Historically fungi included diverse organisms. In view of the recent developments in their ultra structure, biochemistry and molecular biology, the book provides a fresh look at the status of fungi in the biological world. Unlike traditional textbooks, taxonomic groups of fungi and related organisms studied by mycologists have been reshuffled and assigned positions according to modern scheme of classification. In the light of the advent of genetic manipulation and allied technology, the role of fungi in commercial production of unusual drugs, as hormones and some proteins, is examined. Some recently developed fungal products useful in agriculture, forestry and food industry are also briefly described. Besides students the book should also interest those inclined to learn what fungi do to mankind.

• A fresh look at status of fungi in living world in the light of recent developments in their hyphal dynamics. • Current scheme of classification and arrangement of various taxonomic groups of fungi. • Account of important taxa of different groups of fungi supported by standard, authentic illustrations. • Ecological groups of fungi inhabiting diverse habitats. • Recent developments in fungal biotechnology examining the role of fungi in industry, agriculture, forestry, medicine and environment. • Important plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses. • General account of bacteria and viruses.

Preface / Introduction / Fungal Groups of the Kingdom Protozoa / Fungal Groups of the Kingdom Chromista / The Kingdom Fungi (True Fungi): Structure and Reproduction / Chytridiomycota (Chytridiomycetes) / Zygomycota (Zygomycetes) / Ascomycota (Ascomycetes) / Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes) / Anamorphic Fungi (Deuteromycetes) / Ecological Groups of Fungi / Lichens / Fungi and Biotechnology / Bacteria – General Account / Viruses – Structure, Replication and Plant Pathogens / Selected Plant Diseases / Appendix: Classification of Fungi / Glossary / Recommended Readings / Index.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students and Teachers