The phenotypic expression of a genotype: bringing muddy boots and micropipettes together

Starting with the influences of having a father who was an agricultural plant pathologist, I sketch my career through university and research institute from field epidemiology, basic virus characterization to molecular biology. I note what I consider to be the highlights of my scientific career and the events that shaped the development of my thinking. These include secondment to teach in a university in Uganda, a sabbatical year in the University of California, Davis, where I became aware of the emerging DNA technology, studying the molecular biology of Cauliflower mosaic virus, rice tungro viruses, and Banana streak virus with the aim of developing diagnostics and approaches to control of viruses. Bringing these experiences together, I am now involved in facilitating the uptake of the application of biotechnology to crop improvement in developing countries. I conclude with some thoughts on opportunities for young plant pathologists over the next years of rapid change. As I am one of the few British scientists who have had the honor of writing such an article, I also note some of the vagaries of the British system.