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Title: Common Microfungi of Costa Rica and Other Tropical Regions: An Illustrated Guide (Ascomycota, Pezizomycotina, Sordariomycetes)

Author
item CHAVERRI, PRISCILA - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
item HUHNDORF, SABINE - FIELD MUSEUM NAT. HISTORY
item ROGERS, JACK - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV
item Samuels, Gary

Submitted to: Common Microfungi of Costa Rica(and other Tropical Regions)
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/17/2009
Publication Date: 2/3/2011
Citation: Chaverri, P., Huhndorf, S.M., Rogers, J.D., Samuels, G.J. 2011. Common Microfungi of Costa Rica and Other Tropical Regions: An Illustrated Guide (Ascomycota, Pezizomycotina, Sordariomycetes). San Jose, Costa Rica: INBio. 241 p.

Interpretive Summary: Microfungi include very small fungi that occur primarily on plants and are relatively unknown especially in tropical regions. Some microfungi cause diseases while others are useful in biological control of diseases. In this book over 100 species of microfungi from Costa Rica are described and illustrated with color photographs of macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. These species of microfungi are common throughout the Neotropics. This book will be used by laypeople interested in the vast biological diversity of Costa Rica and other tropical countries.

Technical Abstract: One hundred and sixteen common tropical pyrenomycete fungi are described and illustrated in a bilingual (Spanish/English) guide. The pyrenomycete fungi include some of the most important plant and human pathogens and also are highly significant in nutrient cycling in tropical forest ecosystems. The diversity of pyrenomycete fungi can be a measure of forest diversity and consequently, tropical forest health. This guide is designed to facilitate the identification of common tropical pyrenomycte fungi by biologists, naturalists, ecologists and other scientists, students, and the general public. It can be useful in assessing health of a given tropical forest.