Plant Pathologist
Plant pathologists study the health of plants. They work to identify diseases, pests and other health problems a plant may experience. They mechanically inoculate (treat with a vaccine to produce immunity against a disease) to prevent viruses, bacterium, fungi, oomycetes (also known as “water molds”), nematodes (parasitic worms) and other pathogens in the field, greenhouse and growth chambers.
Future Job Market
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Fair
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Good
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Excellent
Typical Employers:
Plant pathologists can work in a wide variety of settings from the laboratory to the field. They are employed by seed research and biotech companies, the government and universities or may even work independently as a consultant for different clients.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- The International Society for Plant Pathology
- American Society for Virology
- Mycological Society of America
- Genetics Society of America
- American Society of Plant Biologists
- American Phytopathological Society
- National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants (if in a consultant role)
Salary:
$85,000?
SAE Connections:
FFA Connections:
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Inspect and sample plant tissues
- Complete routine tasks associated with experiments
- Assist in the detection of seed-transmitted pathogens including viruses, viroids (an infectious entity that is smaller than a virus), fungi and bacterium
- Provide mechanical immunization of pathogens in growing areas
- Perform bioassays of insects and vectors (Bioassays measure the concentration of a substance based on its effect on living cells or tissues.)
- Maintain seed-testing services used for the detection of seed-transmitted pathogens
- Perform routine data collection from research projects
- Maintain proper documentation and reports of all tests and research
- Prepare clear, accurate and concise reports of test results
- Perform or direct a variety of molecular lab work
- Perform complex data analysis using statistical models
- Lead teams in creating analysis problems
- Network internally to innovate and enable new tests
- Network externally to determine new research opportunities
- Propose and lead external collaborations
- Design and implement new screening methods for diseases
- Review literature and keep an updated knowledge of the latest technologies
- Help in laboratory inventory management and maintenance of a clean and safe lab environment
- Provide training and development to plant pathology and seed technology scientists and staff
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- plant science
- soil science
- biology
- chemistry
- statistics
- mathematics
- environmental science
Education/Training Required:
Typically, plant pathologists obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in plant science, soil science, botany, horticulture, plant pathology, biology or a related field. Having a doctorate degree is recommended for high-level research or administrative positions.
