Kingdom Fungi • What are fungi? • Fungi are not plants. Do not contain chlorophyll. • Include yeast, molds and mushrooms.
Fungi contd. • Help decay organic matter to enrich soil which helps recycle carbon. • Can cause disease in crops and ornamentals. • Rusts, smuts, and blights are all common names of plant fungal infections.
Fungi contd. • Most people think of mushrooms. • Actually the mushroom is the spore producing structure of a fungi. • The rest of the mushroom is composed of long threads called hyphae. • A mass of hyphae is called a mycelium.
Micorrhizae fungi and plant roots • Micorrhizae fungi are in mutual symbionic relationship with some plant roots where both benefit. • In exchange for sugars, the plants produce via photosynthesis, the fungi supplies the plants with essential nutrients such as phosphorous. • The hyphae can be found on the outside of plant roots or inside the root.
Antifungal agents or fungicides • Fungal cells are much like animal cells. • Therefore, fungicides are usually toxic to humans. • Read labels carefully and follow directions closely!
Kingdom Protista • Some have plant-like characteristics. • Some have animal-like characteristics. • Only common characteristic is that they can survive as single independent cells. • Though some live in groups or colonies.
Protistans • Very diverse group of organisms. • Includes protozoans, slime molds, algae, and lichens.
Basic Biology Tulsa County Master Gardeners 2013 Robyn Stroup
Protozoans • Many have animal-like characteristics in that they can move around. • Important in the food chain as a food source for slightly larger organisms. • Some can carry out photosynthesis.
Slime molds • Can exist as independent cells, but will group together and move as a single unit. • Found on decaying organic matter. • Important as decomposers. • Rarely a problem for gardeners. More of a temporary novelty.
Algae • Found in aquatic environments. • Important in aquatic food chain. • Major contributor to oxygen in the atmosphere. • Appear as a green slime wherever moisture is constantly present. • Can be a problem in artificial ponds.
Algacides • Often contain copper sulfate compounds. • The effectiveness varies with environmental conditions. • Less effective in waters with high alkalinity and pH • Less effective when water temperatures are less than 15°C • Algae are never eradicated so reapplication is necessary.
Algacides contd. • Continuous application will result in copper build-up in sludge. • Best way to control algae is reduce organic matter. • Adding a UV light to filtration system works well too.
Lichens • Lichens - two different organisms that are completely dependent on one another. A fungi and an algae. • The fungi provides physical support and holds moisture for the algae. • The algae carries out photosynthesis and provides the fungi with sugars. • Often a desirable features on decorative rock.
Kingdom Monera • • • • • •
Bacteria Much smaller than fungi or protistans. Very different cell structure. Can be carried via insects or garden tools. Requires antibiotics (anti-life) to control them. Sensitive to UV light.
Bacteria contd. • One teaspoon of soil can contain up to 20,000 different species of bacteria. • Many involved in decomposition. • Some colonize the roots of legumes and fix nitrogen in the soil. • Some breakdown complex chemicals like petroleum products – bioremediation. • Some produce antibiotics – ex. Streptomyces. •
Viruses • Not classified in any Kingdom. • Non-living entities. • Can only survive by invading specific host cell types. • Transmitted by insects, nematodes, or garden tools. • Can travel via xylem and phloem throughout plant. • No chemical treatment. Remove infected plant. • Do not mulch!!!!!!!!!
