What type of microbes do fungicides specifically target?

Fungicides are specifically designed to target fungi, which are a distinct category of microorganisms that can cause infections and diseases in plants, animals, and humans. These agents work by disrupting the cell structure or metabolic processes of fungi, allowing for effective treatment or prevention of fungal infections. This specificity is crucial because fungi have different biochemical pathways and cellular structures compared to other microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Therefore, choosing fungicides is essential for addressing fungal issues without affecting other types of microorganisms, making them an important tool in both medical and agricultural settings.