Newswise — The deadline to apply for the Plant Pathology Journalism Award has been extended to April 21, 2006.

This award, sponsored by The American Phytopathological Society (APS), recognizes outstanding achievement in increasing public awareness, knowledge, and understanding of plant pathology. Plant pathology is concerned with the improvement of plant health through the identification, prevention, and management of plant diseases.

Eligibility is limited to science writers and journalists of information concerning the science of plant pathology or issues related to plant health appearing in mass media, including print (newspapers and periodicals only) and broadcast media readily available to the general public. Books, websites, and institutionally sponsored publications are not eligible. Individual items and series are both eligible.

The award consists of a $1,000 cash prize, a commemorative plaque, and travel expenses to attend the APS Annual Meeting for presentation of the award.

To apply, submit the following: letter explaining how the work submitted contributes to public awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the science of plant pathology; a statement of when and where the work appeared; and four copies, either published or taped, of the submitted work. All materials must be received by April 21, 2006 for work published or aired in 2005.

Submissions should be sent to: Plant Pathology Journalism Award, The American Phytopathological Society, 3340 Pilot Knob Road, St. Paul, MN 55121. For more information, contact Amy Steigman at [email protected] or +1.651.994.3802.

The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is a non-profit, professional scientific organization. The research of the organization's 5,000 worldwide members advances the understanding of the science of plant pathology and its application to plant health.