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.
In July 2005, a group of APS members, chaired by Joyce Loper, charged with the mission of articulating a vision for the future of plant pathology, came together to develop a comprehensive Vision of Plant Pathology in the 21st Century report, where five interacting "areas of endeavor" were identified.
In August 1993, an in-depth report Plant Pathology: Beyond 2000, Priorities for the Early 21st Century was submitted by committee chair Randy Rowe and colleagues, which identifed six critical goals for plant pathology in the future.
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...
Extension ProfessionalsFarmers/Growers ForestersGreenhouse GrowersGroup/Project LeadersHorticulturists IPM SpecialistsMicrobiologistsMolecular BiologistsMycologistsNematologists
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 are also available.
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 the APSnet online store.
APS offices and boards and special initiatives work to create greater public awareness and understanding of plant health science, lobby for increased funding of plant health research, and 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.
APSnet Education Center - 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 (OEC) - 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 (OIR) - OIR helps facilitate an ongoing dialogue between APS members and the many industries related to plant disease management.
Office of International Programs (OIP) - 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 Relations and Outreach (OPRO) - OPRO 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) - 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.
APS Annual Meeting - The Annual Meeting is the Society’s premier event, attracting nearly 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 e-mail 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 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.
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 Center - The APS Job Center 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 database 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 specialized meetings for those looking to expand or deepen their knowledge in a particular plant health area.
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. Additionally, the APS Foundation offers numerous funding opportunities from student member travel awards to research awards and international travel awards providing opportunities for professional experience and enrichment.
Volunteer Opportunities - 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.
Social Media Community Tools - APS has been working to build an even broader online community through the establishment of accounts with LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. The new APS2.0 tools offer all members the opportunity to stay connected to the global community throughout the year via tools they use regularly. Another great benefit of these efforts is outreach. Plant pathology videos are available for the public to view, and “tweets” via the Twitter account have been followed by a variety of scientific journals and other important outside sources.