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B-SC-HONS-AGRICULTURE in Plant Pathology at Assam Agricultural University
Jorhat, Assam
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About the Specialization
What is Plant Pathology at Assam Agricultural University Jorhat?
This Plant Pathology program at Assam Agricultural University focuses on diagnosing, understanding, and managing plant diseases, which cause significant crop losses in India. It delves into the etiology, epidemiology, and integrated management of diseases affecting diverse agricultural and horticultural crops, crucial for enhancing food security and farmer incomes in the Indian agricultural landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates passionate about crop protection and sustainable agriculture. It also suits individuals seeking careers in agricultural research, extension services, biopesticide industries, or those aspiring to become agri-entrepreneurs, contributing to India''''s robust food production system.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in government agencies (ICAR, state agriculture departments), private seed/pesticide companies, and research institutions. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 7-15 LPA. Growth trajectories include roles in R&D, quality control, and field management, aligning with national agricultural development goals.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Scientific Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on core biology, chemistry, and microbiology courses during the initial semesters. Utilize university lab facilities regularly to gain hands-on experience and clarify theoretical concepts. Join peer study groups to discuss complex topics and prepare for competitive exams like JRF/SRF early on.
Tools & Resources
University labs, Textbooks (e.g., Agrobios, ICAR publications), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust foundation in basic sciences is critical for understanding advanced plant pathology concepts, essential for research roles and higher studies.
Develop Microscopic and Diagnostic Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in practical sessions for subjects like ''''Fundamentals of Plant Pathology''''. Learn to identify different types of plant pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses) under a microscope and practice basic diagnostic techniques. Document observations meticulously in lab notebooks.
Tools & Resources
Compound microscopes, Culture media, Disease samples (from fields/labs)
Career Connection
These skills are fundamental for disease diagnosis in research, extension, and agro-industry, making graduates valuable in crop protection services.
Engage with Agricultural Extension Activities- (Semester 3-4)
Seek opportunities to visit local farms and interact with farmers through university extension programs. Understand common crop diseases faced by local communities and observe existing management practices. This builds real-world problem-solving aptitude.
Tools & Resources
AAU Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Local farming communities, Extension publications
Career Connection
Direct field exposure helps bridge theoretical knowledge with practical challenges, preparing students for extension officer roles and farmer advisory services.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives and Projects- (Semester 5-6)
Strategically choose Plant Pathology-related electives and actively pursue short-term research projects under faculty mentorship. Focus on a specific area like mycology, bacteriology, or virology. This helps build a specialized portfolio and expertise.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Departmental research facilities, Relevant scientific journals
Career Connection
Deep specialization makes you a more attractive candidate for targeted research positions, higher studies (M.Sc./Ph.D.), and R&D roles in specific agrochemical companies.
Participate in RAWE and Experiential Learning- (Semester 7)
Maximize learning during the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) and ''''Plant Protection'''' Experiential Learning Modules. Take initiative in field surveys, disease identification, and implementation of integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) strategies in real farm settings.
Tools & Resources
RAWE manual, Field kits for disease identification, Local farm resources
Career Connection
Practical field experience is highly valued by employers for roles in crop consultancy, field management, and agricultural development projects.
Network and Attend Agri-Conferences- (Semester 5-7)
Attend university-organized seminars, workshops, and local agricultural conferences. Network with faculty, industry professionals, and researchers. Presenting project work or participating in poster sessions can significantly boost visibility and learning.
Tools & Resources
University notice boards for events, Professional bodies (e.g., Indian Phytopathological Society), LinkedIn
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, mentorship, and job opportunities within the Indian agricultural research and industry ecosystem.
Advanced Stage
Master Advanced Diagnostic and Management Techniques- (Semester 8)
Gain proficiency in advanced laboratory techniques like molecular diagnostics (PCR), serological tests (ELISA), and bioinformatics tools for pathogen identification. Understand and apply modern disease forecasting models and precision agriculture techniques for disease management.
Tools & Resources
Molecular biology labs, Bioinformatics software (e.g., NCBI BLAST), Advanced textbooks
Career Connection
These advanced skills are crucial for high-tech roles in diagnostic labs, research institutions, and companies developing smart farming solutions in India.
Undertake Industry-Oriented Research/Internship- (Semester 7-8)
Pursue an intensive internship or a thesis project with an industry partner (e.g., biopesticide firm, seed company) or a reputed research institution. Focus on real-world problems like developing novel disease-resistant varieties or formulating eco-friendly fungicides.
Tools & Resources
Industry contacts via faculty, University placement cell, ICAR institutes
Career Connection
This direct industry exposure significantly enhances employability and provides a competitive edge for placements in leading agricultural companies.
Prepare for Post-Graduation and Entrepreneurship- (Semester 8)
Begin preparing for national-level entrance exams like ICAR JRF/SRF for M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs, or develop a detailed business plan for an agri-startup in plant disease management. Seek mentorship from successful agri-entrepreneurs and faculty.
Tools & Resources
ICAR exam guides, Startup incubation cells at AAU, Mentors
Career Connection
Prepares students for academic careers, research leadership, or launching their own ventures, contributing to innovation and job creation in the Indian agri-sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 Science with Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Agriculture (for students from Assam Agricultural University only) with 50% marks in aggregate for General/OBC/UPS category and 40% for SC/ST/DAC category students.
Duration: 8 semesters (4 years)
Credits: 190 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (Theory), 50% (Practical), External: 80% (Theory), 50% (Practical)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPB 211 | Fundamentals of Plant Pathology | Core (Theory + Practical) | 3 | Introduction to Plant Pathology, History and Classification of plant diseases, Symptoms and Causal agents (fungi, bacteria, viruses), Disease cycle and Epidemiology, Host-pathogen interactions and defense mechanisms, Principles of plant disease management |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR 222 | Agricultural Microbiology | Core (Theory + Practical) | 3 | Fundamentals of Microbiology, Soil Microbial Diversity, Microorganisms in Nutrient Cycling, Biofertilizers and Biopesticides, Microbial Interactions in Rhizosphere, Food and Industrial Microbiology (basic concepts) |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PP 311 | Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops and their Management-I | Core (Theory + Practical) | 3 | Diseases of Cereal Crops (Rice, Wheat, Maize), Diseases of Pulse Crops (Chickpea, Pigeonpea), Diseases of Oilseed Crops (Groundnut, Mustard), Diseases of Vegetable Crops (Potato, Tomato, Brinjal, Chilli), Etiology, Symptoms, Epidemiology, and Management, Integrated Disease Management strategies |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PP 322 | Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops and their Management-II | Core (Theory + Practical) | 3 | Diseases of Commercial Crops (Sugarcane, Cotton, Jute, Tobacco), Diseases of Fruit Crops (Mango, Banana, Citrus, Guava), Diseases of Plantation Crops (Tea, Coffee, Rubber), Etiology, Symptoms, Epidemiology, and Management, Quarantine and Regulatory Measures |
| PP 323 | Bio-control of Plant Pests and Diseases | Core (Theory + Practical) | 2 | Principles and Scope of Biological Control, Biocontrol Agents: Parasitoids, Predators, Microbial Biocontrol Agents (Fungi, Bacteria, Viruses), Mass Production and Formulation of Biocontrol Agents, Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM), Commercialization and Regulation of Biocontrol |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAWE 411 | Experiential Learning Module (ELM): Plant Protection | Core (Experiential Learning) | 10 | Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) techniques, Diagnosis and identification of plant diseases, Application of pesticides and fungicides, Biological control strategies in field, Field scouting and disease monitoring, Disease forecasting methods |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PP 401 | Mushroom Cultivation Technology | Elective (Theory + Practical) | 2 | Types and importance of edible mushrooms, Cultivation technology of button, oyster, and paddy straw mushrooms, Substrate preparation and spawning, Pest and disease management in mushroom cultivation, Harvesting, processing, and marketing, Nutritional and medicinal value of mushrooms |
| PP 402 | Bio-pesticides and Bio-agents Production Technology | Elective (Theory + Practical) | 2 | Types and sources of bio-pesticides and bio-agents, Mass production techniques for microbial bio-pesticides, Quality control and standardization of bio-formulations, Field application methods and efficacy assessment, Registration and regulatory aspects, Entrepreneurship in bio-pesticide production |
| PP 403 | Post Harvest Diseases Management | Elective (Theory + Practical) | 2 | Importance of post-harvest disease management, Causes of post-harvest losses (fungi, bacteria), Factors influencing disease development, Detection and diagnosis of post-harvest diseases, Pre and post-harvest management strategies (chemical, biological, physical), Storage conditions and packaging for disease control |
