Introduction to Mycology

Fungus is any member of eukaryotic organisms which include yeasts, mushrooms, molds, mildews, rusts and smuts. Mycology is the field of biology which focuses on the study of fungi. It includes fungi’s biochemical and genetic properties, taxonomy, and diseases. Mycotoxicology focuses on the analysis and study of fungal toxins called mycotoxins. Ethnomycology is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the study of sociological impact and historical uses of fungi. Fungi are used by forensic experts in criminal examinations. This is known as forensic mycology. Medicinal mycology is concerned with study of pathogenic fungi, fungal diseases along with their ecology and epidemiology. Basidiobolomycosis, valley fever, cryptococcosis and fungal meningitis are some of the common fungal diseases. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts in the field of mycology. It presents this complex subject in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this textbook.