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Evidence that exposure to environmental pollutants can alter the gut microbiota composition of wildlife includes studies of rodents exposed to radionuclides.Antwis et al. (2021) used amplicon sequencing to characterise the gut microbiota of four species of rodent (Myodes glareolus, Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis and A. sylvaticus) inhabiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) to examine possible changes in gut bacteria (microbiota) and gut fungi (mycobiota) associated with exposure to radionuclides and whether the sample type (from caecum or faeces) affected the analysis.The conclusions derived from the analyses of gut mycobiota are based on data that represent a mixture of ingested fungi (e.g. edible macrofungi, polypores, lichens and ectomycorrhizae) and gut mycobiota (e.g. microfungi and yeasts), which mask the patterns of inter‐ and intraspecific variation in the authentic gut mycobiota.Implying that 'faecal samples are not an accurate indicator of gut composition' creates an unnecessary controversy about faecal sampling because the comparison of samples from the caecum and faeces confounds many other possible drivers (including different animals from different locations, sampled in different years) of variation in gut microbiota.It is relevant also that Antwis et al.'s (2021) data lack statistical power to detect an effect of exposure to radionuclides on the gut microbiota because (1) all of their samples of Apodemus mice had experienced a medium or high total absorbed dose rate and (2) they did not collect samples of bank voles (M. glareolus) from replicate contaminated and uncontaminated locations.Discussion of Antwis et al.'s (2021) analysis, especially the claims presented in the Abstract, is important to prevent controversy about the outcome of research on the biological impacts of wildlife inhabiting the CEZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and complete nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) assignments of orbifomitellic acid, a novel lanostane triterpene isolated from the fruiting bodies of a Gabonese Ganoderma orbiforme (Polyporaceae), are reported. Within the vast catalogue of lanostanes documented from Ganoderma spp., orbifomitellic acid is the first disclosing a –COOH group at C‐4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerotial powder of a cultivated species of the Tiger Milk Mushroom, Lignosus cameronensis was analysed for its nutritional components and compared against species of the same genus, Lignosus rhinocerus and Lignosus tigris. All three species have been used by indigenous tribes in Peninsular Malaysia as medicinal mushrooms. Content of carbohydrate, fibre, mineral, amino acid, palatable index, fat, ash and moisture were determined. L. cameronensis sclerotial material consists of carbohydrate (79.7%), protein (12.4%) and dietary fibre (5.4%) with low fat (1.7%) and no free sugar. It has the highest content of total carbohydrate (791 g kg−1), energy value (3,700 kcal kg−1) and calcium (0.85 g kg−1). The crude protein content (123 g kg−1) is comparable to that of L. rhinocerus with its main amino acids consisting of glutamic acid, aspartic acid and leucine. The umami index is determined to be 0.27. The total essential amino acid (45 g kg−1) is comparable to that of L. tigris. The main mineral is potassium (1.51 g kg−1) and the Na/K ratio was <0.6. Heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic were absent. L. cameronensis has the highest amount of food energy, total carbohydrate and calcium compared to those of both L. rhinocerus and L. tigris. The essential amino acids comprised almost 40% of the total amino acid content, slightly more than that reported from sclerotial powder of the L. tigris. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 9999(9999):1–6, 2019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent local species extinction and to counteract population declines, we must ensure species have access to resources they require for life. This can be done through ecological restoration where previously depleted resources are reintroduced. If the restoration is conducted as a one‐off action in a large area, it resembles a natural resource pulse, which should lead to increased abundance of individuals, accompanied possibly by increased species richness. Species–energy relationship and underlying theory enable predictions about how different features of resource pulses affect species richness.We conducted a large‐scale, controlled, randomized and replicated field experiment to study the effect of a resource addition on polypore species richness in a previously managed boreal forest landscape in Finland. We manipulated the amount and distribution of dead wood and studied the effects on polypore assemblages on added and natural dead wood during 9 years after manipulation (2004–2012).By adding dead wood, species richness grew, mainly through increasing abundances: a large amount of dead wood resulted in higher abundance, higher number and faster accumulation of species than a small amount of dead wood.For a given abundance, dead wood addition contained fewer species than natural dead wood. This is most probably because added dead wood was of low diversity and provided habitat only for a limited number of species.Species richness on natural dead wood increased substantially during the study period, and this increase was not related to the resource manipulation. Thus, habitat improvement through natural succession can occur within a relatively short time period irrespective of human intervention.Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate how the introduction of dead wood additions can strengthen polypore populations. The species taking advance of the introduced resource were primarily common species, instead of rare or red‐listed species. Thus, we recommend ensuring the natural formation of dead wood while the populations of the common species supporting ecosystem functions can be increased by adding dead wood in the landscape. We demonstrate how the introduction of dead wood additions can strengthen polypore populations. The species taking advance of the introduced resource were primarily common species, instead of rare or red‐listed species. Thus, we recommend ensuring the natural formation of dead wood while the populations of the common species supporting ecosystem functions can be increased by adding dead wood in the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: White‐rot fungi, such as Dichomitus squalens, degrade all wood components and inhabit mixed‐wood forests containing both soft‐ and hardwood species. In this study, we evaluated how D. squalens responded to the compositional differences in softwood [guaiacyl (G) lignin and higher mannan content] and hardwood [syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) lignin and higher xylan content] using semi‐natural solid cultures. Spruce (softwood) and birch (hardwood) sticks were degraded by D. squalens as measured by oxidation of the lignins using 2D‐NMR. The fungal response as measured by transcriptomics, proteomics and enzyme activities showed a partial tailoring to wood composition. Mannanolytic transcripts and proteins were more abundant in spruce cultures, while a proportionally higher xylanolytic activity was detected in birch cultures. Both wood types induced manganese peroxidases to a much higher level than laccases, but higher transcript and protein levels of the manganese peroxidases were observed on the G‐lignin rich spruce. Overall, the molecular responses demonstrated a stronger adaptation to the spruce rather than birch composition, possibly because D. squalens is mainly found degrading softwoods in nature, which supports the ability of the solid wood cultures to reflect the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petroleum, as the major energy source, is indispensable from our lives. Presence of compounds resistant to degradation can pose risks for human health and environment. Basidiomycetes have been considered as powerful candidates in biodegradation of petroleum compounds via secreting ligninolytic enzymes. In this study a wood‐decaying fungus was isolated by significant degradation ability that was identified as Daedaleopsis sp. by morphological and molecular identification methods. According to GC/MS studies, incubation of heavy crude oil with Daedaleopsis sp. resulted in increased amounts of C24 compounds. Degradation of asphaltene, anthracene, and dibenzofuran by the identified fungal strain was determined to evaluate its potential in biodegradation. After 14 days of incubation, Daedaleopsis sp. could degrade 93.7% and 91.2% of anthracene and dibenzofuran, respectively, in pH 5 and 40 °C in optimized medium, as revealed by GC/FID. Notably, analysis of saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes showed a reduction of 88.7% and 38% in asphaletene and aromatic fractions. Laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase activities were enhanced from 51.3, 145.2, 214.5 U ml−1 in the absence to 121.5, 231.4, and 352.5 U ml−1 in the presence of heavy crude oil, respectively. This is the first report that Daedaleopsis sp. can degrade asphaltene and dibenzofuran. Moreover, compared to the reported results of asphaltene biodegradation, this strain was the most successful. Thus, Daedaleopsis sp. could be a promising candidate for biotransformation of heavy crude oil and biodegradation of recalcitrant toxic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry ( MALDI- TOF MS) was used for the discrimination among wood decay fungal species of the genera Fomitopsis, Rhodofomes, Fomes and Ganoderma (Polyporaceae, Basidiomycota). For all taxa studied, distance levels as high as 400 were observed and intraspecies variability and reproducibility accounted for distance levels up to 150, indicating the applicability of this method for the identification of filamentous basidiomycete fungi. The method was found to work on in vitro mycelia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammasome‐activated caspase‐1, caspase‐11, caspase‐4, and caspase‐5 cleave GSDMD to unleash its N‐terminal gasdermin‐N domain (GSDMDNterm) that perforates the plasma membrane to execute pyroptosis and stimulate inflammation. The mechanism underlying GSDMDNterm pore formation is unclear. Mulvihill et al use high‐resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) to analyze the dynamic pore formation process of GSDMDNterm. GSDMDNterm protomers are inserted into the lipid membrane to assemble arc‐ or slit‐shaped oligomers that can incorporate additional protomers and grow into large and stable ring‐shaped oligomers to form pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retention forestry and prescribed burning aim to alleviate the negative effects of forestry on biodiversity by maintaining the structural elements of natural forests in managed forests. We present the long-term effects of these methods on polypore fungi, a taxonomic group that has been severely affected by forestry., Using a 10-year, large-scale field experiment, we studied how prescribed burning and two different tree retention levels (10 and 50 m3 ha−1) affect polypore fungi. We monitored polypore sporocarps on 2767 individually marked trees four times over the study period: in the first autumn after the treatments, and again 2, 4 and 10 years after the treatments., The number of polypore species and records initially increased rather slowly but showed a marked increasing trend towards the end of the 10-year monitoring period. After 2 years, the higher retention sites had an average 8·5 species and the low retention sites 4·5 species per site. After 4 years, the difference was 14 vs. 9 species and after 10 years 26 vs. 19 species. Red-listed species were not found often on the trunks earlier than 10 years after the treatments., Prescribed burning increased the number of polypore species and records along with time. Furthermore, 13 species favoured burned sites, while only six species favoured unburned sites, and the differences in the composition of species assemblages between burned and unburned sites were evident 10 years after the treatments., Synthesis and applications. We show, for the first time, that retention trees can host rich polypore assemblages, and even some red-listed species, and, thus, be useful in conservation of forest biodiversity outside protected areas. Higher retention levels maintain more diverse polypore assemblages. Prescribed burning increases the positive effects of retention forestry by creating substrates that are typical in the early-successional natural forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With biodiversity facing threats, there is a need to improve reserve selection procedures. However, detailed information about different biodiversity measures (e.g. species richness) at potential sites is often lacking, and selecting areas that protect most biodiversity is difficult. To simplify matters, biodiversity surrogate species, that is, species associated with higher biodiversity than average, have been used for area selection. However, consensus about the performance of the surrogate species concept is lacking, and there are few studies investigating potential differences in the effectiveness of multiple predators as surrogates for biodiversity over large spatial scales., We evaluated two avian predators, the northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis and the Ural owl Strix uralensis, as surrogates for biodiversity in the boreal forest biome in Western Finland. We used a study design including nest sites and two reference sites for each nest, the diversity of birds and wood-decaying fungi (polypores). We assessed simultaneously whether surrogacy persisted at the landscape level while moving from one vegetation zone to another., We generally found more birds and polypores around the nest sites for both goshawks and Ural owls than at their respective reference sites. However, the goshawk outperformed the Ural owl., Additionally, although biodiversity was found to decrease at the landscape scale as a result of a decrease in vegetation complexity with increasing longitude, the surrogacy efficiency of the raptors remained unchanged., Synthesis and applications. These findings suggest that the surrogate species concept applied to raptors may be an efficient addition to methods for identifying areas of conservation priority, even across vegetation zones. We conclude that protecting areas around raptor nests is a method to consider in order to halt forest biodiversity loss. Finally, sampling biodiversity along diversity and landscape gradients can improve the necessary assessment of surrogate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We surveyed the polypore species associated with living hosts in Argentina. We reviewed the literature on polypores found in Argentina and, in addition with the study of unpublished herbarium material, present a list of 87 species decaying living trees in native forests and introduced plantations. The rot type, host(s), distribution and remarks are presented for each species. Among 87 species found, 71 produce a white rot and 16 a brown rot in wood; 61 species were exclusively found on native hosts and 7 on exotic, cultivated hosts, while 18 were found on both types of substrates; one species, Amylosporus campbellii, was exclusively found associated with grasses. For most cases, there are no pathological studies based on rot measurement and culture isolation to determine incidence and severity of the decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yuchengia gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate Perenniporia narymica. It represents a monophyletic lineage within the core polyporoid clade based on sequences of the rDNA ITS and nLSU regions, and it is distinct from Perenniporia s.s. Yuchengia shares some characters with Perenniporia, both having thick-walled and cyanophilous basidiospores, but differs by having acyanophilous and amyloid skeletal hyphae dissolving in KOH, and non-dextrinoid basidiospores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new polypores ( Ceriporiopsis lavendula B. K. Cui sp. nov. and Skeletocutis inflata B. K. Cui sp. nov.) are described from the Guangdong Province in southern China. Ceriporiopsis lavendula is characterized by having resupinate basidiocarps with lavender to grayish blue pore surface and very thin to almost absent subiculum, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and oblong-ellipsoid to ellipsoid basidiospores. Moreover, it grows on wood of Castanopsis exclusively. Skeletocutis inflata is characterized by having pileate basidiocarps, smaller pores (8-10 per mm), inflated and partly dissolved skeletal hyphae in KOH. In addition, its tramal skeletal hyphae are parallel along the tubes. Identification keys to species of Ceriporiopsis and Skeletocutis occurring in China are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a research which compares the invasive ability of the North American exotic organism Heterobasidion irregulare with Italian Heterobasidion annosum. It informs that geostatistical and statistical analyses were performed to test the association between both species. It also informs that H. annosum is negatively associated with deciduous oaks while it shows a positive association with pines.

Niu-chang-chih, a medicinal polypore restricted to Taiwan on the endemic tree species Cinnamomum kanehirae, cur-rently goes by the names Antrodia cinnamomea T.T. Chang &W.N. Chou, A. camphorata (M. Zang & C.H. Su) Sheng H. Wu & al, and Taiwanofiingus camphoratus (M. Zang & C.H. Su) Sheng H. Wu & al, the latter two based on Ganoderma camphora-tum M. Zang & C.H. Su. The basidiocarps on the holotypes for the two basionyms/4n/rot//a cinnamomea and Ganoderma cam-phoratum are of niu-chang-chih. The first validly published name that was applied to this species was G. camphoratum M. Zang & C.H. Su published in 1990. However, the original type of G. camphoratum consisted of mixed material, consisting chiefly of a basidiocarp of niu-chang-chih but also of the spores of another unrelated fungus. The two elements are represented in the original description and accompanying illustrations. Later Chang & Chou (2004) lectotypifed G. camphoratum limiting it to the spores described and illustrated by Zang and Su, the only portion of the original type that Chang and Chou believed to belong in Ganoderma, and applied the name Antrodia cinnamomea Chang & Chou (1995) to niu-chang-chih. Many, however, reject Chang and Chou's conclusions and continue to apply the name Ganoderma camphoratum, and combinations based on it (i.e., Antrodia camphoratum, Taiwanofungus camphoratus), to niu-chang-chih, relegating Antrodia cinnamomea to synonymy. Based on careful examination of the type of G. camphoratum, it is concluded that the spores upon which Chang and Chou's lectotype is based are a minor admixture with the original gathering of the niu-chang-chih specimen and thus cannot serve as the lectotype for the name Ganoderma camphoratum. Ganoderma camphoratum is lectotypified here so as to exclude the spores present in the original holotype that are not from niu-chang-chih. Furthermore, since this conclusion could be subject to challenge and the species is exceptionally important medicinally and economically, we also propose to conserve the name with a conserved type that is consistent with the lectotype effected herein. An overview of the taxonomy of niu-chang-chih is also provided and a new combination, Taiwanofungus salmoneus, for a related species is effected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, split-bamboo ( Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl.) were converted to specimens for static bending strength tests (SBST) in conformity with modified ASTM D-143-94 and treated by soaking two sets differently in mechanically extracted neem ( Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seed oil at an ambient room temperature of 25 ± 2°C for 24 h (A) and 60°C for 4 h (B) with samples not treated with the oil as control. The oil-treated (soaked and heat treated) and those that were not oil-treated (control samples) were all inoculated with cultured Pycnoporus sanguineus (L. ex Fr.) Murr., incubated for 12 weeks and then subjected to SBST. Results obtained showed that Modulus of Rupture was lower for control (7941 ± 46 N cm−2) but higher for A (8954 ± 55 N cm−2) and B (8129 ± 70 N cm−2). Modulus of Elasticity was also lower for control (677 116 ± 3070 N cm−2) and higher for A (725 016 ± 3468 N cm−2) and B (724 391 ± 3204 N cm−2). Energy at maximum load, load at yield and extension at yield also followed similar trend. Data obtained were statistically analysed using basic descriptive tools and anova, while Fishers' least significant difference was applied as a follow-up test to compare means (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogeny of the poroid and hydnoid genera Antrodiella, Junghuhnia, and Steccherinum (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) was studied utilizing sequences of the gene regions ITS, nLSU, mtSSU, atp6, rpb2, and tef1. Altogether 148 taxa, represented by 549 sequences, were included in analyses. Results show that most species of these genera form a well supported clade in the Polyporales, called Steccherinaceae, along with 12 other hydnoid and poroid genera. Within the Steccherinaceae, generic concepts need to be revised: no fewer than 15 new genera are needed to accommodate existing and new species. At least 16 transitions have taken place between poroid and hydnoid hymenophore types within the Steccherinaceae, and similar plasticity can be seen in microscopic characters. Nevertheless, natural genera revealed in the analysis can mostly be characterized morphologically and, with few exceptions, poroid and hydnoid species belong to separate genera. The genus Steccherinum is shown to contain both hydnoid and poroid species. Species of the former Antrodiella belong to at least 10 genera within the Steccherinaceae. © The Willi Hennig Society 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogeny of Trametes and related genera was studied using molecular data from ribosomal markers (nLSU, ITS) and protein-coding genes (RPB1, RPB2, TEF1-alpha) and consequences for the taxonomy and nomenclature of this group were considered. Separate datasets with rDNA data only, single datasets for each of the protein-coding genes, and a combined five-marker dataset were analyzed. Molecular analyses recover a strongly supported trametoid clade that includes most of Trametes species (including the type T. suaveolens, the T. versicolor group, and mainly tropical species such as T. maxima and T. cubensis) together with species of Lenzites and Pycnoporus and Coriolopsis polyzona. Our data confirm the positions of Trametes cervina (= Trametopsis cervina) in the phlebioid clade and of Trametes trogii (= Coriolopsis trogii) outside the trametoid clade, closely related to Coriolopsis gallica. The genus Coriolopsis, as currently defined, is polyphyletic, with the type species as part of the trametoid clade and at least two additional lineages occurring in the core polyporoid clade. In view of these results the use of a single generic name (Trametes) for the trametoid clade is considered to be the best taxonomic and nomenclatural option as the morphological concept of Trametes would remain almost unchanged, few new nomenclatural combinations would be necessary, and the classification of additional species (i.e., not yet described and/or sampled for molecular data) in Trametes based on morphological characters alone will still be possible. Alternative scenarios to divide the trametoid clade in five or ten genera were considered but if any of these options were to be adopted morphological distinction of the segregated genera and the ascription of additional species to any of these genera would be very difficult and in some cases impossible. The genera Artolenzites, Coriolopsis (as currently typified), Coriolus, Cubamyces, Cyclomycetella, Lenzites, Poronidulus, Pseudotrametes and Pycnoporus are considered synonyms of Trametes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of old-growth forests and greatly reduced volumes of coarse dead wood in managed forests are the main reasons for the decline of many wood-inhabiting species in Europe and elsewhere. To assess the habitat requirements and extinction vulnerability of 13 polypore species associated mainly with spruce, their occurrences were recorded on 96 521 dead-wood objects in 331 stands along a regional gradient of forest utilization history across southern-middle boreal Finland. The substrates studied included a variety of tree species and dead-wood qualities investigated in both unmanaged and managed stands at different successional stages. Hierarchical logistic regression models were constructed to analyze the relationships between the occurrence probability of individual species and variables at the substrate, stand and regional scales. The substrate preferences of the polypore species studied overlapped, since most of them favored large-diameter spruce logs in mid-decay stages. However, only a few species were restricted to this substrate. Other species were able to use a wider range of host tree species and qualities of dead wood, including man-made substrates that are abundant in managed forests (logging residues and stumps). Species confined to logs had a significantly lower occurrence probability in regions with the longest and most intensive forest use history. Species less specialized in their resource use showed no decline or the opposite trend. Loss of threatened species is likely if the preservation of old-growth forests is not combined with conservation measures in managed forests. Increasing extraction of logging residues and stumps for biofuel may cause non-threatened species to decline by reducing substrate qualities utilized by them. The hierarchical models predicted a considerable part of the variation in Species' occurrence probabilities, and therefore provide powerful tools for setting quantitative targets for management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study regarding the impact of physical structure on fungal growth dynamics by combining a physiologically based model of fungal growth with digitized images of internal pore volume of samples of undisturbed soil with different management practices. It is investigated by measuring the pore geometries of the soil samples in chisel plow (CT) and no till (NT). Results of the study indicate the disadvantaged fungal invasion of the fragmented pore space in soils under NT.

We compared the pore morphology of an arid lands vesicular soil horizon in a disturbed and undisturbed state. This surface vesicular horizon is characterized by non-connected pores that hinder soil water infiltration and thus plays a central role in arid ecosystem hydrodynamics. Disturbance is hypothesized to result in a change in pore morphology that could alter water movement through the horizon and potentially affect ecosystem function. To test this hypothesis, we examined the pore morphology of the vesicular horizon as expressed in area, perimeter, length and width; comparisons were also made for particle size, pH, calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), electrical conductivity (EC) and the abundance and types of pores in undisturbed soils and adjacent disturbed soils within a year of disturbance. The results indicate no significant differences between treatments in chemistry, particle size or pore morphological measures within a year following disturbance. Vesicles, vughs and interstitial pores were found in vesicular horizons in both treatments and no significant differences in these parameters were found between treatments. Vesicular horizon development may be related to the geological age of the surface materials. Certain old land surfaces are perhaps more susceptible to the formation of vesicular horizons regardless of disturbance. The results suggest that soil functions dependent upon vesicular porosity, for example hydraulic conductivity, may return to a pre-disturbance condition within one year of disturbance, a finding of importance to the management of arid lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity indicator species are needed for classifying biotopes and sites for conservation, and a number of methods have been developed for determining indicator species for this purpose. Nevertheless, in addition to site classification, there is sometimes a need to define an indicator species that indicates the occurrence of another species. For example, when a species of interest (target species) is difficult to detect or identify, a reliable indicator species can function as a tool that saves time and money. We derived a method that provides a quantitative measure of the indicator power (IP) of an indicator species for the target species or any species assemblage. We calculated the measure of IP from a presence–absence matrix that covered several sites. The method provided a list of indicator species, the presence of which reliably indicated the presence of another species (e.g., a threatened or rare species in a given area). The IP of the species was highest when the number of shared occurrences between the indicator species and the target species was high and, simultaneously, when the indicator species and the target species occurred separately in only a few cases. The IP was also positively influenced by the number of sites with no occurrences of either the indicator or the target species. Our method can also be used to quantify different types of species occurrence indications. We refer to these types as presence–presence, presence–absence, absence–presence, and absence–absence indications. To clarify the use of the method, we examined the situation with red-listed polypores in White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) habitats in Fennoscandia and found some suitable indicator species. Our method provides a new, objective way to evaluate the IP of an indicator species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim We examine the genetic structure of a fungal polypore, Datronia caperata (Berk.) Ryvarden (Polyporaceae), colonizing white mangrove, Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn. f. (Combretaceae), of Central America. Location Mangrove forests of Costa Rica and Panama. Methods Sequences of elongation factor alpha (EFA), beta tubulin (BTUB) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were obtained from 54 collections of D. caperata collected from Caribbean and Pacific L. racemosa forests in Central America. Measures of haplotype and nucleotide diversity, nested clade analyses and coalescent analyses were used to estimate the direction and extent of migration of the fungus, and the factors promoting population divergence. We also conducted phylogenetic analyses using Bayesian estimation to test whether putative D. caperata collected from L. racemosa was conspecific with D. caperata colonizing other hosts from diverse Neotropical forests. Results Our results demonstrate that there is genetic isolation between D. caperata populations from Caribbean mangroves and those from Pacific mangroves. Our data suggest that the best explanation for the observed haplotype distribution is a recent range expansion from the Caribbean to the Pacific coasts, with subsequent isolation. This is supported by the infrequent overlap of haplotypes, unidirectional migration estimates from the Caribbean to the Pacific and the older estimated age of mutations in the Caribbean low-copy BTUB and EFA loci. In addition, our data suggest that D. caperata from mangroves are not conspecific with collections from other hosts found in diverse Neotropical forests. Main conclusions The low frequency of shared haplotypes between coasts, coupled with the incomplete lineage sorting after cessation of gene flow, is consistent with isolation during the last Pleistocene glaciation. We hypothesize that the greater haplotype and nucleotide diversity in the Pacific occurs either because larger effective population sizes of D. caperata are maintained in Pacific mangroves or because D . caperata populations underwent a significant bottleneck as a result of local extinction followed by recolonization. In addition, we found that D. caperata found on L. racemosa was not conspecific with D. caperata from non-mangrove hosts and suggest that D. caperata found on L. racemosa may be a host specialist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Wood-decaying fungi are ubiquitous and functionally important organisms within forest ecosystems world-wide, but remarkably little is known of their population dynamics in relation to the dynamics of their host substrates. Living in transient environments, where local extinctions are caused by gradual substrate (patch) destruction or deterioration due to wood decomposition, the long-term persistence of these species requires successful colonization of new patches. 2. During a 6-year period, we examined the colonization–extinction dynamics of wood-decaying fungi ( Aphyllophorales: Polyporaceae and Corticiaceae) in relation to the spatiotemporal distribution of host logs within a boreal old-growth Norway spruce ( Picea abies) forest. 3. The dynamics of the species studied were strongly influenced by both local log characteristics (within patch) and connectivity (between patch). Several species (e.g. Asterodon ferruginosus, Phellinus ferrugineofuscus, P. viticola, Phlebia centrifuga) showed a positive effect of connectivity, mainly colonizing logs in the vicinity of previously occupied logs. This implies that some wood-decaying fungi may be dispersal limited in terms of successful colonizations. The relative importance of patch conditions and connectivity was however, highly species specific. 4. Our results further illustrate the importance of life-strategies adopted by species that are present during different stages of wood decomposition. Early colonizers were primarily affected by the stage of decomposition; secondary colonizers were affected by a variety of within patch and/or between patch variables, maintaining high species coexistence within intermediate stages of decay. Phellinus nigrolimitatus was the dominant polyporous decayer at the final stages of decomposition, clearly gaining a competitive advantage from specializing on highly decomposed wood and having very low mean annual mortality rates. 5. Local extinction rates were higher on small diameter logs than large diameter logs, and generally increased as decay proceeded, illustrating the importance of deterministic patch destruction due to wood decomposition. 6. Synthesis. The fungi-log study system was highly dynamic, illustrating that both characteristics and spatiotemporal availability of logs are important in explaining the distribution patterns and population dynamics of wood-decaying fungal communities. The result implies that the dynamics of some wood-decaying fungi can be characterized as patch-tracking metapopulations, with connectivity-dependent colonizations and local extinctions caused by the turnover of the patches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-five Norway spruce, Picea abies, clones from Sweden were tested for resistance to Heterobasidion parviporum. Rooted cuttings of the clones were planted in Italy and Greece and cultivated for two growing seasons before inoculation with H. parviporum. Extent of infection was determined 6 weeks later. The results were compared to those of earlier inoculations in Sweden. Plant growth traits were under strong genetic control in all locations with broad sense heritability estimates between 0.14 and 0.54. Lesion and fungal extension heritabilities were moderate, H2 ranged from 0.09 to 0.20, and exhibited rather large genetic variation. There was significant genotypic correlation between Italy and Greece with respect to both lesions and fungal extension. No such correlations were found between Sweden and the two other countries. The lack of repeatability in testing susceptibility is unsatisfactory. It could be explained by C-effects associated with propagation of the host plants. Height growth correlated significantly and positively among all countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monoterpene composition of Picea abies and Abies alba resin was analysed in relation to growth by Heterobasidion spp. Fifteen-year-old P. abies and A. alba trees were inoculated on branches with three species of Heterobasidion annosum s.l. After 4 months of incubation, each host was colonized to a significantly greater degree by the pathogen specific to that host ( H. parviporum on P. abies, H. abietinum on A. alba) than by the other fungi. Analysis of the enantiomeric monoterpene profiles in the spruce and fir showed that the response in terms of the relative proportions of the monoterpene compounds in the resin differed between tree species. Following challenge with Heterobasidion spp., A. alba trees did not show changes in monoterpene composition in addition to those in the wounding response (increase in (−)- α-pinene and (−)-camphene, and decrease in β-phellandrene). In P.abies, (−)- α-pinene, (+)- α-pinene and δ-3-carene increased following Heterobasidion attack but not after wounding alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial distribution of Heterobasidion genets over a period of ca 50 years in two successive generations of Norway spruce ( Picea abies) was unravelled. The genets were first identified in 1993 in a naturally regenerated 43-year-old spruce stand that had been thinned the previous winter. Heterobasidion parviporum was found in 17.5% of the old stumps of the previous spruce generation. Nine genets were identified on the study plot; seven of them were present in old stumps of the previous tree generation and two only in the new spruce generation. Eighteen spruce trees of the new generation were infected, 15 of them by vegetative growth of genets originating from the old stumps. The study plot was investigated again in 2005. No new genets had been established after thinning, and three old genets had died out. The remaining genets had infected five new trees, most likely from the thinning stumps of diseased trees. At the age of 56 years, 16.1% of the residual spruces were infected by Heterobasidion. The results of this study suggest that if spore infection to stumps of spruce can be prevented, the decay frequency caused by H. parviporum will not necessarily increase in successive generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of fenestrate bryozoan species were named in ‘A Synopsis of the Characters of the Carboniferous Limestone Fossils of Ireland’ by Frederick M‘Coy (1844). At the same time, M‘Coy named the bryozoan genera Ichthyorachis, Ptylopora and Polypora, each of which by monotypy or by subsequent designation was based on new species within that work. Subsequently, d’ Orbigny (1849) named Fenestrellina with the type species Fenestella crassa M‘Coy, 1844 as type species; Miller (1961) named Parafenestella with the type species Fenestella formosa M‘Coy, 1844 as type species; and Wyse Jackson (1988) named Baculopora with the type species Vincularia megastoma M‘Coy, 1844. We re-describe here in more detail than previously the fenestrate type species originally published in M‘Coy (1844), provide diagnoses of the genera, and compare the nineteenth century genera with more recently named genera that have been discriminated specifically from them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats results in small species populations that face increased risk of extinction. A time delay may be involved in the regional extinction of species, and the number of species that eventually may go extinct in the future is called the“extinction debt.” In boreal Sweden, we examined whether the number of epiphytic crustose lichens and wood-inhabiting fungi in old-growth forest remnants diverges from species richness levels in forest patches that have been naturally isolated for millennia. An excess of species in forest remnants could indicate the presence of an extinction debt. Observed species richness in 32 old-growth forest remnants (also called woodland key habitats[WKHs]) was compared with predicted species richness. To predict species richness we used regression models based on data from 46 isolated old-growth forest patches in a forest-wetland matrix. The reference landscape is ancient and assumed to reflect the conditions of insular floras in dynamic equilibrium. Stand factors constituted predictive variables in the models. The observed number of lichen species was higher than expected (i.e., an extinction debt among lichens may exist). By contrast, there was no significant difference between observed and expected species richness among wood-inhabiting fungi. The species richness of wood-inhabiting fungi has adjusted to the changes in forest and landscape structure more rapidly than the species richness of lichens. Differences in substrate dynamics between epiphytes on living trees and species growing on decaying logs might explain the difference between species groups. The results also indicate that population densities of red-listed species were low, which may result in continuing extinctions of red-listed species. The importance of WKHs might be overvalued because species may be lost if conservation efforts consider only protection and preservation of WKHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of a native isolate ofPhlebiopsis giganteain protecting the stumps ofPinus pineaagainst spore infection byHeterobasidion annosums.str. was investigated. In preliminary tests carried out in stem pieces ofP. pineain confined environment, the efficacy of the isolate was compared with Rotstop®, the commercial formulation prepared from a north EuropeanP. giganteastrain. Both showed a fully protective effect against artificial inoculation ofH. annosum. Moreover, in stump treatment experiments carried out in a coastalP. pineaforest close to Rome, the nativeP. giganteawas effective against heavy airborne inoculum ofH. annosum. Some natural infection byP. giganteaoccurred in the stumps, but it was unable to control the pathogen. Random amplified microsatellite analysis allowed to recognize the presence of differentP. giganteastrains in the forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Fungivorous insects are generally viewed as polyphagous, largely because most fungal fruiting bodies constitute an unpredictable resource. To examine the validity of this hypothesis, and degree of phylogenetic relatedness between the preferred hosts of the insects, host selection in the insect fauna of bracket fungi was studied, using data obtained both from the field and the literature. 2. More than half (53%) of the insect species breeding in them appeared to be monophagous. 3. Modern phylogenies explained the host selection patterns better than older classifications, since non-monophagous species of beetles frequently used hosts that are closely related to each other. 4. The hypothesis that polyphagous species use more heavily decayed fruiting bodies than monophagous species was verified for insects breeding in Fomes fomentarius. The results indicate that the chemical composition of the fungi influences host selection. 5. it is suggested that fruiting bodies of bracket fungi differ from most other fungi in that their occurrence is more predictable. Therefore, the primary colonising fungivores generally attack only one host species, or a few hosts that are closely phylogenetically related. Polyphagous species generally colonise fruiting bodies after they have reached a certain stage of decay, thus escaping their chemical defence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our novel strategy for the rational design of immobilized derivatives (RDID) is directed to predict the behavior of the protein immobilized derivative before its synthesis, by the usage of mathematic algorithms and bioinformatics tools. However, this approach needs to be validated for each target enzyme. The objective of this work was to validate the RDID strategy for covalent immobilization of the enzyme laccase from Trametes maxima MUCL 44155 on glyoxyl- and monoaminoethyl-N-aminoethyl (MANA)-Sepharose CL 4B supports. Protein surface clusters, more probable configurations of the protein-supports systems at immobilization pHs, immobilized enzyme activity, and protein load were predicted by RDID 1.0 software. Afterward, immobilization was performed and predictions were experimentally confirmed. As a result, the laccase-MANA-Sepharose CL 4B immobilized derivative is better than laccase-glyoxyl-Sepharose CL 4B in predicted immobilized derivative activity (63.6% vs. 29.5%). Activity prediction was confirmed by an experimentally expressed enzymatic activity of 68%, using 2,6-dimethoxyphenol as substrate. Experimental maximum protein load matches the estimated value (11.2 ± 1.3 vs. 12.1 protein mg/support mL). The laccase-MANA-Sepharose CL 4B biocatalyst has a high specificity for the acid blue 62 colorant. The results obtained in this work suggest the possibility of using this biocatalyst for wastewater treatment., (© 2021 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

Ratios of nuclear genotypes observed in conidia from heterokaryotic stains of Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref., obtained from pairings between sympatrically derived, sub-related and non-sib-related homokaryons, commonly deviated from 1:1. Ratios were temporally stable, and the genotypes examined could be ranked in a strict dominance hierarchy, linked both to the relatedness of the association partners and to the growth rates of the parental homokaryons. Parental homokaryons and sib-related heterokaryons produced conidia with a mean number of nuclei of about tow, whereas non-sib-related heterokaryons produced condida that were predominantly uninucleate. Moreover, whereas conidia containing more than one nucleus germinated most rapidly when derived from homokaryons or sib-related heterokaryons, uninucleate conidia germinated more readily if derived from non-sib-related heterokaryons. In a study of naturally occurring heterokaryons, distribution patterns of the number of nuclei in conidia were found to be similar to those of the homokaryons, The possible interpretation of these findings in terms of inter-nuclear genomic conflict is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of crystals was observed on hyphae and in the medium during in vitro investigations of antagonistic interrelationships between Heterobasidion annosum and 16 other fungi. In monocultures only Calciumoxalate was found. A crystalline organic compound was produced by Heterobasidion annosum on its hyphae, only in the presence of an antagonist. The compound was characterized spectrometrically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection of Pinus contorta and Picea sitchensis stumps by basidiospores of Heterobasidion annosum is extremely variable, both within and between sites, but in general P. sitchensis stumps are less susceptible than those of P. contorta. Measurement of the cross-sectional area occupied by H. annosum on each stump provides a more sensitive test of species susceptibility than assessment of the proportion of stumps infected. P. sitchensis stumps become infected on a variety of soils but there is evidence to suggest that infection may be reduced by high rainfall. in some infected stamps, H. annosum is confined to the lower stump tissues. Its absence from the upper portion of the stump may be due to replacement by other micro-organisms or, alternatively, physical conditions in the upper stump tissues may prevent its continued survival after infection has taken place. In both species, but more commonly in P. sitchensis, some stumps remain alive for at least two years after felling, particularly on peat soils, due to the presence of root grafts with neighbouring trees. Results for P. sitchensis suggest that infection occurs more readily in living stumps than in those which die rapidly after felling. The viability of H. annosum basidiospore suspensions can be determined more accurately and more rapidly on a selective agar medium than on conifer stem sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on tolerance of Fomes annosus isolates to pine oleoresins and pinosylvins. Ten Fomes annosus isolates from pine and ten from non-pine-hosts were subjected to the volatile components of pine oleoresin and to various concentrations of pinosylvin (PM) and pinosylvin monomethyl (PMS) ether. Both the volatiles and the PS and PMS significantly reduced growth rate compared with controls. However, no detectable difference existed between the two groups of Fomes annosus isolates in their reactions to the substances tested.

The article focuses on some physiological and ecological experiments with Polyporus annosus Fr. The experiments were carried out to ascertain the conditions of growth best suited to the cultivation of P. annosus in the laboratory, and to compare these optimum conditions with those in which the fungus is found in nature. Also, by cultivating the fungus in a number of extracts of soil and litter taken from various sites in Sweden, the authors endeavoured to contribute something towards finding, by reproducing natural conditions as closely as possible, a solution to the problem of its selective occurrence in some environments. To verify and extend this hypothesis a number of experiments were undertaken to test its interaction with other fungi and bacteria under varying experimental conditions after the methods used by the above mentioned authors. From earlier investigations it is known that P. annosus is able to inhibit other micro-organisms in agar tests. By using the agar plug method it was possible to prove an inhibition zone for several bacteria. Also in nutrient solutions, in which P. annosus was grown, inhibiting compounds were produced. Both fungi and bacteria were strongly inhibited by such solutions. The inhibition zone was considerably larger when a solution containing litter extract was tested than in the same test made with a solution, containing only synthetic materials.

Several substances including indole-3-acetic acid actively induce laccase formation in cultures of Polyporus versicolor and Marasmius scorodonius. Reference is made to recent work showing that IAA induces the formation of ascorbic oxidase and peroxidase in some green plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of laccase in cultures of Polyporus versicolor Fr. has been the object of continued studies. Laccase is produced in media rich in organic nutrients like malt and yeast extracts, various peptones etc., where no specific enzyme inducers have been added. It is suggested that laccase is freely synthesized because the building stones of enzymes (amino acids) are present in ample amounts in such media. Analogies with the formation of some other enzymes are pointed out. Laccase formation is also induced by a number of specific substances, which may or may not function as enzyme substrates. It is shown that some easily oxidized substrates such as hydroquinone or p-phenylene diamine induce enzyme formation only very slightly, whereas certain substituted phenols and amines are very efficient as enzyme inducers, o-tolnidine being the most active compound found. With p-cresol, the influence of concentration of the inducer and rate of enzyme formation has been studied. A certain amount of laecase is produced even if growth is suppressed entirely. The maximum laecase production takes place, if growth is partially but not completely inhibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postia cana sp. nov. is described as new based on four specimens collected on spruce in Lishan Nature Reserve, Shanxi Province, northern China. The new species is similar to P. tephroleuca, but differs by an upper surface with a clay pink tint when fresh, discoloring to grey or dark grey and becoming coarsely strigose on drying. Additionally, 104 other species of polypores were identified from the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural durability of wood species, defined as their inherent resistance to wood-destroying agents, is a complex phenomenon depending on many biotic and abiotic factors. Besides the presence of recalcitrant polymers, the presence of compounds with antimicrobial properties is known to be important to explain wood durability. Based on the advancement in our understanding of fungal detoxification systems, a reverse chemical ecology approach was proposed to explore wood natural durability using fungal glutathione transferases. A set of six glutathione transferases from the white-rot Trametes versicolor were used as targets to test wood extracts from seventeen French Guiana neotropical species. Fluorescent thermal shift assays quantified interactions between fungal glutathione transferases and these extracts. From these data, a model combining this approach and wood density significantly predicts the wood natural durability of the species tested previously using long-term soil bed tests. Overall, our findings confirm that detoxification systems could be used to explore the chemical environment encountered by wood-decaying fungi and also wood natural durability., (© 2020 The Authors. Microbial Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Applied Microbiology.)

Ten, creosote treated, Douglas-fir poles infected with Poria carbonica at the ground line zone were inoculated artificially with Scytalidium sp. FY strain in January 1967. FY became established in the poles. One pole was set aside for comprehensive sampling and thirty-six samples were taken from the ground line zone of it seven years later (January 1974). One sample yielded live FY, 2 samples yielded bacteria, 9 samples showed scanty fungal growth and 24 samples yielded no microorganisms. None of the 36 samples showed advanced decay or Poria carbonica. These observations are consistent with the mechanical condition of the wood in the other 9 poles inoculated with FY after decay had begun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood‐decay fungi are important in forest ecosystems and play an important role in nutrient and carbon recycling. The scope of this research was to identify wood‐inhabiting and wood‐decay macrofungi and determine their ecology. We sampled standing trees and dead wood of oak and hornbeam in the northern forests of Iran, specifically in Mazandaran and Golestan provinces. We assessed the influence of field slope, elevation, site direction and the height of fungal sporocarp position on the tree. The species of wood‐inhabiting and wood‐decay fungi belonged to 11 families: Polyporaceae; Stereaceae; Ganodermataceae; Physalacriaceae; Agaricaceae; Xylariaceae; Pluteaceae; Coprinaceae; Strophariaceae; Pleurotaceae; and Hydnaceae. The most common fungal species identified belonged to the Polyporaceae and Ganodermataceae and predominantly grew on trees growing on a slope of 20%, at an altitude of 700–900 m, 0–3 m from the ground a southwesterly site direction and the northern sides of both tree species. These results indicated that field slope was the most important factor in determining fungal sporocarp abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the proposed nomenclature of the polypore fungus Niu-chang-chih which is endemic to Taiwan. It informs that the fungi bears dual nomenclature, one with the basionym Ganoderma camphoratum and the other based on Antrodia cinnamomea. The article discusses the proposed conservation of the name Ganoderma camphoratum for Niu-chang-chih.