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Plant Pathologists are plant doctors. They study plant diseases and disorders, seek safe, effective and economical control methods, and explain health management techniques to the public.
Plant Pathologists help protect agriculture crops against disease. They also help homeowners, florists, landscape architects, foresters, and others to control plant diseases.
Some plant pathologists specialize in diseases of a particular crop - potatoes, for example. Others study a single disease, such as wheat leaf rust. Extension plant pathologists provide an important link between the research scientists, growers and industry. All participate in teaching and providing service to commodity groups.
Nearly 40 percent of North Dakota 's income is derived from agriculture crops. The state is the largest U.S. producer of durum, hard red spring wheat, barley, sunflower, canola, and flaxseed, and a major producer of navy and pinto beans, sugarbeets, rye, and potatoes.
Plant pathologists at North Dakota State University work to protect this vital industry from losses caused by plant diseases, estimated at 15 percent of total crop produced nationwide. They help growers reduce losses, reduce production costs, reduce chemical use and increase quality and yields. |
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