Plant Pathology

The main function of a fiber is to support the plant. In a cross section, fiber cells are very randomly placed together and the cells look very unorganized. Fiber tissue was found in the stem of the plants and all the flowers had fibers. They are all similar because the cross section images were all similar.

Plant pathology (also phytopathology) is the scientific study of plant diseases caused by pathogens (infectious diseases) and environmental conditions (physiological factors). Organisms that cause infectious disease include fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, viroids, virus-like organisms, phytoplasmas, protozoa, nematodes and parasitic plants. Not included are ectoparasites like insects, mites, vertebrate or other pests that affect plant health by consumption of plant tissues. Plant pathology also involves the study of pathogen identification, disease etiology, disease cycles, economic impact, plant disease epidemiology, plant disease resistance, how plant diseases affect humans and animals, pathosystem genetics, and management of plant diseases.

Plants can be used functionally to solve some of the environmental problems the homeowner may have on the property. This may include the need for privacy, protection from glare or direct sunlight into windows, or shade on a patio. A thick row of high shrubs bordering a road can reduce noise and prevent litter from entering a yard, or perhaps screen an unpleasant view such as a shopping center or row of buildings.

The contemporary approach to planning a residential landscape incorporates a design process. In the process, the needs and goals of the owner and conditions of the building site are identified. An analysis of these goals and conditions reveals needs and suggests a program for enhancement of the landscape. It must be realized that not all landscape problems can be solved with plant materials alone; pavements and structures are equally important. Fences and walls are as functional and provide as much privacy as woody plants--and they may require less maintenance.