This book analyzes the right pathway to solve the controversial identifications of some Trichoderma species on the basis of sampling procedures, slide culture techniques, macroscopic and microscopic analysis, and molecular tools. Most species of the genus Trichoderma grow rapidly in artificial culture and produce large numbers of small green or white conidia from conidiogenous cells located at the ends of conidiophores. The morphological characters are reported to be variable to a certain degree in their color, shape of conidia, conidiophore, pustules, and phialade. These characteristics allow a comparatively easy means of identification of Trichoderma as a genus but the species concept is difficult to deduce and there is considerable confusion over the application of specific names. This work provides an essential link between data and taxa as a means to verify the taxonomic characters of the strains sequenced, and macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Otherwise, a species level identification study cannot be corrected or uncorrected, and the user has to rely on the person perhaps making a mis-identification.

Forest Microbiology, Volume Two: Forest Tree Health highlights a range of emerging microbial phytopathogens of forest trees, along with novel approaches for managing tree pests and diseases in a changing climate. The book provides an overview of selected microbial pathogens of forest trees, with an emphasis on their biology, lifecycle, spreading mechanisms, impact on affected tree species and current and prospective control strategies. At the same time, the impact of tree microbiomes on host fitness is discussed. Beneficial components of tree microbiota are presented, along with their functional role in tree nutrition, immunity and disease resistance. In addition, this volume addresses the many functions of microbial disease agents of trees including fungi, bacteria, viruses and phytoplasma. Strong emphasis is placed on the genetics, biochemistry, physiology, evolutionary biology and population dynamics of the microorganisms involved. This title is a key resource for foresters and forest pathology practitioners, as well as plant biologists. - Provides an overview of selected microbial pathogens of forest trees, with an emphasis on their biology, lifecycle, spreading mechanisms, impact on affected tree species and current and prospective control strategies - Highlights novel approaches to managing tree pests and diseases in a changing climate - Addresses the many functions of microbial disease agents of trees, including fungi, fungi, bacteria, viruses and phytoplasma

Laboratory Protocols in Fungal Biology presents the latest techniques in fungal biology. This book analyzes information derived through real experiments, and focuses on cutting edge techniques in the field. The book comprises 57 chapters contributed from internationally recognised scientists and researchers. Experts in the field have provided up-to-date protocols covering a range of frequently used methods in fungal biology. Almost all important methods available in the area of fungal biology viz. taxonomic keys in fungi; histopathological and microscopy techniques; proteomics methods; genomics methods; industrial applications and related techniques; and bioinformatics tools in fungi are covered and complied in one book. Chapters include introductions to their respective topics, list of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting. Each chapter is self-contained and written in a style that enables the reader to progress from elementary concepts to advanced research techniques. Laboratory Protocols in Fungal Biology is a valuable tool for both beginner research workers and experienced professionals. Coming Soon in the Fungal Biology series: Goyal, Manoharachary / Future Challenges in Crop Protection Against Fungal Pathogens Martín, García-Estrada, Zeilinger / Biosynthesis and Molecular Genetics of Fungal Secondary Metabolites Zeilinger, Martín, García-Estrada / Biosynthesis and Molecular Genetics of Fungal Secondary Metabolites, Volume 2 van den Berg, Maruthachalam / Genetic Transformation Systems in Fungi Schmoll, Dattenbock / Gene Expression Systems in Fungi Dahms / Advanced Microscopy in Mycology

In order to feed the world, global agriculture will have to double food production by 2050. As a result, the use of soils with fertilizers and pesticides in agronomic ecosystems will increase, taking into account the sustainability of these systems and also the provision of food security. Thus, soil ecosystems, their health, and their quality are directly involved in sustainable agronomical practices, and it is important to recognize the important role of soil microbial communities such as mycorrhizal fungi, their biodiversity, interactions, and functioning. Soil ecosystems are under the threat of biodiversity loss due to an increase of cultivated areas and agronomic exploitation intensity. Also, changes in land use alter the structure and function of ecosystems where biodiversity is vital in the ecosystem. Soils are a major aid in food production in all terrestrial ecosystems; however, this means they are also involved in gas emission and global warming. Thus, in agronomic ecosystems, several mitigation practices have been proposed to promote the increase of carbon soil stock, and the reduction of warming gas emission from soils. In South America, most of the rural population depends economically on agriculture and usually works in family units. New, organic, safe, and sustainable agro-forestry practices must be applied to support local communities and countries to achieve hunger eradication, rural poverty reduction, and sustainable development. This book compiles new information for mycorrhizal occurrence in natural and anthropic environments in South America. It includes new reports of mycorrhizal fungi diversity along different mycorrhizal types and their effect on plant communities, plant invasions, the use of mycorrhizal fungi for ecological and sustainable studies, management programs of natural and agroecosystems, and forestry and food-secure production. This book fills the gaps in biodiversity knowledge, management and safe food production of mycorrhizas. It should be a valuable help to researchers, professors and students, to aid in use of mycorrhizal fungi while also focusing on their biodiversity, sustainable safe food production, and conservation perspectives.

This volume gives an account of the morphology and taxonomy of "Trichoderma" and "Gliocladium", before disscusing their ecology and basic biology.

Descriptions of Medical Fungi. Third Edition. Sarah Kidd, Catriona Halliday, Helen Alexiou and David Ellis. 2016. This updated third edition which includes new and revised descriptions. We have endeavoured to reconcile current morphological descriptions with more recent genetic data. More than 165 fungus species are described, including members of the Zygomycota, Hyphomycetes, Dimorphic Pathogens, Yeasts and Dermatophytes. 340 colour photographs. Antifungal Susceptibility Profiles. Microscopy Stains & Techniques. Specialised Culture Media. References. 250 pages.

"Biochar is the carbon-rich product when biomass (such as wood, manure, or crop residues) is heated in a closed container with little or no available air. It can be used to improve agriculture and the environment in several ways, and its stability in soil and superior nutrient-retention properties make it an ideal soil amendment to increase crop yields. In addition to this, biochar sequestration, in combination with sustainable biomass production, can be carbon-negative and therefore used to actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, with major implications for mitigation of climate change. Biochar production can also be combined with bioenergy production through the use of the gases that are given off in the pyrolysis process.This book is the first to synthesize the expanding research literature on this topic. The book's interdisciplinary approach, which covers engineering, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, economics and policy, is a vital tool at this stage of biochar technology development. This comprehensive overview of current knowledge will be of interest to advanced students, researchers and professionals in a wide range of disciplines"--Provided by publisher.

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.

Fungi belonging to the genera Trichoderma and Gliocladium are soil- bourne saprophytes which have been used for industrial and agricultural applications for decades. Some strains produce enzymes and antibiotics while others are useful as biological agents for the protection of plants against pathogens. This second volume of two describes the commercial uses of Trichoderma and Gliocladium, beginning with an in depth discussion of the degradation of polysaccharides and macromolecules by fungal enzymes. The application of the fungi in biocontrol for agricultural purposes is then examined. The final section of this volume deals with protein production and the utilisation of Trichoderma enzymes by various industries.

For the first time in over 20 years, a comprehensive collection of photographs and descriptions of species in the fungal genus Fusarium is available. This laboratory manual provides an overview of the biology of Fusarium and the techniques involved in the isolation, identification and characterization of individual species and the populations in which they occur. It is the first time that genetic, morphological and molecular approaches have been incorporated into a volume devoted to Fusarium identification. The authors include descriptions of species, both new and old, and provide protocols for genetic, morphological and molecular identification techniques. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual also includes some of the evolutionary biology and population genetics thinking that has begun to inform the understanding of agriculturally important fungal pathogens. In addition to practical “how-to” protocols it also provides guidance in formulating questions and obtaining answers about this very important group of fungi. The need for as many different techniques as possible to be used in the identification and characterization process has never been greater. These approaches have applications to fungi other than those in the genus Fusarium. This volume presents an introduction to the genus Fusarium, the toxins these fungi produce and the diseases they can cause. "The Fusarium Laboratory Manual is a milestone in the study of the genus Fusarium and will help bridge the gap between morphological and phylogenetic taxonomy. It will be used by everybody dealing with Fusarium in the Third Millenium." --W.F.O. Marasas, Medical Research Council, South Africa