Career Guide for Plant Pathology Studies

Plant Pathology is a branch of botany that deals with the study of plant diseases and the initiatives taken so as to control such plant ailments. Professionals in this field, who are called pathologists, utilize modern scientific equipment and techniques to prevent diseases occurring in plants so as to develop new disease resistant plant varieties.

Eligibility Criteria & Courses:

The eligibility criteria for Graduate courses are +2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Biology with minimum of 50 % marks. Selections are made on basis of merit and through entrance exams. After graduation, one can also opt for the master’s and doctoral degrees. The eligibility to take up these courses is 60% of marks. One can also pursue allied course like Entomology, Nematology, and Weed Sciences etc. to become a scientist/expert in the field. Admission to PG courses is based on the All India Combined Entrance and State level Entrance Examinations ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) which also provides Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scholarship. In graduation period a student will learn about the disease cycle, their identifications, procedure to resist these diseases, the economic impact and management of plant diseases.

Career Prospects

Many job opportunities are available for a plant pathologist. One can join in areas like research, development, teaching, sales and also in private practices. Plant pathologists are recruited in agricultural consultancies, fertilizer companies, seed companies, agrochemical companies etc. Plant pathologists who qualify the NET exam conducted by Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) of Indian council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) can work in agricultural colleges or any higher educational institutes as lecturers or in research labs. Plant pathologist are employed by:

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

One can also start their own business after completing the course.

Remuneration:

A fresher from a recognized college or university can earn anywhere between Rs. 15000-20000 per month. An experienced person may obtain Rs.30000 and above. In general, the salary totally depends on the educational qualifications and experience of an individual.