Introduction to Mycology

The term ‘mycology’ coined by Berkley (1834) and the term ‘mycosis’  (mykes=mushroom, etymologically study of mushrooms) are used to describe  both opportunistic and pathogenic fungi which infect human, animals, birds  and plants. “Outline of British fungology” containing characters of thousand  fungi was published by Berkley (1803-1889). The term fungus (Mushroom;  Gr. Word SPHONGOS=Sponge) has been used to include eukaryotic,  achlorophyllous, spore bearing organisms that generally reproduce asexually.  The fungi are the second largest species organism in the world after insects.  Scientist studying the fungi is designated as “Mycologist”.