Plant disease epidemiology is the study of disease in plant populations. Much like
diseases of humans and other animals,
plant diseases occur due to pathogens such as
bacteria,
viruses,
fungi,
oomycetes,
nematodes,
phytoplasmas,
protozoa, and
parasitic plants. Plant disease epidemiologists strive for an understanding of the cause and effects of disease and develop strategies to intervene in situations where crop losses may occur. Typically successful intervention will lead to a low enough level of disease to be acceptable, depending upon the value of the crop.