Although primarily microscopic and thus usually unseen, fungi are ubiquitous organisms that mediate critical biological and ecological processes. They have significant roles as saprotrophs in the breakdown and nutrient cycling of plant and animal remains, as parasites and disease agents, as food, and in mutualistic relationships. They have a wide range of interactions with humans, acting as biological control agents on crops and as sources of food. They have significant impacts on agriculture, forestry and stored food, and are implicated in some diseases and poisonings.
Fungi also interact with insects and other animals in a multitude of ways.
Many are pathogenic, some provide a key food resource, others are toxic. A number of microfungi are specialist commensals of herbivores, living in their gut and undertaking the crucial breakdown of cellulose. All of the above topics are explored in the thirteen essays which make up this book. They are intended to provide a review of present knowledge, with references to the wider literature. Together they show just how much is already known of the vital role fungi play in our world.