The discipline of Mushroom Biology, created by the authors of this book, has now been legitimized by references in the scientific literature and by two International Conferences devoted to the subject. This book sets the parameters of Mushroom Biology in a concise manner and also emphasizes trends and points out future directions which will lead to a greater utilization of mushrooms and mushroom products. The discipline was established to bring together persons who have in common scientific or commercial interests involving mushrooms. The authors' definition of mushroom is more broad than the usual mycological definition so that macrofungi other than Basidiomycetes can be included. Mushrooms may be edible, non-edible, poisonous or medicinal species, with hypogeous or epigeous fruiting bodies, and their texture may be fleshy or non-fleshy.Many aspects of Mushroom Biology are presented, including nutritional and medicinal uses, the role of mushrooms in bioremediation, biotechnology, and in the bioconversion of waste organic materials into forms that can enter the major nutrient cycles.Basic scientific studies involving mushroom species are also considered with an emphasis on genetics and breeding.

The discipline of Mushroom Biology, created by the authors of this book, has now been legitimized by references in the scientific literature and by two International Conferences devoted to the subject. This book sets the parameters of Mushroom Biology in a concise manner and also emphasizes trends and points out future directions which will lead to a greater utilization of mushrooms and mushroom products. The discipline was established to bring together persons who have in common scientific or commercial interests involving mushrooms. The authors' definition of mushroom is more broad than the usual mycological definition so that macrofungi other than Basidiomycetes can be included. Mushrooms may be edible, non-edible, poisonous or medicinal species, with hypogeous or epigeous fruiting bodies, and their texture may be fleshy or non-fleshy.Many aspects of Mushroom Biology are presented, including nutritional and medicinal uses, the role of mushrooms in bioremediation, biotechnology, and in the bioconversion of waste organic materials into forms that can enter the major nutrient cycles.Basic scientific studies involving mushroom species are also considered with an emphasis on genetics and breeding.

Large scale cultivation of macrofungi is possible with fermentation, using easily accessible lignocellulosic agricultural residues applying economical methods to generate substantial biomass, food and biofuels. Bioconversion of lignocellulosic wastes by macrofungi generates value-added fungal nutritional biomass for humans and livestock. Besides commercial cultivation techniques, other topics covered in Advances in Macrofungi: Industrial Avenues and Prospects include: the healing potential of mushrooms, industrial opportunities, mycelium-based products, forest wild mushrooms and industrial applications of white rot fungi. This book reviews the industrial applications and uses of macrofungi. It encourages students and researchers to explore non-conventional sources of nutrition as well as bioactive metabolites to serve as nutraceuticals. It emphasizes the potential of macrofungi as a source of bioactive compounds to remedy human lifestyle diseases especially cancers and cardiovascular ailments along with immunostimulation potential by Cordyceps. This book emphasizes the role of on mushrooms as a source of cosmeceuticals, flavors, essence, scents and perfumes.

The white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus is one of the most widely cultivated mushroom species in the world. It is favored for its high nutritional value and multiple health benefits, especially by consumers interested in vegan and clean eating. This book presents fundamental guidelines for mushroom production as well as major scientific findings in this field. It covers mushroom production and trade, substrates properties, compost quality, breeding, pests and diseases, harvesting, and post-harvest technologies. With practical information on methods used by both commercial and small-scale growers. This is a valuable resource for researchers and students in horticulture, as well as professionals and growers.

The market for functional foods is steadily expanding as more people worldwide realize the value of the daily consumption of healthy foods in maintaining good health. Recent studies have revealed new functional compounds in foods. Genetically modified foods will soon be commercially available. This book discusses the characteristics of functional foods and the health benefits of ingredients including ginger, herbs, probiotics, mushrooms, and dairy products. It also provides new ideas for the production of new functional foods and managing health through the daily diet.

This Encyclopedia of Biotechnology is a component of the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. Biotechnology draws on the pure biological sciences (genetics, animal cell culture, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, embryology, cell biology) and in many instances is also dependent on knowledge and methods from outside the sphere of biology (chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, information technology, biorobotics). This 15-volume set contains several chapters, each of size 5000-30000 words, with perspectives, applications and extensive illustrations. It carries state-of-the-art knowledge in the field and is aimed, by virtue of the several applications, at the following five major target audiences: University and College Students, Educators, Professional Practitioners, Research Personnel and Policy Analysts, Managers, and Decision Makers and NGOs.