Plant Pathology Department began operation in 1974 as a branch from Department of Botany in the Faculty of Agriculture . In 1993 the department became independent. Since then, it has developed very fast to be one of the leading centers for education and research in Plant Pathology in Egypt.

It offers a broad program leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees and prepares students for careers in teaching, research or extension services.

Facilities

The Department is housed in the main building of the college of Agriculture. It is well equipped for graduate work in the branch of fungal plant pathogens. Nearby field plots and greenhouses are used in teaching and research. The department has a good collection of plant diseases and phytopathology periodicals as well as a good number of dissertations. The Department organize National and International Conferences and Workshops.

Field of Specialization

Active research programs give emphasis to a wide variety of field crop plants, fruit crops, ornamental plants, and vegetables. Seed pathology is a major topic which represents about 50% of the research activities of the department. Biological control of waterhyacinth with fungal plant pathogens is one of the non-competitive programs that the department is a leader of and could act as a training center for biological control of weeds. A list of faculty is attached hereafter indicating areas of specialization.

Admission Requirements for Graduate Students

- A Bachelor degree from an approved agriculture institution.
- An undergraduate major or equivalent evidence of suitable background for entering the proposed field.
- An undergraduate grade points average of at least 1.6 (good).

Students entering the Department of Plant Pathology should have a strong basic science background and should have taken at least one course in bacteriology, genetics, plant pathology, plant physiology and mycology. Limited deficiencies can be corrected during the course of student’s studies.

Course of Study

The Department establishes specific course requirements and assumes responsibility for certification of the student’s study program. Every graduate student has an advisor in his major department who helps design a study program and supervises the student’s research. A study program is planned for each student who meets the requirements of the Graduate School and the major and minor fields.

Master’s Degree

The Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree is recommended as an interim degree for students working towards the Ph.D. degree, and it also serves as Master’s holders. A minimum of 24 credits must be earned, at least six of which must be gained in other department. A thesis, must be approved by Examination Committee, and defended by the candidate in a comprehensive oral examination. Fulfillment of all requirements for M.Sc. degree usually requires three full years.

Ph. D. Degree

The doctor of philosophy degree required an organized program of study and research following the same system as in M.Sc. The minimum credits required are 32 while eight of them must be gained in other department. Normally four years of graduate work are necessary to complete the requirements for the Ph. D. degree.

Financial Aid

Limited scholarships are available each year for the Egyptian candidates only for the most highly qualified students through Research Assistantships provided by the University itself and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology of Egypt.