Development of mycology and phytopathology at Botany Department of Novorossiysk University (XIX – beginning of XX century)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15421/272202

Abstract

The article considers the history of initiating and conducting research in mycological and phytopathological areas at Novorossiysk University from the moment of its foundation to the beginning of the twentieth century. The preconditions for the origin of the studying fungal flora by scientists of the Russian Empire and the achievements in this field are shown. The interrelation between activities of natural scientists from various scientific and educational institutions of that period is emphasized. The works of the heads and employees from Botany Department at the mentioned university, in particular L. S. Tsenkovsky, I. F. Koshchug, M. K. Sredinsky, Ya. Ya. Waltz, L. V. Reinhard, F. M. Kamensky, I. L. Serbinov, etc are analyzed. It is shown that the ontogenetic method developed by Tsenkovsky in relation to saprophytic fungi was essential for the studying pathogenic forms, which expanded the possibilities for further development of the parasitic direction in phytopathology. It is proved that the study of the stages in development of saprophytic forms in mucous fungi by scientists was a prerequisite for the discovery by Tsenkovsky’s student M. S. Voronin of parasitic representatives from Mycetozoa that can cause diseases of agricultural plants. The significance of contemporary achievements for the further development of phytopathology as a separate branch of applied mycology, as well as for the emergence of new areas of research is revealed. Thus, the priority results of Botany Department were morphological and ontogenetic approach in mycology, elucidation of the process of symbiosis between fungi and higher plants, the development of mycorrhiza theory and the study of mixed infection. In such way, the work summarizes achievements of natural scientists from Novorossiysk University and reveals their importance for the further development of phytopathobacteriology and mycology.

Downloads

Published

2022-06-20