Molecular Taxonomy, Diversity, and Potential Applications of Genus Fusarium

The widely distributed and ubiquitous genus Fusarium, introduced first ever by Link in 1809, has been known for its devastating effects on plants, animals, and even human beings especially who are immunocompromised. The controversial taxonomy, diversity in species and ecological niches, infection in many important plant species, and production of mycotoxins make the fungus very important scientifically to researchers and scientists and economically to farmers and has been a center of discussion since many years. Although a stable taxonomy of the fungus is a requisite for the identification of fungi and diagnosis of the disease in the plant, sadly there has been a conflict in the viewpoints of different taxonomists and phytopathologists as well. But the recent advances in molecular sciences like RAPD and UT-PCR have made this taxonomy easier and helpful in studying the diversity of the genus. The genus consists of diverse species distributed in almost all parts of the world and causing disease in many plants and seedlings with varying severity. In spite of its fifth rank in top ten plant pathogenic fungi, the fungus is being used in many industries as it is considered as a good source of many enzymes like chitinase, protease, and lipase. This chapter focuses mainly on the current taxonomical status, the diversity, and the usefulness of the Fusarium genus.