What climatic conditions are typically conducive to the growth of fungi associated with plant disease?

The growth of fungi associated with plant disease is typically encouraged by warm daytime temperatures combined with cool nighttime conditions. This scenario promotes a conducive environment for fungi as the warm temperatures during the day allow for increased metabolic activity and sporulation, while the cool nights can create the necessary moisture through condensation and high humidity. The balance of warm and cool temperatures fosters an environment that is often seen in the late summer and early fall, where the likelihood of fungal diseases in plants increases significantly.

In this context, while cold days can inhibit fungal growth, hot days and humid nights can lead to an environment that may also promote certain types of fungi, but the exact combination of warm days and cool nights remains particularly favorable. Variable temperatures throughout the day do not provide the consistent conditions that fungi thrive in, making them less favorable for sustained fungal activity.