Plant pathologists need an awareness of air quality because they must:

Plant pathologists require an awareness of air quality primarily to monitor airborne disease organisms. This is crucial because many plant pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses, can be transmitted through the air. Monitoring air quality allows pathologists to identify and track these pathogens as they move through the environment, which can significantly impact plant health and crop yields. Understanding the dynamics of airborne organisms enables pathologists to develop effective management strategies to mitigate the spread of diseases.

While factors like soil contamination, plant growth patterns, and water quality are also important in the broader context of agriculture and plant health, they are less directly related to the role of air quality in tracking and managing airborne plant diseases.