This issue of Mycological Research News features a new Phytophthora linked to sudden deaths of oaks, a re-examination of the phylogeny of Agaricales, and permanent microscopic preparations. Editorial News covers fast-track (3–4 month) publication in the journal, the inclusion of sequence alignments in papers, and temporary contact details for the Executive Editor.

This month's Mycological Research includes fifteen papers. Molecular studies concern the detection and relationship of glomalean mycorrhizal fungi, the recognition of an additional order of ascomycetes (Agyriales), the identification of dark septate endophytic fungi (by inter-sequence-repeat-anchored PCR), the systematics of Paraphaeosphaeria, and variability in Cryphonectria cubensis on Eucalyptus, Pythium irregulare from selected crops, Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 1A isolates from rice, and Uromyces pisi s. lat. on Euphorbia.

The biocontrol potential of fungi against Colletotrichum musae on banana, and of Epicoccum purpurascens and its metabolites against Sclerotinia head rot of sunflowers have been assessed. The polygalacturonase activity of different Fusarium species from Pinus is studied, and the ability of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi from Woollsia pungens and of Hymenoscyphus spp. to grow on different amino acids compared. A mathematical model for predicting intraspecific competition outcomes is evaluated experimentally using two Coprinus species.

The ultrastructure of Tubakia dryina is documented, and notes on Cresporhaphis are presented with a key to the known species. One new species is described: Cresporhaphis ulmi sp. nov.