Pathology is the field of science that deals with the health problems of Plants. This plant protection science offers ample higher study options as well as job opportunities to aspirants. Postgraduate degree in the area improves the probability to earn a rewarding job in this sector.

The main areas of specialization in plant pathology are

• Entomology
• Nematology
• Weed Sciences

Professionals in this sector play a major part in improving the agricultural productivity of our country. Due to the worldwide importance in plant protection, the course is highly demanded among Indian students.

Higher study options after M Sc Plant Pathology?

The aspirant can either do research programs or Master of Philosophy after completion of master’s program in Plant pathology. The basic eligibility to apply for these two programs is the master’s degree in the concerned subject. Certain Universities specify cut off marks for the selection process. Main Colleges in India offering different courses in Plant pathology are

• Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)
• Allahabad Agricultural Institute (Uttar Pradesh)
• Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat (Assam)
• Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, West Bengal
• Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi (Bihar)
• Central Agricultural University, Imphal (Manipur)
• Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
• Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh)
• Gujarat Agricultural University, Sardar Krushinagar, (Gujarat)
• Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur (Himachal Pradesh)
• Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
• Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh
• Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (Madhya Pradesh)
• Jawaharlal Nehru Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh)
• Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara  (Kerala)
• National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana
• Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
• University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (Karnataka)
• University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (Karnataka)
• West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata (West Bengal)

Job opportunities after M Sc Plant Pathology ?

A postgraduate in plant pathology can find ample career openings both in India as well as overseas. The main role of a plant pathologist is to identify and to cure the diseases in Plants. Professionals in plant pathology use modern scientific equipment and techniques to prevent diseases occurring in plants. The career opportunities for these professionals may arise in areas of teaching, research, administration, and so on. They can also work in collaboration with plant breeders and weed specialists also. Other areas where plant pathologist can find employment opportunities are

• Agricultural consulting companies
• Agricultural firm
• Agricultural Research Service
• Agrochemical companies
• Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service
• Biological control companies
• Biotechnology firms
• Botanical gardens
• Colleges and universities
• Diagnostic laboratories
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
• Forest Service
• International agricultural research centers
• Lawn and landscape maintenance firms
• Nurseries and garden centers
• Patent law firms
• Private practice
• Seed and plant production companies
• State departments of agriculture Environmental
• Tissue culture laboratories

Those who have completed a doctorate program or Master of Philosophy after M Sc Plant pathology can find a bright future in education sector.  This helps them to obtain jobs as Professors in different Colleges or Universities offering courses in plant pathology .Those with JRF or NET qualification can apply for similar profile in government sector.