The diagnosis and identification of plant pathogens provides the basis of plant pathology and phytomedicine. The Executive Committee of the EUROPEAN FOUNDATION FOR PLANT PATHOLOGY (EFPP) had no problem to identify this actual th topic as topic for the 4th Symposium, which was held from September 8 to the 12th at the University of Bonn. It was suggested to have introductory papers and papers on actual research on recently identified topics. The development of diagnosis and pathogen identification is very important to keep plants healthy and to provide a successful and efficient disease control. On the other hand the most important task of the EUROPEAN FOUNDATION FOR PLANT PATHOLOGY is to improve the international communication, especially in the European hemisphere. Another important duty is to provide the contact between all associated societies - of specific importance seems to be the contact to societies and colleagues from eastern European countries. Times have changed and gratefully we are obliged to hold the contact to our colleagues from the east. During the last meeting we could hold this contact to a certain extent and this should be a premise for the future. th During 1998 the EUROPEAN FOUNDATION FOR PLANT PATHOLOGY will join the 7 International Congress of Plant Pathology held at Edinburgh from August 9-14, 1998. th The 5 Symposium of the EUROPEAN FOUNDATION FOR PLANT PATHOLOGY will be arranged by our Italian colleagues.

Klappentext

The Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium held by the European Foundation for Plant Pathology on Diagnosis and Identification of Plant Pathogens in Bonn, Germany, from September 9th to 12th, 1996, include information on the application of classical as well as novel and innovative methods and techniques. This book gives an overview of the recent status and trends in the diagnosis and identification of viruses, bacteria and fungi in plants. It covers not only the development of methods and application of techniques but also its transformation into practice for disease-forecasting systems. The book includes 58 oral presentations and 61 poster contributions covering 6 main topics. In addition to introductory overviews of the phytosanitary implications of diagnosis in integrated crop protection, the application of classical and innovative diagnostic methods is stressed. The other contributions cover taxonomy and differentiation of plant pathogens, serological assays, nucleic acid based hybridisation techniques, disease assessment and quantification as well as disease prognosis and expert systems. This book provides information for all researchers and scientists involved in the production of healthy crop plants. It is of special interest for plant pathologists with responsibilities in the fields of plant quarantine, extension and applied diagnosis of plant pathogens as well as for those working in research and development of innovative crop protection techniques.

Inhalt
Oral Presentations.- Session 1: General Aspects.- Session 2: Taxonomy and Differentiation.- Session 3: Serological Assays.- Session 4: Nucleic Acid Based Hybridisation Techniques.- Session 5: Disease Assessment and Quantification.- Session 6: Disease Prognosis and Expert Systems.- Poster Presentations.- Taxonomy and Differentiation.- Serological Assays.- Nucleic Acid Based Hybridisation Techniques.- Disease Assessment and Quantification.- List of contributors.