PHP-90303 Evolutionary Phytopathology

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Biosystematics and Biodiversity, Molecular and Evolutionary Ecology

Contents:

The course focuses on the impact that fungi have on society and fungal biology, featuring the exciting world of the Fungal Kingdom. Fungi have numerous beneficial effects and uses in society. Many of them, however, also have a darker side: they can be harmful or even deadly, they can cause other strange effects, such as making male pigs transsexual. They can be consumed (mushrooms); they produce useful antibiotics, but also very toxic and hallucinogenic compounds, the best known of which is alcohol; and they can cause disastrous plant and human diseases. Higher fungi have also cultural value as they are an integral part of nature and are beloved by humans. The following topics will be covered:
1. fungi mold the world; an overview of fungal biodiversity;
2. fungi that caused great famines; the effect of fungal diseases on mankind;
3. mushrooms and other macrofungi in our environment;
4. mushroom production; growth and production of edible fungi;
5. fungi living in extreme environments; fungi on Antarctica, Mars and even in bars;
6. lichens, mycorrhiza and relations of fungi with other organisms;
7. fungi in food, sick buildings and the air we breathe;
8. fungi as plant pathogens; susceptibility and resistance of plants to fungi;
9. mycotoxins, antibiotics and allergens;
10. fungal sex;
11. excursion to Fungal biodiversity Centre, Utrecht;
12. mushroom field excursion.

Aims:

Introduction to the broad impact of fungi on society.

Activities:

Lectures, excursions.

Examination:

Written exam with open questions.