ABSTRACT
Both mycology and phytopathology made notable advances during the 1700s-with small steps toward a germ theory-though these advances were not widely known or appreciated. Researchers during the 1800s built upon the work of their predecessors. The history of nematode parasitism of plants was outside the scope of histories of phytopathology. With many simultaneous developments occurring, it seems best to discuss studies of fungi first, nematodes and bacteria second and third, and viruses last. During that time period, plant pathology was taught at a variety of institutions around the world, though typically within botanical or mycological departments. After the establishment of Agricultural Universities in different states of India in 1960, subject was accorded its due importance, and teaching of its supporting courses, namely mycology, bacteriology, virology, and nematology, was incorporated into both undergraduate and graduate programmes of Agriculture. Currently, the majority of Plant Pathology-related courses have been rewritten, and Molecular Plant Pathology has been included to keep up with scientific progress.
