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PhD in Plant Pathology is a 3 years full-time research-oriented course. Plant Pathology is a branch of agricultural sciences of Biological sciences which deals with the study of diseases in plants, the mechanisms by which these diseases develop in Plants, and the ways in which these diseases can be cured in plants.
PhD Plant Pathology has minimum eligibility of at least 55% in Post-Graduation in Biological Sciences or its equivalent.
Selection Process for PhD Plant Pathology is merit-based while some top colleges conduct their own Entrance Exams. The process might include a Written Test followed by a Personal Interview.
Top Colleges for PhD in Plant Pathology are Loyola College, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Punjab Agricultural University, Lovely Professional University, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, etc. The average tuition fee for PhD Plant Pathology is INR 10,000 to INR 1,00,000. The
Some subjects studied for PhD Plant Pathology include Plant Biosecurity and Biosafety, Advanced Mycology, Advanced plant Bacteriology, Advanced Integrated Pest Management, Genomics in Crop Management.
The studies include various aspects of plant diseases that can be due to organisms such as Fungi, Bacteria, Viruses, Nematodes, Protozoa, Phytoplasmas, Oomycetes, and various other diseases causing microbes or can be due to environmental conditions.
Plant Pathology graduates can work in Public as well as Private organizations and can work as Plant Geneticist, Aquatic Botanist, Inspection Executive and can work in Agricultural Consulting Companies, Botanical Gardens, Animal and Plant Health Inspection centers, Diagnostic Laboratories, Forest Service, International Research centers, etc.
The Initial Pay for a graduate in Plant Pathology can be from INR 10,000 to 25,000 whereas by working as a Junior Research fellow a person can earn a minimum stipend of INR 10,000.
Table of Content
2.1 Why Study?
3.2 Entrance Exam
3.3 PhD Plant Pathology: How to Get Admission to a Good College?
5.1 Course Books
7.1 Future Scope
PhD Plant Pathology: Course Highlights
| Course Level | PhD |
| Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Pathology |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Examination Type | Online |
| Eligibility | Post-Graduation in Biological Sciences or its equivalent. |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exam or Merit Based |
| Course Fee | INR 10,000 - INR 1,00,000 PA |
| Average Salary | INR 3,00,000 - INR 5,00,000 |
| Top Recruiters | Universities, Colleges, etc. |
| Job Position | Plant Geneticist, Aquatic Botanist, Limnologist, Plant Pathologist, Consultant |
PhD Plant Pathology: What is It About?
Plant Pathology is a branch of agricultural sciences of Biological sciences which deals with the study of diseases in plants, the mechanisms by which these diseases develop in Plants, and the ways in which these diseases can be cured in plants.
- The studies include various aspects of plant diseases that can be due to organisms such as Fungi, Bacteria, Viruses, Nematodes, Protozoa, Phytoplasmas, Oomycetes, and various other diseases causing microbes or can be due to environmental conditions.
- The branch focuses on understanding hosts, Pathogens and environments interact to cause plant diseases and to control those diseases.
- With this specialization, Candidates who wish to work for Agri-chemical Industries, various seeds, and commodities learn to apply various principles to scientific agriculture and plant medicine.
- The person who looks out for such diseases and cures is a plant pathologist. A plant pathologist is a professional who specializes in the health of plants keeping them healthy and trying various means to keep them healthy.
- Graduates usually work in plant pathology roles in order to acquire knowledge of agricultural sciences and to get the most sought-after professional positions.
- Employment opportunities for Plant pathologists include research, Product development, Administration, regulatory work, etc.
Why Study PhD Plant Pathology?
The various reason to choose PhD Plant Pathology are stated below
- It will help you understand and gain in-depth knowledge of plants and their diseases.
- Students will learn various facets of plant technologies, plant diseases, crops, etc.
- Being a plant pathologist can help plants from contracting diseases. This way there can be fewer wastages of crops.
- Plant Pathology is an advanced technology to protect crops from losses that can be due to diseases.
- Plant pathology science has contributed to disease-free seed production.
- By use of Cultural practices and by making modifications in it most of the diseases with known disease cycles can now be avoided.
- Many diseases can now be checked and also can be prevented with the help of a plant pathologist which can further reduce the wastage of crops.
- There is an improvement in crops against many diseases through the joint effort of breeders and plant pathologists.
- Plant pathology can make possible restrictions to curb the spread of plant diseases from one place to another and one country to another through suitable measures and quarantine.
- With the help of plant pathologists, diseases can be avoided in cold storage, and different insights of various plants, fruits, and vegetables can be gained regarding their storage temperatures.
- Recognition of toxic substances can be detected via plant pathology.
PhD Plant Pathology: Admission Process
- The admission process for PhD Plant Pathology is Entrance Test based however some Colleges/Universities give admissions based on Merit Score obtained by students in Post-Graduate Program.
- Students are required to apply for Entrance Exams as well as Merit-based exams on the portals published by concerned authorities.
Merit-Based Admission
- For merit-based admissions, colleges keep a minimum of 55% as eligibility criteria in Post-Graduation courses.
- Candidates are then called on for further rounds of selection which include Extempore, Group Discussion, and Personal Interview, and each process is assigned some score.
- Based on scores obtained in each round a merit list is prepared and eligible candidates are given admission letters.
Entrance-Based Admission
Some colleges prefer entrance tests over merit-based admissions. The procedure for such colleges is as follows:
- Students are required to appear for the Entrance Test.
- The minimum cut-off is assigned by colleges in the Entrance test
- Based on the marks scored by the candidate he/she is called for further rounds of selections
- Further rounds include Extempore, Group Discussion, and Personal Interview, and each process is assigned some score and each process is assigned some score.
- A raw score is calculated by combining the entrance test score and other rounds of selection and if the candidate meets the eligibility and the prescribed score, He/she is given admission.
PhD Plant Pathology: Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum 55% in Post-Graduation
- Post-Graduation in Biological Sciences or its equivalent
- He/she should have attained a minimum age of 18 years and there is no age barrier or upper age limit for a candidate desiring to do a PhD.
PhD Plant Pathology: Entrance Exams
There are many entrance exams conducted at the national level. These exams can be through Colleges/Universities or Higher Exams conducting Authorities like CSIR, UGC.
| Entrance Exam | Exam Date |
|---|---|
| CSIR UGC NET | To be announced |
| UGC NET | To be announced |
| ICAR AICE JRF/SRF | To be announced |
| IIT JAM | Check here |
| VITMEE | Check here |
| NIPER PhD Entrance Exam | To be Announced |
PhD Plant Pathology: Tips to Prepare for Entrance Exams
- Be Punctual with time
- To avoid any time delay, leave early
- Carry Admit card and print admit card well before the exam
- Acquaint yourself with the test center at least 1 day before the test
- Do not carry any ornaments
- Make sure your system is running properly
PhD Plant Pathology: How to Get Admission to a Good College?
The College Admissions process can be full of stress and anxieties and has always been a cumbersome process but when executed properly and with the utmost care it can help you land a good college. We have curated a list of tips and tricks which can help you ease your college selection
- Research yourself to find the right direction for a successful future.
- Research well about the college. Doo In-depth research about the college. Research about the college’s Faculties, Accreditations, Rankings, Placements, Hidden charges, etc.
- Connect with seniors and Alumni to help clear your doubts and to come to a conclusion.
- Apply Early for the college in order to avoid last-minute hassles.
- List your eligibility and college’s eligibility criteria and see if it fits your requirement and eligibility.
- Complete the entire application in one go. Do not leave any section.
- Make a list of essential documents and be ready with those documents.
PhD Plant Pathology: Top Colleges
| College Name | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| Loyola College, Chennai | INR 36,000 |
| Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi | INR 29,250 |
| Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore | INR 80,000 |
| Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana | INR 85,000 |
| Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar | INR 2,40,000 |
| Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar | INR 22,000 |
PhD Plant Pathology: College Comparison
| Parameters | Indian Agricultural Research Institute | Tamil Nadu Agricultural University |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi is one of the top agricultural institutes in the country. It offers a wide variety of agricultural courses to the students. | Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu is a popular agricultural university in the country. The college operates under the University of Madras. |
| Location | New Delhi | Tamil Nadu |
| NIRF Ranking | 23 | 40 |
| Average Fees | INR 29,250 | INR 80,416 |
| Eligibility | Post-Graduation in relevant discipline | Post-Graduation in relevant discipline |
| Admission Process | Direct admission or Entrance test and interview | Direct admission or Entrance test and interview |
| Average CTC | INR 3,00,000 - 5,00,000 | INR 2,00,000 - 4,00,000 |
| Top Recruiting Company | Indian Forest Service, Indian Economic Service, etc | Reliance Fresh, Tamarai Landscapes, Pazhamudhir Nilayam, etc. |
PhD Plant Pathology: Course Syllabus
Below is a brief table of the Syllabus included in the PhD Plant Pathology:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Advances of crop growth and productivity | Irrigation management |
| Advances in weed management | Stress crop production |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Seminar | Research |
| Preliminary | Principles and practices of soil fertility and nutrient management |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
| Research | Research |
| Dryland farming and watershed management | Agronomy of major cereals and pulses |
PhD Plant Pathology: Course Books
Below is the list of books that are mostly recognized by top Institutes and are written by top Authors for PhD Plant Pathology:
| Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Seed-borne Plant Virus Diseases | K. Subramanya Sastry |
| Detection and Diagnostics of Plant Pathogens | Maria Lodovica Gullino, Peter J. M. Bonants |
| Diagnosis of ill-health in trees | R.G. Strouts, Arboricultural Association, T.G. Winter |
| Diseases of Trees and Shrubs | Wayne A. Sinclair, Howard H. Lyon |
| Infectious Forest Diseases | Paolo Gonthier, Giovanni Nicolotti |
| Introduction to Fungi | Revd Prof. John Webster, Roland W. S. Weber |
| Pests, Diseases, and Disorders of Garden Plants | Stefan T. Buczacki, Keith Harris, Illustrated by Brian Hargreaves |
| Plant Pathology Concepts and Laboratory Exercises: Concepts and Laboratory Exercises | Robert N. Trigiano |
| Molecular Plant Pathology | Matthew Dickinson |
PhD Plant Pathology V/s PhD Agricultural Sciences: Which is Better?
| Parameters | PhD Plant Pathology | PhD Agricultural Sciences |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Pathology | Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture |
| Overview | PhD Plant Pathology is the study of diseases in plants, the mechanisms by which these diseases develop in Plants, and the ways in which these diseases can be cured in plants. | PhD Agriculture is a research-based course. It mainly deals with the various techniques of agriculture and crop production. |
| Eligibility | Masters in Biological Sciences or relevant course with a minimum of 55% marks. | Masters in Agriculture or relevant course with a minimum of 50% marks. |
| Admission Process | Direct admission or entrance test and interview | Direct admission or entrance test and interview |
| Average Fee | INR 1,000 - 1,00,000 | INR 5,000 - 2,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 3,00,000 - 6,00,000 | INR 4,00,000 - 6,00,000 |
| Top Colleges | Loyola College, Punjab Agricultural University, Lovely Professional University | Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University |
| Recruitment Sector | Government Institutions and PSUs | Fertilizer companies, agricultural companies, colleges, universities, etc. |
| Top Job Profiles | Plant Pathologist, Plant Geneticist Consultant | Researcher, Manager, Agricultural Officer, etc. |
PhD Plant Pathology: Job Profiles
We have curated some of the best positions in which a PhD plant pathology graduate can be employed.
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Pathologist | A plant pathologist is a professional who specializes in the health of plants keeping them healthy and trying various means to keep them healthy. | INR 4,00,000 - 5,00,000 |
| Health Managers | Many Government Agencies employ Plant pathologists to increase the health standards of food and to prevent them from decaying. | INR 3,00,000 - 4,00,000 |
| Research Associate | Research Associate is responsible for carrying out research activities in plant Pathology for the cause and cure in a plant | INR 2,50,000 - 3,50,000 |
| Professor | Professor gives a holistic view of the course being studied. He is responsible for attendances, assigning a project, assigning case studies, etc. to students. | INR 3,00,000 - 4,00,000 |
PhD Plant Pathology: Future Scope
As India is an Agrarian Country the future of PhD Plant Pathology will always be secured wherein, they need not worry about their employment.
- A desirous candidate can opt for research-based jobs or further studies
- He/She may either work at various Plant laboratories or can conduct their own research
- Students can invest their time in discovering new technologies to improve crop production
- Students can Teach at various Colleges/Institutes
- Students can apply for Government Posts for which they may have to clear an additional exam conducted by the government.
PhD Plant Pathology: FAQs
Ques. Is it worth doing a PhD Plant Pathology?
Ans. Yes, PhD Plant Pathology is the most versatile field to choose for specialization for PhD. Also, there are numerous opportunities for such professionals in India. As India is an agrarian country the scope for plant pathology is not limited.
Ques. Is there any scholarship for PhD Plant Pathology?
Ans. Many Institutes do provide scholarships to meritorious students who have scored well in the entrance examinations. Scholarships are also provided on the basis of your past performances such as academics, extra-curricular activities, Rank holders, etc.
Ques. Am I Eligible for a Stipend if I get selected as a Junior Research Fellow in any Institute?
Ans. Yes, the Government of India does provide Stipend to students who have been selected as Junior Research fellow in any organization or institutes.
Ques. Can I get a Fee concession in colleges if I am from the Reserved category?
Ans. Yes definitely. Many Colleges/Universities provide fee concession to Reserved categories.
Ques. What is the Application fee for applying to any college for PhD Plant Pathology?
Ans. The application fee for PhD Plant Pathology varies from college to college. The application fee can be as low as INR 1,000 and can be up to INR 5,000.
Ques. What are the opportunities in PhD Plant Pathology?
Ans. There are numerous opportunities for PhD Plant Pathologist. Candidates can opt for research-based jobs or can apply for Government Posts. They can either work at various Plant laboratories or can conduct their own research.
Ques. What is the Admission process for admission to a top PhD College for PhD Plant Pathology?
Ans. Many colleges conduct their own entrance exam whereas some colleges provide admission on merit basis. You will have to apply to colleges a screening test will be conducted which will be followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview. The candidate will have to clear all stages to be selected for PhD Plant Pathology.
Ques. How much amount will be required to study PhD Plant Pathology?
Ans. The average tuition fee for PhD Plant Pathology ranges between INR 10,000 to INR 1,00,000 per year.
Ques. What will be subjects that will be taught in PhD Plant Pathology?
Ans. Some subjects studied for PhD Plant Pathology include Plant Biosecurity and Biosafety, Advanced Mycology, Advanced plant Bacteriology, Advanced Integrated Pest Management, Genomics in Crop Management.
Ques. What is the course duration of PhD Plant Pathology and what are the job roles that I can get after PhD Plant Pathology?
Ans. The duration of PhD Plant Pathology is 3 years. After completing PhD Plant Pathology a student can work as a Plant Pathologist, Product Manager, Research Associates, Professor, Health Manager, etc.
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