The book deals with fungi, deftly defined as “the organisms studied by mycologists”. The fungi are now placed under three kingdoms: Fungi, Protozoa and Chromista/Straminopila due to their phylogenetic heterogeneity. In the last decade, world wide research projects: the “Deep Hypha” and AFTOL (Assembling the Fungal Tree of Life), have provided a phylogenetic classification based on genetic relatedness as evidenced by DNA sequencing data. The ‘Eumycotan fungi’, the ‘Protozoan fungi’ and the ‘Chromistan fungi’ represent distinct monophyletic groups. i.e. each group has a common ancestor and all are its descendants. The classification offered by above mega research projects and accepted by Dictionary of Fungi (2008) and leading international journals, forms the basis of this book. There are many surprises: Fungi and Animalia together form a monophyletic group. But there is no common name for them, and are called as “sister groups”. The mycologists would discover emergence of a new world of ‘modern mycology’ gleaned from recent publications. The book starts with History of Mycology remembering Louis Pasteur’s famous quote “History of science is science itself”. There are 31 chapters describing the form and function of fungi. Their symbiotic associations, chemical activities, secondary metabolites, mycotoxins, heterothallism, parasexuality and sex hormones are described under exclusive chapters. Each chapter is followed by a ‘summary’, and ‘test questions’. The book will be indispensable for students of botany, microbiology, plant pathology and medical mycology.

Organisms of uncertain affinity. The lower fungi. The higher fungi. The lichens.

Visit the accompanying website from the author at www.blackwellpublishing.com/deacon. Fungal Biology is the fully updated new edition of this undergraduate text, covering all major areas of fungal biology and providing insights into many topical areas. Provides insights into many topical areas such as fungal ultrastructure and the mechanisms of fungal growth, important fungal metabolites and the molecular techniques used to study fungal populations. Focuses on the interactions of fungi that form the basis for developing biological control agents, with several commercial examples of the control of insect pests and plant diseases. Emphasises the functional biology of fungi, with examples from recent research. Includes a clear illustrative account of the features and significance of the main fungal groups.

This new edition of The Fungi provides a comprehensive introduction to the importance of fungi in the natural world and in practical applications, from a microbiological perspective.

"This new edition of the universally acclaimed and widely used textbook on fungal biology has been completely rewritten, drawing directly on the authors' research and teaching experience. The text takes account of the rapid and exciting progress that has been made in the taxonomy, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, pathology and ecology of the fungi. Features of taxonomic significance are integrated with natural functions, including their relevance to human affairs."--BOOK JACKET.