Plant Pathogenic Fungus

Fungus on tree bark

Fungus is a common plant pathogen. If left untreated, fungal diseases like powdery mildew can overcome your flowers and vegetables. Before treating these pathogens, it's helpful to understand how they work.

Identification

Fungi cannot make their own food like plants do. Instead, they must look for sources of nourishment. To obtain sustenance, fungi develop hyphae, structures that grow and absorb nutrients from the fungi's host.

Function

These hyphae have structures called appressoria that break into the plant's flesh by using enzymes. Once inside, these appressoria attack the plant's cells and rob their nutrients, sending them back to the rest of the fungi.

Prevention/Solution

The best way to prevent a fungal infection in your garden is to use a fungicide before an infestation occurs. If your plants or trees develop an infection like root rot, it is likely too late for you to save the plant.

References

• University of Missouri: Preventing and Managing Plant Diseases
• Ohio State University Extension: Fungal and Fungal-like Diseases of Plants