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.

Studies on the major groups within the fungal kingdom have provided significant and wide-ranging contributions on the molecular bases by which sexual identity and reproduction are defined and controlled.

The Biology and Cultivation of Edible Mushrooms emphasizes the biological and cultivation aspects of edible mushrooms. This book refers to edible mushrooms as epigeous and hypogeous fruiting bodies of macroscopic fungi that are commercially cultivated or grown in half-culture processes or potentially implanted under controlled conditions. The topics discussed include the morphology and classification of edible mushrooms; cryogenic freezing of mushroom spawn; spawning and mycelium growth; and cultivation of Pleurotus. The geographic distribution of truffles; potential cultivation of various edible fungi; and economics of cultivated mushrooms are also elaborated. This publication is intended for experienced mushroom specialists, seasoned commercial growers, and biology students who are interested in edible mushrooms.

This volume introduces software used for gene prediction with focus on eukaryotic genomes. The chapters in this book describe software and web server usage as applied in common use-cases, and explain ways to simplify re-annotation of long available genome assemblies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary computational requirements, step-by-step, readily reproducible computational protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Gene Prediction: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers and research groups working on the assembly and annotation of single species or small groups of species. Chapter 3 is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license via link.springer.com.

Fungi: Biology and Applications, Second Edition provides a comprehensive treatment of fungi, covering biochemistry, genetics and the medical and economic significance of these organisms at introductory level. With no prior knowledge of the subject assumed, the opening chapters offer a broad overview of the basics of fungal biology, in particular the physiology and genetics of fungi and also a new chapter on the application of genomics to fungi. Later chapters move on to include more detailed coverage of topics such as antibiotic and chemical commodities from fungi, new chapters on biotechnological use of fungal enzymes and fungal proteomics, and fungal diseases of humans, antifungal agents for use in human therapy and fungal pathogens of plants.

Saffron is a precious spice which is mainly grown in Iran, India, Spain, Greece, Italy, Pakistan, Morocco, and central Asian countries. Until recently, saffron was perceived only for its value as a spice. However, with recent research findings pointing to the medicinal properties of saffron such as its antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects, interest in this plant has increased. The book presents a comprehensive account of saffron which includes the historical background, acerage underproduction, yield and applications, botanical ecophysiology, production technology, irrigation, pests, diseases and weeds, genetics, sterility, reproduction and production of secondary metabolites by in vitro method, economic aspects, indigenous knowledge in saffron production, processing, chemical composition and quality control, and research strategies.

Comprehensive and timely, Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms: Technology and Applications provides the most up to date information on the various edible mushrooms on the market. Compiling knowledge on their production, application and nutritional effects, chapters are dedicated to the cultivation of major species such as Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus subrufescens, Lentinula edodes, Ganoderma lucidum and others. With contributions from top researchers from around the world, topics covered include: Biodiversity and biotechnological applications Cultivation technologies Control of pests and diseases Current market overview Bioactive mechanisms of mushrooms Medicinal and nutritional properties Extensively illustrated with over 200 images, this is the perfect resource for researchers and professionals in the mushroom industry, food scientists and nutritionists, as well as academics and students of biology, agronomy, nutrition and medicine.

The publication was prepared based on information provided by 86 countries, outcomes from regional and subregional consultations and commissioned thematic studies. It includes: •an overview of definitions and concepts related to Forest Genetic Resources (FGR) and a review of their value; •a description of the main drivers of changes; •the presentation of key emerging technologies; •an analysis of the current status of FGR conservation, use and related developments; •recommendations addressing the challenges and needs. By the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.