Fungi are crucial for the functioning of all ecosystems on the planet, and are researched on all of Earth’s continents. Their importance in seas, oceans and freshwater ecosytems is becoming increasingly apparent too.
To celebrate UK Fungus Day 2023, the BMS hosted a seminar of twelve international speakers who gave talks about fungi from all continents. Talks were delivered online in 3 sessions across world time zones. The seminar was created and chaired by Prof Lynne Boddy, University of Cardiff.
Session 1
- Aquatic fungi - Sally Fryar, Australia
- What is the world distribution of wood decay by fungi? Implications for climate change - Yu Fukasawa, Japan
- Two decades of lichen research in Thailand - Ek Sangvichien, Thailand
- Fungi diversity and importance in Benin Republic - Bernice Bancole, Republic of Benin
Session 2
- Africa’s mushrooms: their cultural and socioeconomic significance towards the continent’s sustainable development - Nailoke Kadhila, Namibia
- Mapping underground mycorrhizal networks - Bethan Manley, UK and USA
- Home is where the heart rot is - Lynne Boddy, UK
- Polar mycology - Kevin Newsham, UK
Session 3
- Tropical mycology: good, bad and beautiful - D Jean Lodge, USA
- The biology behind the Zombie-ant fungi - Joâo Araújo, USA
- Don't forget about the single cells: Yeast ecology in forest environments - Primrose Boynton, USA
- Fungal diseases of food plants - Silvia Restrepo, Colombia