Welcome to the web site of the Quebec Society for the Protection of Plants!
Founded at Macdonald College, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue on June 24, 1908 by Professor William Lochhead and a group of dedicated biologists, the Quebec Society for the Protection of Plants (QSPP) is the oldest scientific society in North America devoted to the protection of plants.
Still functioning under its original name, the Society brings together researchers from universities and federal and provincial governments, agronomists, biologists, professional foresters, technologists, students, as well as any person interested in plant protection. Members of the Society are concerned with theoretical and practical aspects of plant protection, notably in the disciplines of entomology, nematology, pathology and weed science, in the fields of agriculture, forestry and horticulture.
A place for fruitful exchanges
The Society holds an annual congress to encourage communication among individuals interested in plant protection and to promote an interdisciplinary approach in plant protection issues. A place of fruitful exchanges, this congress provides members an opportunity to present their research results, to discuss on plant protection concerns, and attend a symposium dealing with a specific topic and featuring guest speakers from both within and outside Quebec.
A window on the scientific community
The Society also encourages the diffusion of scientific knowledge about plant protection by publishing the journal Phytoprotection which members have access online through Érudit website. The journal publishes, in English or in French, original scientific papers, short communications and review papers dealing with all aspects of plant protection.
Moreover, the Society has published the book Names of Plant Diseases in Canada; an essential tool for individuals involved in plant protection.
A liaison vehicule
An actual liaison between members, the QSPP newsletter Échos phytosanitaires covers the activities of the Society and its members, and recent trends in plant protection.
A mean to encourage future researchers
To encourage students to pursue a career in plant protection, the Society awards yearly a scholarship to a student member enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. research program in plant protection. On the occasion of its Centennial Celebration (1908-2008), the Québec Society for the Protection of Plants (QSPP) offers two Graduate Fellowships : the 2008 QSPP Student Fellowship ($1,000 Fellowship) and the 2008 QSPP Margaret-Newton Centennial Fellowship ($2,000 « increasing » value Fellowship). The Society also presents the W.E. Sackston award for the best student communication presented at its annual congress.