Contents: I. Introduction. II. Cercospora apii complex. III. Diversity of Indian Cercosporoids with their Hosts and Distributions. 1. Genus: Cercospora. 2. Genus: Passalora. 3. Genus: Pseudocercospora. 4. Genus: Zasmidium. 5. Genus: Stigmina. 6. Genus: Scolecostigmina. 7. Genus: Sirosporium. 8. Genus: Asperisporium. 9. Genus: Prathigada. 10. Genus: Stenellopsis. 11. Genus: Verrucisporota. 12. Genus: Distocercospora. IV. Current Status of Presently Unorganized Indian Cercosporoids. V. Summary. VI. Importance and Scope. VII. References. VIII. Host-Fungus Index.

Cercosporoid fungi constitute a heterogenous assemblage of Demataceous Hyphomycetes, most of which have Mycosphaerella as the teleomorph. Members of this complex are important plant pathogens and are responsible for severe economic losses. These are mostly foliar in nature, producing spots but in case of herbaceous plants, they can attack almost all aerial parts of the plants. As hyper-parasites to other plant pathogenic fungi and some of these are being employed as bio-control agents of weeds.

The book provides an up-to-date discussion of Cercosporoid fungi occurring in India, their identity, as determined in consonance with current taxonomic concepts involving morphological and molecular parameters. In addition to descriptions and illustrations of certain new taxa of species level, taxonomic decisions have been taken leading to recombinations, new nomenclatures and synonymy. Distributions of these fungi in India (indicating places and provinces) have been given.

The book is indispensable for mycologist and plant pathologist, especially those dealing with foliar diseases. It highlights the diversity of Cercosporiod fungi of this country with their current status. Undoubtedly, this is the most authentic treatment of these fungi after R.S. Vasudeva’s Indian Cercosporae published in 1963. It is a treatise and a reliable ready-reckoner on Indian Cercosporoids, particularly in presenting the fate of contributions made by Indian workers. (Jacket)