Work leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is designed to give the candidate a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of his or her professional field and training in methods of research. The final basis for granting the degree shall be the candidate’s grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. In addition, the candidate must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written languages. The degree is not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence and technical requirements, although these must be met.
Plant Pathology is the science of plant health management that encompasses plant diseases, their nature, causal agents, host resistance, community ecology and interrelated phenomena. Plant Pathology is a broad program with emphasis on both basic molecular biology and field application, and involves the scientific training of professional plant pathologists. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental and practical concepts associated with pathology and the conceptual schemes of fungal, bacterial, viral, nematological, mycoplasmal and physiogenic diseases, host plant resistance, and the role of environmental cues in plant health.