LSU Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology


For almost a century, the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology has worked towards advancing knowledge about microorganisms and abiotic stresses that cause plant diseases and their management in Louisiana's crops. Plant diseases and environmental stress significantly limit crop production in the state, with new diseases emerging from changes in crop varieties, cultural practices, and genetic shifts in pathogen populations. The department's faculty focuses on improving management strategies for plant pathogens like fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, as well as environmental stressors such as temperature extremes, excess moisture, and mineral toxicities.

Through research, extension, and teaching programs, the department aims to improve disease management in Louisiana's commodities, including corn, cotton, fruit crops, grain crops, ornamentals, rice, soybean, sugarcane, sweet potato, turfgrass, vegetable crops, and coastal plants.

Read more about the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology.