Studies on some pathogenic fungi isolated from freshwater fishes

Abstract

Aquatic habitats have disappeared at a rapid rate over the past 100 years, and many of them have been and continue to be altered by agrarian parasites, land development and pollution. It is also imperative that cultures of freshwater fungi be isolated and maintained for future use in habitat restoration, experimental approaches to aquatic ecosystem function and phylogenetic studies. The significance of fungi and their activities in water as indicator organisms, as humans, animal and plant pathogens, as a source of food and energy for macro fauna, as agents in self-purification process and in the re-mineralization of organic materials and formation of sediments emphasizes the importance of mycological studies of aquatic habitats. It is important that the species in existing aquatic habitats be documented so that the effect of habitat alterations on species composition and hence function can be detected. A detailed knowledge of the diversity and functioning of micro-organisms dwelling in the freshwater ecosystem (like Upper Lake and Hathaikheda Reservoir) will be crucially important in the sustainable management of the stagnant freshwater resources of Bhopal Madhya Pradesh. Hence the present topic entitled Studies on some pathogenic fungi isolated from fresh water fishes. newlineKey Words: Freshwater, Fishes, Aquatic Fungi newline