13 Nematophagous Fungi

Abstract

Nematophagous fungi represent an ancient and diverse group of fungi that use refined mycelial structures or their conidia to capture. They are classified on the basis of their mechanism of interaction with the animal as endoparasites, trap-forming fungi, and opportunists. They have received high attention as biological control agents against nematodes, but also as model organisms for ``carnivorous'' eukaryotic microorganisms. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of their biology and molecular physiology and particularly highlight the recent genomic insights into the virulence factors of nematophagous fungi.