Westcott’s Plant Disease Handbook - Softcover

Horst, R. K.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 146847684X ISBN 13: 9781468476842

Publisher: Springer, 2012

Synopsis

It was a compliment to me to be asked to prepare the fourth edition of Westcott's Plant Disease Handbook, and the decision to accept the responsi­ bility for the fourth edition and now the fifth edition was not taken lightly. The task has been a formidable one. I have always had a great respect professionally for Dr. Cynthia Westcott. That respect has grown considerably with the completion of the two editions. I now fully realize the tremendous amount of effort expended by Dr. Westcott in developing the Handbook. A book such as this is never finished, since one is never sure that everything has been included that should be. I would quote and endorse the words of Dr. Westcott in her preface to the first edition: "It is easy enough to start a book on plant disease. It is impossible to finish it. " This revision of the Handbook retains the same general format contained in the previous editions. The chemicals and pesticides regulations have been updated; a few taxonomic changes have been made in the bacteria, fungi, and mistletoes; the changing picture in diseases caused by viruses and/or viruslike agents has been described. A few new host plants have been added, and many recently reported diseases as well as previously known diseases listed now on new hosts have been included. In addition, photographs have been replaced where possible, and the color photograph section has been retained.

About this title

About the Author:

Dr. Horst received his BS degree from Ohio University in Plant Science in 1957; his MS and Ph.D. degrees from Ohio State University in Plant Pathology in 1959 and 1962 respectively.  He was Director of the Plant Pathology Laboratory at Yoder Bros. in Barberton, Ohio, 1962-1968.  In 1968 he was appointed Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at Cornell University.  He subsequently became Associate Professor in 1974 and Full Professor in 1980.  In addition to research, teaching and extension responsibilities, he also served as advisor for masters and doctoral students.  He has authored or co-authored more than 230 articles which include books, book chapters and invitational papers, and has guest lectured nationally and internationally.  Horst wrote the 4th, 5th and 6th editions of Westcott's Plant Disease Handbook, the 1st edition of the Compendium of Rose Diseases, the Compendium of Chrysanthemum Diseases and the recently published 2nd edition of the Compendium of Rose Diseases and Pests.  He is presently President and CEO of H&I Agritech, Inc., which develops biocompatible (environmentally safe) pesticides for disease and pest control.

Review:

From the reviews of the seventh edition:

"Horst (Cornell) has revised and updated this handbook periodically ... and it continues to be a fine reference for hobbyists and professionals. ... this handbook is a necessary resource for those interested in plant diseases and their control. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels." (L. M. Delserone, Choice, Vol. 46 (3), November, 2008)

"‘Westcott’s Plant Disease Handbook’ is one of the bibles for plant pathologists, since it provides the reader with a huge amount of information. ... the reader will find many details about plant diseases and their causal agents. ... this book can be recommended as a unique reference work for everybody professionally working as a gardener or plant pathologist." (Andreas Kortekamp, European Journal of Horticultural Science, Vol. 73 (6), 2008)

"This notable reference encompasses the whole of plant pathology, dissecting the subject with flair and substance. ... Although botanists and botanical researchers comprise the obvious target market for Westcott’s Plant, this text would ... also be indispensable to florists and nursery operators as a general reference." (The Electric Review, January/February, 2009)

"Westcott’s Handbook ... a standard work of reference in any library dealing with plant subject material. ... The layout of the page is crystal clear and there are 90 illustrations including 16 colour plates showing damaged plants and fruits. ... specialist organizations such as botanic gardens and research institutes should have access to a copy ... ." (Marilyn Mullay, Reference Reviews, Vol. 23 (1), 2009)

About this edition

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 146847684X
• ISBN 13: 9781468476842
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 972