Diversity and Evolution of Fungal Pathogens and Parasites

Diversity and Evolution of Pathogens and Parasites in the Fungi Kingdom presents an overview of the biodiversity and complexity of fungal communities that form associations as parasites or pathogens. With only 138,000 described species of fungi and an estimated number of up to 6.1 million, the Kingdom of Fungi is severely understudied. Among the least studied groups are the ones associated with other organisms as parasites and pathogens.

Written by an international team of more than 30 research experts, this book introduces devastating diseases such as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which both have resulted in dramatic population declines of animal populations, specifically amphibians and bats. It discusses economically important parasites of plant crops and pathogens that cause lung infections in mammals. Finally, some of the least studied groups of fungal parasites and pathogens are treated, such as the enigmatic Laboulbeniomycetes fungi.

Diversity and Evolution of Pathogens and Parasites in the Fungi Kingdom is an important resource for researchers and practitioners in mycology, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity. This book helps readers explore the concept of symbioses by definition and while introducing state-of-the-art tools, techniques and next-generation data.