606-307 Fungi & Plant Disease

Biology 650-141 and 650-142 (prior to 2004: 600-141 and 600-142).

Botany 606-314 is recommended.

This subject introduces the importance of fungi, and the role that they and other microbial organisms play in plant disease. The practical component will introduce students to techniques used in handling and identifying fungi, and in studying plant disease. Emphasis is placed on the design of experiments and interpretation of experimental data. Topics to be covered include:

• the evolution and diversity of fungi;

• fungal physiology, growth and ecology;

• humans and fungi;

• fungi and other microbes that cause plant disease;

• plant-parasite relationships; and

• disease resistance in plants.

Upon completion of this subject, students should have developed an understanding of:

• the biology and diversity of organisms that cause plant disease;

• the mechanisms by which fungi cause plant disease at the molecular, cellular, whole plant and community levels;

• the mechanisms used by plants to defend themselves against disease;

• biotechnology and plant pathology; and

• current themes in research into plant disease.

2-hour examination at the end of semester (60%); weekly tests of 10 minutes (10%); practical report of four pages (30%).