This book is an attempt to acquaint the readers about various aspects of germplasm study and evaluation in lower groups. The major portion of the book is devoted to topics on fungal and lichens diversity, their classification, identification, conservation and evaluation. Besides, there are papers covering the pathoglogical aspects including characterization of novel genes for resistance of wheat to stripe rust pathogen, physical and biological management of nematodes and study of mycorrhizosphere. The book contains an opening article on the status of algal germplasm in wetlands of Punjab.