Mycology is the branch of biology that studies the genetic and biochemical characteristics, taxonomy, and toxicity of fungi, including their use in humans as a source for tinder, traditional medicine, food, and entheogens.
A biologist who specializes in mycology is called a mycologist.
Since the vast majority of plant pathogens are fungi, mycology is closely related to phytopathology, the study of plant diseases, and these two fields.
Historically, mycology has been a branch of botany because, although fungi are more closely related to animals than plants in terms of evolution, this was not recognized until several decades ago.

Fungi are neither grasses, nor roots, nor flowers, nor seeds, but simply the excess moisture or soil of trees, rotten trees, and other decaying things. This is clear from the fact that all mushrooms and truffles, especially those used for food, grow in the most thunderstorms and humid weather.