Diseases in plants are caused by either non-living environmental factors or living agents. Plant diseases may also be grouped based on the causal agent involved, the plant part affected or the type of symptoms. The non-living or environmental causes of plant disease can be divided into- unfavourable temperature, lack or excess moisture, lack of aeration, air pollution, nutrient deficiencies, mineral toxicities, unfavourable soil pH, pesticide toxicity, and improper cultural practices. The living agents that most commonly cause diseases in plants can be classified into five groups. That are fungi, bacteria and phytoplasmas, viruses and viroids, nematodes, and parasitic higher plants. This textbook in two volumes has been intended primarily for the students in undergraduate and postgraduate courses in plant diseases. It fulfill not only the need of the students to find literature on the diseases and other pathological conditions difficult to obtain and access, but also provide complete systematic treatment of the subject from their point of view. Arrangement of chapters and topics is such that it is easily followed by the students.

Diseases in plants are caused by either non-living environmental factors or living agents. Plant diseases may also be grouped based on the causal agent involved, the plant part affected or the type of symptoms. The non-living or environmental causes of plant disease can be divided into- unfavourable temperature, lack or excess moisture, lack of aeration, air pollution, nutrient deficiencies, mineral toxicities, unfavourable soil pH, pesticide toxicity, and improper cultural practices. The living agents that most commonly cause diseases in plants can be classified into five groups. That are fungi, bacteria and phytoplasmas, viruses and viroids, nematodes, and parasitic higher plants. This textbook in two volumes has been intended primarily for the students in undergraduate and postgraduate courses in plant diseases. It fulfill not only the need of the students to find literature on the diseases and other pathological conditions difficult to obtain and access, but also provide complete systematic treatment of the subject from their point of view. Arrangement of chapters and topics is such that it is easily followed by the students.