Proceedings of a symposium held in Canterbury, United Kingdom, April 5-8, 1993.

In this book leading Aspergillus researchers review and summarise the most important aspects of Aspergillus molecular biology and genomics. The book opens with a fascinating overview of the genus Aspergillus. This is followed by in-depth reviews of the Aspergillus molecular systematics, comparative genomics, bioinformatics and systems biology of Aspergillus, transcriptional regulation, genetics and genomics of sexual development of A. nidulans, genomics and secondary metabolism, ecology, development and gene regulation in A. flavus, functional systems biology, and novel industrial applications.

With high-quality genome sequences for the important and ubiquitous Aspergilli now available, increased opportunities arise for the further understanding of its gene function, interaction, expression, and evolution. The Aspergilli: Genomics, Medical Aspects, Biotechnology, and Research Methods provides a comprehensive analysis of the researc

This useful new book provides a morphologically based system for the identification of the more common Aspergillus species as well as several uncommon species, which the author has included to demonstrate the breadth of variability in the genus. The species descriptions are based on new information obtained by recording morphological observations on approximately five isolates of each species. These data was combined with previously published information to create a comprehensive species description. Species descriptions are arranged alphabetically by species name and include colony diameters, colony colors and textures, microscopic characteristics, distinguishing features, taxonomic references, habitats, and, where applicable, common synonyms and major mycotoxins. On the page opposite each species description are photos of the colonies, conidial heads, conidia, and other distinctive features. Scanning electron micrographs are included to give a more three dimensional view of the conidia. -- Morphologically based system for the identification of Aspergillus species -- Over 270 photographs and electron micrographs -- Comprehensive descriptions based on new information obtained by recording morphological observations and previously published information

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 is designed as a laboratory guide for the food microbiologist, to assist in the isolation and identification of common food-borne fungi. We emphasise the fungi which cause food spoilage, but also devote space to the fungi commonly encountered in foods at harvest, and in the food factory. As far as possible, we have kept the text simple, although the need for clarity in the descriptions has necessitated the use of some specialised mycological terms. The identification keys have been designed for use by microbiologists with little or no prior knowledge of mycology. For identification to genus level, they are based primarily on the cultural and physiological characteristics of fungi grown under a standardised set of conditions. The microscopic features of the various fungi become more important when identifying isolates at the species level. Nearly all of the species treated have been illustrated with colony photographs, together with photomicrographs or line drawings. The photomicrographs were taken using a Zeiss WL microscope fitted with Nomarski interference contrast optics. We are indebted to Mr W. Rushton and Ms L. Burton, who printed the many hundreds of photographs used to make up the figures in this book. We also wish to express out appreciation to Dr D.L. Hawksworth, Dr A.H.S.

The genus Aspergillus has a worldwide distribution and is one of the most common of all groups of fungi. They are possibly the greatest contami nants of natural and man-made organic products, and a few species can cause infections in man and animals. The aspergilli are also one of the most important mycotoxin-producing groups of fungi when growing as contaminants of cereals, oil seeds, and other foods. Not all aspergilli are viewed as troublesome contaminants, however, as several species have had their metabolic capabilities harnessed for commercial use. The aspergilli have long been associated in the Far East with the koji stage of several food fermentations, particularly soy sauce and miso, and subsequently as a source of useful enzymes. The ability of these fungi to produce several organic acids, especially citric acid, has created major industrial complexes worldwide. Traditional methods of strain develop ment have been extensively studied with the industrial strains, while more recently, recombinant DNA technology has been applied to the aspergilli with emphasis on heterologous protein production. In compiling this book, I have been fortunate to have the full enthu siastic involvement of the authors, and to them I extend my very grateful thanks for mostly being on time and for producing such readable and authoritative chapters. Collectively, we hope that our efforts will strengthen the scientific understanding of this intriguing group of filamentous fungi and further their use in the field of biotechnology.