Tropical plant pathology: At home and abroad

I first describe my introduction to plant pathology and early experiences w ith employment, the environment, diseases, pests, and various plant patholo gists. Then I recount a decade of stimulating studies at the University of Minnesota and the route I followed to a career in international agriculture with the Rockefeller Foundation in Colombia and later at Cornell Universit y. My appreciation for and knowledge of traditional farmers and sustainable agriculture occurred as a slow awakening. Comments are made regarding prob lems, principles, and satisfactions associated with the improvement of effo rts to aid food production in developing countries. My curious love affair with root and tuber crops, especially cassava, is explained and readily def ended. My favorite pathogens, Phytophthora infestans and Ralstonia solanace arum, among others, are considered. The pleasures and satisfactions of teac hing, writing, and sabbatical leaves are related. Finally, thoughts on the balance between basic and applied research in plant pathology are offered w ith significant nervousness about the future of our discipline.