The following are the key features of this volume: The book has been meticulously designed to enable children to absorb information with minimal effort. The content is organized in a point-by-point manner, which not only captures the interest of the children but also simplifies the understanding process.

This book will be highly beneficial for both teachers and students in the field of plant pathology. Its language is straightforward and easily comprehensible. It encompasses 34 chapters, covering a significant portion of the syllabi offered by Indian universities, especially in the subject of plant pathology. Moreover, a glossary of technical terms has been provided for quick reference.

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, Importance of Plant Diseases, Scope and Objectives of Plant Pathology, 2. History of Plant Pathology, 3. Terms and Concepts in Plant Pathology, 4. Pathogenesis, 5. Factors Affecting Disease Development: Disease Triangle and Tetrahedron, 6. Classification of Plant Diseases,7. Important Plant Pathogenic Organisms, 8.  Different Groups: Fungi, Bacteria, Fastidious Vesicular Bacteria, Phytoplasmas, Spiroplasmas, Viruses,  Viroids, Algae, Protozoa, Phanerogamic Parasites and Nematodes with Examples of Diseases Caused by  them, 9.  Diseases and Symptoms Due to Abiotic Causes, 10. Fungi: General Characters, Definition of Fungus, Somatic Structures, Types of Fungal Thalli, Fungal, Tissues, Modifications of Thallus & Reproduction, 11. Symptoms of Plant Diseases, 12. Nomenclature, Binomial System of Nomenclature, Rules of Nomenclature, Classification of Fungi. Key to   Divisions, Sub-divisions, Orders and Classes, 13. Bacte Bacteria & Mollicutes: General Morphological Characters, Basic Methods of Classification  and  Reproduction, 14. Viruses: Nature, Structure, Replication and Transmission,15. Phanerogamic Parasites , 16. Plant Parasitic Nematodes: General Morphology, Reproduction, Classification, Symptoms and Nature of Damage, 17. Dispersal of Pathogens,18. Survival of Plant Pathogens,19. Types of Parasitism and Variability in Plant Pathogens, 20. Pathogenesis: Role of Enzymes, Toxins and Growth Regulators,21. Defense Mechanism in Plants, 22. Epidemiology: Factors Affecting Disease Development, 23. Forecasting, Prognosis, Modeling and Expert System in Plant Pathology,24. Principles of Plant Disease Control, 25. Physical Management, 26. Cultural Management, 27. Plant Quarantine, 28. Biological Management,29. Host Plant Resistance, 30. Chemical Management, 31. Formulations of Fungicides and Antibiotics, 32. Applications of Fungicides for Diseases Management,33. Integrated Disease Management, 34. Multiple Choice Questions,