About The American Phytopathological Society

Science, People, Progress...
Leading the Fight Against Plant Diseases Worldwide

APS is an international scientific organization devoted to the study of plant diseases and their control. APS advances modern concepts in plant health management in agricultural, urban and forest settings. The Society was founded in 1908 and has grown from 130 charter members to nearly 5,000 plant pathologists and scientists worldwide. APS provides information on the latest developments and research advances in plant health science through its journals and its publishing arm, APS PRESS. APS advocates and participates in the exchange of plant health information with public policy makers, and the larger scientific community; and provides opportunities for scientific communication, collaboration, and professional development.
 

Find out more about APS

Vision Statement

Who Belongs to APS?

Advancing Plant Health Science

Supporting Plant Health Science

Keeping The Plant Health Community Connected

Professional Development Opportunities

Vision Statement

The APS will be a diverse global community of scientists that: provides credible and beneficial information related to plant health; advocates and participates in the exchange of knowledge with the public, policy makers, and the larger scientific community; and promotes and provides opportunities for scientific communication, career preparation and professional development for its members.

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Who Belongs to APS?

Members, located in nearly 100 countries, represent a broad section of the scientific community. Members are employed in professional areas such as teaching, research, industry, government and private consulting, and they may specialize as...
 

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Advancing Plant Health Science
 

APS Journals

Phytopathology  - For nearly 100 years, Phytopathology has been considered the premier international archival journal on fundamental research that advances the understanding of plant diseases, the agents that cause them, their spread, the losses they cause and measures to control them. 

Plant Disease - Plant Disease is the leading international journal for rapid reporting of research on new diseases, epidemics and methods of disease control. Plant Disease covers basic and applied research which focuses on practical aspects of disease diagnosis and treatment. 

Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions - MPMI is the ground-breaking journal on molecular biology and molecular genetics of pathogenic, symbiotic and associative interactions of microbes with plants, including plant response.

Plant Management Network
PMN is a unique online cooperative resource for the applied plant sciences. Features peer-reviewed citable journals and an extensive searchable database comprised of thousands of web-based resource pages from the network's partner universities, companies, and associations. Subscriptions to annual publications including are also available.

APS Publications and Products  

More than 200 APS PRESS titles on various plant science topics as well as slides, and multimedia products provide hands-on tools and references for plant health research and management. New titles are released regularly and are available via catalogues and APSnet.

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Supporting Plant Health Science

APS offices and boards and special initiatives work to create greater public awareness and understanding of plant health science, to lobby for increased funding of plant health research, and to provide needed support to students and researchers worldwide.

APS Foundation

Through contributions, the APS Foundation provides support to students and researchers and helps underwrite special programs and projects in plant pathology. By working together and pooling resources, members create a self-sustaining treasury of funds for advancing the study and practice of plant pathology.

Education Center

Located on APSnet, the Education Center offers both introductory and advanced plant pathology information and online courses. The site also includes free publications, instructional materials, and other resources for educators and students.

Office of Electronic Communications

The OEC keeps up on the latest developments in electronic technologies in order to provide members with state-of-the-art products and services to meet the networking, information, publication, education, and outreach needs of APS and its members.

Office of Industry Relations
The OIR helps facilitate an ongoing dialogue between APS members and the many industries related to plant disease management. 

Office of International Programs (OIP)

The OIP works to promote greater worldwide interaction among scientists and practitioners by coordinating APS international activities, promoting collaboration among plant pathologists of all nationalities, and facilitating teaching, research, and extension with the aim of increasing agricultural production through improved plant health, especially in developing countries.

Office of Public Affairs and Education (OPAE)

OPAE educates the public about plant health, plant diseases and associated microorganisms and coordinates interactions to increase media coverage of plant health issues in order to demonstrate the value of plant pathology to society.

Public Policy Board (PPB)

The PPB provides scientific input on public policy issues —from funding and regulatory issues, to increasing the awareness of plant pathology among policy makers and agency personnel. PPB regularly works with other scientific organizations and coalitions both nationally and internationally to best achieve its mission.

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Keeping the Plant Science Community Connected
 

APS Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting is the Society’s premier event, attracting some 2,000 participants a year. The latest advances in plant science are presented and attendees have the opportunity to participate in symposia and discussion sessions, view hundreds of technical posters, present research results, attend special events, learn about new products and services, and connect with others who share their interests. 

Divisional Activities

Local Divisions give members the opportunity to meet with colleagues in their geographic areas to exchange ideas, and share information. Most divisions sponsor their own yearly meetings. The Society’s six divisions include: Caribbean, North Central, Northeastern, Pacific, Potomac and Southern.

APS News Capsules

APS members receive email updates every two weeks on APS activities and initiatives, along with other news and information of interest to the plant science community.
 

Phytopathology News

Phytopathology News is the official newsletter of the APS and is published once a month. It is available in both print and online versions.

APSnet

APSnet is a valuable resource for staying updated, informed, and involved. More than a million people visit the site each year. There are numerous resources to assist researchers and practitioners including bi-monthly features on emerging diseases, an online bookstore, journal information (including searchable abstracts), a searchable APS Membership Directory, calendar of events, Phytopathology News, and more. Click here to see an overview of what’s available for professionals online through APSnet. Educational and instructional resources are also available.

APSnet Interactive features are used by members to register for events and conduct member and Society business. E-communities host online discussion sessions, special forums and provide document sharing capabilities for members and APS volunteers. For those with travel limitations, APSnet online meetings and “events” provide additional opportunities to interact. Important disease topics such as Karnal Bunt, Potato Late Blight, Exotic Forest Pests, and Sudden Oak Death have been organized into presentations and discussion sessions hosted on the Internet and attended, at no charge, by members of APS along with others in the scientific and professional community. These events continue to be archived on APSnet as a valuable resource for continuing education and reference.

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Professional Development Opportunities

Publishing

Opportunities to contribute to the growing knowledge of plant health science are available through publication in APS journals, authoring an APS PRESS book, or by presenting research findings at the annual or divisional meetings.
 

Job Placement

The APS job placement service connects plant health professionals to a wide range of job opportunities. On-site recruitment and interviewing opportunities are available during the annual meeting. Job listings are also printed in Phytopathology News. A searchable data base of jobs and job candidates is also available online at the APSnet Career and Placement Center. It is one of the most used sites on APSnet, with nearly 6,000 visitors a month. Individuals can also sign up to receive biweekly e-mail alerts notifying them of the latest job postings.

Continuing Education

APS offers technically focused short courses, online courses and conferences for those looking to expand or deepen their knowledge in a particular plant health area. For those with travel limitations, APSnet online meetings and “events” provide additional opportunities to learn and interact. Important disease topics such as Karnal Bunt, Potato Late Blight, Exotic Forest Pests, and Sudden Oak Death have been organized into presentations and discussion sessions hosted on the Internet and attended, at no charge, by members of APS along with others in the scientific and professional community. These events continue to be archived on APSnet as a valuable resource for continuing education and reference.

Awards and Honors

APS regularly honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the science of plant pathology through several prestigious awards presented at the Annual Meeting. The APS Foundation also offers student members monetary travel awards providing opportunities for professional experience and enrichment.

Volunteer Opportuntities

More than 500 volunteer APS members are involved in the Society's Council, Offices, Boards, and Committees. APS encourages all members to take an active role in the Society. Those who have become involved say it is not only personally rewarding, but also an invaluable way to strengthen leadership skills and expand their network of professional contacts.

Click here to find out more about APS, including member benefits and how to join.

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© Copyright 2006 by
The American Phytopathological Society