Fungal Diseases of Tropical and Temperate Plants

Fungal diseases of tropical and temperate plants cause devastating effects on crop yields around the world. They are caused by fungi, which are organisms of the kingdom Fungi. These fungi produce destructive and sometimes fatal infections in plants, such as rust, mildew and blights. These fungi can live in and feed off of the plant itself or its environment, including the soil and other plants. Control of these diseases is difficult, and often requires chemical, biological or cultural measures. Knowing which types of fungi are present, their biology and ecology can help farmers and gardeners to reduce or prevent these diseases. Effective management of fungal diseases can help to maintain healthy soils and increase yields, thus benefiting the environment, the consumer and the grower.