Authors : D.S. Borade.
Page Nos : 80-83
Description :
There are no. of species in freshwater fungi with a greater number know from temperate, as compared to tropical, regions. Three main groups can consider which include Ingoldian fungi, aquatic ascomycetes and non-Ingoldian Hyphomycetes, chytrids and oomycetes. The fungi occurring in lentic habits mostly differ from those occurring in lotic habitats. Although there is no comprehensive work dealing with biogeography of all group of freshwater fungi, their distribution probably follows that of Ingoldian fungi, there distribution probably follows that of Ingoldian fungi, which are either cosmopolitan, restricted to pan temperate or pan tropical regions, or in a few cases, have a restricted distribution. Freshwater fungi are thought to have evolved from terrestrial ancestors. Many species are clearly adapted life in freshwater as their propagules have specialized aquatic dispersal abilities. Freshwater fungi are evolved in the decay of wood and leafy material and also cause diseases of plants and animals. These areas are briefly reviewed. Gaps in our knowledge of freshwater fungi are discussed and areas in need of research are suggested.
