Population Biology of Plant Pathogens: Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution

Just like nature itself, the field of population biology in plant pathogens is constantly evolving, yet it has been more than 25 years since a comprehensive book on this important topic has been produced. Population Biology of Plant Pathogens fills this information gap by explaining how population genetics are applied in plant pathology today. This interpretive guide is ideal for teachers and students of graduate-level plant pathology courses, as it provides a conceptual foundation of the genetics, ecology and evolution of plant pathogen populations while also introducing a wide array of examples that include plant pathogens of all major types: fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Researchers and population biologists who wish to specifically study population biology in plant pathogens will also find this book an important tool, as it explains the basic tenets of population biology, population genetics, and the evolution of plant pathogens, and illustrates their applications in epidemiology and applied agriculture. Population Biology of Plant Pathogens is structured to explain the wonders of evolutionary phenomena in plant pathogens in a logical and orderly fashion Chapters one through six address foundational concepts in population genetics, such as genetic markers, genetic diversity, mutation and random genetic drift, natural selection, and migration and population structure. Chapters seven and eight cover recombination and clonality Chapters nine and ten address gene-for-gene systems and disease resistance Chapter 11 focuses on emerging plant diseases Chapter 12 illustrates applications of population biology in epidemiology and applied agriculture Population Biology of Plant Pathogens also contains other important features that further support learning. These include helpful sidebars that highlight topics to initiate discussion; concept summaries at the end of each chapter; a glossary of key terms, a list of commonly used abbreviations; recommended readings; and a comprehensive index. Author Michael G. Milgroom has been a pioneer and leading researcher in the population genetics and population biology of plant pathogens for nearly 30 years. He has also taught this subject extensively at the graduate level for more than 20 years. His vast knowledge and experience are apparent through the book’s many examples derived from original research, historical accounts, articles, and other sources from himself and his colleagues.