​Many struggle to keep their work and personal lives in some semblance of balance. I am fortunate, as my work as a plant pathologist is seamlessly integrated with the rest of my life. During a recent visit to South Carolina, I traveled to James Island in search of a grave and explored where Sea Island cotton was once grown and decimated by wilt disease.

Based on member feedback and an APS Council review of association trends, we are transforming our Subject Matter Expertise (SME) committee structure—moving from traditional committees to Communities of Interest. This restructuring will provide a variety of benefits.​

​Don't miss your chance to shape the Plant Health 2025 experience! Field trip submissions are now open—submit your proposals to craft unforgettable, immersive outings that explore the beauty of Hawaii while highlighting key plant pathology topics.

​​Registration is open for Developing & Validating Seed Health Assays. Join us starting February 11, 2025, and gain the latest knowledge and practical skills to create and validate effective seed health assays to enhance agricultural sustainability and crop productivity. Don't miss this opportunity to advance your knowledge and career.

​​Now is the time to support your passions! APS members are encouraged to apply for one of several APS Foundation funding opportunities. Applications are accepted through February 28, 2025.

​Need funds to buy APS PRESS resources? Apply by February 28, 2025, for Books for the World funding from the APS Foundation. This fund provides $500 to be used for educational materials ordered through APS PRESS.

​Refine your peer-review expertise with "Reviewing a Manuscript 101," available now on Plant Health Rewind! Presented by APS journal editors-in-chief, this session covers best practices, emerging issues such as AI, and ethical considerations in figure manipulation.

Meet one of the amazing people who support the APS Foundation: Kevin Ong. Learn more about Kevin and why he gives his time and resources to support others.​

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

​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!

​​​Many early researchers of crown gall disease thought that if the functional mechanism of disease could be determined, then clues could perhaps be obtained for learning how tumorous cancers in humans are formed, including bacterial plant pathologist E. F. Smith. The discovery and identification of the cause of the crown gall phenotype did not unlock the secrets of animal cancer; however, it did stimulate important and useful applied research in agriculture, which ultimately created the potential to increase food and feed production and reduce pesticide use.

​​Madhav Parajuli shares personal experiences with applying for travel award applications. With many division meetings scheduled for late winter, followed by applications for the APS Annual Meeting, this is a great time to start thinking about and preparing applications.

​After years of exceptional service, Steve Klosterman (PhytoFrontiers) and Johan Leveau (Phytobiomes Journal) have passed their editor-in-chief roles to Natália Peres and Étienne Yergeau, respectively. In recognition of these transitions, the outgoing and incoming EICs reflect on their journals' past achievements, current progress, and future directions.

​APS Online Publications is pleased to announce that Plant Disease Management Reports (PDMRs) will be published in Plant Health Progress (PHP) in 2025. Integrating PDMRs into PHP will enhance their visibility among a broader audience, including researchers, Extension agents, educators, and plant health specialists.

​The public policy update summarizes recent legislation and policies affecting APS and its members.

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

​Award, Career Development, Degree, In Memoriam, and Seminar Notices.

​​

​Check out the latest research highlights and trends in the field of plant pathology.