Classification of plant pathogenic fungi ( fungi like and true fungi)
Plant pathogenic fungi can be classified based on their fungal characteristics and characteristics of the diseases they cause. Here are some common categories of plant pathogenic fungi:
1. True fungi: These fungi are typically divided into different classes based on their reproductive structures and modes of reproduction. Some common classes of true fungi that are plant pathogens include:
- Ascomycetes: Fungi in this class produce spores in sac-like structures called asci. Some plant pathogenic ascomycetes include powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphales) and rust fungi (Pucciniales).
- Basidiomycetes: Fungi in this class produce spores on club-shaped structures called basidia. Some plant pathogenic basidiomycetes include smut fungi (Ustilaginales) and rust fungi (Pucciniales).
2. Fungi-like organisms: Some plant pathogens are not true fungi but belong to groups closely related to fungi. These include:
- Oomycetes: These organisms are often referred to as "water molds" and include the plant pathogens that cause diseases like downy mildew and late blight. Oomycetes are classified in the kingdom Stramenopila, separate from true fungi.
- Plasmodiophoromycota: These organisms are intracellular parasites of plants and cause diseases like clubroot. They are classified separately from true fungi due to their unique characteristics.
Overall, plant pathogenic fungi can be classified into different groups based on their taxonomic classification and characteristics of the diseases they cause.