The available literature on freshwater fungi is limited. Over the subsequent years a considerable volume of scientific papers have appeared scattered throughout numerous journals. There is therefore no recent synthesis of the subject and this is the objective of the proposed book. Freshwater habitats are rich in fungi with some 3,000 described species, most of papers focussing on their identification, substrata they grow on and world distribution. However, these fungi play an important role in the freshwater ecosystem, and are primarily involved in the breakdown of leaf litter contributing food for detritus feeders. Our book will bring together a wide range of acclaimed mycologists to review recent developments on the biology and ecology of freshwater fungi, particularly their molecular phylogeny, biodiversity, causative diseases of freshwater amphibians, fishes and invertebrate animals, decomposition of leaf litter, stream pollution and their potential role in bioremediation.

Fungi that inhabit polar-region can grow and decompose organic compounds under subzero temperatures play important roles in the nutrient cycle of polar-region ecosystems. Thus, changes in the mycoflora affect the ecological recycling in these regions, and understanding the cold-adaptation strategies of fungi under extreme environments is critical for a better understanding of polar-region ecosystems. Due to their ability to survive under extreme environments, fungi in polar-region are seen to show potential for utilization in biotechnologies. This book presents our current understanding of the mycoflora in polar-region and their cold adaptation strategies, and applied studies using their abilities.

Endophytic fungi belonging to the Balansieae tribe were first hypothesized to cause poor livestock performance in 1977 and, in 1980, the association was validated. The fungi were extensively studied and classified according to morphology, their life cycles exam- ined to determine methods to eliminate the fungi in grasses, and practical methods devel- oped for livestock producers to eliminate endophyte-infected plants from pastures and establish endophyte-free plants. Hindsight illustrates how primitive was our understanding of the associations between endophyte, grass plant, and animal. The plant/endophyte asso- ciations, thought to be rare cases, have now been identified in grasses that are adapted from tropical to nearly arctic, and from marshland to desert climatic regimes. In the two decades that have passed since the first endophyte-plant-animal associa- tion was made, the scientific community has re-classified the endophytic fungi twice (now the genus Neotyphodium), ~he systematics and ecological role of endophytes have been more clearly defined, endophytes and grasses are now generally accepted as mutualistic symbionts, the chemistry of toxins and their functions defined, beneficial effects of endo- phytes on plants identified, and commercial ventures have emerged based upon endophyte research in the turfgrass and livestock industries.

Unlike any other source on the subject, this reference provides an up-to-date account of fungal syndromes in immunocompromised patients and provides expert descriptions of their clinical manifestations and settings in which they cause illness-covering the pros and cons of current and emerging diagnostic measures, techniques to incorporate new diagnostic tools and treatments into established clinical practices, and the most recent therapeutic strategies in patient care.

This book focuses on the taxonomic diversity of the genus Tuber as economically important truffles. In contributions by internationally respected scientists, it examines truffle systematics, interactions with abiotic and biotic environments, strategies for spore dispersal, and molecular processes in truffles. Topics discussed include: evolutionary theories and phylogeny of Tuber species from Asia, Europe and North-America; the influence of climate on the natural distribution of Tuber species and fruiting body production, soil characteristics and vegetation in natural habitats; tools for tracing truffles in soil, host diversity, truffle inhabiting fungi and truffle-associated bacteria; and the relationships of small mammals and wild boars with truffles, as well as the smell of truffles.This book offers a valuable reference guide for all researchers working in the fields of mycology, ecology and the soil sciences, and will also be useful for farmers and foresters interested in truffle cultivation worldwide.

This reference book includes 24 chapters written by a group of experts in the different fields of microfungi and cover a broad range of topics on microfungi. It provides the most updated information on the latest development in systematics and taxonomy of microfungi, new techniques which were developed in the last ten years and their application in microfungal research. After the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Melbourne Code) was adopted by the Eighteenth International Botanical Congress Melbourne, Australia, July 2011, it has had a profound impact on mycology and its research. Fungal nomenclature changes and its significance to fungal taxonomy and naming of microfungi in the future is discussed in detail. Since dual names system for fungi developing both sexual and asexual states, and fungi developing only asexual state is no longer available, the first five chapters will clarify some confusion and provides perspective views on the direction for future research. The next nine chapters cover microfungi and their ecological roles or functions in the different habitats (air, indoor, aquatic, marine, plants, soils, etc). The remaining 13 chapters cover the relationship of microfungi and humans (good and bad) and usage or application microfungi in different industries, such as food, agriculture, forestry, green technology, pharmaceutics, and medicine, as well as in our daily life. The book bridges the gap between basic mycological research and applied mycology and provide readers a unique set of information and knowledge of microfungi generated from multiple angles in different fields of mycology.

This book compiles the latest research in the area of Trichoderma Rhizosphere Biology. It covers topics such as microbial interaction, crosstalk between plants and microbes, interactions with abiotic and biotic factors, and advances in biocontrol agents, biofertilizers and biostimulants. The respective chapters describe innovative ways of adapting fungal communities to improve their survival in highly dynamic environments and agroecosystems. In closing, the book discusses the use of Trichoderma as a bio-growth enhancer and biostimulant for organic agriculture.

In the last few decades more and more yeast habitats have been explored, spanning cold climates to tropical regions and dry deserts to rainforests. As a result, a large body of ecological data has been accumulated and the number of known yeast species has increased rapidly. This book provides an overview of the biodiversity of yeasts in different habitats. Recent advances achieved by the application of molecular biological methods in the field of yeast taxonomy and ecology are also incorporated in the book. Wherever possible, the interaction between yeasts and the surrounding environment is discussed.

This volume provides an overview of the main yeast production platforms currently used and future yeast cell factories for recombinant protein production. Chapters detail approaches of genetic and metabolic engineering, co-factor containing proteins and virus-like particles, glycoproteins, and post-translational modifications of proteins. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Recombinant Protein Production in Yeast: Methods and Protocols aims to provide state of the art background and methods for protein producing yeast platforms, as well as case studies for special applications.

Proceedings of a symposium held in Canterbury, United Kingdom, April 5-8, 1993.

Mushrooms are fleshy fungi with a high prospective for the production of secondary metabolites including extracellular enzymes with high agricultural and biotechnological significance. Worldwide, they are well recognized as supplementary foods due to their high nutritional values and their medicinal importance, which includes their uses in exhibiting antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, immune enhancer, and to be effective for the treatment of several diseases including diabetes and few types of cancers as well. According to recent studies, extracellular enzymes produced by several white-rot fungal strains such as Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus sajor-caju and several mushrooms have shown a high capacity to decolorize dyes that are very harmful for the environment. Moreover, wild macrofungi have the capability to synthesize nanoparticles which are more useful for the treatment of cancer, gene therapy, DNA analysis and biosensors. Wild macrofungi are extremely important model for basic biology and commercial manufacture.

This volume highlights molecular methods to study the phytopathogenic rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Chapters in this book cover the history, development, and evolution of the pathogen; molecular methods to increase the knowledge of the biology, genetic, and metabolic diversity of the pathogen; and the pathogen's adaptability. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Magnaporthe oryzae: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for any scientist or researcher interested in learning more about this developing field.

Fungi are now at the forefront of research on mechanisms in gene silencing, biological rhythm, mating processes, biogenesis of intracellular organelles, adaptations to hostile habitats, structure of natural populations, and speciation. Because of their small genomes, fungi are being used in "systems biology" to understand the connections between genes, proteins, and metabolic and signaling pathways. The ease with which yeasts and fungi can be cultivated in simple nutritive media has also made these eukaryotic organisms the choice material for basic and applied research. Fungi: Experimental Methods in Biology, Second Edition presents the latest information on fungal biology generated through advances in genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. It gives an account of real experiments that have been carried out on the diverse lifestyles of these organisms. Following in the footsteps of its highly-praised predecessor, this book continues to be a comprehensive review of the state of our knowledge about how fungi function. Examining both unicellular and multicellular fungi, this accessible book covers: Special features of fungi Interaction of fungi with other organisms Use of fungi as sources of chemicals for human health and welfare Model fungi in research Gene manipulation Adaptations Natural populations Throughout, the book draws attention to unsolved questions and to the opportunities offered by the diversity of fungi. Written by a prominent mycologist, it provides an excellent introduction and reference for beginning researchers as well as for experienced professionals. What's New in This Edition: New chapters on spores' dormancy, germination, and uses; fungi as scavengers; and fungi as chemical factories All chapters substantially revised, updated, and rewritten, in particular The Hyphal Mode of Life, Fungi as Symbiotic Partners, and Fungi as Plant Pathogens New material on the use of yeast for functional analysis of genomes; the use of Neurospora in cytogenetics and genes controlling conidiation; and the identification of the clock gene A new glossary to reinforce important concepts

Introductory Paper: Fungal Dimorphism (D. Kerridge). Molecular Genetics of Morphogenic Processes: Molecular Control of Conidiogenesis in Aspergillus nidulans (W.E. Timberlake). Physics and Genetic Mapping of Candida albicans (B.B. Magee et al.). Cell Biology and Biochemsitry: Morphological Aspects of Fungal Dimorphism (M. Borgers). Nature and Control of Cell Wall Biosynthesis (M.G. Shepperd, P.K. Gopal). Dimorphism and Pathogenesis: Pathogenicity of Wangiella Dermatitidis (A. Polak, D.M. Dixon). Do Dimorphic Fungi More Easily Escape Host Defences and Treatment? (D.A. Stevens). Diagnosis and Treatment of Mycoses: Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis (J. Wheat). Morphological Aspects of Antifungal Agents (H. Yamaguchi et al.). 28 additional articles. Index.

The overnight appearance of mushrooms in a meadow or on a suburban lawn is a marvelous sight. It is one of many awe-inspiring, magical processes that have evolved among the fungi, yet this group remains the least studied and most poorly understood kingdom of organisms. In Mushroom, Nicholas Money offers a vibrant introduction to the world of mushrooms, investigating the science behind these organisms as well as their enduring cultural and imaginative appeal. Beginning with the basics of mushroom biology, Money leads us through a history of mushroom research, painting portraits of the colorful characters involved in their study--among them, Beatrix Potter, the celebrated author and creator of Peter Rabbit, and Captain Charles McIlvaine, a Civil War veteran who engaged in a dangerous quest to determine the edibility of every mushroom in North America. Money also discusses the uses of mushrooms today, exploring their importance as food and medicine, their use as recreational drugs, and as the cause of horrific poisonings. A cultural, natural, and scientific history in one, Mushroom is a must-read for mycophiles, mushroom gatherers, and nature lovers alike.

Poisonous mushrooms have fascinated scientists and laypersons alike for thousands of years. Almost all mushroom fatalities are due to the genus Amanita, whose poetic common names (death cap, destroying angel) attest to their lethality. In his classic 1986 book, Theodor Wieland covered the state of our knowledge about the chemistry and biochemistry of the toxins of Amanita mushrooms up until that time, with a particular focus on the decades of chemical research by him and the Wieland dynasty (including his father, brother, brother-in-law, and cousin). Wieland's book is now mainly of historical interest, with its exhaustive overview of the early chemical studies done without benefit of methods taken for granted by modern chemists. This book is a complete top-to-bottom revision of Wieland's 1986 book. The material covers history, chemistry, and biology with equal thoroughness. It should be of interest to natural products chemists and biologists, professional and amateur mycologists, and toxicologists. The three scientific fields that are most relevant to the book are natural products chemistry, mycology, and fungal molecular genetics. Dr. Walton is an expert in all three. To maximize the broad utility and appeal of the book, care has been taken to define all technical terms specific to a particular discipline, so that, for example, mycologists will be able to understand the relevant chemistry, and chemists will be able to understand the relevant fungal biology.

This new edition of Fungi in Ecosystem Processes continues the unique approach of examining the roles of fungi from the perspective of ecosystem functions. It explores how fungi have adapted to survive within particular constraints, how they help to maintain homeostasis in ecosystems, how they facilitate resistance to perturbations, and how they influence the communities of other organisms. Updated and revised, the second edition Expands the section on plant pathogens, invasive species, and insect-fungal interactions Provides more extensive coverage on insect-fungal interactions, including entomopathogens, the links between entomopathogens and endophytes, and symbiotic and mutualistic interactions Adds a new section on fungi in the built environment Presents new material on below-ground to above-ground interactions mediated through fungi, such as mycorrhizal signaling systems for herbivory defense The book also includes expanded coverage of the role of fungi in suppressive soils, aquatic and marine fungi, modern methods of following food chains in fungal-invertebrate trophic interactions, and the physiology of nutrient uptake by mycorrhizae. A necessary update and expansion to previous material, this book provides an essential reference on the current understanding of fungal roles in ecosystem processes. It also identifies directions for future study, including an emphasis on the need for further research on fungi in built environments.

These chapters provide up-to-date information on nematophagous fungi, particularly those of the "Orbiliaceae" in Ascomycota, whose asexual states produce nematode-trapping devices. The authors consider fungal-nematode interactions, fossil fungi, the biodiversity, ecology and geographical distribution of nematode-trapping fungi, and their potential use in biocontrol of nematodes, all in detail.

Nematode-trapping fungi with adhesive or mechanical hyphal traps are the main focus of this book which begins with an overview of the data on nematode-trapping fungi, including their taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution. Subsequent chapters expand upon the methods and techniques used to study these fascinating fungi. Keys for genera of "Arthrobotrys," "Drechslerella" and "Dactylellina," which include all reported species of predatory orbiliaceous fungi are presented and numerous species from these genera are morphologically described and illustrated.

The ecology of nematode-trapping fungi is expertly presented: their occurrence and habitats, their geographical and seasonal distribution and the effects of soil conditions and nematode density on their distribution all feature amongst the relevant themes.

Further chapters examine the use of nematode-trapping fungi in biological control and the authors consider nematicidal activities in detail, exploring the many compounds from fungi that feature in nematicidal activities and of course useful paths for further study on this topic.

This is a highly informative and carefully presented book, providing scientific insight for scholars with an interest in fungi and in biological control of nematodes.

The book is comprised of more than a dozen chapters on fungi from different substrates including fossilized leaves. It discusses association of fungi occurring on important plants, some animals, and saprophytic substrates. Besides the taxonomic information, some ecological aspects like distribution and substrate/host preferences are discussed. The book also reviews the myxomycete.

Morphological, biological, biochemical and physiological characteristics have been used for the detection, identification and differentiation of fungal pathogens up to species level. Tests based on biological characteristics are less consistent. Immunoassays have been shown to be effective in detecting fungal pathogens present in plants and environmental samples. Development of monoclonal antibody technology has greatly enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of detection, identification and differentiation of fungal species and varieties/strains. Nucleic acid-based techniques involving hybridization with or amplification of unique DNA have provided results rapidly and reliably. Presentation of a large number of protocols is a unique feature of this volume.

Fungi are ubiquitous in the world and responsible for driving the evolution and governing the sustainability of ecosystems now and in the past. Fossil Fungi is the first encyclopedic book devoted exclusively to fossil fungi and their activities through geologic time. The book begins with the historical context of research on fossil fungi (paleomycology), followed by how fungi are formed and studied as fossils, and their age. The next six chapters focus on the major lineages of fungi, arranging them in phylogenetic order and placing the fossils within a systematic framework. For each fossil the age and provenance are provided. Each chapter provides a detailed introduction to the living members of the group and a discussion of the fossils that are believed to belong in this group. The extensive bibliography (~ 2700 entries) includes papers on both extant and fossil fungi. Additional chapters include lichens, fungal spores, and the interactions of fungi with plants, animals, and the geosphere. The final chapter includes a discussion of fossil bacteria and other organisms that are fungal-like in appearance, and known from the fossil record. The book includes more than 475 illustrations, almost all in color, of fossil fungi, line drawings, and portraits of people, as well as a glossary of more than 700 mycological and paleontological terms that will be useful to both biologists and geoscientists.

This book becomes an invaluable reference on the genetic resources, genome, genes, chemical compounds, and their therapeutic effects for the Lingzhi mushrooms. It is the first comprehensive compilation of genetic resources, nuclear genome, mitochondrial genome, genes, noncoding RNAs, such as long intergenic noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, circular RNAs, genes in the biosynthetic pathway, chemical compounds and their therapeutic effects, transformation system for the expression of key genes, a bibliometric analysis to identify the past research work and the future research direction, and a survey of products derived from the Lingzhi mushrooms. Each chapter of this book is written by authors of globally reputed experts on the relevant field who had published high-quality articles in the corresponding subject. The book has 12 chapters and each chapter has a length of approximately ten thousand words, including ten items (tables or figures), about 30-50 references. This book is useful to the students, teachers, and scientists in academia and relevant private companies interested in horticulture, genetics, physiology, molecular genetics, and breeding, in vitro culture and genetic engineering, and structural and functional genomics. This book is also useful to seed and pharmaceutical industries.

"Advances in Botanical Research" publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences. Currently in its 70th volume, the series features several reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology. This thematic volume features reviews on fungi, including pathogenic fungi, symbiotic fungi, saprotrophic fungi and population genomics.
Publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciencesFeatures a wide range of reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology, and ecologyVolume features reviews on fungi, including pathogenic fungi, symbiotic fungi, saprotrophic fungi, and population genomics

One woman's journey to overcome grief by delving into nature. After losing her husband of 32 years, Long Litt Woon is utterly bereft. For a time, she is disoriented, aimless, lost. It is only when she wanders deep into the woods and attunes herself to Nature's chorus that she learns how the wild might restore us to hope, and to life after death.

Among the roughly 30,000 species of fish, migratory species account for only 165 species, but most of them are very important fisheries resources. This book presents up-to-date innovative research results on the physiology and ecology of fish migration. It focuses on salmon, eels, lampreys, and bluefin tuna. The book examines migratory behavior, spawning, and behavioral ecology.