Fungi include which of the following?

• A. Powdery mildew and rust
• B. Bacteria and viruses
• C. Nematodes
• D. Algae

Answer: (A)

Fungi are the group that includes powdery mildew and rust. These are fungal diseases of ornamentals, caused by eukaryotic organisms with cell walls made of chitin that reproduce by spores. Powdery mildew shows up as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, while rust forms orange or brown pustules, usually on the undersides of leaves. This fungal biology and the characteristic symptoms distinguish them from other pathogen groups. Bacteria and viruses are different microscopic pathogens with distinct life cycles, nematodes are slender worms, and algae are photosynthetic organisms often found in water; none of those are responsible for powdery mildew or rust.