The breadth and depth of understanding of many areas concerning basidiomycetes has increased dramatically since the premier publication of Frankland et al., Decomposer Basidiomycetes: their Biology and Ecology. New vistas have opened up with the advent of powerful computing, modeling and molecular approaches helping to greatly increase the general understanding of the ecology of basidiomycetes. This is tantamount to understanding the role of fungi in natural ecosystems because they are major agents of decomposition and nutrient cycling. These remarkable advances have been incorporated into this volume that discusses all aspects of saprotrophic basidiomycete ecology.

The Fungi, Third Edition, offers a comprehensive and thoroughly integrated treatment of the biology of the fungi. This modern synthesis highlights the scientific foundations that continue to inform mycologists today, as well as recent breakthroughs and the formidable challenges in current research. The Fungi combines a wide scope with the depth of inquiry and clarity offered by three leading fungal biologists. The book describes the astonishing diversity of the fungi, their complex life cycles, and intriguing mechanisms of spore release. The distinctive cell biology of the fungi is linked to their development as well as their metabolism and physiology. One of the great advances in mycology in recent decades is the recognition of the vital importance of fungi in the natural environment. Plants are supported by mycorrhizal symbioses with fungi, are attacked by other fungi that cause plant diseases, and are the major decomposers of their dead tissues. Fungi also engage in supportive and harmful interactions with animals, including humans. They are major players in global nutrient cycles. This book is written for undergraduates and graduate students, and will also be useful for professional biologists interested in familiarizing themselves with specific topics in fungal biology.

A beautiful field guide featuring notes, photos, and illustrations of more than 100 species of fungi. A compact version of DK’s bestselling anthology series, An Anthology of Fungi is perfect for young nature enthusiasts aged 7-9 for taking on the go. Children can marvel at many different toadstool species including fly agaric, porcelain fungus, velvet shank, wood blewit, and crimson waxcap, as well as lichens, brackets, and more – all beautifully detailed through illustrations, photographs, and annotations explaining each one. This impressive fungi anthology for kids offers: The second book in the new compact spin-off of the bestselling Children’s Anthologies series, selling more than 135,000 copies in the US. A wide selection of mushroom types featured throughout, each accompanied by a beautiful photograph and an illustration. A quality gift book, with metallic foil and striking photographs on every page. An Anthology of Fungi pairs photography with storybook descriptions that will captivate young readers, whether it's finding out about grasslands and meadows, mushroom shapes, and species. Featuring photographs of striking specimens and illustrations by the artist behind DK’s bestselling Anthology series, as well as plenty of intriguing information, this book will be one to treasure for young nature enthusiasts.

Originally published in 1989, this book presents a detailed analysis of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur utilization by fungi. Based on the 1988 British Mycological Society symposium, it is broadly based, covering four basic areas: physiology and metabolism of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur by fungi; role of these minerals in pathogenic relationships with plants; their role in mutualistic relationships with plants; and the role of saprotrophic fungi in cycling of the elements through ecosystems. This book will be of interest to research workers, advanced students and teachers of mycology, plant pathology, plant nutrition and soil ecology.

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.

Water is the solvent for metabolic processes, it participates directly in many biochemical reactions and has a vital skeletal function. It also plays a key role in the behaviour and spread of fungi. The chapters of this book, which was originally published in 1986, give a broad perspective on this vast subject. The contributions were all written by acknowledged experts in their field, and subjects of great practical importance are discussed. The bio-deterioration of plant products, such as foodstuffs, grain and timber, the relationship between weather patterns and the likelihood of disease epidemics and the characteristics of pathogenic and mycorrhizal fungi, are described. Overall the book provides a physiological basis that unites the different aspects of the subject area, which had previously been studied in isolation from each other.