BOT/FS 415/515
Forest Insect and Disease Management
Fall 2007
Pathology
Collection Guidelines |
|
| Objective | The goal of the pathology collection is to increase your awareness of tree pathogens and related organisms. Despite their dramatic impact, these organisms are often very small and inconspicuous. Through this project you will gain an appreciation for the diversity of pathogens, reinforce your understanding of their relationships, and sharpen your eye for recognizing diseases of trees. |
| General Requirments | 25 specimens, properly dried, identified, and labeled, are required.
Each sample should be associated with a tree or forest plant. The collection
should be predominately pathogens, but should include a few saprophytes, lichens,
and mycorrhizal fungi as well. Each sample should be a different
fungus or pathogen. Diseased plant tissues are acceptable,
if the symptoms are diagnostic of a particular pathogen. All collections should be made during 2007. Some collections can be made during class field trips and from laboratory exercises, but other opportunities should be exploited as well. Trading samples with your classmates is encouraged, but be sure you get a good sample in return. Your fact sheet (see below) should identify the actual collector of each sample. Your collection should include: Pathogens from at least 3 Kingdoms-- Plantae (mistletoes); Fungi (of course); Protista (the Oomycetes); Animalia (some insects); or Monera (bacteria). 5 or more Ascomycetes (and conidial fungi). 5 or more Basidiomycetes. 10 or more pathogens from the list "Pathogens to Know and Understand" 1-5 Mutualistic Fungi or lichens 25 specimens total |
| Preservation | All samples must be appropriately prepared for presentation. When collecting mushrooms, make a spore print and attempt identification while the sample is fresh, then carefully dry it. The spore print is usually important for identification and will become part of the collection. Conks, too, must be thoroughly dried to prevent insect feeding. Insects, such as aphids, that cause disease should be preserved as described in the guidelines for the Insect Collection. Fungi on leaves, and mistletoes should be dried flat in a plant press. Fungi growing on agar in Petri dishes can be used. Make a semi-permanent slide with spores and other structures used for your identification, then dry the entire agar colony. Most specimens can be conveniently stored in individual envelopes of various sizes. The total collection should be presented in a box. |
| Identification and Labels | All
specimens should be identified to genus, and to species where practical.
Assistance with identifications will be available in lab, but final responsibility
rests with the student. Feel free to ask questions at all times. The instructor
may not recognize the particular species either, but will always be eager
to help you figure it out. Each specimen must be carefully and completely
labeled. In most cases labels can be directly attached to the envelope
holding the specimen. A one page typed index must accompany the collection.
A
label must include: |
| Grading the Collection | 25 correctly named specimens - 25 pts Total 50pts
|