Plant Science and Pest Management

Plant Science and Pest Management

A complete list of plant science and pest management courses can be found here. 

The Plant Science and Pest Management concentration will prepare students in agriculture-related roles to have a broader understanding of the diverse industry, including issues concerning production, business, economics, communication, pest management, and regulations.  

Students will gain a sophisticated understanding of this interdisciplinary field with specialized skills in areas such as weed science, plant pathology, and crop management.  Upon completion of the OMALS degree with a concentration in Plant Science and Pest Management each student will be able to:

• Demonstrate in-depth multidisciplinary knowledge of fundamental concepts relevant to plant science and pest management practices across diverse agriculture scales (local, state, national, and global).
• Examine and apply the evidence-based literature to resolve relevant complex plant science and pest management issues within multiple agricultural sectors.
• Design, implement, and evaluate plant science and pest management programs and practices across diverse scales of agriculture.
• Analyze the research applications/models/procedures to demonstrate interconnections between plant science, pest management, and human ecology, and animal health.
• Apply multimedia strategies to communicate topics and concepts that enhance plant science and pest management practices in diverse communities and scales of agriculture.

Graduates can look forward to pursuing careers in the following sectors:

• Private industry, including several career paths:
  • Golf course management
  • Farm, orchard, and vineyard management
  • Grounds managers, landscape or park management
  • Agriculture consulting
  • Agriculture-related suppliers and manufacturers (seeds and planting material, pesticides, fertilizers, equipment)
• Government and soil conservation service agencies, including  United States Department of Agriculture and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
• Education, teaching (high school and technical college)
• Green industry professionals (greenhouse and nursery growers, garden center managers/personnel)
• Extension agents

Faculty

• Shawn Askew
• Maria Balota
• Anton Baudoin
• Susan Day
• Jeffrey Derr
• Laurie Fox
• Joshua Kardos
• Thomas Kuhar
• Sally Paulson
• Douglas Pfeiffer
• Jayesh B. Samtani
• Roger Schuerch
• Gregory Welbaum
• Jim Westwood
• Tony Wolf

Concentration Coordinator

Steven Rideout
Professor/Extension Specialist
757-694-7128
srideout@vt.edu
Plant Path Physiology & Weed Science
101-E Price Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061