Fusarium: Diseases, Biology, and Taxonomy

This volume brings together what is currently known about the pathology, ecology, genetics, cytology, physiology, biology, and taxonomy of this important fungus genus. Each area is covered by several experts, comprising the most extensive assemblage of ranking authorities that has been gathered on the subject.

Fusaria are among the most common and widespread fungi and are of great economic importance. Every plant pathologist, mycologist, and agriculturist, encounters them in the course of work. Fusarium species are serious pathogens on a wide range of major food and fiber crops such as wheat, corn, rice, bananas, potatoes, cotton, and flax to mention only a few. They are also important as spoilage organisms of stored products and producers of mycotoxins, and can cause disease of humans, animals, and insects.

Fusarium has been known to science for over 165 years. Work in almost every discipline of biology—including genetics, physiology, pathology, anatomy, ecology, soil science, and plant breeding—has been done on this genus; yet Fusarium diseases continue to be among the most important plant diseases and are a more significant factor in agricultural production now than at any time in the past.