ISPP World Directory of Plant Pathologists This searchable database of plant pathologists around the world is made possible through the funding and efforts of The International Society for Plant Pathology. The On-Line publication of the Directory was initiated in 1997 an an agreement between the Executive of the ISPP and the American Phytopathology Society to 'publish' the ISPP World Directory on the internet as part of the ISPP home page services (Charlie Delp to ISPP Newsletter 27 (5) October 1997).  The Directory was close to going online in June 1998 with complete directories and Introductory Pages for the following seven contributors including over 12,000 addresses: American Phytopathological Society, Asia on IRRI's data base, China, France, Japan, the Mediterranean, and Portugal. Also the following were about to submit data: Australasia, SASPP Southern Africa, Africa on IITA's data base, and Latin America organized by Ed French at CIP. The World Directory on-line was launched at ICPP1998 in Edinburgh (ISPP Newsletter 28 (4) August 1998). By 2001, the Directory included data from 17 participating Societies and in 2013, 22 participating Societies were contributing. This includes the British Society that has made the effort to get authorization from it's members to publish their personal data.  To be most useful, participating Societies should update their data annually. Partial support for this directory is provided from the Dr. Fran Fisher Trust. Francis E Fisher 1924 -17 February 1982 The World Directory was the brain child of US plant pathologist, Dr Francis Fisher. The First Edition was published as Fisher, Fran E. 1973. World directory of plant pathologists. / Edited by Fran E. Fisher. [Lake Alfred, Fla., 1973] vi, 140 p. ; 28 cm. (First Edition). The Second Edition was published in 1980 and can be downloaded in PDF. The current searcheable database can be found by clicking the link in the left menu. Established after her death, The Fran Fisher Trust stated that she wanted $2,500/year to be designated to publish a World Directory of Plant Pathologists.  She visualized that it would be updated every 5 years so stated that ISPP should receive about $12,500 every 5 years.  By 1998, ISPP had received almost $8,000 and expected to continue about $2,000 each year.  But proceeds from the account have varied with economic conditions with the Trust sending funds to the ISPP treasurer annually.  (Charlie Delp 2012, referring to correspondence and phone calls to Trust administrator and Bank)

This Directory has been compiled with the sincere hope that it would help to improve personal and professional connections as well as communication among fellow plant pathologists throughout the world.

The War on Hunger has always been understood and waged as an unceasing battle by those in the profession. Now, others are beginning to realise the vital significance of increasing agricultural productivity, not only to feed our growing population, but also to permit the general economic development that depends on a strong, productive agricultural base. Even in the modern world of technological achievement, the fact remains that mankind is, directly or indirectly, dependent on plants 

In most agricultural areas, one of the most profitable methods to increase agricultural production is by reducing the incidence of disease. This is not often obvious to the farmer who is using the resistant varieties already developed or to the administrator thinking all the necessary tools are available. But the battle is continuous, and the pathologist must be prepared for the new pathogen that will attack the resistant plants, the changed cultural practices that might enhance disease development, the modern problem of air and water pollution effects on plants, and other problems that may come in the future. Read more.........