The Rest of the Story: Forgotten Stories of Plant Pathology History, by Robert M. Harveson (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Panhandle Research and Extension Center), offers a unique and engaging exploration of plant disease epidemics and their often-overlooked influence on world history. Drawing from his popular column in Phytopathology News, “Plant Pathology’s Perplexing Past,” Harveson compiles 48 short, accessible stories that blend scientific insight with compelling historical narrative.

This collection of stories shine a light on lesser-known plant diseases and the surprising roles they’ve played in shaping human events—stories that are rarely told, yet deeply impactful. Whether it's forgotten epidemics or twists in better-known outbreaks, each story uncovers the hidden connections between plant pathology and historical change.

Written for both specialists and curious readers alike, The Rest of the Story is a must-read for anyone interested in plant science or environmental history—or simply looking to explore plant pathology through a new lens.

The Rest of the Story: Forgotten Stories of Plant Pathology History

New or Significant Discoveries

Bacteria

1. Improving Pure Culture Methods for Bacteria
2. Bacterial Wilt
3. The Curious Story of Goss’ Wilt of Corn and Bacterial Wilt of Dry Beans
4. The First Disease Forecasting System?
5. Fire Blight

Fungi

6. Those Villainous Vexations of the Vine
7. *Rhizoctonia spp.
8. Dry Rot Canker
9. Discovering the Function of Pycnia in Rust Fungi
10. *Puccinia subnitens
11. Black Rot of Grapes
12. E. F. Smith and the Fusarium Wilts

Nematodes

13. Nematodes as Plant Pathogens
14. WWI Influences the Birth of Fumigation and Nematology
15. Root-Knot Nematode Improves Fumigation
16. The Native Nebraska Nematode

Viruses

17. The First Plant Viruses?
18. *Polymyxa betae and Rhizomania in the U.S.
19. The Role of Curly Top in U.S. Sugar Beet Production
20. Rice Dwarf Virus

Other Plant Pathogens

21. The Viroid Story
22. The Discovery of Phytoplasmas
23. Peach Yellows

Plant Disease Breeding

24. Creating a Domestic Sugar Beet Seed Program in the United States
25. William Orton Begins Breeding for Disease Resistance
26. The Plot 30 Story

Miscellaneous

27. How and Unrelated Invention Helped Develop Plant Pathology
28. The Embarrassing Japanese Cherry Tree Incident
29. Was the Bordeaux Mixture Really a New Discovery?
30. Was the Bordeaux Mixture Really Discovered Accidentally?

Diseases Influencing World History

Fungi

31. Plant Diseases and Human Eating Habits
32. A Plant Disease Alters Ancient Agricultural Practices
33. Ergot and World History Events
34. Ergot and the Salem Witch Trials?
35. The Irish Potato Famine
36. Potato Late Bight and World War I
37. Sunflower Rust and Resistance

Biographies

Bacteria

38. The Relationship of Halo Blight, Kudzu, and Florence Hedges
39. Stewart’s Corny Practical Joke(s)?
40. The Yellow Disease of Hyacinths

Fungi

41. Women Plant Pathologists
42. Lewis David von Schweinitz
43. Two Early American Amateur Mycologists

Miscellaneous

44. Foreshowing Common Relationships with Venus W. Pool
45. Another Wonder Drug
46. The Other Smith Controversy
47. The Unknown Plant Pathologist
48. George Clinton, Early American Plant Pathologist