The Versatile Potential of Fungi in Human Life and Ecosystem

Pp: 1-14 (14)

* (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

Fungi play a major role in the well-being of human life as they are involved in health and nutrition processes on a large scale and are a major component of the global economy. Furthermore, they are the natural nutrient recyclers in the environment and thus balance the ecosystem. Also, through mycorhizal relationships, the fungi help in enhancing soil fertility by increasing the surface area for absorption of nutrients such as phosphorous, nitrogen, sulfur, etc., and other minerals such as zinc and copper. As fungi interact with various plant pathogens affecting crop production, they can be used as Microbial biological control agents or biopesticides and can be replaced for the usage of hazardous chemical pesticides for controlling plant pathogens. Here, we tried to explain the fungal importance to mankind and the ecosystem by listing its various applications in human life.

Keywords: Agriculture, Antibiotics, Biopesticides, Biofertilizers, Enzymes, Fungi, Nutrients, Pharmaceutical industries, Prominent source, Vitamins.