Sexual reproduction in the fungi is extensively regulated by incom patibility, which determines, in the absence of any morphological differ entiation, the pattern of mating among individual strains. Control of the interactions that comprise the sexual reproductive process resides in specific genetic factors, the incompatibility factors, which occur in several distinct systems in the various groups of fungi and which exert their control in two basically different ways. On the one hand, the system may play the same role as dioecy in higher organisms by restricting or preventing inbreeding among the members of the same race (homo genic incompatibility) and thus enhance outbreeding. On the other hand, the system may impose the opposite effect by restricting or preventing interbreeding between members of different races (heterogenic incompatibility) and thus promote inbreeding. In addition to these basic facts concerning the general biological signi ficance of incompatibility, important advances have been made in recent years, especially in the investigation of the genetics of incompatibility systems. Sufficient information concerning the genetic determination of incompatibility is now available to understand many phenomena which were very mysterious in the 1920's, when H. KNIEP, of Wiirzburg, Ger many, laid the groundwork for all subsequent study of incompatibility in the higher fungi. Furthermore, there is at present enough conceptual understanding of the physiological activity of the incompatibility-genes and of their action in morphogenetic processes to permit at least the formulation of plausible models of the operation of incompatibility systems.

An ideal starting point for any research study of filamentous fungi. • Incorporates the latest findings from such disciplines as physiology, taxonomy, genomics, molecular biology and cell biology. • Begins with an historical perspective, cell morphology and taxonomy, and moves on to such topics as cell growth, development, metabolism, and pathogenesis. • Presents the full range of the fungal kingdom and covers important topics as saprophytes, pathogens and endophytes. • Serves as a recommended text for graduate and undergraduate students.

Fungi are among the most versatile and diverse groups of organisms in their morphology, life cycles, and ecology. This has provided endless fasci nation and intrigue to those who have studied fungi, but it has also made it difficult to understand fungal biology from the perspective of the broader fields of evolution, ecology, genetics, and population biology. That is changing. Details of fungal biology have been elucidated at an exciting pace, increasingly allowing us to understand fungi on the bases of general biological principles. Moreover, many who study fungi have lately emulated some of the great mycologists and plant pathologists of the early years in applying an insight born of broad perspective. This change has been particularly apparent in fungal population biology. In this book, many of those at the forefront of that change summarize, integrate and comment on recent developments and ideas on populations of fungi. By taking a broad perspective, they show how new information on fungi may contribute to concepts and ideas of biology as a whole. Just as important, they contribute to further invigoration of fungal population research by illuminating mycology with new ideas and concepts, derived in part from other biological fields.

The Oxford Textbook of Medical Mycology is a comprehensive reference text which brings together the science and medicine of human fungal disease. Written by a leading group of international authors to bring a global expertise, it is divided into sections that deal with the principles of mycology, the organisms, a systems based approach to management, fungal disease in specific patient groups, diagnosis, and treatment. The detailed clinical chapters take account of recent international guidelines on the management of fungal disease. With chapters covering recent developments in taxonomy, fungal genetics and other 'omics', epidemiology, pathogenesis, and immunology, this textbook is well suited to aid both scientists and clinicians. The extensive illustrations, tables, and in-depth coverage of topics, including discussion of the non-infective aspects of allergic and toxin mediated fungal disease, are designed to aid the understanding of mechanisms and pathology, and extend the usual approach to fungal disease. This textbook is essential reading for microbiologists, research scientists, infectious diseases clinicians, respiratory physicians, and those managing immunocompromised patients. Part of the Oxford Textbook in Infectious Disease and Microbiology series, it is also a useful companion text for students and trainees looking to supplement mycology courses and microbiology training.

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.

Morphology and ontogeny of sori and spores; Infection of the susceptible host; Vegetative growth in the susceptible host; Nuclei; Incompatible plant-rust associations; Parasites of rust fungi.