Chytrids of India/R. Dayal. 1997, xi, 316 p., 56 plates, $42. ISBN 81-7533-038-4.
Contents: 1. Introduction. 2. Methodology. 3. Olpidiaceae. 4. Synchytriaceae. 5. Achlyogetonaceae. 6. Rhizidiaceae. 7. Entophlyctaceae. 8. Monocentric, eucarpic genera of doubtful affinity. 9. Cladochytriaceae. 10. Physodermataceae. 11. Supplement of other Zoosporic fungi. Legend of plates. Bibliography. Index.
"The study of chytrids is old in India, it dates back to 1907, but unfortunately could not reach to heights attained by some advanced countries of the world, USA; Great Britain, France and Germany. However, in recent years, the group has again received considerable attention as evident by the enthusiasm at the First International Mycological Congress held in Exeter (UK) in 1971. Seven sessions were devoted to this group alone in fact according to Prof. C.H. Dickinson there could have been an entire section of the Congress given over to their taxonomy, biology and ecology. These fungi offer some of the most exciting possibilities for fundamental laboratory studies including biotechnology and is a fascinating study by itself.
"Students in India interested in this group are finding difficulty to acquire updated information on morphology and taxonomy as monographic studies comparable to Coker's (1923) Saprolegniaceae; Sparrow's (1960) Aquatic phycomycetes' and Karling's (1977) Iconographic Chytridioxmycetarum considered milestones are lacking. This book is an attempt to fill that void and such a monograph on chytrids is first of its type from India. Probably this may be the first update compilations of work carried out by author in this group in the 20th century.
"The book is suitable for postgraduate, research scholars in mycology, aquatic/zoosporic fungi, marine biology, microbiology and limnology. It will also be extremely useful to the teachers and scholars engaged in the pursuit of advanced knowledge in this area." (jacket)
[R. Dayal is former Professor and Head Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Science, Banaras Hindu University. His books include Zoosporic Fungi of India.]