Two Departments of Plant Pathology ?
Yes, that's right. Cornell University is the only academic institution in North America to have two Plant Pathology departments.
The history behind the distinction began with the creation of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY in 1882. Scientists at the Station were charged with conducting research that would help to solve problems limiting milk, beef, and pork production as well as yield of agronomic and horticultural crops, especially fruit. The Station expanded in subsequent years and by 1923, when it became part of Cornell University, there were enough plant pathologists to constitute a department.
Meanwhile, Herbert Hice Whetzel successfully lead a campaign to have Cornell's Botany Department on the Ithaca campus renamed the Department of Plant Pathology in 1907, and he was promptly appointed the first chair. Whetzel quickly added faculty expertise in mycology, bacteriology, nematology, and virology with emphasis on ornamental plants and vegetables, especially potatoes.
Both departments have evolved over time to be actively engaged in basic and applied research on various plants and pathogens and to administer the Graduate Field of Plant Pathology.
