The smut fungi of the world. A survey.

After a short historical review, our current knowledge about the smut fungi of the world, their number, classification, occurrence on host plant groups and their relationship to other groups of fungi are presented. Surprising results of the new classification of smut fungi are shown. The estimated number of existing species, expected results and trends in smut fungus taxonomy, the necessity and modalities of the conservation of smut fungi and the preparation of an illustrated world monograph of smut fungi are discussed.