This volumeprovides insights into current research on fungal populations, communities andtheir interactions with other organisms. It focuses on fungal responses to thephysical environment; interactions with bacteria, other fungi, invertebratesand plants; the role of fungi in ecosystem processes such as decomposition andnutrient cycling; and aspects of biogeography and conservation.

Since thepublication 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 andrevised. Several chapters deal with various applications of genomics andtranscriptomics in biological pest control, as well as interactions with otherliving systems. This is an invaluable source of information both for scientistswho wish to update their knowledge of current advances and for graduatestudents interested in obtaining a comprehensive introduction to this field ofresearch.