This contribution of Mycological Research News features: Can edible mushrooms promote sustainability in Beijing?; and Mycorrhizal fungi increase available calcium.

Molecular phylogenetic papers in this issue concern the phylogeny of Trichoderma based on a multigene approach, the molecular phylogeny of Nephroma, and monophyletic groups in Parmelia saxatilis. The synthesis and resynthesis of the lichen Baeomyces rufus has been examined molecularly and morphologically. Strains of Coniothyrium minitans are compared by morphological, physiological and molecular methods. Laccase genes from Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis, and polygalacturonases from Botrytis cinerea, have been characterized. Genetic transformation has been successfully achieved to insert markers into Clonostachys rosea, and ISSR-PCR fingerprinting used to examine the distribution of dark septate endophytes.

Three papers focus on hitherto undescribed fungi, a new genus of Harpellales on mayfly nymphs, and new species of Gaeumannomyces on Stenotaphrum and of Phytophthora on Ipomoea.

The following new scientific names are introduced: Tectimyces gen. nov.; and Gaeumannomyces wongoonoo, Phytophthora ipomoeae, T. leptophlebiidarum, and T. robustus spp. nov.