MICROBIAL DIVERSITY AND FUNCTIONS: Since their very first appearance on this planet, the microorganisms have benefitted our society in many ways. They are supposed to be the simplest but most versatile and talented products of evolution. They thrive in habitats extremely hostile to human life and are infinitely more skilled than any human chemist in their synthetic activities. Their rich diversity and their functional aspects make them indispensable components of our ecosystems. This book has been published on the eve of 75th Birth Day of Prof. Sudhir Chandra, Former Head and Emeritus Professor, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, who is well known for his concern to the microbes and made significant contributions in exploring their beneficial activities in different ecosystems. The book contains 31 articles written by distinguished scientists of the country having expertise in dealing with the microbes and exploiting their potential for the benefits of mankind. The articles included in the book are thought provocating and deals with: o the topics of Taxonomy, Diversity and Applications of VAM fungi in different Ecosystems o Applications of Microbial Technology for Treatment of effluents of a Gelatine Factory, Biodiversity of Mycotoxigenic Fungi and Trichoderma, o Useful microbes of Mangrove Ecosystem, Extremophiles, PGPRs, Phytotoxins, Litter decomposition, Biopesticides, Botanical Pesticides, biofertilizers and so many others including major concerns about the Evolution and Conservation of Microbial Biodiversity. o All the articles written by the authors are original, timely and appropriate.