The Formative Years of Plant Pathology in the United States describes more completely than ever before, the history of where and how the scientific interest in plant disease arose and was developed. Covering the early events of plant pathology and related disciplines, this book shows how the of impact of major figures, organizations, and education led to the successful development of this scientific field. This history will be an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the shaping of this science and profession.

Purchase of this book is accompanied by a commemorative bookplate in honor of Dr. C. Lee Campbell, a dedicated plant pathologist and past President of the American Phytopathological Society who passed away shortly before publication of this work.

The Formative Years of Plant Pathology in the United States

Part One: Plant Diseases and Agriculture in the Early America

Chapter 1: Cultivating the Art and Science of Agricultural Improvement

Scientific and Agricultural Societies
A Professorship at Columbia College
Horticulturists and Fruit Diseases
Answers Not Yet Possible

Chapter 2: The Potato Epidemic: Causes and Cures

the Development of Fungal Theory
Potato Rot
The Limits of Agricultural Improvement

Chapter 3: The Movement for Agricultural Science

Plant Disease Problems of the Mid-Nineteenth Century
Mid-Century Investigations
Institutions for Agricultural Education and Research

Part Two: The Origins of the U.S. Plant Pathology

Chapter 4: A Changing Botany: New Educational Opportunities

the Changing Face of Botany
Placing Scientific Botany in Agricultural Education
From an Intellectual Pulpit at Harvard
Pioneering Botanical Education at Land-Grant Institutions

Chapter 5: Fire Blight and New Realms of Research

Landmark Studies
Proof That Bacteria Cause Plant Disease
Remaining Challenges

Chapter 6: Early Years of the United States Department of Agriculture

Politics and Science
Plant Disease and the Early USDA
A USDA Microscopist and Fungus Research
Creation of the Section of Mycology

Part Three: The Rise of Plant Disease Research

Chapter 7: Practical Service to Farmers

Grape Diseases and the Section of Mycology
Transition and Expansion
Enlarging the Sphere of Research

Chapter 8: Plant Pathology Nationwide

The Hatch Act
Plant Disease Work at the Experiment Stations
The East
The Midwest and Great Plains
The South
Around the Nation

Chapter 9: Recognition of U.S. Plant Pathology

The Rise of Government Laboratories
Vine Disease in California
Citrus Disease in Florida
Fruit and Orchard Interests in New York
A New Emphasis on Physiology
Plant Bacteriology

Part Four: The Maturation and Professionalization of Plant Pathology

Chapter 10: Growth and Development at the Federal Level

A New Bureau and Continuing Excellence
Plant Breeding for Resistance to Disease
The Creation of Nematology
Chestnut Blight and Forest Pathology
Public Policy and Quarantine
A New Era

Chapter 11: The Creation of University Departments

The Changing Education Scene
Cornell University
The University of Minnesota
The University of Wisconsin
Extension

Chapter 12: The American Phytopathological Society

Plant Pathology in Botany Organizations
A Professional Society
First Meeting of the New Society
A New Journal
An Emerging Discipline