This issue of Mycological Research News features: Electronic submission and tracking; Endocytosis in filamentous fungal hyphae; Cell wall associated enzymes; 33 threatened fungi in Europe; and A model for presenting systematic data on the Internet.

This part starts with the Society's 2003 Presidential Address by Neil A. R. Gow, and a review of the role of fungal secondary metabolites as inhibitors of plant pathogenic fungi.

Molecular phylogenetic studies address: Lasiosphaeria s. lat., Fusarium spp. on Gossypium, Guignardia isolates from Brazil, Colletotrichum isolates from Guyana, Venturia tremulae, Xylaria hypoxylon ITS1 variation, the recognition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and a new species of Umbelopsis.

The development of Scutellosphora reticulata, and mass culture of Metarhizium for biocontrol are described, and leaf-cutting ants are shown to retain fungal enzymes in their guts.

The following new scientific names are introduced in this part: Echinosphaeria, Hilberina, and Immersiella gens. nov.; Umbelopsis dimorpha sp. nov.; and Chaetosphaeria raciborskii (syn. Ophiochaeta raciborskii), E. canescens (syn. Sphaeria canescens), H. caudata (syn. S. caudata), I. immersa (syn. Lasisophaeria immersa), Lasiosphaeria lanuginosa (syn. Sordaria lanuginosa), L. rugulosa (syn. Cercophora rugulosa), Lasiosphaeris hirsuta (syn. S. hirsuta), and Ruzenia spermoides (syn. S. spermoides) combs. nov.

This issue of Mycological Research News features: Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum) discovered on trees in Europe; and ‘Fusarium graminearum’ comprises nine separate species.

Eleven research papers appear in this part. Molecular studies reveal that the perithecioid Porinaceae are nested within ostropalean fungi; and that Gelasinospora species are nested with those of Neurospora, necessitating a broader concept of Neurospora. Also investigated are Armillaria species in the Czech Republic, and the status of Tricholoma bufonium. A new phytopathogenic Phytophthora is described with three subspecies causing diseases in Alnus; as are two new kickxcellalean fungi; and a new Streptopodium on papaya. Variation in and distributions of Duddingtonia flagrans and Eutypa leptoplaca genotypes are also reported.

Methods for study and assessing the occurrence of anaerobic chytridiaceous fungi in sheep and cow are presented, and used in a gut-long study of their occurrence in sheep.

The following new scientific names are introduced: Mycoëmilia and Pseudoneurospora gens. nov.; M. scoparia, Neurospora nigeriensis, N. uniporata, Phytophthora alni, Ramicandelaber brevispora, and Streptopodium caricae spp. nov.; P. alni var. multiformis, and var. uniformis vars. nov.; N. bonaerensis (syn. Gelasinospora bonaerensis), N. brevispora (sun. G. brevispora), N. caffera (syn. G. caffera), N. calospora (syn. Rosellinia calospora), N. cerealis (syn. G. cerealis), N. cratophora (syn. G. cratophora), N. dictyophora (syn. G. dictyophora), N. endodonta (syn. G. endodonta), N. fallaciosa (syn. G. fallaciosa), N. foveaconica (syn. G. foveaconica), N. goundaensis (syn. G. goundaensis), N. hapsidophora (syn. G. hapsidophora), N. heterospora (syn. G. heterospora), N. himalayensis (syn. G. himalayensis), N. hippopotama (syn. G. hippopotama), N. indica (syn. Anixiella indica), N. inversa (syn. G. inversa), N. kobi (syn. G. kobi), N. longispora (syn. G. longisporsa), N. macrospora (syn. G. macrospora), N. micropertusa (syn. A. micropertusa), N. mirabilis (syn. G. mirabilis), N. novoguineensis (syn. G. novoguineensis), N. pseudocalospora (syn. G. pseudocalospora), N. pseudoreticulata (syn. G. pseudoreticulata), N. reticulata (syn. Theilavia reticulata), N. retispora (syn. G. retispora), G. saitoi (syn. A. saitoi), N. santi-florii (syn. G. santi-florii), N. seminuda (syn. G. seminuda), N. sphaerospora (syn. A. sphaerospora), N. stellata (syn. G. stellata), N. udagawae (syn. G. udagawae), N. varians (syn. G. varians), and P. amorphoporcata (syn. G. amorphoporcata) combs. nov.; and N. tetraspora (syn. G. tetrasperma) nom. nov.

This issue of Mycological Research News features: In this issue; A new fungus genus associated with elk-urine impregnated litter; and Low cyanobiont selectivity in Antarctic lichens.

The part includes nine original papers. Tuberculina mycoparasites of rusts are shown to be part of the life-cycle of plant pathogenic Helicobasidium species. The chemistry of some smaller genera of Xylariaceae is documented, new cryptic species are reported in Daldinia, and the preservation of Rosellinia isolates compared. A revision of generic concepts in Coniella and Pilidiella is presented based on molecular phylogenetic approaches, and populations of Tuber aestivum, Letharia vulpina s. lat., and Phytophthora cactorum are compared. Finally, a major study of microfungi on fallen leaves in the tropics provides new insights on the characters of ubiquitous vs more specific fungi.

The following new scientific names are introduced in this part: Daldinia macaronesica, D. martinii, D. palmensis, D. raimundi, D. vanderguchtiae, Pilidiella destruens, P. diplodiopsis, and P. eucalyptorum spp. nov.; and P. diplodiella (syn. Phoma diplodiella), and P. petrakioidea (syn. Coniella petrakioidea) combs. nov.

This issue of Mycological Research News features: Cause of the Irish potato famine finally identified; A lichen theme; Other papers in this issue; and Pathogen introduction as a collateral effect of military activity.

The fast-tracked lead paper in this part reports the identity of the Phytophthora infestans halpotype responsible for the Irish potato famine in the 1840s.

Seven papers are collected together to make this a Lichen Theme issue. These address mating systems in Xanthoria; secondary compound production in culture in Ramalina spp.; the molecular phylogeny of Physconia spp. and the Lecanora rupicola group; molecular, morphological and ecological variation and systematics in marine Collemopsidium spp.; a revision of non-yellow Rhizocarpon spp. in Nordic countries; and new corticolous Trichothelium spp.

Other papers show that the generic name Verticillium has been misapplied and take action to maintain its current use; examine the survival of chytrid spores in stressful soils; and compare the seasonality of a Laboulbenia and its beetle host.

The following new scientific names are introduced in this part: Trichothelium angustisporum, T. caudatum, and T. kalbii spp. nov.; Acrostalagmus luteo-albus (syn. Sporotrichum luteo-album), Collemopsidium foveolatum (syn. Arthopyrenia foveolata), and C. ostrearum (syn. Lecanactis ostrearum) combs. nov.; and Lecanora rouxii (syn. Lepraria flavescens) nom. nov.

This issue of Mycological Research News features: In this issue; 2004 snapshots of AM fungi: still an endless tale …; and Host specialization and evolution in Pneumocystis.

The first paper in this number describes and experiments with a new mathematical model of hyphal growth. Molecular phylogenetic papers address the circumscription of the Agaricaceae and the population biology and relationships within Phytophthora ramorum, Phomopsis isolates from sunflower, Datronia caperata, Leptographium wingfieldii, Pandora neoaphidis, and the Penicillium brevicompactum group.

A protein toxic to locusts produced by Beauveria bassiana is reported, and the translocation of carbon in microcosms by Rhizoctonia solani described.

No new scientific names are introduced in this part.

This issue of Mycological Research News features: Resolving congruence in molecular phylogenies; Common mycorrhizal networks in forests; Soil FungiLog; Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides clues to longevity; Genomic diversity under hypersaline stress and Small scale variation in natural Neurospora populations. An obituary for Stephen T. Moss (1943–2001), President of the Society in 2001, is also included.

This issue includes 11 original papers. These test the efficacy of the relative complexity measure (RCM) in the construction of phylogenetic trees on medically important fungi; reconcile morphological with molecular data in Claviceps; identify the oilseed poppy Peronospora; describe a new sequestrate agaric genus from Australia; recognize polymorphism in the laccase genes of Heterobasidion annosum; demonstrate dsRNA mycoviruses in H. annosum; survey mycotoxins in the Gibberella fujikuroi complex on maize; study the persistence of different Pochonia chlamydosporia strains in roots; describe the development of Cladosporium tenuissimum on Uromyces appendiculatus; examine the fungi associated with southern pine bark beetle Dendroctonus frontalis; and document the behaviour of Piptoporus quercinus in culture.

The following new scientific name is introduced in this part: Barcheria willisiana gen. sp. nov.

This issue of Mycological Research News features: Standardized data on 474 fungal metabolites; Doubt over the identity of soma; Additional evidence for recombination in Candida albicans; Unexpectedly high diversity in leaf decomposition in water and Synthesys: the world's largest network of natural history institutions.

Original research papers in this part examine phosphate transfer in ectomycorrhizal fungi, phosphate efflux in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, and the diversity of AM fungi associated with aquatic plants.

The frequencies of dsRNA elements in Helicobasidium mompa and Rosellinia necatrix have been assessed, and that in H. mompa has been characterized. The separation of H. mompa from H. brebissonii is also examined.

A PCR-based detection method for Rhizoctonia solani on rice, and a genetic transformation system for use in Pochonia chlamydosporia, have been developed. Endophytic Phoma medicaginis can produce brefeldin A which inhibits some phylloplane fungi.

Molecular phylogenetic studies included an examination of Mycosphaerella species on Eucalyptus in South Africa, Aphanomyces species, ophiostomatoid fungi on pine beetles, and report a novel Leptographium. A new family and genus are described in the Glomeromycota for two species formerly referred to Glomus.

The following new scientific names are introduced in this part: Gerdemanniaceae fam. nov.; Gerdemmania gen. nov.; Letographium bistatum, Mycosphaerella fori, and Ophiostoma pulvinisporum spp. nov.; and G. chimonobambusae (syn. Glomus chimonobambusae) and G. scintillans (syn. Glomus scintillans) combs. nov.

This issue of Mycological Research News features: Corticioid basidiomycetes: unravelling the phylogeny of fungal cinderellas; Nomenclatural clarifications and new taxa in the Glomeromycota; and Ascobolus immersus spore-guns develop 3 atm pressure. An obituary of Richard W. G. Dennis is also included.

Ten research papers appear in this part. Molecular studies address basidiomycete phylogeny with new data from corticioid fungi; identify a new order of mycorrhizal heterobasidiomycetes; reassess Plasmopara and similar downy mildews; confirm the placement of a new sequestrate Lactarius; show additional Geosmithia species merit recognition; and identify a method of typing Beauveria bassiana strains. Critical studies reveal additional large-spored Daldinia species.

Root border cells produce stimulators of arbuscular mycorrhizal development, and ionizing radiation is shown to promote growth towards the radiation source.

The following new scientific names are introduced: Diversisporales, Sebacinales ords. nov.; Diversisporaceae, Pacisporaceae fams. nov; Diversispora, Protobremia gens. nov.; Daldinia dennisii, D. novaezelandiae, Geosmithia flava, and Lactarius angiocarpus spp. nov.; D. dennisii var. loculatoides, D. dennisii var. microspora vars. nov.; Diversispora spurcum (syn. Glomus spurcum), G. pallida (syn. Penicillium pallidum), Lactarius dolichocaulis (syn. Arcangeliella dolichocaulis), and P. sphaerosperma (syn. Plasmopara sphaerosperma) combs. nov.

This issue of Mycological Research News features: CBS centenary: collect, study and preserve; In this issue; The origins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae; and Diversity of fungal laccase gene sequences in salt marshes.

A review of aspects of fungal genetic resource collections and their role in the genomic age precedes papers on relationships within Pythium and the Coronophorales using molecular phylogenetic approaches. Diplodia pinea and D. scrobiculata on pines in North America are reassessed. The polygalacturonase encoding gene of Rhizopus oryzae is characterized, the kinetics of selenite uptake in Saccharomyces cerevisae are described, viability tests for Rhinosporidium seeberi endospores are assessed, and aspects of the detection of the isoepoxydon dehydrogenase gene involved in patulin biosynthesis are explored. Other papers consider fire and the availability of hypogeous fungi as animal food in Australia, interactions between scarce tooth fungi and others, Termitomyces species consumed in China, red-capped species of Russula sect. Xerampelina, and rapid detection of Mycosphaerella species on Eucalyptus.

The following new scientific names are introduced: Chaetosphaerellaceae and Scortechniaceae fams. nov.; Bertia tropicalis, Lasiobertia portoricensis, Nitschkia meniscoidea, and Termitomyces bulborhizus spp. nov.; and B. multiseptata (syn. B. moriformis var. multiseptata) comb. nov.

This issue of Mycological Research News features: An online database of names and descriptions as an alternative to registration; Enzyme dispensability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Concern over the state of Spanish mycology; Do fungal biocontrol agents pose a threat?; Convergence of invasive growth in fungi and straminipiles; and Adhesins: cell-surface proteins of adaptive value in medically important fungi.

Eleven research papers appear in this part. The Neighbour-Sensing model of hyphal growth is used to simulate colonial growth, and β-tubulin gene sequences provide an additional perspective on basidiomycete evolution. Molecular studies address variation in Serpula lacrymans in Europe, the Mycosphaerella punctiformis complex, genetic variability in Typhula incarnata; and the placement of ‘Cephalosporium caerulens’ in Sarocladium. A third part of the series on the Hygrophoraceae in the Greater Antilles is presented, and a new species of Laboulbenia with a range of morphologies is described from Brazil.

Interconidial anastomoses between Colletotrichum species from different hosts are reported and enable comparisons to be made. Studies of fungi associated with Betula pendula shoots of diseased trees are reported, as are the effects of water-stress and washing on Metarhizium anisopliae conidia.

The following new scientific names are introduced: Hygrocybe albomarginata, H. ovinoides, H. pseudoadonis, H. viridiphylla, H. zonata, Laboulbenia richardiana, and Ramularia endophylla spp. nov.; H. mycenoides (syn. Hygrophorus mycenoides), H. papillata (syn. Hygrophorus papillatus), and H. subovina (syn. Hygrophorus subovinus) combs. nov.

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.