The classification of pathogenic fungi is important for identifying and diagnosing plant disease. Each kingdom, phylum, class, order, genus and specie has its own identifying characteristics. Many of the diagnostic factors in identifying different fungi are very subtle and without proper lab equipment and skill are difficult to identify down to the species level. If we can identify the type of fruiting body and/or spores that are associated with a particular phylum, we can narrow down our search considerably. Most often, we rely on visual signs and symptoms for diagnosis of fungal disease.