Fungi are parasitic on almost all groups of eukaryotic organisms, ranging from cellular amoebae, protozoa, and algae to larger plant groups such as liverworts, mosses, ferns, and seed plants, and animal groups from the smallest inconspicuous ones to the larger animals. The man, most intelligent animal, has his/her share of fungal parasites. Parasitic fungi are best known through their extensive damage to plants, especially cultivated plants. While plant diseases may be caused by environmental factors, viruses, mycoplasma, bacteria, nematodes, a few protozoa, and parasitic higher plants, by far the majority (more than 3/4) of plant diseases are caused by fungi. All of the major groups of fungi, we studied in the initial sessions of this course have species that are plant parasitic. This book is a practical guide to practicing farmers, useful reference to policy makers, research and extension workers and teachers for teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Table of Contents:
• Introduction 1. Reproduction of Fungi 2. Phycomycetes 3. Basidiomycetes 4. Dimorphic Basidiomycetes, an Overview 5. Identification, Handling and Evaluation of Conditions Leading to Mycotoxin Production 6. Mechanisms of Pest Resistance in Plants 7. Diseases in Roe and Fry 8. Fungal and Bacterial Leaf Diseases 9. Plant Diseases Development and Management 10. Transmission of Plant Diseases 11. Thermophilic Fungi : Their Physiology and Enzymes