Decomposer Basidiomycetes
Their Biology and Ecology

This volume concerns the breakdown of dead organic materials by the basidiomycetes or toadstools.

J. Frankland (Edited by), J. N. Hedger (Edited by), M. J. Swift (Edited by)

9780521106801, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 April 2009

376 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm, 0.52 kg

This volume concerns the breakdown of dead organic materials by the basidiomycetes or toadstools, one of the three major groups of fungi. Although the decomposer members of this group are ecologically and commercially of immense importance, this is the first symposium to focus on them. Various aspects of the taxonomy, sporulation, growth, enzyme activity and genetics of the organisms are discussed first. The roles of basidiomycetes in the nutrient cycles and energy flow of terrestrial and aquatic habitats and their activities as aggressive rotters of trees, outdoor and indoor timber and plant litter and composts are described in the later chapters.

Preface
1. Taxonomic status and ecological identity in the basidiomycetes R. Watling
2. Production, release and dispersal of basidiospores C. L. Kramer
3. The role of polysaccharidase enzymes in the decay of wood by basidiomycetes R. A. P. Montgomery
4. Formation and action of the ligninolytic system in basidiomycetes T. K. Kirk and P. Fenn
5. The movement of Serpula lacrimans from substrate to substrate over nutritionally inert surfaces D. H. Jennings
6. Population structure in wood-decomposing basidiomycetes A. D. M. Rayner and N. K. Todd
7. Ecological genetics of basidiomycete populations in decaying wood A. D. M. Rayner and N. K. Todd
8. Basidiomycete decay of standing tress P. C. Mercer
9. The place of basidiomycetes in the decay of wood in contact with the ground J. F. Levy
10. The decay of commercial timbers D. J. Dickinson
11. Decomposition by basidiomycetes in aquatic environments E. B. Gareth Jones
12. Decomposing activity of basidiomycetes in forest litter T. F. Hering
13. The colonisation of litter and wood by basidiomycetes in Finnish forests V. Hintikka
14. Biomass and nutrient cycling by decomposer basidiomycetes J. C. Frankland
15. The role of basidiomycetes in composts: a model system for decomposition studies J. N. Hedger and T. Basuki
16. Basidiomycetes as components of forest ecosystems M. J. Swift
Indexes.

Subject Areas: Botany & plant sciences [PST]