Melbourne approves a new CODE

The 18th International Botanical Congress, held in Melbourne, Australia, during July 2011, ratified several sweeping changes that will affect fungal nomenclature for years to come. Proposals to amend the Vienna Code were approved by the Nomenclature Section during the first week (July 18-22) and ratified by the entire IBC on the final day (July 30). Of particular interest to mycologists are a new title (International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants), radical modification of Article 59 establishing the principle of 'one fungus : one name', valid publication using English descriptions or diagnoses and effective electronic publication (both effective on January 1, 2012), required deposition of fungal names in a recognized repository, clarification of the orthography and typification of sanctioned names, exclusion of microsporidians and other organisms treated in other Codes, and recommendations regarding designation of type cultures. Acceptance of recommendations of the Nomenclature Committee for Fungi and new appointments are also briefly discussed.