The focus of Plant Pathology department is investigations on the outbreak of new and important diseases caused by fungal, bacterial, viral, phytoplasma and ergot production. The department studies in detail on the epidemiology and etiology of the diseases through classical and molecular approaches. We try to understand the mechanism of susceptibility and resistance through production, isolation and characterization of phytotoxins and enzymes by the pathogen and accumulation of phytoalexins, PR proteins by the host in response to infection. The potential and utilization of beneficial microbes for the development of biofertilizers and biopesticides are also explored. The department is currently working on management of diseases by developing diagnostic kit, application of bioinoculants, botanicals and chemicals for the farmers and entrepreneurs. In addition, department is exploring bioactive phytochemicals against storage insects, field crop insects and insect-pests of public health importance.