Advancing and teaching the disciplines of Plant Biology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science
The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology had its beginning with the appointment of Dr. J. C. Arthur as the first Botanist of the Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station in 1887. Much of the early research was in the classical botanical areas, but time was devoted to identification and control of noxious weeds, fungicides and their applications, and other applied problems of Indiana agriculture. The various missions of the Department have changed over the years, and in the 1930’s, the department name was changed to The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology. However, the emphasis on the more fundamental aspects in not only plant pathology, but also genetics, plant physiology, mycology, virology, weed science, and other areas has been a central theme in the history of the research, teaching, and service of the department. The very first Ph.D. degree awarded from Purdue University was to a student in the Department of Botany in 1897.
Teaching within the department traditionally has been strong in the graduate arena; however, in 2012, our three undergraduate majors (Crop Protection, Plant Science, and Environmental Plant Studies) were consolidated into one all-encompassing major called Plant Science. Students can choose between three major concentration areas: Plant Health Management, Plant Cell and Molecular Biology, and Plant Ecology and Environment.
"To pursue knowledge that will lead to new concepts in plant and pathogen biology; to minimize the impact of disease and weeds on plant productivity; and to provide the highest quality education programs."
