This volume
provides insights into current research on fungal populations, communities and
their interactions with other organisms. It focuses on fungal responses to the
physical environment; interactions with bacteria, other fungi, invertebrates
and plants; the role of fungi in ecosystem processes such as decomposition and
nutrient cycling; and aspects of biogeography and conservation.
Since the
publication of the second edition of Volume IV in 2007, the massive use of
"omics" methods has revolutionized our understanding of fungal lifestyles.
Highlighting these advances, the third edition has been completely updated and
revised. Several chapters deal with various applications of genomics and
transcriptomics in biological pest control, as well as interactions with other
living systems. This is an invaluable source of information both for scientists
who wish to update their knowledge of current advances and for graduate
students interested in obtaining a comprehensive introduction to this field of
research.