This is a comprehensive record of all the macrofungus found in Guangdong, China, in which 1,058 species under 239 genera, 56 families, 20 orders and 4 classes of Basidiomycotina and Ascomycotina are identified

Macrofungi have significant importance in human health, particularly in nutrition, medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and industries. They occupy a variety of ecosystems such as terrestrial (agricultural lands, forests and deserts), freshwater (bogs and marshes) and maritime (mangroves and coastal sand dunes) habitats. Their ecosystem services like nutrition (humans and animals), medicinal pursuits (antibiotics and pharmaceuticals) and bioremediation (degradation of xenobiotics and insect control) potential are dependent on their diversity and ecological conditions. Macrofungal ecology serves as the basis for nutraceutical values, agricultural benefits, plant productivity, environmental protection and industrially valued biocomposites. This book focuses on various aspects of macrofungal distribution in diverse habitats, participation in organic matter decomposition, ectomycorrhizal associations and participation in biogeochemical cycles. This book reviews the current developments in macrofungal ecology in different habitats and their benefits. Due to the topics dealt with on macrofungal diversity, distribution, dynamics, lifestyles, ecosystem or substrate preferences and ecosystem services, this book is valuable to mycologists, botanists, zoologists, ecologists, foresters, geneticists, agronomists and field biologists.

Beneficial Microbes in Agro-Ecology: Bacteria and Fungi is a complete resource on the agriculturally important beneficial microflora used in agricultural production technologies. Included are 30 different bacterial genera relevant in the sustainability, mechanisms, and beneficial natural processes that enhance soil fertility and plant growth. The second part of the book discusses 23 fungal genera used in agriculture for the management of plant diseases and plant growth promotion. Covering a wide range of bacteria and fungi on biocontrol and plant growth promoting properties, the book will help researchers, academics and advanced students in agro-ecology, plant microbiology, pathology, entomology, and nematology. - Presents a comprehensive collection of agriculturally important bacteria and fungi - Provides foundational knowledge of each core organism utilized in agro-ecology - Identifies the genera of agriculturally important microorganisms

This book focuses on recent advances in our understanding of wild edible mycorrhizal fungi, truffle and mushrooms and their cultivation. In addition to providing fresh insights into various topics, e.g. taxonomy, ecology, cultivation and environmental impact, it also demonstrates the clear but fragile link between wild edible mushrooms and human societies. Comprising 17 chapters written by 41 experts from 13 countries on four continents, it enables readers to grasp the importance of protecting this unique, invaluable, renewable resource in the context of climate change and unprecedented biodiversity loss. The book inspires professionals and encourages young researchers to enter this field to develop the sustainable use of wild edible mushrooms using modern tools and approaches. It also highlights the importance of protecting forested environments, saving species from extinction and generating a significant income for local populations, while keeping alive and renewing the link between humans and wild edible mushrooms so that in the future, the sustainable farming and use of edible mycorrhizal mushrooms will play a predominant role in the management and preservation of forested lands.

Food scientists will dig into this robust reference on mushrooms Mushrooms as Functional Foods is a compendium of current research on the chemistry and biology, nutritional and medicinal value, and the use of mushrooms in the modern functional foods industry. Topics covered range from the agricultural production of mushrooms to the use of molecular biological techniques like functional genomics; from nutritional values of newly cultivated mushroom species to the multifunctional effects of the unconventional form of mushroom (sclerotium); from the physiological benefits and pharmacological properties of bioactive components in mushrooms to the regulation of their use as functional foods and dietary supplements in different parts of the world. With contributions from leading experts worldwide, this comprehensive reference: * Reviews trends in mushroom use and research, with extensive information on emerging species * Includes coverage of cultivation, physiology, and genetics * Highlights applications in functional foods and medicinal use * Covers worldwide regulations and safety issues of mushrooms in functional foods and dietary supplements * Discusses the classification, identification, and commercial collection of newly cultivated mushroom species * Features a color insert with photographs of different types of mushrooms This is an integrated, single-source reference for undergraduates majoring in food science and nutrition, postgraduates, and professional food scientists and technologists working in the functional food area, and medical and health science professionals interested in alternative medicines and natural food therapies.

There has been a growing interest in the health benefits derived from fruits and vegetables and the food products based on them. Many foods contain various phytochemicals, flavonoids, fibers, macronutrients and micronutrients, minerals, etc. that are good for health and essential for keeping good health. This volume provides a global perspective of the current state of food and health research, innovation, and emerging trends. It focuses on topics of food for better health, including functional foods and nutraceutical foods. The book is divided into several sections, covering: • Foods for Human Health Promotion and Prevention of Diseases, which include fruits, vegetables, and grains: their peels and fiber for better human health, health prospects of bioactive peptides derived from seed storage proteins, mushrooms as a novel source of antihyperlipidemic agents, and emerging foodborne illnesses and their prevention. • Specific Fruits, Spices and Dairy-Based Functional Foods for Human Health, which looks at the functional medicinal values of fenugreek, fruits as functional foods, and functional fermented dairy products. • Issues, Challenges, and Specialty Topics in Food Science, which focuses mainly on the stability issues of whole wheat flour, physicochemical properties and quality of food lipids, methods for food analysis and quality control, and interventions of ohmic heating technology in foods. The volume will be of interest to health practitioners, food specialists, nutrition producers and suppliers, practicing food process engineers, food technologists, researchers, food industry professionals, and faculty and upper-level students in food science.