Plant Pathology 150 deals with the ecological activities of fungi in native and managed ecosystems. A principal emphasis is on the role of fungi as agents of decomposition and the adaptations that allow them to carry out this activity in diverse environments, and in competition with other microorganisms. Using the saprobic life history as a starting point, various hypothetical pathways to pathogenesis and mutualism will be considered. These concepts will be illustrated using examples of fungal interactions with plants (such as obligate and facultative parasites, lichens and mycorrhizae) and animals (such as fungi associated with leaf cutter ants and ambrosia beetles).

Fundamentals of fungal physiology and growth

Environmental limitations on fungal growth

Concepts of r and k selection in fungi

Competition among fungi and between fungi and bacteria

Fungal population biology

The evolution of leaf pathogens

Fungi colonizing wood

Pathogenic and saprobic fungi in the rhizosphere

Commensal and endophytic fungi associated with plants

Fungal mutualisms