Plant Diseases: Identification and Management

Proper identification of a problem is the prerequisite for devising the measures of its management as well as for applying the most suitable management strategy available. Plant diseases have always been an associated problem for successful crop cultivation and obtaining optimum profits from this most important enterprise. With advancements in the field of chemical management of plant diseases, we have witnessed a simultaneous increase in the problems related to pesticide application in agriculture. Part of this problem can be attributed to the improper identification of plant diseases, which leads to the use of improper chemical in injudicious amounts. It has, therefore, become necessary to aware the people involved in education, extension and practice of agriculture of proper characterization of plant diseases with the most appropriate management strategy for the disease. In this context, students, extension workers and farmers stand the major clients who must be armed with information on proper identification method and management of a given plant disease. The present book is designed to cater to the needs of undergraduate and postgraduate students of agriculture and biosciences, extension workers and educated progressive farmers. It is aimed to aid them in proper identification of many of the economically important plant diseases with integrated strategies for their respective management. The book may also serve as a guidebook for the professionals in the field of plant disease management for identification and management of plant diseases with minimal resource requirements