This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Fungal Pigments" that was published in JoF

Encyclopedia of Mycology, Two Volume Set provides a broad and multidisciplinary overview of a subject whose importance in an ecosystem is becoming more and more universally accepted with its close links to botany, microbiology, biotechnology and medicine. While there are many subject-specific works available on the topics presented, from a multidisciplinary point-of-view it is difficult to find a reliable and updated source such as this one. This work is unique in that it is a one-stop-shop on every topic area of this exciting field. Offers students and researchers a one-stop shop with access to a wealth of information on multiple subject areas currently only available in scattered or non-technical sources Provides an authoritative resource authored by outstanding scientists in the field who cover a range of disciplines Written in a practical and unified language, can be used for teaching or serve as a resource for researchers and managers

The purpose of this book was not to provide a comprehensive overview of the vast arena of how fungi and fungal metabolites are able to improve human and animal nutrition and health; rather, we, as Guest Editors, wished to encourage authors working in this field to publish their most recent work in this rapidly growing journal in order for the large readership to appreciate the full potential of wonderful and beneficial fungi. Thus, this Special Issue welcomed scientific contributions on applications of fungi and fungal metabolites, such as bioactive fatty acids, pigments, polysaccharides, alkaloids, terpenoids, etc., with great potential in human and animal nutrition and health.

Residues from agriculture and the food industry consist of many and varied wastes, in total accounting for over 250 million tonnes of waste per year in the UK alone. Biotechnological processing of these residues would allow these waste products to be used as a resource, with tremendous potential. An extensive range of valuable and usable products can be recovered from what was previously considered waste: including fuels, feeds and pharmaceutical products. In this way Biotechnology can offer many viable alternatives to the disposal of agricultural waste, producing several new products in the process. This book presents up-to-date information on a biotechnology approach for the utilisation of agro-industrial residues, presenting chapters with detailed information on materials and bioconversion technology to obtain products of economic importance: The production of industrial products using agro-industrial residues as substrates The biotechnological potential of agro-industrial residues for bioprocesses Enzymes degrading agro-industrial residues and their production Bioconversion of agro-industrial residues. Written by experts in Biotechnological processing of Agro-Industrial Residues, this book will provide useful information for academic researchers and industry scientists working in biotechnology, waste management, agriculture and the food industry.

This book provides an in-depth overview on the manifold functions of fungal extracellular vesicles (EV) which span from cell-to-cell communication, pathogenicity and stimulation of host’s immunity to export of hundreds of biomolecules. The book summarizes the present knowledge on the impact of extracellular vesicles on fungal biology. Extracellular vesicles participate in fundamental biological processes in all living cells but only during the last 15 years the production and functions of EVs were identified and studied in fungal species too. Up to date more than 50 independent studies have shown that extracellular vesicles are produced by at least 20 fungal species. The book addresses researchers and advanced students in Microbiology, Mycology and Biotechnology.

Mangroves are typically tropical coastal ecosystems found in the inter-tidal zones of river deltas and back water areas. They represent highly dynamic and fragile ecosystems, yet they are the most productive and biologically diversified habitats of various life forms including plants, animals and microorganisms. Mangroves are a resource of many different products, including; microorganisms that harbor a diverse group of industrially important enzymes, antibiotics, therapeutic proteins and vaccines; timber resistant to rot and insects; and medicinal plants. Divided into three main parts, Biotechnological Utilization of Mangrove Resources first provides a broad introduction into mangrove ecology. Subsequent chapters discuss the biodiversity of mangroves, including the diverse nature of the organisms within the mangroves themselves. The final part pays special attention to biotechnological utilization of mangroves. Topics such as antimicrobial activity of mangrove-derived products, anti-oxidant activity of mangrove derived products and pharmaceutical applications, are covered in detail. Biotechnological Utilization of Mangrove Resources brings the latest research and technologies in mangrove biology into one platform, providing readers with an up-to-date view on the area. This would serve as an excellent reference book for researchers and students in the field of marine biology especially interested in mangrove ecosystems. - Highlights the diversity of different life forms in the mangrove ecosystem, including the importance of mangroves and mangrove-derived products. - Focuses on biotechnological utilization of mangrove resources such as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of microorganisms, and industrial and pharmaceutical applications - Discusses the different modern tools and techniques used for the study of mangrove resources

The Study of Plants in a Whole New Light “Matt Candeias succeeds in evoking the wonder of plants with wit and wisdom.” ―James T. Costa, PhD, executive director, Highlands Biological Station and author of Darwin's Backyard #1 New Release in Nature & Ecology, Plants, Botany, Horticulture, Trees, Biological Sciences, and Nature Writing & Essays In his debut book, internationally-recognized blogger and podcaster Matt Candeias celebrates the nature of plants and the extraordinary world of plant organisms. A botanist’s defense. Since his early days of plant restoration, this amateur plant scientist has been enchanted with flora and the greater environmental ecology of the planet. Now, he looks at the study of plants through the lens of his ever-growing houseplant collection. Using gardening, houseplants, and examples of plants around you, In Defense of Plants changes your relationship with the world from the comfort of your windowsill. The ruthless, horny, and wonderful nature of plants. Understand how plants evolve and live on Earth with a never-before-seen look into their daily drama. Inside, Candeias explores the incredible ways plants live, fight, have sex, and conquer new territory. Whether a blossoming botanist or a professional plant scientist, In Defense of Plants is for anyone who sees plants as more than just static backdrops to more charismatic life forms. In this easily accessible introduction to the incredible world of plants, you’ll find: • Fantastic botanical histories and plant symbolism • Passionate stories of flora diversity and scientific names of plant organisms • Personal tales of plantsman discovery through the study of plants If you enjoyed books like The Botany of Desire, What a Plant Knows, or The Soul of an Octopus, then you’ll love In Defense of Plants.