Fungi play an important economic role by decomposing organic matter to recycle nutrients in the environment. They are also useful in fermentation of foods and beverages, producing medicines like penicillin, and controlling pests biologically. However, some fungi can be harmful by destroying crops, foods, materials and causing diseases in humans and animals.

1. Chapter 8
Economic Importance of Fungi

2. fermentation
recycling nutrients/decomposition
Mycorrhizea
As food-directly/ cheese, cakes
As Medicine: penicilline, ergotamine an ergot alkaloid that causes
constriction of blood vessels and is used to treat migraine.
As biological control-feed pests-Entomophthora music -kill insect
For scientific study
Toxic effects, destroy food fabrics, leather, and other goods
Plant disease
 Some are human parasites (e.g., causing ringworm, athlete's
foot).
 Some produce substances that are highly toxic and
carcinogenic to animals (e.g., aflatoxin)

3. • Fungi perform an essential role
• decomposition of organic matter and have fundamental roles in nutrient cycling
and exchange.
• used as a direct source of food, such as mushrooms
• fermentation of various food products, such as wine, beer, and soy sauce.
• used for the production of antibiotics,
• various enzymes produced by fungi are used industrially and in detergents.
• Fungi are also used as biological pesticides to control weeds, plant diseases and
insect pests.
• Fungi can break down manufactured materials and buildings,
• become significant pathogens of humans and other animals.
• Losses of crops due to fungal diseases (e.g. rice blast disease) or food spoilage
can have a large impact on human food supplies and local economies.