Plant Pathology is a branch of botany that deals with the study of the organs, tissues, and cells in plants. It also deals with the causatives of plant diseases and the initiatives taken so as to control such plant ailments.

Those who have studied various courses in phytopathology can become Plant pathologists. These professionals mostly carry out research in plant diseases so as to develop new disease resistant plant varieties. They do their research work in plant with the use of their technical knowledge, laboratory equipments and by applying scientific methods. Plant pathologists are biological scientists who are concerned with the dynamic processes involved in plant health.

Qualifying Exam

To become a Plant Pathologist, aspirants should have completed the masters’ and doctoral programs in plant pathology. Those who pursue the specialization courses like nematology, weed sciences, etc can become expert pathologists in the respective fields. Aspirants should attend the CET test for getting admissions for the postgraduate studies. Like wise, they are required to attend the Indian Council of Agricultural Research test so as to get Junior Research Fellowship while doing the research programs. Plant pathologists, on completion of their course can seek out for career in public or private undertakings. Most of these professionals get employed in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and related fields.

Who is eligible to apply?

The eligibility criterion to apply for the post graduation programs in plant pathology is a pass in graduation in any of the botany subjects with 60% and above marks. Postgraduates in the respective areas with first class are qualified for the PhD programs. Aspirants should have pursued the course from a recognized University in order to get admissions for the masters’s and doctoral programs.

How to prepare for exam and interview?

Aspirants must have top to bottom knowledge in the eligibility course curriculum so as to clear the entrance test. They can also purchase exam special books from leading bookstores as part of preparation for the test. By solving previous question papers, setting a time limit, they may get confidence in attending the main exam. Self-evaluation helps the candidates in identifying their weaker portions. This may help them to concentrate much on those portions.