Fungi, as microorganisms, are ubiquitous and can be found in various environments, including mountains, soil crust, water bodies such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans, on plant surfaces, food grains, fruits, and vegetables, decomposing materials, fabrics and leather in damp weather, air cooling systems, environmental air both indoors and outdoors, and on the bodies of animals and humans.

Some fungal growths are visible to the naked eye, while others can only be seen under a microscope. Fungal microbes can act as pathogens, causing harm by causing diseases in crop plants, food products, fruits, and vegetables, in humans, animals, birds, and marine life. However, certain fungal species are beneficial to mankind, agriculture, and the environment. These fungi provide food products, antibiotics, enzymes, organic acids, plant nutrients, composting agents, and serve as biological control agents, among other beneficial roles.

Despite their significance, many people are not aware of the various functions of fungal microbes. This knowledge has not yet been passed down to future generations. It is crucial for everyone to understand the role of fungal microbes in our lives, as they play an important role at some point in time.

Prof. S.G. Borkar, is an alumni of Indian Agricultural Research Institure New Delhi for his Masters and Doctorate degree in Plant Pathology (1977-1983), a French govt scholar for post-doctorate at INRA, Angers France in 1984, and had his Doctorate of Science (D.Sc) in Plant Pathology in 1999 from Internation University, Washington, USA.

He has 130 research publication published over the period of 40 years in 17 foreign and in 39 indian journals besides 5 university publications and 2 book chapters.Presented 29 scientific as well as Lead papers in national and international symposiums; published 7 books including USA publications, 6 patent, developed 4 wheat varieties, 2 documentary films, established 2 laboratories, 2 Museum, mentor 30 students for their masters and doctorate degrees and received 21 national and internation Awards for his contribution including a plant pathogenic klebsiella pneumoniae strain after his name by NCBI,USA.

He served in 3 agricultural universities in 2 states of India in various academic, scientific and administrative positions. Lead the wheat research in peninsular india as zonal-cordinator at national level for around 5 years and lead the university in plant pathology as a head of department for 10 years.Had previlage to work as Designated Inspection Authority of Plant Quarantine for Govt of India, for 10 years in Western Maharashtra region under the jurisdiction of Mahatma Phule Agriculture University, Rahuri Maharashtra, India.

Section I: An Introduction to Fungi

1. The Fungi and its Life

2. The Habitat of Fungi

Section II: Fungi Harmful to Living Being

3.Fungi Causing Disease in Plant and Food Product

4. Fungi Causing Diseases in Human Beings

5. Fungi Causing Diseases in Animal

6. Fungi Causing Diseases in Birds

7. Fungi Causing Diseases in Aquatic Animal/Fish

Section III: Useful Fungi

8.   Fungi Useful in Industrial Production

9.   Fungi as Biocontrol Agent

10.   Fungi Used as Biofertilizers

11.   Fungi Used as Decomposer 

12.   Fungi Used in Antibiotics Production