text: what is a plant pathologist?   a plant pathologist is a professional who specializes in plant health much as a physician specializes in human health or a veterinarian in animal health. keeping plants healthy requires an understanding of the organisms and agents that cause disease as well as an understanding of how plants grow and are affected by disease. through college courses in botany, microbiology, crop science, soil science, ecology, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and physiology, students receive the necessary background for exciting careers in the interdisciplinary science of plant pathology. most specialize by taking advanced college training for master's and doctoral degrees. plant pathologists are employed by colleges and universities, state and federal government agencies, industrial firms, international institutes, and as private practitioners. plant pathologists strive to keep plants healthy