Society Activities and publications

The Pakistan Phytopathological Society (PPS) is a professional organization dedicated to the study and control of plant diseases in Pakistan. The PPS serves as a platform for members to exchange knowledge, share research findings, and collaborate on projects related to plant pathology. Society aims to promote the study of plant diseases and create awareness about their impact on agriculture and food security. It encourages research and education in the field of plant pathology.

The Pakistan Phytopathological Society (PPS) regularly organizes scientific conferences that bring together researchers, scientists, and experts in the field of plant pathology. These conferences serve as a platform for participants to present their research findings, discuss emerging trends, and foster collaborations. The society publishes the “Pakistan Journal of Phytopathology,” which serves as a reputable medium for researchers to publish their original research articles, review papers, and case studies related to plant diseases and their management. The Society also publishes newsletter to gather and disseminate information about scientific activities in the region. Furthermore, the PPS conducts training programs and workshops covering various aspects of plant pathology, aiming to enhance the skills and knowledge of researchers, practitioners, and students. These programs cover topics such as disease diagnosis, integrated pest management, and the latest techniques in plant disease control. Additionally, the PPS actively collaborates with both national and international organizations working in the field of plant pathology, facilitating the exchange of scientific information, expertise, and resources. These collaborations contribute to the advancement of research and development in the field of plant pathology.

Society Conferences and Workshops. 2018-2023

7th International Conference of the Pakistan Phytopathological Society “Phytopathology: Current Scenario and Future Prospects,”

The conference was held from November 21-23, 2021, at the Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. The conference aimed to address plant health issues in light of the changing climate and explore potential strategies to overcome related challenges. Topics covered during the event included climate change and plant diseases, host- pathogen interactions, molecular plant pathology, biosecurity, plant disease management, disease resistance, seed and post-harvest pathology, disease modeling and epidemiology, taxonomy and systematics of plant pathogens, bioinformatics, ecology of plant pathogens, mycotoxins, natural and chemical pesticides, insects in relation to plant diseases, and beneficial microorganisms. The conference attracted over 500 scientists, including eminent researchers, professionals from agro- chemical industries, and farmers, along with international speakers. More than 200 participants presented their research through keynote addresses, oral presentations, and poster sessions. The conference also featured a general body meeting of the Pakistan Phytopathological Society, a social night, and a gala dinner. Additionally, 23 bursary awards were provided to early career plant pathologists and postgraduate students, enabling their participation in the conference.

PPS-ACIAR Mentoring Program

Mentoring early career plant pathologists – A strong foundation for capacity building and overcoming barriers in research collaboration

The society partnered with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to conduct a 3-day mentoring program from November 19-21, 2021. This program was specifically designed for early career plant pathologists with the purpose of establishing a solid foundation for capacity building and addressing obstacles in their research collaboration.

A total of 25 early career plant pathologists, selected through a competitive process from each province and capital of Pakistan, along with five resource persons, participated in the program. The participants were provided travel bursary awards to join the program. Its primary objective was to offer mentoring and capacity-building opportunities to early career plant pathologists from Pakistan.

Webinars/ Symposium/ Workshops

The following events were held with the collaboration of the Pakistan Phytopathological Society (PPS) and various institutions:

• “Seed Transmitted Vegetable Viruses and their role in International Trade” Speaker: Prof. Dr. Nikos Katis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece Jointly organized by Department of Plant Pathology, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur on April 4, 2021.
• “Alternatives to Chemical Fungicides for the Control of Post-harvest Diseases of Citrus Fruits” Speaker: Prof. Dr Lluís Palou, Valencian Institute of Agrarian Research (IVIA), Spain Jointly organized by Department of Plant Pathology, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur on April 6, 2021.
• “Stealth Pathogens: The Sooty Blotch and Flyspeck Fungal Complex” Speaker: Prof. Mark L Gleason, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, USA. Jointly organized by Department of Plant Pathology, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur on April 20, 2021.
• “The Nature of Cyst Nematode Population Suppression” Speaker: Prof. Dr. Ole Becker, Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, USA. Jointly organized by PPS & The Islamia University, Bahawalpur on May 25, 2021.
• Training workshop on “Integrated Disease Management” Jointly organized by PPS, Pakistan Society of Nematologists at Department of Plant Pathology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi on June 07-09, 2021.
• 16^th Nematological Event: “Present Era of Ecofriendly Nematode Management Strategies” Jointly organized by PPS and National Nematological Research Centre, University of Karachi on June 17-18, 2021.
• “Identifying Arthropods in Cultivation Pest, Biocontrol, and other Natural Forces” Speaker: Matthew Gates, Expert & Agriculture Consultant, Zenthanol Consulting, San Diego, California, USA. Jointly organized by PPS and Department of Plant Pathology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan on June 30, 2021.
• “Host Pathogen Interactions” Speaker: Dr. Gitta Coaker, Professor of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis & Prof. Dr. Shahbaz Talib Sahi, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Jointly organized by PPS and Department of Plant Pathology, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur July 15, 2021.
• “Development of Biopesticide Technology & Future Crop Protection” Speaker: Dr. Minshad A. Ansari, Founder & CEO @ Bionema Limited, Swansea, Wales, UK & Dr. Mudassir Iqbal, Dept. of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden. Jointly organized by PPS, Plant Disease Clinic, Department of Plant Pathology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan and G.C. Women University, Sialkot on August 27, 2021.
• “Preparing a Successful Manuscript for Submission to a Refereed Journal” Speaker: Dr. Stephen Wegulo, Chair Editor, Crop Protection, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA. Jointly organized by PPS and Plant Disease Clinic at Department of Plant Pathology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, on September 08, 2021.
• “One Health Approaches to Managing Crop Diseases in Rural Villages” Speaker: Prof. David Guest, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, School of Life and Environmental Sciences. Jointly organized by PPS and Department of Plant Pathology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan on September 16, 2021.
• Training workshop on “How to Become a Plant Doctor” Jointly organized by PPS, Center for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) Plantwise Program and Department of Plant Pathology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi on September 18-19, 2021.
• “Xanthomonas perforans: A Pathogen that is Constantly Changing” Prof. Dr. Jeffery B. Jones, Distinguished Professor of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, USA. Jointly organized by PPS & Department of Plant Pathology, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur on October 5, 2021.
• “The Occurrence and Rhizosphere Microbial Regulation of Soybean Root Rot by Maize- Soybean Relay Strip intercropping” Pilot Project for Data-driven Smart Decision Platform, jointly organized by PPS, National Center for Industrial Biotechnology and Department of Plant Pathology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi on May 27-2022.
• National Symposium on “Chilli Diseases” Jointly organized by PPS and Department of Plant Protection, Sindh Agricultural University, Tandojam on May 30, 2022.
• “The bacterial wilt of cucurbits; Ecology, Genetics, and Management” Speaker: Prof. Mark L Gleason, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, USA. Jointly organized by PPS and Department of Plant Pathology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi on June 07, 2022.
• “Writing and Publishing Your Research, What Really Matters?” Speaker: Prof. Mark L Gleason, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, USA. Jointly organized by PPS & Department of Plant Pathology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan on September 08, 2022.
• Hands-on training course on “Mushroom Cultivation and Value Addition Leading to Poverty Alleviation of Farming Community.” Jointly organized by PPS, Department of Horticulture, Department of Plant Pathology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi on September 27-28, 2022.
• Farmer Day “Pa paya Promotion through Varietal Improvement and Management of Papaya Leaf Culr Virus” Organized by Virology Section, Plant Protection Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad on May 17, 2023.

Funding opportunities

Pakistan Phytopathological Society is funded mainly through membership subscription fees and through the financial support provided by sustaining members including national and international organizations such as Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB), The Higher Education Commission (HEC) as well as local, regional and international private agricultural organizations.

The society organizes conferences and workshops with co-funding by national and international organizations including Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Syngenta Pakistan, CORTEVA Agriscience, Bayer Pakistan and FMC Pakistan. Savings raised from biannual conference, when these are possible, provide further sources of support to the finances of the Society.

The society offers travel grants to local/ international keynote speakers and bursary travel awards to local and international students to present their research in biannual conferences organized by society.

Prepared by:

Dr. Amjad Shahzad Gondal
ISPP Councilor, PPS
Assostant Professor Plant Pathology
Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan

Dr. Abdul Rehman
Secretary General, PPS
Associate Professor Plant Pathology
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

Dr. Amjad Shahzad Gondal, ISPP Councilor, PPS will present this report during the ISPP Councilors Meeting, scheduled to be held during 12th International Conference of Plant Pathology (12ICPPS) being held from 18-25 August, 2023 at Lyon Convention Center, Lyon, France.

Click here to download complete report.