Since the publication of the first edition of "The Mycota Vol. V Plant Relationships" in 1997, tremendous advances in fungal molecular biology and biochemistry have taken place; and both light and electron microscopical techniques have improved considerably. These new insights led to a better understanding of the relationships between fungi and plants; and a completely revised new edition of Plant Relationships could be produced, providing an up-to-date overview on mutualistic and pathogenic interactions.

In 18 chapters internationally acknowledged authors present reviews on fungal lifestyles, mechanisms of their interactions with their host plants, signal perception and transduction, and plant defense responses directed against attack by fungal pathogens.

Highlighting the recent developments in fungus-plant interactions, this volume is indispensable for researchers, lecturers and students in microbiology, mycology and plant sciences, including plant pathology."

`The fundamental problem the world faces today, is the rapidly increasing pressure of population on the limited resources of the land. To meet the ever increasing demands of expanding populations, agricultural production has been raised through the abundant use of inorganic fertilizers, the adoption of multicropping systems and liberal application of chemical pesticides (fungicides, bactericides, etc. ). Though the use of chemicals has increased the yield dramatically, it has also resulted in the rapid deterioration of land and water resources apart from wastage of scarce resources. This has adversely affected the biological balance and lead to the presence of toxic residues in food, soil and water in addition to imposing economic constraints on developing countries.' (From the Preface) Mycorrhizal Biology addresses the global problem of land degradation and the associated loss of soil productivity and decline in soil quality caused by exploitative farming practices and poor management in developing countries, and the far reaching socio-economic and ecological consequences of its impact on agricultural productivity and the environment. In the light of a need for sustainable development, a new system of productive agriculture, to ensure the efficient management of agricultural inputs for long term high crop productivity with minimum damage to the ecological and socio-economic environment is essential. The management of mycorrhizal fungi will form a significant part of such a system and this work investigates the key association of plant roots with mycorrhizal fungi, known to benefit plants under conditions of nutritional and water stress and pathogen challenge and analyses the developments in our understanding of the genetic loci that govern mycorrhiza formation.

Fungi are an economic very important class of microbes. Not only do they host a range of versatile enzymes used in industrial applications (biofuels, laundry, food processing), as well do they produce several very important pharmaceutical drugs (statins and penicillins). Moreover, fungal pathogens can cause great damage in agricultural production (Phytophthora and Botrytis) and during mammalian infections (Penicillium marneffei and Candida). Transformation of DNA is used to understand the genetic basis behind these traits. Several different techniques have been developed over the years and readily shown to be decisive methods to improve fungal biotechnology. This book will cover the basics behind the most commonly used transformation methods, as well as associated tools and techniques. Each chapter will provide protocols along with examples to be used in laboratories worldwide.

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the mould genera Penicillium and Aspergillus in the natural world and in the affairs of man. These are large and ub1quitous genera; several species are beneficial to mankind because of their role in food fermentation or the production of useful antibiotics and enzymes. Others are important as agents of food spoilage. In recent years, these moulds have ga1ned attention because a number of species produce toxic metabo- lites. The great impact of mycotoxicology on food problems, particularly in developing countries has generated a vast body of research. The ecological roles of Aspergillus and Penicil- lium species in nature is also of importance. For the past several decades, the taxonomic treatments of Raper and Thorn (1949) and Raper and Fennell (1965) ~lere the only standard descciptive monographs of Penicillium and Asper- gillus. However, in practice, the identification of these economically important moulds was problematic and caused con- siderable confusion in the literature and subsequently in applied research. In the past ten years, several laboratories have carried out taxonomic research resulting in a number of valuable publications. However, the differences in methodo- logy and species concepts made comparison between the diffe- rent classifications difficult. This confusion in the taxo- nomy and nomenclature of common species is a great handicap to applied and industrial research.

During the past few decades we have witnessed an era of remarkable growth in the field of molecular biology. In 1950 very little was known of the chemical constitution of biological systems, the manner in which information was trans mitted from one organism to another, or the extent to which the chemical basis of life is unified. The picture today is dramatically different. We have an almost bewildering variety of information detailing many different aspects of life at the molecular level. There great advances have brought with them some breath-taking insights into the molecular mechanisms used by nature for rep licating, distributing and modifying biological information. We have learned a great deal about the chemical and physical nature of the macromolecular nucleic acids and proteins, and the manner in which carbohydrates, lipids and smaller molecules work together to provide the molecular setting of living sys tems. It might be said that these few decades have replaced a near vacuum of information with a very large surplus. It is in the context of this flood of information that this series of monographs on molecular biology has been organized. The idea is to bring together in one place, between the covers of one book, a concise assessment of the state of the subject in a well-defined field. This will enable the reader to get a sense of historical perspectiv(}-what is known about the field today-and a description of the frontiers of research where our knowledge is increasing steadily."

The significance of genetics in biology today stems to a considerable extent from the knowledge which has been obtained through the use of fungi as experimental objects. As a result of their short generation time, their ease of culture under laboratory conditions, and the possibil ity of identifying the four products of meiosis through tetrad analysis, the fungi have proven themselves in many ways superior to the classic genetic experimental material such as Drosophila and maize. Because they permit investigation of genetic fine structure as well as biochemical analysis of the function of the genetic material, the fungi can be used, just as the bacteria and bacteriophages, for molecular biological research. Further, the fungi, because of their simple organi zation, are suitable for investigation of the genetic and physiological bases of morphogenesis and of extrachromosomal inheritance. This monograph is an attempt to summarize and interpret the results of genetic research on fungi. The reader should be reminded that review and interpretation of original research are inevitably influenced by the authors' own opinions. An understanding of the basic principles of genetics is assumed."

Mycological studies of yeasts are entering a new phase, with the sequencing of multiple fungal genomes informing our understanding of their ability to cause disease and interact with the host. At the same time, the ongoing use of traditional methods in many clinical mycology laboratories continues to provide information for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. This volume reviews various aspects of pathogenic yeasts and what is known about their molecular and cellular biology and virulence, in addition to looking at clinical and laboratory findings. As each chapter is written by a leading expert in the field, this book summarizes in one volume much of the latest research on several pathogenic yeasts, including Candida, Cryptococcus, Malassezia and yeasts of emerging importance. The importance of laboratory diagnosis, antifungal susceptibility testing, antifungal resistance and yeast diseases in animals are reviewed.

Symbiotic Fungi Principles and Practice presents current protocols for the study of symbiotic fungi and their interactions with plant roots, such as techniques for analyzing nutrient transfer, ecological restoration, microbial communication, and mycorrhizal bioassays, AM inoculum procedures and mushroom technology.

The protocols offer practical solutions for researchers and students involved in the study of symbiotic microorganisms. The volume will be of great use for basic research, biotechnological applications, and the development of commercial products."

This book is the most up-to-date and comprehensive review of our knowledge of the management of mycorrhizas in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. It contains twenty-four reviews written by leading international scientists from eight countries. The reviews consider the ecology, biology and taxonomy of arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal fungi, the information and functioning of mycorrhizas and opportunities for managing these symbioses. The book will be essential reading for scientists and advisors responsible for ensuring that the maximum benefit is obtained from mycorrhizal symbioses in agriculture, horticulture and forestry and in the reclamation of degraded lands.

In this second edition of a widely used classic laboratory manual, leading experts utilize the tremendous progress and technological advances that have occurred to create a completely new collection of not only the major basic techniques, but also advanced protocols for yeast research and for using yeast as a host to study genes from other organisms. The authors provide detailed methods for the isolation of subcellular components-including organelles and macromolecules, for the basic cellular and molecular analysis specific for yeast cells, and for the creation of conditional mutant phenotypes that lend themselves to powerful genome manipulation. Additional protocols offer advanced approaches to study genetic interactions, DNA and chromatin metabolism, gene expression, as well as the foreign genes and gene products in yeast cells.

Most genetics textbooks deal adequately with plant and animal genetics, but tend to neglect fungi. The authors have produced a book that will compensate for this imbalance. This book discusses the genetics of fungi in a way that is attractive and challenging, succinct yet comprehensive, sensitive to commercial and applied aspects, yet also theoretical, dealing with their genetics from molecules to individuals to population. This short text will be an ideal supplement to the established basic genetics texts or can be used as the sole text for an advanced course devoted to fungal genetics.

Mycorrhiza will be the focus of research and study for the coming decade. Successful survival and maintenance of plant cover is mostly dependent on mycorrhization. During the last decade about ten books have appeared on various aspects of mycorrhiza, including two on methodology. The present book has been compiled to give a complete and comprehensive description of the topic to the students and researchers in botany, applied mycology, biotechnology, forestry and agriculture. The book will also be useful to planners dealing with biofertilizers and forestation. Besides topics of academic interest, the volume includes several aspects which are unique and are written about for the first time, e.g.: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal symbiosis - recognition and specificity; Mycorrhizal Integration and cellular compatibility between Endomycorrhizal symbionts; Cost - economics of existing methodology for inoculum production of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; Mycorrhiza: Ecological Implications of Plant interactions; Outplanting performance of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings; Fluorescence microscopy in mycorrhiza studies and Ectomycorrhizal fungi as experimental organism. Other aspects not mentioned above include most recent reviews concerning vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza and ectomycorrhizae. The different review chapters have been written by world authorities in their respective specialisations giving more up to date information than is provided anywhere else. This book deals with all major aspects of mycorrhiza, giving structure, ultrastructure, ecology and applications in agriculture and forestry.

Mycotoxins continue to be a very serious threat to human health and a major concern for those entrusted with regulatingthesafetyoffoodandfoodproducts.Infectionofcerealsandothercrops, notablegrapevine, byFusarium, Aspergillus andPenicillium are a world-wide problem and recent epidemics in Europe, the USA and Canada have focused attention on this problem. A previous Special Issue of the European Journal of Plant Pathology (108 (7) 2003) was concerned with the nature of these toxins and the fungi that can produce them. The aim of this publication is to review the environmental factors that in?uence the success of these fungi as pathogens and as organisms affecting stored products, and to discuss how these factors can also in?uence the amounts of toxin that accumulate. These reviews were originally presented at a Workshop of the EU COST Action 835 entitled 'Agriculturally Important Toxigenic Fungi' (Chairperson Antonio Logrieco, Bari, Italy), held in East Malling, UK at the Horticultural Research International in September 2002. We hope the information provided will stimulate scientists world-wide to assess the risk of toxins accumulating in plants under a range of environmental conditions and that this will provide an insight into how the accumulation of these toxins can be kept to a minimum. XiangmingXu JohnBailey MichaelCooke EuropeanJournalofPlantPathology109: 645-667, 2003. (c) 2003KluwerAcademicPublishers.

Recent years have brought an upsurge of interest in the study of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, partly due to the realization that the effective utilization of these symbiotic soil fungi is likely to be essential in sustainable agriculture. Impressive progress has been made during the last decade in the study of this symbiosis largely as a result of increasing exploitation of molecular tools. Although early emphasis was placed on the use of molecular tools to study physiological processes triggered by the symbiosis, such as expression of symbiosis-specific polypeptides and modulation of host defences, other applications await. It was obvious to us that gathering leaders in the field to summarize these topics and point out research needs was necessary if we were to understand the physiology and function of AM fungi at a molecular level. In addition, we have taken the opportunity to present these reviews in a logical sequence of topics ranging from the initiation of the life cycle of the fungus to its functions in plant growth and in the below ground ecosystem. It was a challenge to limit this flood of information to the confines of one text. This is a very exciting time for mycorrhiza biologists and it is our hope that some of this excitement is conveyed to our readers.

The diversity, ecological role and biotechnological applications of marine fungi have been addressed in numerous scientific publications in the last few years. This enormous spurt of information has led to a dire need among students and professionals alike for a source, which contains comprehensive reviews of various aspects of marine fungi. This book addresses this need, especially since it is written by reputed marine mycologists. The latest information on topics including molecular taxonomy and phylogeny, ecology of fungi in different marine habitats such as deep sea, corals, dead- sea, fungi in extreme marine environments and their biotechnological applications is reviewed. The book presents a comprehensive source of information and analysis aimed at marine fungi for researchers, teachers and students of marine mycology.

Many species of penicillium and aspergillus are important in biotechnology, food, medicine, biodeterioration and other applied fields, so a practical and stable taxonomy is of vital importance. Recent developments in science and technology mean that taxonomic classification is no longer confined to classical morphological concepts, and the integration of molecular, physiological and biochemical methods now plays an important role in understanding the classification of these fungi. Integration of Modern Taxonomic Methods for Penicillium and Aspergillus Classification brings together a collection of chapters from international experts in this field. It will be of value to researchers and professionals in mycology, biotechnology, medicine and regulatory agencies interested in the identification of these fungi.

Volume 21 of the series "Susswasserflora/Freshwater Flora of Central Europe" describes the aquatic fungi. The present Part 21/1 deals with freshwater lichens (symbiotic associations of a fungus with a photosynthetic partner, usually green algae or cyanobacteria), which can be found in most running waterbodies with clean water and stable bedrocks, but some species are also characteristic for moderately polluted rivers and lake margins. The freshwater lichen flora has a huge potential for bioindication of silting, bedrock stability, constancy of inundation and acidification. Many species are in need for conservation efforts, but due to the missing of appropiate tools which facilitate the determination of these organisms, they have only rarely been part of inventories of freshwater bioma so far. Many freshwater lichens are representatives of genera with many species, which have been considered as taxonomically highly problematic.

Intensive research efforts during the last decades have increased the knowledge on the species circumscriptions in most of these critical genera, but a modern synopsis of these new developments, including the results of molecular studies was still missing for Central Europe. With less than 100 species, freshwater lichens are a rather small but systematically highly heterogenous group of specialized fungi which konvergently adopted an amphibious lifestyle. They are representatives of several non related orders of Ascomycota. The heterogeneous origin of freshwater lichens made their determination even more difficult, due to the fact that the environmentalist had to use keys which include all species of a given area. These are not only the rather few taxa relevant for freshwater inventories but also a plentidud of terrestrial and epiphytic taxa which never will be met in freshwater habitats. Keys exclusively dedicated to the freshwater representatives were available only for selected genera and they are scattered over several publications with little distribution outside of the community of specialized lichenologists. A comprehensive flora of Central European freshwater lichens was missing completely.

This book is intended to fill that gap and to aid both the lichenologists as well as the non specialized environmentalist on his way to efficient and correct identification of the freshwater lichen flora of Central Europe. Detailed descriptions for all better known taxa of amphibious lichens as well as fotographs for most of the species are given and the keys include spezialized freshwater species as well as a selection of taxa with a wide ecological amplitude which are frequently found at the borders of streams and lakes.

In preparation is Part 21/2 covering the real fungi und fungi related organism."

From one of the region's foremost mushroom hunters-Walter E. Sturgeon-comes a long-overdue field guide to finding and identifying the mushrooms and fleshy fungi found in the Appalachian mountains from Canada to Georgia. Edibility and toxicity, habitat, ecology, and detailed diagnostic features of the disparate forms they take throughout their life cycles are all included, enabling the reader to identify species without the use of a microscope or chemicals. Appalachian Mushrooms is unparalleled in its accuracy and currency, from its detailed photographs to descriptions based on the most advanced classification information available, including recent DNA studies that have upended some mushrooms' previously accepted taxonomies. Sturgeon celebrates more than 400 species in all their diversity, beauty, and scientific interest, going beyond the expected specimens to include uncommon ones and those that are indigenous to the Appalachian region. This guide is destined to be an indispensable authority on the subject for everyone from beginning hobbyists to trained experts, throughout Appalachia and beyond.

Discover the fascinating stories behind 300 species of fungi and understand the world of mushrooms like never before! Did you know that fungi put the fizz in champagne and the flavour in chocolate? Fungi is everywhere we look: in a forest, under the sea, and in the kitchen. In this beautiful book, leading fungal biologists Lynne Boddy and Ali Ashby bring you closer to 300 species of mushrooms and lichens through fascinating facts, mushroom datasets, and detailed illustrations. Discover some of the fastest speeds in nature, specimens that glow in the dark, and fungi that clean up oil spills. Humans have had a close relationship with mushrooms for thousands of years - from using the shiitake for healing, to telling stories of enchanted fairy rings, and cooking gourmet dishes with rare specimens. Bringing together technology, medicine, food, culture, and nature, this fascinating book will open your eyes to the wonders of the hidden kingdom all around us.

Most information on yeasts derives from experiments with the conventional yeasts Saccaromyces cerevisiae and Schizossaccharomyces pombe, the complete nuclear and mitochondrial genome of which has also been sequenced. For all other non-conventional yeasts, investigations are in progress and the rapid development of molecular techniques has allowed an insight also into a variety of non-conventional yeasts.In this bench manual, over 70 practical protocols using 15 different non-conventional yeast species and in addition several protocols of general use are described in detail. All of these experiments on the genetics, biochemistry and biotechnology of yeasts have been contributed by renowned laboratories and have been reproduced many times. The reliable protocols are thus ideally suited also for undergraduate and graduate practical courses.

Threats to fungi and fungal diversity throughout the world have prompted debates as to how fungi can be conserved. Should it be the site, habitat, or host that is conserved? All of these issues are addressed in this volume, but coverage goes beyond mere debate with constructive guidance for management of nature in ways beneficial to fungi. Different parts of the world experience different problems and a range of examples are presented: from Finland in the North to Kenya in the South, Washington State, USA in the West to Fujian Province, China in the East.

The identification and characterisation of genes from filamentous fungi has become easier because of the rapid advances that have taken place in molecular biology, including the generation of whole genome sequences. The new challenge facing researchers is to determine the functions of genes and how they contribute to the biology of fungi. To do this, it is clear that a wide variety of different experimental techniques will be necessary, ranging from classical genetic analysis and mutant production, right through to cell biology, biochemistry and immunological methods. This book brings together detailed practical guidance from experienced researchers using the full range of these genetic, genomic, cellular and biochemical methods. The authors describe laboratory procedures that have been proven effective for the investigation of a wide variety of fungal species. They give key background information, technical tips and detailed experimental protocols, which will prove invaluable to researchers and students studying filamentous fungi.

Fungi are amongst the simplest of eukaryotes. Their study has provided useful paradigms for processes that are fundamental to the way in which higher cells grow, divide, establish form and shape, and communicate with one another. The majority of work has been carried out on the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but in nature unicellular fungi are greatly outnumbered by filamentous forms for which our knowledge is much less well developed. This volume focuses on the analysis of the filamentous life style, particularly on the hyphae which constitute the fungal mycelial colony. It provides the most recent insights into the molecular genetics and physiological mechanisms underlying the elaboration of the branching mycelium and the interactions between individual fungal mycelia. As such it offers much to interest mycologists and, equally, those working in the fields of cell biology, developmental biology, physiology and biochemistry.

This is a paperback version of the 2008 edition of The Dictionary of the Fungi, 10th Edition This 10th edition, of the acclaimed reference work, has more than 21,000 entries, and provides the most complete listing available of generic names of fungi, their families and orders, their attributes and descriptive terms. For each genus, the authority, the date of publication, status, systematic position, number of accepted species, distribution, and key references are given. Diagnoses of families and details of orders and higher categories are included for all groups of fungi. In addition, there are biographic notes, information on well-known metabolites and mycotoxins, and concise accounts of almost all pure and applied aspects of the subject (including citations of important literature). To buy this book in Australia or New Zealand, please contact CSIRO press

This book is about the growth and differentiation processes underlying the growth and differentia of filamentous fungi. The impetus for this work tion of fungi and that it provides the reader with stems from our perception that the coverage of adequate source references for further information. this highly diverse and important group of organ It is estimated conservatively that there are more isms has been neglected in recent years, despite than 1. 5 million species of fungi - more than five many significant advances in our understanding of times the number of vascular plants and second the underlying mechanisms of growth. This situ only in diversity to the insects. The extreme ation contrasts with the treatment of Saccharomyces diversity of form in the fungi has always been a cerevisiae, for example, which because of its ideal source of inspiration for mycologists. This book is properties for genetic analyses, has established concerned mainly with those systems that have itself as the model eukaryote for the analysis of the been well characterized from the biochemical, cell cycle, and basic studies of biochemical and physiological or genetic points of view. Although genetic regulation. This book does not deal with it has not been possible to illustrate the breadth of the detailed growth phYSiology of S."