The fungi as microbe is present everywhere; in mountains and soil crust; in water and water bodies like rivers, oceans, lakes, ponds and glaciers; on plant surfaces, food grains, fruits and vegetables; on de-composting materials; on fabrics and leather in damp weather; air cooling systems; in environmental air outside and inside homes; on animals and human body parts etc.

The well develop fungal growth can be seen with naked eyes on some of the material, while the fungal structures are only visible in microscope. These fungal microbe are harmful as pathogens to cause diseases in crop plants, food product, fruits and vegetables, in human being, animals, birds and marine wealth etc. However, some of the fungal species are beneficial to mankind, agriculture and environment.

These are sources of food products, antibiotics, enzymes, organic acids, plant nutrient supplier, composting agents, biological control agents and so on. Most of us are unaware of all these facts about this fungal microbe, as this knowledge is not yet passed on to the generations although they play important role in our life at one or other point of time. It is a high time for all of us to know about this fungal microbe and the role they play in our life.

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