18th Congress of the International Society for Mushroom Science - Beijing, Aug 26-30, 2012

The Congress of the International Society for Mushroom Science is a regular forum for the world's mushroom researchers to exchange research results and development activities across all segments of the mushroom industry and promote international communication and cooperation. An executive committee consisting of representatives from different regions of the world gives guidance to the conference planners. Being the top international conference for the mushroom research community and the industry at large, seventeen congresses have been held in different countries since its launch in 1950.

ISMS 2012 Website: http://www.isms2012.com/index.html

Program Highlights:

August 26, 2012	Registration
August 27, 2012	Opening Ceremony, Keynote Speeches, and Forums
August 28, 2012	Forums
August 29, 2012	Professional visit in Tongzhou District
August 30, 2012	Forums, and Closing Ceremony

Ginkgo trees to symbolise Canberra-Beijing connection

Posted Wed Jun 10, 2009 4:50pm AEST

ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope and the Chinese Ambassador Zhang Junsai have planted three iconic Chinese trees at the Canberra Arboretum.

Mr Stanhope says more than 1,600 ginkgo biloba trees will be planted as a symbol of Canberra's relationship with its sister city, Beijing.

"By next year a forest of ginkgo will be thriving here, one of the largest forests to be established in the Arboretum and a fitting marker of the 10th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Canberra and Beijing," he said.

The ginkgo biloba tree is a slow-growing, deciduous conifer, and is the sole survivor of a family of trees which first appeared about 20 million years ago.
Mr Stanhope says the trees will be planted in a grid to resemble Beijing landmark, the Forbidden City.

"With its trademark maidenhair foliage and its vivid autumn yellow, the ginkgo will occupy a prominent position in the Arboretum's central valley," he said.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/10/2594635.htm