Fungi: Books in the Library

Provides a comprehensive look at these organisms' biology, structure, and morphological diversity. It discusses their ecologically essential roles in nature, their relationships with people, plants, and animals, and their practical applications in manufacturing food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Particular attention is given to examples of fungi that might be found in the home and encountered in nature.

Hudler leads a tour of an often-overlooked group of organisms that differ radically from animals and plants. Nature's ultimate recyclers provide us with food, drink, medicines, and industrial chemicals. Some fungi make deadly poisons, and psychedelic drugs have exciting histories in and of themselves (ex., Salem Witch trials). Readers will develop a new appreciation of the molds for such everyday products as penicillin, wine, and bread.

This illustrated guide describes more than 500 mushroom species. Features include unambiguous descriptions for quick and foolproof identification, handy edibility symbols, and a selection of tasty recipes.

This broad introduction to mycology explores fungi's morphology, taxonomy, evolution, physiology, ecology, pathological relationships, and commercial utilization. Provides information on the history of mycology and applications of molecular biology techniques for studying fungi. It also covers fungi's role in degrading pesticides, food spoilage, biological control utilizing fungi, and fungi as human allergens.

Contents: Introduction -- Organisms of uncertain affinity -- The lower fungi --, The higher fungi -- The lichens -- Glossary -- Author index -- Subject index.

2 vols.
v. 1 -- Algae and fungi

Discusses lichen genetics and sexual reproduction, stress physiology and symbiosis, and the carbon economy and environmental role of lichens. Chapters cover anatomical, morphological, and developmental aspects; the contribution of the unique secondary metabolites produced by lichens to medicine and the pharmaceutical industry; patterns of lichen photosynthesis and respiration under different environmental conditions; the role of lichens in nitrogen fixation and mineral cycling; and the use of lichens as indicators of air pollution.