Introduction:

Fungi, once considered plant-like organisms, are more closely related to animals than plants. Fungi are not capable of photosynthesis: they are heterotrophic because they use complex organic compounds as sources of energy and carbon. Some fungal organisms multiply only asexually, whereas others undergo both asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction with alternation of generations. Most fungi produce a large number of spores, which are haploid cells that can undergo mitosis to form multicellular, haploid individuals. Like bacteria, fungi play an essential role in ecosystems because they are decomposers and participate in the cycling of nutrients by breaking down organic materials to simple molecules. Mycology is. the science of fungi or, if you prefer, the branch of botany dealing with. fungi, and those who study it are Mycologists. As such it comprises many. different things, including the taxonomy of fungi. Plant Pathology or Phytopathology (Gr. Phyton=plant) is the branch of biology that deals with the study of suffering plants. It is both science of learning and understanding the nature of disease and art of diagnosing and controlling the disease and importance of Plant Diseases.

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Understand general introduction of fungi, structure, reproduction and classification
2. demonstrate an understanding of the principles of plant pathology and the application of these principles in the control of plant disease
3. demonstrate skills in laboratory, field and glasshouse work related to mycology and plant pathology.

Books:

1. “Text Book of Mycology and Plant Pathology” by Y S Paul

2. “Plant Pathology and Mycology: A Treatise” by G Bagyanarayana and H N Gour

3. “Mycology And Plant Pathology” by Sambamurthy

 4. “Microbiology, Phycology, Mycology, Lichenology and Plant Pathology” by S Sreekumar

5.  Phillips, M., (2017). Mycorrhizal planet: how symbiotic fungi work with roots to support plant health and build soil fertility (1st ed.). United States: Chelsea Green Publishing Company.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Sessional+Presentations: 10

Practicals: 15

Mid Term Exam: 30 

Final Exam: 45

weekly lesson plan