Westcott's Plant Disease Handbook

In its revised, improved and expanded 7th Edition, Westcott’s Plant Disease Handbook presents newly discovered diseases and newly identified hosts in the classic format that has won favor with readers at every level of expertise and experience. Dictionary-style entries permit easy access to essential information, and numerous illustrations help identify important diseases. New and updated material includes significant taxonomic changes in fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes; recently discovered diseases and new hosts for previously known plant-pathogens; changes in chemicals and pesticides and updates on regulations governing their use; integrated pest management and biological control.

The Handbook offers additional conveniences: useful cross references, indexes, illustrative plates of 34 key diseases, and 40 black and white illustrations of other diseases. This updated edition of a long-trusted resource will serve a broad audience, from amateur backyard gardeners to landscape architects, arborists, florists, nursery professionals and plant scientists.

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)

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.