Disease in plants

The work surveys factors that determine plant health, beginning with the plant's relations to its environment, nutrition, physiology, metabolism, and the roles of roots and root-hairs, then discusses soil biology and principles of hybridisation and selection. In a second part it treats plant maladies: definitions and symptoms, agents such as fungi, bacteria, and insects, disease courses, and practical measures for detection and control aimed at cultivators. Technical concepts are introduced where necessary but the emphasis remains on observable symptoms, causes, and remedial guidance, with chapter-end notes directing readers to more detailed specialised literature.