Fungal friends and foes

The Australian Society for Microbiology does not have a strong representation of non-medical mycologists within its membership, although mycology has always been well represented in the clinical arena. Mycologists interested in plant pathology are more likely to be active in the Australasian Plant Pathology Society, those whose interests lie in natural ecosystems are members of the Australasian Mycological Society, and those interested in the compounds produced by fungi may belong to the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. There is, perhaps, scope for greater interaction between ASM and some of these other organisations.