Definition

A hypha is a single, tubular filament of a fungal thallus or mycelium; the basic structural unit of a fungus ( plural hyphae, adjective hyphal).

Discussion

How fungal hyphae are involved in plant disease:

1. Infection and disease development. Hyphae can penetrate host tissues directly or through natural openings or wounds to cause and disease symptoms.

2. Pathogen dispersal. Plant pathogens and diseases can be spread from one location to another by moving fragments of fungal hypae in soil or on tools, etc.

3. Pathogen survival. Hyphae are a means of pathogen survival between cycles of infection and disease.