Microbes Diversity and Biotechnology

Microbes including fungi constitute an important component of biodiversity. They are our closest neighbour and comprise one of the biggest kingdom in the living world. There are more than 1 lac species of fungi known which grow and multiply in all divers habitats in nature. Due to indiscriminate exploitation and habitat destruction a substantial part of the world biodiversity is being concomitantly regularly lost. Who know many of microbes could be extinct well before we are ready to recognize them? Unfortunately a little attention has been paid towards this direction. Their management and exploitation for the betterment of mankind is must. The utilization and application of fungi by mankind has a long and varied history. Uses of fungi for mankind has broadened and grown considerably in the last 100 years. A well known example of this includes the discovery and production of antibiotics and wider utilization of fungi in the food industry, where they are used in the production of compounds and enzymes for food processing. The association of many fungi with plants has resulted in their use in agriculture as both biological control agents against plant pests and disease and as plant growth stimulants such as Mycorrhizal inoculants. Though there are many national and international Journals that bring out information about fungi and microbes but the recent knowledge is almost in scattered state. It could be kept in a book/ monograph at one place to provide up-to-date information about mycological research especially being done in different corner of India. It is an excellent collection of 30 original research/ review articles of eminent mycologists personalities from different corners of India including Nepal. It is doubtless to say that this monograph would be very useful to all scientists, teachers, students and readers whosoever is interested on mycology and mycological literatures.

About the Author

Dr. S. C. Sati is a Professor in the Department of Botany, Kumaun University, Nainital. Dr. M. Belwal working as Lecturer in Govt. P.G. College, Gopeshwar (UK).