application of Biotechnology in Plant Disease Management 40. Integrated Disease Management