​​​"When you hear hoof beats in the darkness…think of horses rather than zebras" is a proverb attributed to Dr. Theodore Woodward. In the case of plant pathologists, it encourages us to first consider the common and expected, rather than the obscure and exotic, when attempting to identify a plant pathogen. Although I agree in general, from my own experiences, there is danger of bias in excluding the possibility of "zebras."

​​​Numerous funds from the APS Foundation's portfolio provide financial support to APS members through awards and fellowships. Applications for several experiential, research, education, and mentoring grants/scholarships are available for fiscal year 2024.​

Make plans to attend the joint meeting of the APS Pacific Division and the 69th Conference on Soilborne Plant Pathogens March 26–28, 2024, in Corvallis, OR.​

​Phytopathology News is spotlighting members of the APS Leadership Institute who are serving in leadership roles within APS. This month get to know Temilade M. Fetuga.

​For each issue of Phytopathology News, the APS Graduate Student Committee chooses a graduate student to be featured in a spotlight article. Submit your application for consideration!

​Michael Stephanovitch Woronin is recognized today as the most influential Russian to work on plant diseases in the 19th century. Woronin's greatest contribution to and recognition in plant pathology is often considered to be his pioneering work on clubroot disease of cabbage. Woronin and his groundbreaking research on this disease are the rest of the story.​​

​The Storkan-Hanes-McCaslin Foundation encourages research by offering financial assistance to graduate students working on soilborne diseases of plants. Submit your proposal electronically no later than May 1, 2024.

​Learn to model and advocate for high ethical standards during this interactive, discussion-based course. Expert instructors Mark Gleason and Leonor Leandro of Iowa State University will guide you through challenging conversations and case studies.

​​The 2024 Phytobiomes Journal Focus Issue on the phytovirome will provide a benchmark for the current status of the research field and highlight promising and impactful new directions. Papers that provide a perspective or focused synthesis of the literature or that highlight basic or translational research, new methods, or resources are welcome. The submission deadline is May 1, 2024.

​Understanding plant virus epidemiology is vital to effective disease control and the consequent protection of economically important staple crops. Phytopathology Guest Editors Michael Jeger, Alberto Fereres, Kerry Mauck, Carolyn Malmstrom, and William Wintermantel—along with the editorial board—present a special issue of Phytopathology that focuses on plant virus epidemiology.​

​MPMI is seeking postdoctoral volunteers to fill open assistant feature editor positions. MPMI is looking for creative, innovative communicators who are eager to engage with both the scientific and nonscientific communities in accessible ways. The application submission deadline is February 14, 2024.

A training program, the Hands-On Laboratory, Industrial Manufacturing, and Field Experience in the Development, Testing, Registration, and Scaling of Aflatoxin Biocontrol Technology workshop, was held in fall 2023. The program is part of the IITA Aflasafe Initiative, which aims to transfer know-how and experiences in aflatoxin biocontrol through collaboration with the USDA-ARS and multiple public- and private-sector partners.

​This policy update summarizes recent legislation, policies affecting APS and its members, and PPB activities.

​Stay current on trends and hear from leading plant pathologists about emerging plant diseases, the latest research findings and methodologies, careers in plant pathology, and much more.

​​​Visit the APS News Room for current news on APS and plant pathology.

​Award, Career Development, Degree, In Memoriam, and Seminar notices

​​