ABSTRACT
Most famines and social upheaval of historical significance have resulted from destruction of food crops by environmental extremes or from damage caused by pests and diseases. Plant pathologists attempt to improve plant health and crop productivity through the study of plant diseases, so that the severity and impact of diseases (suffering) can be alleviated. The vital role of plant pathology in attaining food security and food safety for the world cannot be overemphasized. Plant pathologists attempt to improve plant health and crop productivity through the study of plant diseases, so that the severity and impact of diseases (suffering) can be alleviated. 1946–47 wheat rust epidemic caused food shortage and an estimated loss of about 200 million rupees annually. Widespread occurrence of leaf rust was observed during 1971–73 in popular cultivar Kalyansona in northern plains and during 1993–94 in HD2285 and HD2329 covering approximately 4 million hectares in North Eastern plain zone.
