Modern Mycology is an established text that continues to provide a comprehensive introduction to fungi--a group of organisms distinct from all other forms of life. It will appeal to undergraduate students taking courses in microbiology, mycology and biology. This edition has been fully revised and updated to reflect the many exciting developments in the field; notably, those relating to understanding fungal cell biology and the application of fungal molecular genetics. The author maintains the tradition of clarity and accessibility set by previous editions, and the text is extensively illustrated with photographs and diagrams. In keeping with modern teaching methods, this textbook adopts a functional approach and emphasizes the behaviour, physiology, activities and practical significance of fungi. The book contains extensive sections on the fungal pathogens of plants, animals and humans; the roles of fungi in major environmental processes; and the use of fungi as biological control agents of pests and pathogens. Essential reading for undergraduate students taking courses in microbiology and mycology. Fully revised and updated to reflect the many exciting new developments in the field, notably those relating to an understanding of fungal cell biology and the application of fungal molecular genetics. Adopts a functional approach in keeping with modern teaching methods. Maintains tradition of clarity and accessibility set by previous editions. Extensively illustrated with photographs (including colour) and diagrams.

Introduction; Structure and fine structure; Growth; Differentation; Nutrition; Metabolism; Environmental conditions for growth: tolerance of extremes; Genetic systems; Spores and their dispersal; Fungi as saprophytes; Fungi as saprophytes: microbial interactions; Fungi as plant parasites; Fungi animal parasites; Prevention and control of fungal growth.

The Kingdom fungi encompass a massive diversity of taxa with wide-ranging ecologies, life cycles, and morphologies ranging from unicellular aquatic chytrids to large mushrooms. Before molecular methods came in existence, taxonomists considered this Kingdom to be a member of the plant kingdom due to certain life styles like immobility and growth habitats. Molecular markers (also known as DNA markers), facilitated a better alternative method over traditional morphological methods, employed for the identification, characterization, and to understand the evolution of fungi. The morphological methods used for identification are mainly dependent on spore color or microscopic features whereas molecular markers are based on DNA polymorphism in the genomic organization. Phylogenetic studies reported in last decade, based on molecular markers, have reshaped the classification system of Kingdom fungi, which divided into one subkingdom, seven phyla, and ten subphyla. Recent advances in molecular mycology have opened the way for researchers to identify and characterize novel fungal species from unique environments. Mycology is concerned with the systematic study of fungi, including their genetic and biochemical properties, their use to humans as a source of medicine and food, as well as their dangers, such as poisoning and infections. In the 21st century with the development of DNA sequencing technologies and phylogenetic analysis based on molecular markers, new insights into fungal taxonomy were provided. This book contains a thorough discussion of molecular characterization and detection of different groups of fungi by using PCR-based markers and provides a comprehensive view of the applications and uses of different molecular markers in molecular mycology. It also addresses the recent molecular markers employed to solve the problems of identification and discusses current approaches used in molecular characterization and detection of fungi.

This new edition of The Fungi provides a comprehensive introduction to the importance of fungi in the natural world and in practical applications, from a microbiological perspective.

Outlines the development of the main branches of mycology.

This long-awaited book about non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) aims to cover gaps in our knowledge of these abundant but understudied palynological remains. NPPs, such as fungal spores, testate amoebae, dinoflagellate cysts, acritarchs and animal remains, are routinely recovered from palynological preparations of marine or terrestrial material, from Proterozoic to recent geological times. This book gives the reader a comprehensive overview of the different types of NPPs, with examples from diverse time periods and environments. It provides guidance on sample preparation to maximize the recovery of these NPPs, detailed information on their diversity and ecological affinity, clarification on the nomenclature and demonstrates their value as environmental indicators. This volume will become the reference guide for any student, academic or practitioner interested in everything else in their palynological preparations.

The fifth order of the natural kingdom is made up of an estimated 1.5 million species of fungi, found in every habitat type worldwide. The Book of Fungi takes 600 of the most remarkable fleshy fungi from around the world and reproduces each at its actual size, in full colour, and accompanied by a scientific explanation of its distribution, habitat, association, abundance, growth form, spore colour and edibility. Location maps give at-a-glance indications of each species known global distribution, and specially commissioned engravings show different fruitbody forms and provide the vital statistics of height and diameter. Theres a place, too, for readers to discover the more bizarre habits of fungi from the predator that hunts its prey with lassos to the one that entices sows by releasing the pheromones of a wild boar. Mushrooms, morels, puffballs, toadstools, truffles, chanterelles fungi from habitats spanning the poles and the tropics, from the highest mountains to our own gardens are all on display in this definitive work.