Leslie Coleman

Leslie Coleman, born on June sixteenth, eighteen seventy-eight, was a distinguished Canadian virologist, entomologist, and phytopathologist. He made significant contributions to agriculture as the first director of agriculture in Mysore State, located in southern India. His pioneering research focused on the pests and diseases that plagued the region's agricultural practices.

Throughout his career, Coleman played a crucial role in establishing several agricultural research and educational institutions. Notably, he was instrumental in the founding of the Hebbal Agricultural School, which later became part of the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore. Additionally, he contributed to the development of the Coffee Research Station at Balehonnur, which evolved into the Central Coffee Research Institute.

In his efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, Coleman introduced improved tillage implements, sprayers, and tractors. He was also a key figure in the establishment of the Mysore Sugar Company in Mandya, further solidifying his impact on the agricultural landscape of the region.

One of his major contributions to plant protection was the development of measures to combat a rot disease affecting coffee, known as koleroga, caused by Pellicularia koleroga, now recognized as Ceratobasidium noxium. His innovative approach included the application of inexpensive Bordeaux mixture sprays on the growing crowns of plants, which effectively controlled infections attributed to what he identified as Phytophthora arecae, now considered Phytophthora palmivora.