Which type of fungi are known to live on live plant tissue and cause diseases?

Obligate plant pathogenic fungi are specifically known for their relationship with living plant tissues, as they require a host plant to complete their life cycle and thrive. These fungi can penetrate plant cells and manipulate plant metabolism to extract nutrients, often leading to diseases that can severely affect plant health. This type of fungi has evolved specialized mechanisms to invade and colonize plant tissues, which distinguishes them from other types of fungi that do not depend on living tissue for growth and reproduction.

For example, while saprophytes thrive on decaying organic matter, they do not live on living plants and are not involved in causing plant diseases. Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, aiding in nutrient uptake without causing disease, which is fundamentally different from the pathogenesis of obligate plant pathogens. Dimorphic fungi can exist in both yeast and mold forms but are generally associated with human infections rather than directly causing diseases in plants.

Therefore, understanding that obligate plant pathogenic fungi specifically target living plant hosts is crucial in the context of plant health and pest control strategies.