This issue of Mycological Research News features: Forthcoming International Mycological Meetings.

Fifteen papers are presented. The first consider the functional assignments of Aspergillus nidulans genes, and coding and non-coding data in the model fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus. Molecular phylogenetic studies are used to present a new classification of the lichen-forming genus Melanelia, determine the relationships of Stachybotrys chartarum, examine the phylogeny and biogeography of Amanita muscaria and A. pantherina, and re-evaluate the identity of Trichoderma isolates used in biocontrol. Mycoviruses are reported from Monilinia fructicola for the first time.

Pleurotus sajor-caju can degrade toxic juglone, and the degradation of tannic acid by black Aspergillus species is compared. The dynamics of fungi and other organisms in soil are studied with ergosterol and glomalin markers. The distribution of the dark septate endophyte Phialocephala fortinii is examined in Canada, and in a broader study found to comprise different genotypes; the melanin in the endophytic Phyllosticta capitalensis is also characterized. Influences on the solubilization of metal phosphate by ericoid mycorrhizal fungi are explored, as are the factors affecting the growth of Potebniamyces pyri.

The following new scientific names are introduced: Melanelixia, and Melanohalea gens. nov.; Melanelixia albertana (syn. Parmelia albertana) M. fuliginosa (syn. P. olivacea var. fuliginosa), M. glabra (syn. P. olivacea f. glabra), M. glabroides (syn. P. glabroides), M. huei (syn. P. huei), M. subargentifera (syn. P. subargentifera), M. subaurifera (syn. P. subaurifera), M. villosella (syn. P. villosella), Melanohalea elegantula (syn. P. olivacea var. elegantula), M. exasperata (syn. P. exasperata), M. exasperatula (syn. P. exasperatula), M. gomukhensis (syn. Melanelia gomukhensis), Melanohalea halei (syn. Parmelia halei), M. inactiva (syn. Melanelia inactiva), Melanohalea infumata (syn. P. infumata), M. laciniatula (syn. P. exasperata var. laciniatula), M. multispora (syn. P. multispora), M. olivacea (syn. Lichen olivaceus), M. olivaceoides (syn. P. olivaceoides), M. poeltii (syn. Melanelia poeltii), Melanohalea septentrionalis (syn. P. olivacea var. septentrionalis), M. subelegantula (syn. Parmelia subelegantula), M. subolivacea (syn. P. subolivacea), M. subverruculifera (syn. P. subverruculifera), M. trabeculata (syn. P. trabeculata), M. ushuaiensis (syn. P. ushuaiensis), and M. zopheroa (syn. Melanelia zopheroa) combs. nov.