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M-SC-AGRICULTURE in Plant Pathology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Plant Pathology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Plant Pathology program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills to understand, diagnose, and manage plant diseases. In an agrarian economy like India, where crop losses due to diseases can be substantial, this specialization is critical for ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural production. The program emphasizes both foundational principles and cutting-edge molecular techniques to combat plant pathogens effectively.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor''''s degree holders in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, or related fields who aspire to become experts in plant disease management. It attracts fresh graduates eager to contribute to crop protection and research, as well as working professionals in agricultural extension, agro-industries, or seed companies seeking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers. Individuals passionate about scientific problem-solving, field-level diagnostics, and sustainable agriculture are particularly well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse and impactful career paths across India''''s agricultural sector. Potential roles include Plant Pathologist in agricultural research institutes (ICAR, SAUs), Crop Protection Scientist in agrochemical or seed companies, Disease Surveillance Officer, Agricultural Extension Officer, or even entrepreneur in bio-pesticide production. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, growing to INR 8-15+ LPA with experience, especially in corporate R&D. The skills acquired also prepare students for higher studies like PhD and academic roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Diagnostic & Identification Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to practical sessions in the initial semesters (PLA501P, PLA502P, PLA503P) to accurately identify disease symptoms, isolate pathogens, and understand their morphology. Maintain a detailed lab notebook with observations, sketches, and microscopic images of various disease agents.
Tools & Resources
High-quality microscopes, Culture media, Standard operating procedures, Reference guides (e.g., ''''Compendium of Plant Diseases''''), University lab manuals
Career Connection
Essential for field-level plant doctors, diagnostic labs, and agrochemical sales roles, enabling rapid and accurate problem-solving for farmers and industry.
Master Statistical Tools for Agricultural Research- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with STA501T/P to grasp experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation. Beyond coursework, practice using statistical software on agricultural datasets to reinforce learning and develop analytical proficiency. This is crucial for interpreting research findings.
Tools & Resources
SAS, R (with ''''agricolae'''' package), SPSS, Excel, Online tutorials, University computing labs
Career Connection
Fundamental for any research-oriented role (scientist, research associate) in ICAR, SAUs, or private R&D, and for understanding published research.
Engage in Early Exposure to Field Challenges- (Semester 1-2)
Seek opportunities for field visits, even beyond scheduled practicals, to local farms, nurseries, or agricultural extension centers. Observe real-world disease incidences, discuss problems with farmers and extension workers, and try to apply classroom knowledge to practical scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Local Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural cooperative societies, Faculty contacts for farm visits, Mobile apps for disease identification
Career Connection
Develops a practical understanding of plant pathology, crucial for roles in extension, farm management, and agro-advisory services in rural India.
Intermediate Stage
Initiate and Deepen Master''''s Research (PLA601)- (Semester 3)
Proactively identify a research problem aligned with current agricultural needs (e.g., managing specific crop diseases prevalent in Tamil Nadu or India). Conduct a thorough literature review, design robust experiments, and commence initial data collection and analysis under faculty guidance. Aim for innovative yet feasible solutions.
Tools & Resources
Research journals (e.g., Indian Journal of Plant Pathology), Bibliographic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, AGRIS), University library resources, Specialized lab equipment, Statistical software
Career Connection
Forms the backbone of a research career, enhances problem-solving, critical thinking, and independent research skills, crucial for PhD admissions and R&D positions.
Specialize through Elective Courses and Certifications- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose disciplinary electives (e.g., PLA602T/P, PLA608T/P) that align with career aspirations, be it molecular diagnostics, biological control, or seed pathology. Complement these with online certifications in advanced techniques like genomics, bioinformatics, or specific diagnostic tools if available.
Tools & Resources
MOOC platforms (Coursera, edX), NPTEL courses, Workshops conducted by ICAR institutes, Specialized lab equipment in university
Career Connection
Provides a competitive edge by offering niche skills highly valued in specialized R&D roles, molecular diagnostic labs, and agro-biotech companies in India.
Participate in Agricultural Conferences & Workshops- (Semester 3)
Attend regional or national conferences, symposia, and workshops organized by professional bodies (e.g., Indian Phytopathological Society, Indian Council of Agricultural Research). Present preliminary research findings, network with established scientists, and stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in plant pathology.
Tools & Resources
Conference calendars, Institutional notices, Travel grants (if available), Presentation software (PowerPoint)
Career Connection
Builds professional networks, enhances scientific communication skills, and opens doors for future collaborations, internships, and job opportunities within the Indian agricultural science community.
Advanced Stage
Rigorous Thesis Completion and Publication- (Semester 4)
Dedicate Sem 4 to meticulously analyze research data, write a high-quality thesis, and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Focus on clarity, logical flow, and scientific rigor. Practice defending your research through mock vivas.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Plagiarism checkers (Turnitin), Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero), Scientific journals, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A strong thesis and publication record are paramount for securing research positions, fellowships, and PhD admissions, boosting credibility in the scientific community.
Strategic Career Planning and Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with the university''''s placement cell. Prepare a targeted resume highlighting specialization-specific skills and research contributions. Practice technical interviews, aptitude tests, and group discussions focusing on plant pathology and agricultural science concepts, tailored for public and private sector roles.
Tools & Resources
University placement services, Career guidance counselors, Online interview preparation platforms, Company-specific test guides, LinkedIn for networking
Career Connection
Directly impacts placement success, enabling graduates to secure desired positions in ICAR, SAUs, agrochemical/seed companies, or government agricultural departments.
Develop Professional Networking and Mentorship- (Semester 4)
Leverage connections made during conferences, internships, and through alumni networks. Seek mentorship from senior faculty members or industry experts who can provide guidance on career paths, job search strategies, and professional development in plant pathology in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional association memberships (e.g., Indian Phytopathological Society), Alumni events, Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Opens doors to unadvertised job opportunities, valuable career advice, and long-term professional growth within the specialized field of plant pathology.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture/Horticulture/Forestry/Sericulture/Agricultural Engineering/B.Tech. (Agricultural Engineering)/B.Sc. (Cooperation and Banking) with 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized University.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 118 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR501T | Agricultural Research, Ethics and Rural Development Programmes (Theory) | Core | 2 | Research Process and Design, Sampling and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Ethics in Agricultural Research, Rural Development Programmes, Extension Models |
| AGR501P | Agricultural Research, Ethics and Rural Development Programmes (Practical) | Core | 1 | Research Proposal Writing, Sampling Techniques, Software for Data Analysis, Report Writing, Group Discussions, Field Visits |
| GPB501T | Principles of Genetics and Plant Breeding (Theory) | Core | 3 | Mendelian Genetics, Chromosomal Aberrations, Molecular Basis of Heredity, Self-Pollinated Crop Breeding, Cross-Pollinated Crop Breeding, Breeding for Quality |
| GPB501P | Principles of Genetics and Plant Breeding (Practical) | Core | 1 | Microscopic Techniques, Emasculation and Pollination, Germplasm Characterization, Hybrid Seed Production, DNA Isolation, Molecular Marker Analysis |
| SSC501T | Advances in Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management (Theory) | Core | 3 | Essential Plant Nutrients, Nutrient Dynamics in Soil, Integrated Nutrient Management, Biofertilizers and Organics, Soil Fertility Evaluation, Precision Nutrient Management |
| SSC501P | Advances in Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management (Practical) | Core | 1 | Soil Sampling Techniques, Analysis of Soil Nutrients, Biofertilizer Production, Composting Techniques, Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms, Fertilizer Recommendation |
| AEC501T | Agricultural Marketing and Price Analysis (Theory) | Core | 2 | Agricultural Marketing Concepts, Market Structure and Efficiency, Price Determination, Market Research and Intelligence, Supply Chain Management, Agricultural Trade |
| AEC501P | Agricultural Marketing and Price Analysis (Practical) | Core | 1 | Market Survey Techniques, Price Data Collection, Marketing Cost Analysis, Market Performance Evaluation, E-Marketing Platforms, Case Studies |
| AEX501T | Principles and Practices of Extension Education (Theory) | Core | 2 | Extension Education Principles, Communication Models, Teaching and Learning Methods, Program Planning and Evaluation, Diffusion and Adoption, Rural Sociology |
| AEX501P | Principles and Practices of Extension Education (Practical) | Core | 1 | Participatory Rural Appraisal, Farmers Field School, Extension Teaching Aids, Group Communication Methods, Impact Assessment, Role-Playing |
| STA501T | Statistical Methods for Agricultural Sciences (Theory) | Core | 2 | Probability and Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Analysis of Variance, Correlation and Regression, Experimental Designs, Non-parametric Tests |
| STA501P | Statistical Methods for Agricultural Sciences (Practical) | Core | 1 | Data Organization in Software, Descriptive Statistics, T-tests and Chi-square Tests, ANOVA Calculation, Regression Analysis, Interpretation of Statistical Output |
| PLA501T | Principles of Plant Pathology (Theory) | Core | 3 | History of Plant Pathology, Concepts of Plant Disease, Koch''''s Postulates, Disease Cycle, Host-Pathogen Interactions, Disease Resistance |
| PLA501P | Principles of Plant Pathology (Practical) | Core | 1 | Identification of Disease Symptoms, Isolation of Plant Pathogens, Preparation of Culture Media, Inoculation Techniques, Proving Pathogenicity, Microscopic Examination |
| PLA502T | Mycology and Fungal Diseases of Crop Plants (Theory) | Core | 3 | Fungal Systematics, Fungal Morphology and Reproduction, Physiology of Fungi, Mechanism of Infection, Epidemiology of Fungal Diseases, Management of Fungal Diseases |
| PLA502P | Mycology and Fungal Diseases of Crop Plants (Practical) | Core | 1 | Fungal Culture Techniques, Identification of Fungi, Spores and Fruiting Bodies, Fungicide Sensitivity Test, Disease Assessment, Preparation of Fungal Herbarium |
| PLA503T | Bacteriology, Phytoplasmology and Bacterial and Phytoplasma Diseases of Crop Plants (Theory) | Core | 2 | Classification of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria, Symptoms and Epidemiology of Bacterial Diseases, Phytoplasma Diseases, Management of Bacterial Diseases, Bacteriophages, Quarantine Measures |
| PLA503P | Bacteriology, Phytoplasmology and Bacterial and Phytoplasma Diseases of Crop Plants (Practical) | Core | 1 | Isolation of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria, Identification of Bacteria, Phytoplasma Detection, Antibiotic Sensitivity Test, Bacteriological Stains, Viral Disease Symptoms |
| PLA504T | Plant Disease Epidemiology and Forecasting (Theory) | Core | 2 | Concepts of Epidemiology, Disease Triangle and Tetradedron, Epidemic Development, Disease Assessment Methods, Disease Forecasting Models, Crop Loss Estimation |
| PLA504P | Plant Disease Epidemiology and Forecasting (Practical) | Core | 1 | Disease Survey Techniques, Collection of Epidemiological Data, Disease Incidence and Severity, Application of Forecasting Models, Calculation of AUDPC, Use of Weather Data |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGR502T | Agronomic Principles and Practices (Theory) | Core | 3 | Crop Production Principles, Tillage and Soil Management, Weed Management, Water Management, Nutrient Management, Cropping Systems |
| AGR502P | Agronomic Principles and Practices (Practical) | Core | 1 | Crop Growth Analysis, Weed Identification, Irrigation Scheduling, Fertilizer Application, Crop Residue Management, Field Layouts |
| HORT501T | Production Technology of Horticultural Crops (Theory) | Core | 3 | Fruit Crop Production, Vegetable Crop Production, Flower Crop Production, Propagation Techniques, Protected Cultivation, Post-Harvest Management |
| HORT501P | Production Technology of Horticultural Crops (Practical) | Core | 1 | Nursery Practices, Pruning and Training, Grafting and Budding, Hydroponics, Harvesting Techniques, Packing and Storage |
| ENT501T | Principles of Agricultural Entomology (Theory) | Core | 3 | Insect Morphology and Anatomy, Insect Physiology, Insect Classification, Pest Outbreaks, Integrated Pest Management, Biological Control |
| ENT501P | Principles of Agricultural Entomology (Practical) | Core | 1 | Insect Collection and Preservation, Identification of Pests, Pest Damage Assessment, Insecticide Application, Bio-agent Identification, Host Plant Resistance Screening |
| FST501T | Food Processing and Preservation (Theory) | Core | 2 | Food Spoilage, Principles of Food Preservation, Food Processing Technologies, Packaging of Foods, Food Quality Control, Food Safety and Standards |
| FST501P | Food Processing and Preservation (Practical) | Core | 1 | Canning and Bottling, Drying and Dehydration, Fermentation Techniques, Food Product Development, Quality Analysis of Processed Foods, Hygienic Practices |
| SST501T | Seed Production and Technology (Theory) | Core | 2 | Seed Development and Maturation, Seed Quality Parameters, Seed Certification, Hybrid Seed Production, Seed Treatments, Seed Storage and Viability |
| SST501P | Seed Production and Technology (Practical) | Core | 1 | Seed Sampling, Purity Analysis of Seed, Germination Testing, Viability Tests (Tetrazolium), Moisture Content Determination, Seed Health Testing |
| PLA505T | Integrated Disease Management (Theory) | Core | 3 | Principles of IDM, Cultural Management Practices, Host Plant Resistance, Chemical Management, Biological Control, Disease Surveillance |
| PLA505P | Integrated Disease Management (Practical) | Core | 1 | Bio-pesticide Preparation, Screening for Disease Resistance, Fungicide Application Techniques, Seed Treatment Methods, IDM Module Development, Economic Threshold Levels |
| PLA506T | Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops (Theory) | Core | 3 | Diseases of Cereal Crops, Diseases of Pulse Crops, Diseases of Oilseed Crops, Diseases of Fruit Crops, Diseases of Vegetable Crops, Diseases of Commercial Crops |
| PLA506P | Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops (Practical) | Core | 1 | Field Diagnosis of Crop Diseases, Collection of Diseased Samples, Isolation of Pathogens, Identification of Symptoms, Microscopic Examination, Disease Identification Key |
| PLA507T | Post Harvest Diseases and Management (Theory) | Core | 2 | Significance of Post-Harvest Diseases, Major Post-Harvest Pathogens, Factors Influencing Disease, Chemical Control Measures, Non-Chemical Control, Quarantine Regulations |
| PLA507P | Post Harvest Diseases and Management (Practical) | Core | 1 | Diagnosis of Post-Harvest Diseases, Assessment of Post-Harvest Losses, Hot Water Treatment, Irradiation Techniques, Packaging for Disease Control, Bio-control of Storage Pathogens |
| PLA508T | Molecular Plant Pathology (Theory) | Core | 2 | Gene-for-Gene Concept, Molecular Basis of Virulence, Molecular Diagnostics, Disease Resistance Genes, Transgenic Plants for Disease Resistance, Bioinformatics in Plant Pathology |
| PLA508P | Molecular Plant Pathology (Practical) | Core | 1 | DNA Extraction and Purification, PCR and RT-PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, Gene Cloning Techniques, Primer Designing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA601 | Master''''s Research | Core | 20 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Experimental Design and Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Scientific Writing and Thesis Preparation, Presentation Skills |
| PLA602T | Biotechnology in Plant Pathology (Theory) | Elective | 2 | Genetic Engineering for Disease Resistance, Molecular Markers in Pathology, Molecular Diagnostics, RNA Interference, Gene Editing Techniques, Biosafety and Regulations |
| PLA602P | Biotechnology in Plant Pathology (Practical) | Elective | 1 | Plasmid Isolation, Bacterial Transformation, Agrobacterium-mediated Gene Transfer, Reporter Gene Assays, Molecular Detection of Pathogens, Bioinformatics Tools |
| PLA603T | Advanced Mycology (Theory) | Elective | 2 | Ultrastructure of Fungi, Fungal Genetics and Metabolites, Advanced Fungal Taxonomy, Mycotoxins and Mycotoxicoses, Fungal Biocontrol Agents, Emerging Fungal Diseases |
| PLA603P | Advanced Mycology (Practical) | Elective | 1 | Advanced Staining Techniques, Fungal Spore Morphology, Isolation of Fastidious Fungi, Molecular Identification of Fungi, Detection of Mycotoxins, Fungal Pathogenicity Testing |
| PLA604T | Epidemiology and Disease Modeling (Theory) | Elective | 2 | Advanced Epidemiological Concepts, Spatial and Temporal Disease Dynamics, Disease Gradients, Simulation Models in Epidemiology, Risk Assessment, Integrated Disease Monitoring |
| PLA604P | Epidemiology and Disease Modeling (Practical) | Elective | 1 | GIS in Disease Mapping, Statistical Software for Epidemiology, Data Input for Disease Models, Interpretation of Model Outputs, Disease Forewarning Systems, Field Validation of Models |
| PLA605T | Pesticide Toxicology and Residue Analysis (Theory) | Elective | 2 | Types of Pesticides and Mode of Action, Pesticide Toxicology Principles, Environmental Fate of Pesticides, Pesticide Residue Analysis Techniques, Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), Pesticide Regulations and Safety |
| PLA605P | Pesticide Toxicology and Residue Analysis (Practical) | Elective | 1 | Pesticide Formulation and Application, Bioassays for Toxicity, Sample Preparation for Residue Analysis, Chromatography Techniques (GC, HPLC), Spectrophotometry, Calculations of Half-Life |
| PLA606T | Industrial Plant Pathology (Theory) | Elective | 2 | Role of Pathology in Agro-Industry, Industrial Diagnostics, Quality Control in Seed Industry, Biopesticide Production and Registration, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Regulatory Affairs |
| PLA606P | Industrial Plant Pathology (Practical) | Elective | 1 | Quality Control Procedures, Biopesticide Formulation, Seed Health Testing Protocols, Industry Best Practices, Visit to Agro-Industries, Case Studies in Industrial Pathology |
| PLA607T | Seed Pathology and Storage Diseases (Theory) | Elective | 2 | Seed-Borne Pathogens, Mechanisms of Seed Infection, Seed Health Testing Methods, Storage Conditions and Diseases, Management of Storage Diseases, Seed Treatment Technologies |
| PLA607P | Seed Pathology and Storage Diseases (Practical) | Elective | 1 | Standard Seed Health Tests, Rapid Detection Methods, Assessment of Seed-borne Fungi, Seed Treatment Methods, Assessment of Storage Losses, Visit to Seed Testing Lab |
| PLA608T | Biological Control of Plant Diseases (Theory) | Elective | 2 | Concepts of Biocontrol, Mechanisms of Biocontrol, Biocontrol Agents (Bacteria, Fungi), Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR), Rhizosphere Engineering, Commercial Biocontrol Products |
| PLA608P | Biological Control of Plant Diseases (Practical) | Elective | 1 | Isolation of Biocontrol Agents, In vitro Antagonism Studies, Mass Multiplication Techniques, Formulation of Biopesticides, Field Application of Biocontrol Agents, Efficacy Testing |
| PLA609T | Diagnostic Techniques in Plant Pathology (Theory) | Elective | 2 | Conventional Diagnostic Methods, Serological Assays (ELISA), PCR-based Diagnostics, Microscopy Techniques, Biosensors for Disease Detection, Diagnostic Kits and Services |
| PLA609P | Diagnostic Techniques in Plant Pathology (Practical) | Elective | 1 | ELISA Protocol, Immunofluorescence, Real-time PCR, Isothermal Amplification, Electron Microscopy, Rapid Detection Kits |
| PLA610T | Nano-biotechnology in Plant Pathology (Theory) | Elective | 2 | Nanomaterials in Agriculture, Nano-pesticides and Nano-fungicides, Nano-sensors for Disease Detection, Targeted Delivery Systems, Impacts on Plant Health, Regulatory and Safety Aspects |
| PLA610P | Nano-biotechnology in Plant Pathology (Practical) | Elective | 1 | Synthesis of Nanoparticles, Characterization Techniques, Efficacy Testing of Nano-formulations, Nano-carrier Development, Biosafety Evaluation, Application in Plant Disease Models |
