First ever case of human being struck down by killer plant fungus

The fungus causes silver leaf disease in plants, which is spread by airborne spores and turns plants' leaves the metallic colour before slowly killing them. Q+A: Everything you need to know about silver leaf disease What is it? According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the fungus name 'Silver Leaf' refers to a gradual silvering of leaves on affected plants which then die off. Scientists believe he contracted silver leaf disease from chondrostereum purpureum while carrying out research as a plant mycologist. The 61-year-old from Kolkata, who wasn't named, had been working with 'decaying material, mushrooms and various plant fungi for a long time', medics said.