Abstracts of Journals Received in the Library Oct –Dec 2012
Journals Abstracted
Bulletin de la Societe Mycologique de France –Vol 127, 1 & 2, 2011 Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Pilzkunde Vol. 90, nos. 1,2,3, 4, & 5, 2012 Miscellanea Mycologica – No 103, July 2012 Myologicke Listy – No 120, 2012 Myologicke Listy – No 121, 2012 Mushroom – Issue 108, Vol 29, No 1-2 Bolets de Catalunya – XXX1, 2012 The Mycophile - Vol. 52:5, Sep/Oct 2012 Mycobiology – Vol 40, 3, Sep 2012
Mycological Research Information about recent issues (including free access to contents lists and abstracts of published papers) can be found on the Elsevier website at www.elsevier.com/locate/mycres
(Abstractor – Anne Andrews unless stated otherwise)
Bulletin de la Societe Mycologique de France –Vol 127, 1 & 2, 2011 Carteret X & Reumaux (pp. 1-53) [French] The authors propose a new taxonomical approach to Inocybes in Section Lilacinae. They propose 8 new species. These species are described in detail and illustrated with b/w drawings of microscopic features and paintings of f/bs. Latin descriptions are included at the end of the article. A key to Section Lilacinae, with a key to sub-sections, series and stirps and then a key to taxa is provided. (44 refs.)
Botton B, Guillaumin J J & Le Tacon F (pp. 55-80) [French] The use of molecular methods has changed concepts of the phylogeny of fungi. This article traces the development of fungi from a form of bacteria in middle Pre-Cambrian times, to
Eyssartier G, Ducousso M & Buyck B (pp.81-98) [French & Latin] Account of the white Entoloma species of the island of New Caledonia. A key to 7 species is provided. 3 new species, E. conicoalbum Eyssartier, Buyck & Ducousso, sp. nov. , E. leucodermum Eyssartier, Buyck & Ducousso, sp. nov. and E. neoniveum Eyssartier, Buyck & Ducousso, sp. nov. are described in detail accompanied by Latin diagnosis, information about habitats and collections made and comparisons with other species. Each is illustrated with colour photo of f/b and b/w drawings of microscopic features. A further species E. submacrosporum Eyssartier, Buyck & Ducousso, ad int is described provisionally. (33 refs.)
Courtecuisse R & Moreau P-A (pp. 99-106) [French] Report of a find of Lepista harperi, hitherto known only from California, USA. The species is described in detail and compared in detail with the known European species of Lepista. It closely resembles L. personata but has no blue colour, a darker pileus and a pronounced umbo. L. harperi may have occurred elsewhere in Europe but been misidentified as L. personata. Illustrated with b/w drawings and colour photos. (16 refs.)
Duhem B & Schultheiss B (pp. 107-115) [French & Latin] Detailed description with Latin diagnosis of Amyloxenasma elongatisporum sp. nov. Duhem & Schultheiss., so named because the spores are longer than those of A. allantosporum with which it is compared, and which it closely resembles. Illustrated with b/w drawings of microscopic features of both species. The colour photo mentioned in the text does not seem to be there. (14 refs.)
Durrrieu G (pp. 117-151) [French] A Checklist of the species in the genus Taphrina in France. An introduction discusses the taxonomy, the nature of the parasitism, the life cycle, the works of previous authors on the genus. 31species are listed under host families with brief notes covering synonyms, lit refs., illustrations, hosts with very brief description, and worldwide distribution. A map shows the number of Taphrina records in |each Departement in France. Included are b/w drawings of microscopic parts and colour photos of f/bs of some of the species. (92 refs.)
Mossebo D C, Essouman F P E, Ayissi B M K, Tetang M A & Ambit R T (pp.153-168) [French & Latin] Descriptions with Latin diagnosis of two new species of Termitomyces from Cameroon; T. infundibuliformis Mossebo, sp. nov. and T. striatus f. camerunensis Mossebo, f. nov. These are compared with other species and a key to Termitomyces species in central Africa is proposed. Illustrated with b/w drawings and colour photos, (36 refs.)
Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Pilzkunde Vol. 90, No. 1, 15th. February 2012 In German (some articles also in French and Italian) (Abstractor – Ray Tantram)
Musumeci E. (p. 5-7, 2, 4) [original in Italian p. 2-4, 6-7] Fungus of the month (1) is Psathyrella obscurotristis, a fungus first described by Markus Wilhelm, from a collection in Alsace in 2000. This robust fungus can be recognised in the field by its tufted growth form on broadleaved wood debris, its relatively tough tissues (for a Psathyrella), and its fairly weak sweet-aromatic smell and black-brown colouring. Macro and micro features are described. Spore shape seems very variable. This species appears to be confined to a small area around Hagenthal in Alsace, where it was found on the edge of a forestry ride with mainly broadleaved trees on calcareous soils. Two colour plates show it in situ, photomicrographs its cheilo- and its pleurocystidia, and line drawing its micro features. A bibliography is included. Comprehensive documentation can be found in “Polo micologico” http://www.polomicologico.it/forum
Wilhelm M. (p. 8-10, 11) [also in French p. 11-13, 8, 10] Fungus of the month (2) is Pluteus chrysophaeus. This taxon, which is quite rare in the author’s home territory, was collected in the foothills of the Pyrenees in 2009 and 2010. Its features are described. Although quite unmistakable, a long list of its synonyms confirms some difficulties in defining the complex around this taxon. Variability has given rise to different interpretations in the literature. Three distinct types in this group complex are defined. Two colour plates show it in situ. (8 refs.)
Clémençon H. (p. 14-15) A mysterious orange-coloured slime flow on an exotic Cornus shrub in a garden in Lausanne was investigated. Microscopic examination confirmed it to be a fungal growth, but it was considerably later before the mystery was unravelled. The first name to surface was Pionnotes cessati. This genus was introduced by Fries in 1849, but has since lost its taxonomic status, and become a morphological concept that only describes the slimes, often orange, of a conidial state of an Ascomycete in the Nectriacea family. They are found growing mainly on sap-flows on trees, and especially on stumps of Birch and Alder, and seen mainly in spring on trees felled the previous autumn. Outdated literature made the determination of the actual fungus in the garden ambiguous, and DNA techniques will be needed for accurate answers. Two colour plates show the slimes and a photomicrograph shows hyphae and banana-shaped conidial spores mounted in lactose Cotton Blue. (2 refs.)
Clémençon H. (p. 16-20) An investigation in late autumn of rotting Honey fungus fruitbodies, showed that some had been colonised by a primitive ascomycete, Dipodascus armillariae. This appears in the form of elongated hairy white pustules on and between the gills. It is only occasionally that asci can be found in these pustules. These arthroconidia occur when the vegetative hyphae decay into single-nucleate long cells. Aleurias, (Chlamydospores) are also formed, but in lesser quantities. Asci are rarely also found as Mitospores. The biology of Dipodascus armillariae is described, and it is not entirely clear which Armillaria species it grows on. Six further Dipodascus species exist, and occur as saprobionts on wood, slime flows and plant remains. A colour plate shows parasitised Honey fungus, probably A. ostoyae, and extreme close-ups of infected gills. Photomicrographs show hyphae, arthroconidia, aleurias and asci between empty Armillaria spores. More show the stages in ascus development, cross-sections of a pustule and dead host spores. (2 refs.)
Anon. (p. 22-24) This presents the annual index for 2011
Riva A. (p. 26-27) ONLY IN ITALIAN (so very approximate abstract!) A collection of Macrolepiota subsquarrosa in the Ticini Canton in September 2011 proved to be a first record for Switzerland and has been vouchered in the Herbarium of the Cantonal Museum in Lugano . The quite numerous fruitbodies of this white-capped species initially suggested the rare M. heimii. The original description in Latin is presented, together with a translation into Italian. A colour plate shows M. subsquarrosa in situ and line drawings show micro features of spores, basidia, cheilocystidia and tissues. (3 refs.).
Maggetti M. (p.28-29) A dry October 2007 promised little holiday fungi, but woodland walks were reasonably productive. The highlight was finding some perfect fruitbodies of Volavariells surrecta in the dead, decaying caps of Clitocybe nebularis. Colour plates show the parasite on a clump of very decayed Cloudy caps, and close-ups of the parasite.
The back cover shows the cultivation of Shitake mushrooms, on logs propped vertically in Dr. Sagara’s garden in Japan.
Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Pilzkunde Vol. 90, No. 2, 15th. April 2012 In German (some articles also in French and Italian) (Abstractor – Ray Tantram)
Freléchoux F. (p. 48-49, 46-47) [original in French p. 46-47, 48-49] Fungus of the month (3) is Lactarius acerrimus, a very acrid species in the L. zonarius group. It was collected in September 2010 in mixed woodland. Macro and micro features are described. Its extremely and immediately sharp taste, coupled with characteristic anastomising gills made identification simple. This taxon is very rare overall and seems to favour warm and damp colline habitats. A colour plate shows it in situ and line drawings show finely-warted spores, basidia and pleurocystidia. (5 refs.)
Mordasini E. (p. 52, 50-51) [original in Italian p. 50-51,52] Fungus of the month (4) is Ramsbottomia macrantha a tiny (1-3mm. apothecia) bright orange Discomycete. It was twice collected in late summer 2011 after long rainy periods, from very wet sandy-silty soil, growing with Hazel and Sweet Chestnut. Macro and micro features are described for this very rare taxon. The genera Ramsbottomia and Lamprospora are very close, and are often synonymised in the literature. A few more macroscopically similar genera can be found in similar habitats. A colour plate shows it growing on soil. Colour photomicrographs show an ascus with spores, paraphyses, also mature spores within an ascus showing their 5µm long ‘thorns’. (3 refs.).
Clémençon H. (p. 53-55) Assessments of amyloid and dextrinoid spore walls are reviewed. Melzers and other iodine-solutions are described and their use detailed. Pitfalls in assessments are due to several causes including insufficient waiting time before the reaction is complete, a too high pH following rehydration of dried material with ammonia, and the age of the spores. Incorrect setting-up of the microscope also contributes to ambiguous results. Best results for determining an amyloid reaction are obtained by scraping spore powder into a small heap on a glass slide at the boundary zone of a drop of Melzers (without stirring!). This results in a blackening of the heap even in ‘weak reactions’ which are barely discernible under the microscope. Colour photomicrographs show 4 spores of Mycena abramsii with different –strength amyloid reactions, and spores of Cystoderma carcharias piled into a small heap to make the amyloid reaction clearly visible. A table compares the chemical constitution of Melzer’s, Gilbert’s and Gilbert+ iodine solutions.(8 refs.).
Schneider M. (p. 56-57) Parental concerns about small children eating wild fungi are clarified. In general the Toxicological Centre has a 1 cm2 rule. If less than this has been eaten it is merely advisable to monitor the child for stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhoea. A table presents the 1 cm2 rule, and procedures for when more has been ingested. The author followed up this enquiry by a visit to the playground concerned, and identified the fungus in question. A colour plate shows Conocybe lactea, and photomicrographs its thick-walled spores and cheilocystidia, and also a gill edge stained with Congo Red.
Schenk- Jäger K. (p. 58, 60-61) [also in French p. 59 - 61] Periscope 37 highlights the emergence in Switzerland of a new toxic fungus Clitocybe amoenolens, a warmth-loving species spreading outwards due to global warming. Its unpleasant symptoms were described in the literature in 2011. Although not life-threatening, victims can suffer debilitating symptoms for months. The syndrome was first described in Japan in 1918 for poisoning from Clitocybe acromelalga. Clitocybe amoenolens was first implicated in France in 2001, and acromelic acid, a heat-stable toxin, identified as the causative agent using mass spectrometry. Cases have also been recorded in Italy. Symptoms and the syndrome are described. Colour plates shows the fungus, and also C. clavipes (sic), C. ditopa (sic) and C. phaeopththalma. (3 refs.). Note: Names have not been changed from the published ones.
Wilhelm M. (p. 62-63) Dermoloma magicum, a grassland species collected in 2011, is described. There was only a single fruitbody, so the description relies partly on its original description by Arnolds in 2002. There are about six European Dermoloma species, which are not that rare, although likely to be overlooked, hidden in grass. D. magicum is comparatively large (cap diameter 2.5-6 cm.). It can be identified macroscopically by its typical reddening and subsequent blackening, but has variable characters, especially in its micro features. A colour plate shows it growing with Daisy. (2 refs.).
Zimmermann E. (p. 64-65) Phaeocalicium populneum a saprobiont on Poplar twigs is described. Such tiny goblet-shaped fruitbodies are often studied by lichenologists as many of such species on bark and wood lichenise. This collection is a first record for Switzerland. Photomicrographs (taken under a Leica stereo-microscope) show ascomata and asci and spores. It is found predominantly on Populus tremula, also on other Poplar species and more rarely on Ash. (5 refs.).
Fluri H. (p. 66-67) Entoloma luteobasis, a species with few records, was collected in June 2011 during a botanical expedition featuring the flora of calcareous soils. Macro and micro features are described. This early occurrence was surprising as most existing records are from October/November, but mainly from lower regions. A colour plate shows the fruit body.(6 refs.).
Riva A. (p. 68-70) ONLY IN ITALIAN (hence approx. abstract) Amanita beckeri was collected in September 2011 and described, and includes an original description in Latin. Reasons to distinguish it from A. ceciliae are presented. A photograph shows it in situ, growing in broadleaved woodland with Hornbeam, European Hop-Hornbeam and Lime. Line drawings show spores, basidia and tissue structure. (4 refs.).
Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Pilzkunde vol. 90, no. 3, 15th. April 2012 In German (some articles also in French & Italian) Abstractor – Ray Tantram
Urben M. (p. 90-92, 93) [Also in French p. 93-94, 90-92] Fungus of the month (5) is Ganoderma valesiacum found on a Larch trunk in August 2010. It belongs in the group containing G. lucidum and G. carnosum and is named after the Swiss Wallise Canton in which it was first, and here again, found. Macro and micro features of this substantial bracket are described. Colour plates show upper and lower surfaces. Photomicrographs show generative hyphae and spores. Line drawings present micro features such as spores, basidia, and its three types of hyphae. (6 refs.)
Boujon C; Favre I (p. 101-105, 95, 97, 99,100) [original in French 95-100, 102, 104] Fungi of the month (6) present several interesting Cortinarius species found at a VSVP Mycological Event in Wattwil in autumn 2010. Cortinarius regis-romae, C. paralegantior var. parelegantior, C. anomalochrascens, C. fraternus and C. argentiostriaepis are described and collections discussed. Colour plates show these five species. (15 refs.)
Schenk-Jäger K. (p 106-107) [also in French p. 108,107] A review of the fungus season 2011 from the viewpoint of the Swiss Toxicological Centre shows it received a total of over 35,000 telephone calls and e-mails. Only one patient tested positive for amatoxins and was fortunately saved by timely treatment. A graph shows the monthly pattern of calls to the Centre and a table shows the fungi involved and severity of poisoning.
Riva A. (p. 115-117 ONLY IN ITALIAN) A collection of Aseroe rubra in Sydney, Australia is classified and described. Colour plates show ‘ghost eggs’ and fruitbodies, and paintings show fruitbodies and micro features.(4 refs.)..
Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Pilzkunde vol.90, no. 4, 15th. August 2012 In German [some articles also in French & Italian] Abstractor – Ray Tantram
Dugoud R; De Marchi R. (p. 138-139, 134,136-137)) [original French p. 134-137] Fungus of the month (7) is Tricharina japonica , one of the Pezizales. This collection is a new record for Europe, and was found in Switzerland on bare earth in floodplain woodland, actually on the banks of the river Aare during a Mycological Event in 2011. Taxonomy is discussed, and macro and micro features described. Its 5-10 mm. ochre- brown apothecia are sessile and partly sunken into the substrate and have upright dark brown marginal hairs. Spores are typically elliptical and trapezoid, a feature of this genus. A colour plate shows a fruitbody in situ, and line drawings show asci, ascospores, paraphyses and marginal hairs, also hyphae and excipular cells.(5 refs.).
Roffler U; Kathriner P. (p. 140-142, 143-145) [also in French p. 143-145,140-142] Fungi of the month (8) are Rhizopogon abietis and Rh. marchii, two rare root truffles which are sometimes not distinguished as separate species in the literature, possibly due to insufficient fresh material availability. They were found in Spruce woodland on chalk in mossy grass in July 2011. The collections here were also difficult to separate as the fruitbodies available were torn open and generally damaged. However Rh. abietis retained its white to lilac- violaceus colour while Rh. marchii rapidly yellowed and reddened strongly under pressure. Both species are described, and line drawings show micro features of Rh. abietis. The smell from overripe specimens on drying for the Herbarium resembled that of some Boletes, which the literature associates with these taxa. Colour plates shows Rhizopogon abietis and Rh. marchii in situ, and a fruitbody of the former with ripe spores. A photomicrograph shows spores of the latter species. (2 refs.).
Schenk-Jäger K. (p. 146) [also in French p. 147] Periscope 38 describes the workings of the ProPi programme set up two years ago to offer an on-going evaluation of fungal poisonings covered by information from German- language Toxicological Centres. It can be accessed over www.klintox.de . The accuracy of the work of fungus inspectors is critical to the success of this venture, so some basic recording instructions and important contact details are presented.
Clémençon H. (p. 148-149) A huge cluster of young fruitbodies of the Niooshimeji fungus, growing in a farmyard in Kyshu, Japan is shown, with its size compared to a human hand. Mature specimens are normally 35-40 cm in diameter, but can reach 60cm. It has been recorded as Tricholoma giganteum in Japanese literature, but belongs properly in the genus Macrocybe, although it has not yet been assigned a correct scientific name.(2 refs.).
Mordasini E. [ p. 150-151 ONLY IN ITALIAN] A collection made in Ticino Canton in March 2011 of Ionomidotis fulvotigens is described. This 7mm cup-shaped ascomycete grows on Aspen and other hosts. A colour plate shows a fruitbody in situ, and photomicrographs, excipulum and asci. (2 refs.).
Feusi S; Zimmermann E. (p. 152-153) Hypocreopsis lichenoides is a very striking species, often not immediately recognised as a fungus. This yellow to orange-brown pyrenomycete is called ‘Troll’s Hand’ in Scandinavian mythology. The taxon is described and its ecology and distribution discussed. It is rare in Switzerland, and identification is helped by its early fruiting (from May to September) and the formation of chlamydospores on its surface. A colour plate shows this dramatic species and a photomicrograph the chlamydospores. (12 refs.).
The back cover shows Macrolepiota procera fruiting in a bamboo thicket in Southern France.
Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Pilzkunde vol. 90, no. 5, 25th. October 2012 In German [some articles also in French & Italian] Abstractor – Ray Tantram
Musumeci E; Contu M.(p.182-184, 178, 180-181) [original in Italian p.178-181, 182- 184] Fungus of the month (9) is a proposed new combination, Lepiota aspera fo. albidella. The collection made in Alsace, France in September 2010, is described. Albino forms in fungi generally are not rare, but their frequency varies according to genera. Albino forms in the large Lepiota genus have seldom been documented. This underpins the new proposal. This form was described previously in France in 2008 as Echinoderma acutesquamosum fo. albidella. Lepiota aspera is a very common species in central and northern Europe, and well documented in the literature. The albino form differs in that the whole of the fruitbody is white, all other macro and micro characters are identical. Two colour plates show it in situ and a further one the veil structure in close-up. Photomicrographs show spores, cheilocystidia and the structure of the cap squamules. Line drawings show spores, basidia, cheilocystidia, and squamule structure.(8 refs.)
Urben M. (p. 185-187, 188) [also in French p. 188-189, 185-187] Fungus of the month (10) is Pluteus favrei collected from very decaying trunks in Spruce woodland in September 2010. Macro and micro features of this dark brown capped species are described. Identification was difficult due to contradictory statements in the literature. It was often synonymised with P. leoninus. Markus Wilhelm helped greatly in its accurate determination. Two colour plates shows this robust species in situ, and photomicrographs present spores, basidia and spores, also cystidia. Line drawings show spores, basidia, and cheilo-, pleuro-cystidia and the HDS cap tissue. (5 refs.).
Maggetti M. (p. 190-191) Sarcodon scabrosus, a rare species of tooth fungus, was collected with some difficulty when alpine walking in July 2007. It was growing over a metre up on the steep rocky side of a forest track , in needle litter with Spruce. B&K vol.2 gave its habitat as in broadleaved woodland. However this rare species was later confirmed by Dr. Senn-Irlet. Three close-up colour plates show features of cap, flesh (TS) and stipe.
Press release from the Research Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape (WSL) 21st. August 2012 (p. 194, 195) [also in French p. 195, 194] Researchers have for the first time analysed the growth behaviour of fungi over a 40-year period. This has shown that the season has lengthened in several European countries. The study has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). An international Research Group led by the University of Oslo recorded the growth behaviour of fungi since the seventies, using phenological evaluation of 750,000 fungal records from Switzerland, Great Britain, Norway and Austria. The data showed that not only has the fungus season in all four countries lengthened continually, but has also been coming later chronologically. This trend was deemed to be due to increasing temperature levels and generally longer growing seasons. Fungi are important saprobionts and woodland symbionts, and therefore will exert effects on woodland ecosystems and also on global CO2 emissions. Snow and frosts are beginning later. Oceanic climate and milder winters are lengthening the total fungus season in GB. Although individual species behave differently, the overall trend of all genera are similar everywhere. This study agrees with observations taken over a 32 year period in one Swiss Nature Reserve, also other long-term studies. Colour plates show Amanita rubescens and A. excelsa. (2 refs.).
A double-page centre spread illustrates Suillus flavus growing in conifer woodland.
The back cover shows one of the world’s largest fungi, Termitomyces titanicus from Upemba National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Miscellanea Mycologica – No 103 July 2012 Gane J (pp. 4-6) [French] Description of Cortinarius raphanoides var. carnecyaneus which appeared at the exhibition at Mons in 2004. Illustrated with colour photos of spores and f/b. (5 refs.)
Gane J (pp. 7-10) [French] Description of Cortinarius violaceonitens a rare species found in the Wallonia and Loraine region. Illustrated with colour photos of spores and f/bs. (5 refs.)
Wuilbaut J-J (pp. 11- 30) [French] Series of colour photos of species found in the early part of the year including some flowers. Pseudoclitocybe cyathiformis, Terana caerulea, Morchella esckulenta, Verpa digitaliformis, Agrocybe praecox, Calocybe gambosa, Psathyrella conopilus, P. fatua, P. spadiceogrisea, Aleuria aurantia, Entoloma clypeatum, Agaricus urinascens, Pluteus murinus, Russula claroflava, R. velenovskyi, R. betularum, R. luteotacta, R. farinipes, Marasmius oreades, Tylopilus felleus, Xerocomus cf.subtomentosus, Amanita rubescens, hygrophorus olivaceoalbus, Russula puellaris, Gymnopilus cf, penetrans, Lactarius lignyotus, Amanita fulva, Inocybe lanuginosa, Ramaria gracilis, Thelephora palmata, and on back cover Cortinarius balaustinus.
Myologicke Listy – No 120, 2012 Holec J (pp. 1-7) [Czech] Report of a study of the genus Ossicaulis in Europe which showed that there are two rather similar species, O. lignatilis and O. lachnopus. A key is included. (22 refs.)
O Jindrich & M Kriz (pp. 8-14) [Czech] Account of previous and present known distribution of the rare species Tremellodendropsis tuberosa recently refound in the Czech Republic. This species has varying sized spores and the authors list dimensions given in the literature and from their own observations. Illustrated with b/w drawings of microscopic features. (11 refs.)
H Gryndlerova & M Gryndler (pp.15-24) [Czech] Account of history of truffles in Europe and in the Czech Republic. and account of present day cultivation because of decline of wild species. Illustrated with colour photos on back cover and inside front cover. (39 refs.)
Myologicke Listy – No 121, 2012 Tejklova T & Kramolis J (pp. 1-5) [Czech & Latin] Description, with original diagnosis of Cortinarius solis-occasus found for the first time in the Czech Republic, in a spruce forest on calcareous soil in eastern Bohemia. The authors state that it should be included in the Czech Red List. Illustrated with b/w drawings of microscopic features and colour photo of f/bs (on front cover and inside back cover). (11 refs.)
Pouzar Z & Kotlaba F (pp. 6-8) [Czech] Descriptions of Dendrothele minutissima and D. amygdalispora both very rare in the Czech Republic, the former known from just one site and the latter collected just once 63 years ago, both on Salix sp. Illustrated with a colour photo of f/b inside back cover. (3 refs.)
Vihonska Z, Pacekova J & Olejnikova P (pp. 9-21) [Czech] Account of the properties of fungi in the genus Trichoderma. These widespread adaptable filamentous fungi have chemical and enzymatic weapons which allow them to act as mycoparasites and biocontrol fungi. They can fight plant pathogens, benefit plant growth, repel toxic chemicals and improve polluted soil and water. They contain many useful chemical substances and also produce unusual masses of various extracellular enzymes. (62 refs.)
Koukol O (pp. 27- 33) [Czech] Account of life of Bohumil Shimek and his forgotten contribution to mycology. He was a well-known scientist and teacher in a wide range of sciences, made studies of fungal biodiversity in USA and Nicaragua. His recently revealed herbarium will be an important source for taxonomic studies of basidiomycetes and pyrenomycetes. (16 refs.) pp.33-51 Index for 2010, 2011 and first half of 2012
Mushroom – Issue 108, Vol 29, No 1-2 Brandt J & K (pp.8-10) [English] How to find, collect and cook Morels (3 recipes). Illustrated with b/w photos.
Stijve T (pp. 11-13) [English] Reproductions of and notes on ten early postcards featuring mushrooms.(2 on back cover)
Akers B (pp. 14-15) [English] Further information about the Mushroom –man of Tasili rock drawing following article in previous issue. Illustrated with b/w photo and drawing.
Sommer B (pp.18-19) [English]Description of “Lobsterisation”, the infestation of certain edible fungi with the mould Hypomyces lactifluorum which can improve the flavour. Other moulds which should be avoided are described. Illustrated with colour photos.
Hackett B (pp.20-21) [English] Brief autobiography of the artist Beverley Hackett illustrated with some of her fungus paintings.
Goldhor S (pp.22-28) [English] Information about “chaga” (Inonotus obliquus) which has at least 8 other English names. This fungus invades Birch and other trees making a large lump or “conk”. The part which is seen is mycelium. Fruiting bodies are extremely rare. The fungus has medicinal uses in Russia. Knowledge of this came to USA from the novel Cancer Ward by Solzhenitsyn.
Mendoza de Gives P (pp.31- 36) [English] Nematodes are an important part of the micro- organism population of soil. They have various natural enemies. Some are consumed by nematophagous fungi. These can be used to control nematodes parasitic on ruminants. Details are given of research methods and the history of research into this environmentally friendly method of control. (19 refs.)
Schietzelt J N & O’Connor C G (p37 & 45) [English] Gymnopilus junonius may or may not contain the hallucinogenic substance psylocibin, depending on the area in which it occurs. It also contains the medically useful compound hispidin. Nevertheless its possession is illegal under the under the Controlled Substances Act 1970. (5 refs.)
Smith H (pp. 40-43) [English] Account of mushroom hunting in the Sierras, California in 2011.
McAdoo B & Waytz J (pp 43-45) [English] Account of mushroom hunting in the Pacific Northwest in 2011.
Benjamin D R (pp. 46-47) [English] Information about the location and habitats of ticks, often in good mushroom hunting environments. Emphasises the various pathogens that they can transmit and gives advice on protection. A table shows some of the diseases , the organisms that carry them and the symptoms. Another table shows the tick species which transmit these diseases and the geography of tick related illnesses.
Bakaitis B (pp.49-50) [English] Account of mushroom hunting in the Northeast of USA
Smith D (p.50) [English] Account of mushroom hunting in the Lower Hudson Valley in 2011
Yule B (pp. 51 & 70) [English] Account of mushroom hunting in 2011 from the C T Valley mycological society.
Cortland J (pp.55-58) [English] Account of the making of a mushroom film, Now Forager. about collecting and using fungus for food.
Smith D (pp. 59-65) [English] Review and comparison of Digital Mushroom Applications, Fungi Kingdom, iFunghi, ID Mushroom Browser, Rogers Mushrooms. The Audubon Guide. Concludes with a list of essential attributes for a nearly perfect mushroom identification app.
McAdoo B (pp. 67-69 & 71) [English] Description of Ampulloclitocybe clavipes, edible and several of its lookalikes some of which are toxic. Illustrated with colour photos.
Bolets de Catalunya – XXX1, 2012 ed. Ruis J, 25 authors and 20 photographers [Spanish] Collection of 50 separate high quality photos of fungi each on a separate card of about A5 size with description on the other side.
The Mycophile - Vol. 52:5, Sep/Oct 2012 Voitk A, Maunder J & Voitk A (pp. 9-15) [English] Report of a study of the relationship of slugs with mushrooms in Central Newfoundland. It is well known that slugs eat fungi but difficult to quantify and to link species of slug with species of fungus in a scientific way. It was found that though the commonest species of fungus might have the greatest number of slugs on them there were some quite wide discrepancies with some very common fungi having no slugs eating them and some uncommon species with moderate to high numbers of slugs. Boletes were the group most favoured by slugs. Russulas were also popular while Cortinarius species were less sought after. The authors speculate about the possible reasons for this. Illustrated with tables and graphs. (2 refs.)
Vellinga E (pp.16-17) [English] Discussion of the working of wood rotting fungi. The difference between white rot which breaks down lignin and leaves the cellulose component of wood and brown rot which attacks cellulose and leaves lignin is explained. Different enzymes carry out these different processes and different genes regulate them. Originally species were allocated to genera according to which form of rot occurred but genetic analysis has shown that this is not valid. Brown rot evolved first followed by white rot at the end of the big coal deposits suggesting that large scale breakdown of wood by them left no wood to be transformed into coal. Wood rotting and ectomycorrhizal and parasitic fungi exist alongside each other in the phylogenetic tree. Something must have caused the change in some fungi to the enzymes which break down lignin and the adaptation to obtaining necessary nutrients from living trees. Illustrated with b/w photos. (4 refs.)
Reguera J (pp.18-20) [English] Detailed account of life cycle of Ophiocordyceps unilateralis which parasitises ants. and controls their actions. There are many species of Cordyceps most of which have specialised arthropod hosts. Many ants die following infection but another fungus group, Polycephalomyces sp may parasitise the Cordyceps and prevent the formation of mature spores, thus limiting the development of mature fruiting bodies. Explains how a perfect balance is maintained between the survival of the ant colony and the parasitic and hyperparasitic fungi so none becomes extinct. (refs. in text)
Mycobiology – Vol 40, 3, Sep 2012
This Journal is available online at http://www.mycology.or.kr
Joshi S, Jayalal U, Oh, S O & Hur J-S (pp. 147-150) [English] Report of 3 new records of lichen in genera Opegrapha and Phaeographis from Bogil Island, Republic of Korea. Illustrated with colour photos. (12 refs.)
Devi L S, Khaund P, Nongkhlaw F M W & Joshi S R (pp.151-158) [English] Report of study of phylogenetic diversity of soil fungi in NE India. Phylogenetic analysis has greatly improved the identification and classification of these fungi. This area is at the confluence of the Indo-Malayan, Indo-Chinese and Indian biogeographical realms which offers a profusion of habitats and a very diverse biota with a high level of endemism. Soil microfungi had not previously been studied there. Results are displayed in 5 tables. (30 refs.)
Jayalal U et al. (pp.159-163) [English] Descriptions of 5 species of lichen in the genus Canoparmelia from South Korea. A key is included. Illustrated with colour photos and a distribution map. (19 refs.)
Lee E H et al. (pp.169-172) [English] Report of experiment which showed that use of soil ameliorators on abandoned coal mine spoils increased colonisation of ectomycorrhizal fungi on the roots of Pinus densiflora seedlings. This would be of benefit for revegetating coal mine spoils. (19 refs.)