APS promotes the advancement of modern concepts in the science of plant pathology and in plant health management in agricultural, urban and forest settings.

APS advocates and participates in the exchange of plant health information with public policy makers and the larger scientific community, and it provides advice on education and training.

[3] The society was founded in December 1908 by a group led by Cornelius Lott Shear.

[1] It was the first scientific organization in the world to be devoted exclusively to phytopathology.

[1] The society began publishing scientific peer-reviewed research in 1911 and today publishes five journals in the area of plant pathology: The society gives a number of awards, designated by the National Research Council (United States) as "prestigious.