1. Agricultural Careers By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Ms. Anna Burgess Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START Plant Pathologist

2. Job Duties & Responsibilities Monitor and attempt to restrict the movement of plant pathogens Diagnose the causes of plant disease and recommend solutions Unravel the mystery of the genes responsible for causing plant disease Work with agriculturists around the world Teach students and growers the most current strategies for disease control Develop disease-resistant plant varieties

3. Plant pathologists must be proficient in collecting and analyzing data and should be able to conduct and explain scientific research. They should have excellent reading, writing, and communication skills. They need to be expert problem solvers and able to make important decisions. They should be precise and patient with an eye for accuracy and detail. Plant pathologists should have a vast knowledge of plants. They should be observant and curious to be able to distinguish between abnormal and normal plants. Qualities and Skills

4. Salary A certified pathologist with a doctoral degree has a starting salary of about $52,000 a year.

5. Work Environment Working indoors in an office or in a laboratory Working outdoors visiting diseases plant areas Traveling across the nation and internationally conducting research

6. Education To be a plant pathologist, a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and a master's degree in plant pathology are suggested. To be a research scientist, you need a doctoral degree in plant pathology or a related discipline.

7. Career Resources American Phytopathological Society Internet: http://www.apsnet.org/ International Society for Molecular Internet: http://www.ismpminet.org/ International Society for Plant Pathology Internet: http://www.isppweb.org/ Agricultural Careers Internet: http://www.agcareers.com Agriculture Online Internet: http://www.agriculture.com USDA Living Science Web Internet: http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/USD A/careers/plantpathologist.html