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True morels (Morchella spp.) are renowned for their aroma and taste, and hot air drying is widely used to extend the shelf life of harvested morels. However, the effects of different drying temperatures on volatile flavor compounds and non-volatile metabolites in the morel are poorly understood. Here, fresh morels (Morchella sextelata) were air-dried at low (45 °C, LT), medium (55 °C, MT), and high temperatures (65 °C, HT). The volatile flavor compounds and non-volatile metabolites were analyzed using GC-IMS and LC-MS/MS, respectively. The GC-IMS revealed that aldehydes, hydrocarbons, and pyrazines increased at greater temperatures, while acids, alcohols, and esters decreased. Random forest machine learning indicated that 1-hexanol and ethyl 3-methylbutanoate were indicative flavor compounds at LTs, while those at MTs and HTs were hexanal and valeraldehyde, respectively. Greater temperatures reduced acetic acid, an unpleasant sour flavor. The LC-MS/MS showed that the relative abundance of amino acids and nucleotides increased with the temperature, with the same trend in 5′-nucleotides and flavor amino acids. Sorbitol 6-phosphate was indicative of the non-volatile metabolites at LTs, while several amino acids were indicative at MTs and HTs. This study revealed the flavor and taste characteristics of morels dried at different temperatures, providing a theoretical reference for establishing a standardized postharvest morel drying process and maintaining morel quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During March-April 2023, a total of 51 persons reported mild to severe gastrointestinal illness after eating at restaurant A in Bozeman, Montana. The outbreak resulted in multiple severe outcomes, including three hospitalizations and two deaths. After an inspection and temporary restaurant closure, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and Montana's Gallatin City-County Health Department collaborated with CDC to conduct a matched case-control study among restaurant patrons to help identify the source of the outbreak. Consumption of morel mushrooms, which are generally considered edible, was strongly associated with gastrointestinal illness. A dose-response relationship was identified, and consumption of raw morel mushrooms was more strongly associated with illness than was consumption of those that were at least partially cooked. In response to the outbreak, educational public messaging regarding morel mushroom preparation and safety was shared through multiple media sources. The investigation highlights the importance of prompt cross-agency communication and collaboration, the utility of epidemiologic studies in foodborne disease outbreak investigations, and the need for additional research about the impact of morel mushroom consumption on human health. Although the toxins in morel mushrooms that might cause illness are not fully understood, proper preparation procedures, including thorough cooking, might help to limit adverse health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

True morels (Morchella spp.) are renowned for their aroma and taste, and hot air drying is widely used to extend the shelf life of harvested morels. However, the effects of different drying temperatures on volatile flavor compounds and non-volatile metabolites in the morel are poorly understood. Here, fresh morels (Morchella sextelata) were air-dried at low (45 °C, LT), medium (55 °C, MT), and high temperatures (65 °C, HT). The volatile flavor compounds and non-volatile metabolites were analyzed using GC-IMS and LC-MS/MS, respectively. The GC-IMS revealed that aldehydes, hydrocarbons, and pyrazines increased at greater temperatures, while acids, alcohols, and esters decreased. Random forest machine learning indicated that 1-hexanol and ethyl 3-methylbutanoate were indicative flavor compounds at LTs, while those at MTs and HTs were hexanal and valeraldehyde, respectively. Greater temperatures reduced acetic acid, an unpleasant sour flavor. The LC-MS/MS showed that the relative abundance of amino acids and nucleotides increased with the temperature, with the same trend in 5′-nucleotides and flavor amino acids. Sorbitol 6-phosphate was indicative of the non-volatile metabolites at LTs, while several amino acids were indicative at MTs and HTs. This study revealed the flavor and taste characteristics of morels dried at different temperatures, providing a theoretical reference for establishing a standardized postharvest morel drying process and maintaining morel quality.

Morels are one of the most highly prized edible and medicinal mushrooms worldwide. Therefore, historically, there has been a large international interest in their cultivation. Numerous ecological, physiological, genetic, taxonomic, and mycochemical studies have been previously developed. At the beginning of this century, China finally achieved artificial cultivation and started a high-scale commercial development in 2012. Due to its international interest, its cultivation scale and area expanded rapidly in this country. However, along with the massive industrial scale, a number of challenges, including the maintenance of steady economic profits, arise. In order to contribute to the solution of these challenges, formal research studying selection, species recognition, strain aging, mating type structure, life cycle, nutrient metabolism, growth and development, and multi-omics has recently been boosted. This paper focuses on discussing current morel cultivation technologies, the industrial status of cultivation in China, and the relevance of basic biological research, including, e.g., the study of strain characteristics, species breeding, mating type structure, and microbial interactions. The main challenges related to the morel cultivation industry on a large scale are also analyzed. It is expected that this review will promote a steady global development of the morel industry based on permanent and robust basic scientific knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ascomycetes in the genus Morchella (commonly called morels) have a considerable economic and biotechnological value for their culinary and medicinal proprieties. However, their biotechnological interest is not limited to the fruiting body cultivation, but also in mycelial production to obtain bioactive compounds and other biotech products. In order to better exploit the biotechnological potentialities of morels it is necessary to improve the knowledge on their biology and mycelial characteristics. In this paper morphological and growth characteristics of mycelia, as well as biomass formation of Italian collections of five edible medicinal Morchella species [M. esculenta (L.) Pers., M. dunalii Boud., M. importuna M. Kuo, O'Donnell & T.J. Volk, M. disparilis Loizides & P.-A. Moreau and M. purpurascens (Krombh. ex Boud.) Jacquet.] are presented.

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) India, harbours a rich diversity of mushrooms, but sporadic work has been carried out till date to explore the morel mushroom diversity. Besides, only a few morel species have been identified based on classical taxonomic studies, and taxonomic confusion exists regarding the differentiation and classification of morel mushrooms. Keeping this in mind, the present research aimed to analyse the geographical distribution and taxonomic revision of true morels from North Kashmir using modern phylogenetic tree analysis along with classical phenetic approaches. In this study, 11 collections of true morels, identified as Morchella esculenta, Morchella crassipes, Morchella vulgaris, Morchella tridentina, Morchella elata and Morchella kaibabensis, were found widely distributed in 16 sampling study sites. The true morels were found to be extensively distributed in the Kupwara district, followed by Baramulla, but were less common in the Bandipora district, J&K. To the best of our knowledge, the documented species M. vulgaris, M. tridentina and M. kaibabensis have not been recorded earlier from the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Wild edible mushrooms (WEM) are economically significant and used in traditional medicines worldwide. The region of Jammu and Kashmir (Western Himalayas) is enriched with the diversity of edible mushrooms, collected by the rural people for food and income generation. This is the first detailed study on diversity and ethno-medicinal uses of mushrooms from the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Methods Consecutive surveys were conducted to record ethnomycological diversity and socio-economic importance of wild edible mushrooms value chain in rural areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir during 2015–2019. Ethnomycological data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire having a set of questions on indigenous mycological knowledge and collection and retailing of wild edible mushrooms. A total of 923 informants from the study area provided the results identifying the gender, type of mushroom species, medicinal uses, and marketing of mushrooms. Diversity of mushrooms was studied by using quadrat and transect methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) were also applied to the dataset to analyse the relationship between species distribution, the underlying environmental factors, and habitat types. PCA identified the major species-specific to the sites and put them close to the sites of distribution. Results A total of 131 mushroom species were collected and identified during 2015–2019 from the study area. Ninety-seven species of mushrooms were reported new to the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The dominant mushroom family was Russulaceae with 23 species followed by Agaricaceae, 16 species. Major mushroom species identified and grouped by the PCA were Coprinus comatus, Lactarius sanguifluus, Amanita fulva, Armillaria gallica, Lycoperdon perlatum, Lycoperdon pyriforme, and Russula creminicolor. Sparassis crispa, Pleurotus sp, and Laetiporus sulphureus were recorded most edible and medicinally significant fungi. Morels were also expensive and medicinally important among all harvested macro-fungal species. These were reported to use against common ailments and various health problems. Conclusions Collection and retailing of WEM contribute to improving the socio-economic status, providing alternative employment and food security to rural people of the area. These mushrooms are used as a source of food and traditional medicines among the rural informants and could be used as a potential source of antibacterial and anticancer drugs in the future.

Morels are valuable mushrooms being used as foods and medical substances for a long history. The commonly cultivated morel species include M. eximia, M. importuna, and M. sextelata in China, M. conica and M. esculenta in the US. Morels' nutritional profile mainly consists of carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and organic acids, which are also responsible for its complex sensory attributes and health benefits. The bioactive compounds in morels including polysaccharides, phenolics, tocopherols, and ergosterols contribute to the anti-oxidative abilities, anti-inflammation, immunoprotection, gut health preservation, and anti-cancer abilities. This review depicted on the cultivation of morels, major bioactive compounds of different morel species both from fruit bodies and mycelia, and their health benefits to provide a comprehensive understanding of morels and support the future research and applications of morels as high-value functional food sources.

The ascomycetes in the genus Morchella (commonly called morels) have a considerable economic and biotechnological value for their culinary and medicinal proprieties. However, their biotechnological interest is not limited to the fruiting body cultivation, but also in mycelial production to obtain bioactive compounds and other biotech products. In order to better exploit the biotechnological potentialities of morels it is necessary to improve the knowledge on their biology and mycelial characteristics. In this paper morphological and growth characteristics of mycelia, as well as biomass formation of Italian collections of five edible medicinal Morchella species [M. esculenta (L.) Pers., M. dunalii Boud., M. importuna M. Kuo, O'Donnell & T.J. Volk, M. disparilis Loizides & P.-A. Moreau and M. purpurascens (Krombh. ex Boud.) Jacquet.] are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morels are one of the most highly prized edible and medicinal mushrooms worldwide. Therefore, historically, there has been a large international interest in their cultivation. Numerous ecological, physiological, genetic, taxonomic, and mycochemical studies have been previously developed. At the beginning of this century, China finally achieved artificial cultivation and started a high-scale commercial development in 2012. Due to its international interest, its cultivation scale and area expanded rapidly in this country. However, along with the massive industrial scale, a number of challenges, including the maintenance of steady economic profits, arise. In order to contribute to the solution of these challenges, formal research studying selection, species recognition, strain aging, mating type structure, life cycle, nutrient metabolism, growth and development, and multi-omics has recently been boosted. This paper focuses on discussing current morel cultivation technologies, the industrial status of cultivation in China, and the relevance of basic biological research, including, e.g., the study of strain characteristics, species breeding, mating type structure, and microbial interactions. The main challenges related to the morel cultivation industry on a large scale are also analyzed. It is expected that this review will promote a steady global development of the morel industry based on permanent and robust basic scientific knowledge.

Morels are highly prized edible fungi where sexual reproduction is essential for fruiting-body production. As a result, a comprehensive understanding of their sexual reproduction is of great interest. Central to this is the identification of the reproductive strategies used by morels. Sexual reproduction in fungi is controlled by mating-type (MAT) genes and morels are thought to be mainly heterothallic with two idiomorphs, MAT1-1 and MAT1-2. Genomic sequencing of black (Elata clade) and yellow (Esculenta clade) morel species has led to the development of PCR primers designed to amplify genes from the two idiomorphs for rapid genotyping of isolates from these two clades. To evaluate the design and theoretical performance of these primers we performed a thorough bioinformatic investigation, including the detection of the MAT region in publicly available Morchella genomes and in-silico PCR analyses. All examined genomes, including those used for primer design, appeared to be heterothallic. This indicates an inherent fault in the original primer design which utilized a single Morchella genome, as the use of two genomes with complementary mating types would be required to design accurate primers for both idiomorphs. Furthermore, potential off-targets were identified for some of the previously published primer sets, but verification was challenging due to lack of adequate genomic information and detailed methodologies for primer design. Examinations of the black morel specific primer pairs (MAT11L/R and MAT22L/R) indicated the MAT22 primers would correctly target and amplify the MAT1-2 idiomorph, but the MAT11 primers appear to be capable of amplifying incorrect off-targets within the genome. The yellow morel primer pairs (EMAT1-1 L/R and EMAT1-2 L/R) appear to have reporting errors, as the published primer sequences are dissimilar with reported amplicon sequences and the EMAT1-2 primers appear to amplify the RNA polymerase II subunit (RPB2) gene. The lack of the reference genome used in primer design and descriptive methodology made it challenging to fully assess the apparent issues with the primers for this clade. In conclusion, additional work is still required for the generation of reliable primers to investigate mating types in morels and to assess their performance on different clades and across multiple geographical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wild edible mushrooms (WEM) are economically signifcant and used in traditional medicines worldwide. The region of Jammu and Kashmir (Western Himalayas) is enriched with the diversity of edible mushrooms, collected by the rural people for food and income generation. This is the frst detailed study on diversity and ethnomedicinal uses of mushrooms from the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Methods: Consecutive surveys were conducted to record ethnomycological diversity and socio-economic importance of wild edible mushrooms value chain in rural areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir during 2015--2019. Ethnomycological data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire having a set of questions on indigenous mycological knowledge and collection and retailing of wild edible mushrooms. A total of 923 informants from the study area provided the results identifying the gender, type of mushroom species, medicinal uses, and marketing of mushrooms. Diversity of mushrooms was studied by using quadrat and transect methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) were also applied to the dataset to analyse the relationship between species distribution, the underlying environmental factors, and habitat types. PCA identifed the major species-specifc to the sites and put them close to the sites of distribution. Results: A total of 131 mushroom species were collected and identifed during 2015--2019 from the study area. Ninety-seven species of mushrooms were reported new to the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The dominant mushroom family was Russulaceae with 23 species followed by Agaricaceae, 16 species. Major mushroom species identifed and grouped by the PCA were Coprinus comatus, Lactarius sanguifuus, Amanita fulva, Armillaria gallica, Lycoperdon perlatum, Lycoperdon pyriforme, and Russula creminicolor. Sparassis crispa, Pleurotus sp, and Laetiporus sulphureus were recorded most edible and medicinally signifcant fungi. Morels were also expensive and medicinally important among all harvested macro-fungal species. These were reported to use against common ailments and various health problems. Conclusions: Collection and retailing of WEM contribute to improving the socio-economic status, providing alternative employment and food security to rural people of the area. These mushrooms are used as a source of food and traditional medicines among the rural informants and could be used as a potential source of antibacterial and anticancer drugs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Morels are some of the most highly prized edible and medicinal mushrooms, with great economic and scientific value. Outdoor cultivation has been achieved and expanded on a large scale in China in recent years. Sclerotial formation is one of the most important phases during the morel life cycle, and previous reports indicated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role. However, ROS response mechanisms at sclerotial initiation (SI) stage are poorly understood. In this study, comparative transcriptome analyses were performed with sclerotial and hyphal cells at different areas in the same plate at SI stage. Gene expression was significantly different at SI stage between sclerotial formation and mycelia growth areas. GO and KEGG analyses indicated more vigorous metabolic characteristics in the hyphae area, while transcription process, DNA repair, and protein processing were enriched in sclerotial cells. Gene expression related to H2O2 production was high in the hyphae area, while expression of H2O2-scavenging genes was high in sclerotial cells, leading to a higher H2O2 concentration in the hyphal region than in the sclerotium. Minor differences were observed in gene expression of H2O2-induced signaling pathway in sclerotial and hyphal cells; however, expression levels of the target genes of transcription factor MSN2, important in the H2O2-induced signaling pathways, were significantly different. MSN2 enhanced stress response regulation in sclerotia by regulating these target genes. Small molecular HSPs were also found upregulated in sclerotial cells. This study indicated that sclerotial cells are more resistant to ROS stress than hyphal cells through transcriptional regulation of related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, total phenolic compound, antioxidant activities and fatty acids of several Morchella species collected from different regions of Turkey were determined. Six species were detected, namely Morchella dunalii (HT562), M. purpurascens group (HT565, HT592, HT662, HT699), M. deliciosa (HT682), M. mediterraneensis (HT698), M. importuna (HT667, HT681) and M. esculenta (HT704). The highest phenolic content was determined in the collection numbered as HT565 (281.96 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight), followed by HT699, HT562, HT662, HT592, HT698, HT704, HT681, HT667 and HT682. Antioxidant activities were also evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays and the maximum (0.51 and 1.04 mmol trolox equivalent (TE)/g dry weight respectively) was observed in HT565. The results for the fatty acids composition showed that assessed Morchella species were rich in nutritionally important unsaturated fatty acids and oleic acid, palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and myristic acid were the identified compounds. Linoleic acid was the most common in samples like HT565, HT592, HT704, HT662, HT682 and HT667 and followed by oleic acid except in HT565. In HT681, HT698, HT699 and HT562, oleic acid was dominant and followed by linoleic acid. The ratios of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids were calculated as 10.79, 4.78, 6.80, 8.09, 6.67, 4.35, 8.70, 8.64, 7.90 and 7.43 in HT562, HT565, HT592, HT662, HT667, HT681, HT682, HT698, HT699 and HT704 respectively. The sampling locations and species of Morels had influenced the bioactivities and fatty acid compositions of specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms have gained great attraction not only for their nutritional and medicinal values but also for diversity of their bioactive components. Morchella esculenta, commonly called Morel, is an edible and nutritious mushroom. In the present study, we evaluated the radioprotective effect of cultured mycelium of M. esculenta against radiation induced damages in mouse spleen lymphocyte DNA and rat liver mitochondria. The mitochondria were exposed to 450 Gy γ-radiation and lipid peroxidation caused by radiation was studied by LOOH assay and TBARS assay. M. esculenta extract at a concentration of 200 and 50 μg/mL significantly inhibited the formation of LOOH and TBARS formation in mitochondria. The protective effect of M. esculenta against radiation-induced damage to DNA in the spleen lymphocyte was measured using comet assay. Spleen lymphocytes were exposed to χ-radiation at a dose of 6 Gy in the presence and absence of the extract and the strand break were analyzed. The extract inhibited the strand break significantly. The study indicate that M. esculenta mycelia protect mitochondria form oxidative stress and DNA from deleterious effects induced by radiation and has potential for the development of safe and non-toxic radio protector with significant nutritional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is a mainland country rich in natural morel recourses, having records of half of the worldwide 61 morel phylospecies. In this study, 31 collections of ascocarps from the north Qinling Mountains, 4 collections of commercial cultivars from the south Qinling Mountains, and 3 Morchella mycelium clones from commercial cultivars were investigated using the genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition (GCPSR) method. Maximum-likelihood was employed for the construction of phylogenetic trees. A total of five phylogenetic species were found among the 38 collections, namely Morchella sp. Mes-8, Mes-9, Mes-13, and Mes-25, and Morchella chensiensis (IF556780), in addition to the false morel (Verpa bohemica). The identification of cultivated Morchella sp. Mel-2, Mel-6, Mel-10, and Mel-12 coincided with that of the commercial farms. A total of 80% (4/5) of yellow morels were new records for the Qinling region, except Mes-19; moreover, a novel monophyletic lineage, Morchella chensiensis, was found to be distinct from the previously reported phylospecies by single gene and combined genes analysis, thus being herein proposed as a new phylospecies. All collections from this study showed continental endemism, and all Qinling Mountains collections were grouped together in rDNA phylogenetic trees. The study provided insights on biodiversities in this key region of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Morchella angusticeps Peck has been recognized as a resource of nutraceuticals and drug discovery. Three acetylated polysaccharides (Ac-PMEP 1-3) with appropriate degree of substitution were obtained from Morchella angusticeps Peck, chemically characterized, and cultured with macrophage RAW264.7 cells to evaluate their immune activation and anti-inflammatory activities. Results of ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and fourier-transform infrared showed these modifications were successful. Compared with the control group, PMEP and Ac-PMEP 1-3 enhanced cell proliferation and the production of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α of RAW264.7 macrophages (cultured without lipopolysaccharide). Compared with PMEP, Ac-PMEP 3 enhanced cell viability and NO production by inducing the degradation of cytoplasmic IκBα and nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunit p65 as well as the expression of iNOS and phosphorylated-p38. Moreover, in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, Ac-PMEP 3 showed a stronger ability to suppress the overproduction of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α by down-regulating the level of nuclear NF-κB p65, iNOS, and phosphorylated-p38 and inhibiting the degradation of cytoplasmic IκBα. Therefore, Ac-PMEP enhanced immune activation and anti-inflammatory activities via nuclear factor κB and p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Three acetylated polysaccharides (Ac-PMEP 1-3) with appropriate DS were obtained from Morchella angusticeps Peck. • Physicochemical analyses of Ac-PMEP 1-3 were determined by UV spectra and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. • Acetylated PMEP showed a stronger immune activation and anti-inflammatory activities than PMEP. • The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of PMEP and Ac-PMEP were mediated via NF-κB and p38/MAPK pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The continuous worldwide increase of consumption of fresh mushrooms has registered in the recent years. The major goal of this study was to determine the microbiological characteristics of wild edible mushrooms and effect of temperature during storage of Morchella conica. Methods: Wild mushrooms of the species Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius, and Leccinum aurantiacum were collected in a mixed forest of Picea abies, Betula pendula, and Pinus sylvestris located in Tartu territory, Estonia. Faecal indicators, potential pathogens, spoilage bacteria, and microfungi (yeasts and moulds) were evaluated. M. conica was microbiologically investigated for 24 days under different thermal regimes, including 4, 8, 12, 15, 20, and 28 °C. The statistical analysis was conducted with SAS 9.2 software. Results: The microbial counts of wild mushrooms, ranging from 6.81 to 7.68 log10 CFU/g for total mesophilic count, were generally higher (p<0.05) than those registered for marketed samples ranging from 4.60 to 7.39 log10 CFU/g. The dynamics of total mesophilic microorganisms on M. conica stored at different temperatures indicated that stationary and death phases occurred earlier with increasing temperature and that the highest levels were registered at 28 °C at the 2nd day of storage. Conclusion: This work highlights consistent differences in terms of microbiological properties among different mushrooms species. The results clearly showed that total mesophilic populations developed at high levels quickly at temperatures more than 15 °C, but also the refrigeration did not stop the microbiological decay of mushrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we investigated how the source of organic carbon (Corg) and nitrogen (Norg) affects the interactions between fungi of the genus Morchella and bacteria dispersing along their hyphae (fungal highways; FH). We demonstrated that bacteria using FH increase the hydrolysis of an organic nitrogen source that only the fungus can degrade. Using purified fungal exudates, we found that this increased hydrolysis was due to bacteria enhancing the activity of proteolytic enzymes produced by the fungus. The same effect was shown for various fungal and bacterial strains. The effect of this enhanced proteolytic activity on bacterial and fungal biomass production varied accordingly to the source of Corg and Norg provided. An increase in biomass for both partners 5 days post-inoculation was only attained with a Norg source that the bacterium could not degrade and when additional Corg was present in the medium. In contrast, all other combinations yielded a decrease on biomass production in the co-cultures compared to individual growth. The coupled cycling of Corg and Norg is rarely considered when investigating the role of microbial activity on soil functioning. Our results show that cycling of these two elements can be related through cross-chemical reactions in independent, albeit interacting microbes. In this way, the composition of organic material could greatly alter nutrient turnover due to its effect on the outcome of interactions between fungi and bacteria that disperse on their mycelia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants and mushrooms bioconcentrate metals/metalloids from soil and water such that high levels of potentially neurotoxic elements can occur in cultivated and wild species used for food. While the health effects of excessive exposure to metals/metalloids with neurotoxic potential are well established, overt neurological disease from prolonged ingestion of contaminated botanicals has not been recognized. However, the presence of metal elements may affect levels of botanical neurotoxins in certain plants and mushrooms that are established causes of acute and chronic neurological disease.

Morchella species are known as famous and prized edible fungi due to their culinary flavor and medicinal properties. The asomata are collected throughout the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Morchella spp. taxonomy has long been debated as a result of the high phenotypic plasticity charaterizing the genus. Most morels are considered saprobic but some species has been reported to interact with roots of many plant species forming different types of associations. In Emilia-Romagna (Italy), morels became a part of the culinary tradition, especially for the populations of the coastal areas. This work aimed to describe and identify the ascomata collected on the white dune habitat as well as to verify the extent of the interaction with plant species growing in the same area. All ascomata collected since 2001 shared a similar morphology with a range of variability mainly due to the harvesting period. Ascomata collected in 2017 were grouped within the Mes-17 clade, in the Esculenta group, based on their ITS rDNA sequences. Nine different plant species were found to be connected with morel ascomata through characteristic sand-mycelial structures never described before. The amount of the ascomata collected on the sand dunes demonstrates that the study area is particularly suitable for morel fruiting. Therefore, the protection of the dune system is imperative for preserving Morchella genetic diversity within the local population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morchella protein hydrolysate (MPH) is produced from an edible and medicinal fungus, Morchella esculenta (L.), and exhibits antioxidant activity. In order to further improve the antioxidant activity of MPH, glycosylation of MPH was conducted by applying response surface methodology via the Maillard reaction (MR). Optimum glycosylation conditions were confirmed as: xylose/MPH mass ratio of 3.7:1, pH 11.80, and reaction time 60 min. The glycosylation of MPH under these optimized conditions was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In vitro antioxidant activity tests showed that glycosylated MPH had significantly enhanced antioxidant activities compared to the native MPH, heat-treated MPH, or a MPH-xylose mixture. Collectively, these results indicate that glycosylation by the MR can improve the antioxidant activity of MPH, making it a novel source of natural antioxidants with excellent developmental prospects as a functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morels are some of the most highly prized edible and medicinal mushrooms, and the outdoor cultivation has been achieved in China in recent years. Sclerotial formation is one of the most important phases during the morel life cycle, and the number of sclerotia indicates the spawn quality during cultivation. However, the sclerotial formation and differentiation mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, the sclerotial formation process of Morchella importuna and the effects of reactive oxygen species on scerotial formation were studied. Scerotial formation was defined as five distinctive phases, hypha early, hyphal growth, sclerotial initiation, development, and maturation. The mycelia in the sclerotium-forming area were swollen, darkened, and dense with sclerotial formation, but hydrogen peroxide accumulated in the region lacking sclerotial formation. The expression of all six genes for superoxide dismutases tested increased with sclerotial maturation. A difference in hydrogen peroxide concentration of 20 mM could promote the sclerotial initiation and induce expression of sod genes. The MAPK signaling pathway was activated, and they passed the signal from an area of high oxidative stress to a low area to initiate sclerotial formation. An understanding of the sclerotial formation mechanisms in M. importuna may help to understand the life cycle and facilitate the fruiting body cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indigenous people in Chakrata have an immense knowledge of edible and poisonous mushrooms. In the present study the use of mushroom in culinary practices was surveyed among three communities, viz., the natives: Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Scheduled Caste; and Nepali immigrants. The Brahmins & Kshatriyas showed a narrow range of consumption of mushrooms while the Nepalis showed the widest range of consumption. Medicinal and religious uses were reported by the scheduled caste. A total of 63 mushrooms were recorded from the study area. The knowledge of edible as well as medicinal uses of fungi is at risk in this region as the younger generation is not willing to learn this traditional knowledge. In the present study most of the youths were excluded at the end as they did not gave much information [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present results of survey on the occurrence of true morels, conducted in the Ojców National Park (ONP). The first data about true morels from the area of the ONP date back to the nineteenth century. However, despite multiple surveys in the next decades, their presence has not been confirmed. Therefore, true morels were thought to be extinct in the ONP. In 2014 and 2015, two morphotypes of true morel fruiting bodies were discovered in two sites, identified as black morels and yellow morels. In 2016, we collected three fruiting bodies for detailed morphological characterization and molecular identification. According to our results, these morels were identified as Morchella deliciosa and Morchella esculenta. Our finding is the first confirmation of the occurrence of both species (as they are presently recognized) in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean curd residue is a relatively abundant and inexpensive food waste. In this study, it was reused as fermentation substrate for Morchella esculenta ( M. esculenta ). To evaluate the reutilization potential, the physicochemical properties of fermented soybean curd residue (FSCR) were investigated and compared to the unfermented soybean curd residue (USCR). In detail, physical characteristics include morphology, hygroscopicity, thermostability and color. Chemical characteristics were represented by proximate composition, free amino acids, polysaccharides, total polyphenol, pH, and titratable acidity. The obtained samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Experimental results indicated that the FSCR shows a higher thermostability, porous and homogeneous structure. In addition, the nutritional contents of FSCR significantly increased compared with USCR, such as free amino acids (from 2343.32 ± 2.43 to 5060.25 ± 3.80 nmol/g), polysaccharides (from 25.22 ± 2.23 to 95.82 ± 1.37 mg/g) and total polyphenol (from 5.99 ± 0.27 to 7.70 ± 0.18 mg/g). This study suggested that fermentation by M. esculenta can be an effective approach to increase the utilization potential of soybean curd residue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morels are valuable mushrooms being used as foods and medical substances for a long history. The commonly cultivated morel species include M. eximia, M. importuna , and M . sextelata in China, M. conica and M. esculenta in the US. Morels' nutritional profile mainly consists of carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and organic acids, which are also responsible for its complex sensory attributes and health benefits. The bioactive compounds in morels including polysaccharides, phenolics, tocopherols, and ergosterols contribute to the anti-oxidative abilities, anti-inflammation, immunoprotection, gut health preservation, and anti-cancer abilities. This review depicted on the cultivation of morels, major bioactive compounds of different morel species both from fruit bodies and mycelia, and their health benefits to provide a comprehensive understanding of morels and support the future research and applications of morels as high-value functional food sources., Competing Interests: XZ and YL were employed by the company Bannerbio Nutraceuticals Inc. The remaining author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Li, Chen and Zhang.)

Morels, a group of the world’s most prized edible and medicinal mushrooms, are of very important economic and scientific value. Here, we review recent research progress in the genusMorchella, and focus on its taxonomy, species diversity and distribution, ecological diversity, phylogeny and biogeography, artificial cultivation, and genome. We also discuss the potential issues remaining in the current research and suggest some future directions for study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difference of gene expression between sclerotia-producing and non-sclerotia-producing single spore isolates from Morchella conica were preliminary analyzed by mRNA differential display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique and 67 differential gene fragments were obtained. Fifty-eight of their second PCR products were cloned and sequenced. Thirteen special differential gene fragments related to sclerotial formation were validated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Some gene fragments had certain homologies with lipoprotein, cyclin-dependent kinase C-3, glycerophosphoryl diester phosphodiesterase, Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor, gamma-aminobutyrate permease, OmpA family protein, Transcript antisense to ribosomal RNA protein, sodium-calcium exchange protein and keratin-associated proteins 5, 6. In addition, the putative protein of some DNA fragments had higher similarity with hypothetical protein-coding gene in NCBI database, as well as some were only putative gene fragments. All these fragments were speculated to be the functional gene associated with sclerotial formation in morel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Natura Croatica is the property of Natura Croatica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The interactions between bacteria and fungi, the main actors of the soil microbiome, remain poorly studied. Here, we show that the saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal soil fungus Morchella crassipes acts as a bacterial farmer of Pseudomonas putida, which serves as a model soil bacterium. Farming by M. crassipes consists of bacterial dispersal, bacterial rearing with fungal exudates, as well as harvesting and translocation of bacterial carbon. The different phases were confirmed experimentally using cell counting and 13C probing. Common criteria met by other non-human farming systems are also valid for M. crassipes farming, including habitual planting, cultivation and harvesting. Specific traits include delocalization of food production and consumption and separation of roles in the colony (source versus sink areas), which are also found in human agriculture. Our study evidences a hitherto unknown mutualistic association in which bacteria gain through dispersal and rearing, while the fungus gains through the harvesting of an additional carbon source and increased stress resistance of the mycelium. This type of interaction between fungi and bacteria may play a key role in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel polysaccharide, MEP-II, isolated from the fermentation broth of Morchella esculenta inhibited the proliferation of human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) through an apoptotic pathway. After HepG2 cells were treated with 150-600 μg MEP-II/ml, typical apoptotic characteristics including externalization of phosphatidylserine residues on the cell surface, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation and cytoplasm shrinkage were observed. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst and the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential ( Δψm) also occurred in HepG2 cells after incubation of 150-600 μg MEP-II/ml. The antioxidant, 1 mM N-acetyl- l-cysteine inhibited MEP-II-induced apoptosis, suggesting that ROS are the key mediators for MEP-II-induced apoptosis. MEP-II is therefore a potential anti-tumor agent that induces apoptosis of HepG2 cells through ROS generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed the existence of at least 50 species of Morchella worldwide and demonstrated a high degree of continental endemism within the genus. Here we describe 19 phylogenetic species of Morchella from North America, 14 of which are new (M. diminutiva, M. virginiana, M. esculentoides, M. prava, M. cryptica, M. frustrata, M. populiphila, M. sextelata, M. septimelata, M. capitata, M. importuna, M. snyderi, M. brunnea and M. septentrionalis). Existing species names (M. rufobrunnea, M. tomentosa, M. punctipes and M. angusticeps) are applied to four phylogenetic species, and formal description of one species (M. sp. "Mel-8") is deferred pending study of additional material. Methods for assessing morphological features in Morchella are delineated, and a key to the known phylogenetic species of Morchella in North America is provided. Type studies of M. crassistipa, M. hotsonii, M. angusticeps and M. punctipes are provided. Morchella crassistipa is designated nomen dubium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morchella conica is a species of rare edible mushroom whose multiple medicinal functions have been proven. However, reports barely mention the mechanisms of these functions. In this study, the effects of two polysaccharides from M. conica (PMCs) on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages were investigated. The results showed that 50-200 μg/ml of the extracellular polysaccharide (EPMC) and 25-200 μg/ml of the intracellular polysaccharide (IPMC) significantly inhibited NO production. Accordingly, the signal mechanisms were also explored. It was found that 100 μg/ml of EPMC and 25 μg/ml of IPMC could efficiently down-regulate the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) DNA-binding activity and up-regulate heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression. Moreover, by using a HO-1 inhibitor NaPP to treat the cells, the PMC-inhibited NO production and iNOS expression, rather than NF-κB activation, were released partially, indicating that HO-1 probably medicates the inhibition of PMCs on iNOS and NO. Besides, EPMC also significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38), c-jun N-terminal kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4, and expression of NF-κB inducing kinase, while IPMC seemed to show no regular effect on p38. In conclusion, PMCs inhibited NO production in LPS-induced macrophages through regulating a series of signal pathways, suggesting that PMCs play a potential role on immunomodulation and treating related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to better understand how the phylogenetic diversity of true morels (Morchella) in Turkey compares with species found in other regions of the world. The current research builds on our recently published surveys of 10 Turkish provinces and the northern hemisphere in which DNA sequence data from 247 and 562 collections respectively were analyzed phylogenetically. Herein we report on phylogenetic analyses of 243 additional collections made in spring 2009 and 2010 from eight additional provinces in the Aegean, Black Sea, central Anatolia, eastern Anatolia and Marmara regions of Turkey. Our analysis revealed that five species within the Esculenta clade (yellow morels) and 15 species within the Elata clade (black morels) were present in Turkey. Our preliminary results also indicate that M. anatolica, recently described from a collection in Muğla province in the Aegean region of Turkey, is a closely related sister of M. rufobrunnea; these two species comprise a separate evolutionary lineage from the Esculenta and Elata clades. Nine species of Morchella currently are known only from Turkey, four species were present in Turkey and other European countries and seven species might have been introduced to Turkey anthropogenically. Three of the putatively exotic species in Turkey appear to be endemic to western North America; they are nested within a clade of fire-adapted morels that dates to the late Oligocene, 25 000 000 y ago. Our results indicate that there are roughly twice as many Morchella species in Turkey compared with the other regions of Europe sampled. Knowledge of Morchella species diversity and their biogeographic distribution are crucial for formulating informed conservation policies directed at preventing species loss and ensuring that annual morel harvests are sustainable and ecologically sound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural assays were used to compare the effect of various carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) sources on in vitro sclerotial formation and development, specifically in mycelial cultures of black and yellow morels ( Morchella elata and Morchella crassipes, respectively). While different C and N sources supported abundant mycelia growth, these nutritional parameters also influenced sclerotial formation. Carbon sources such as ribose, cellobiose, galactose, xylose, sucrose and mannitol produced many (18-125) large-sized (diameter 0.16-0.43 cm) and cream-colored sclerotia in M. crassipes; in M. elata, small-sized (diameter 0.16-0.28 cm) and brown-pigmented sclerotia were formed in media containing ribose, galactose, sorbose and mannitol. Among the nitrogen sources, sodium nitrate and yeast extract caused both morel species to produce significantly fewer sclerotia (6-24) of significantly smaller size (diameter 0.11-0.27 cm). Carbon sources such as mannitol and ribose and N sources, sodium nitrate and yeast extract produced numerous large-sized sclerotia in morels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Forestry Faculty of Kastamonu University is the property of Kastamonu University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Phylogenetic analysis of LSU/ITS sequence data revealed two distinct lineages among 44 morphologically similar fruiting bodies of natural black morels {Morchella elata group) sampled at three non-burn locations in the St Joe and Kanisku National Forests in northern Idaho. Most of the sampled isolates (n = 34) represented a dominant LSU/ITS haplotype present at all three sites and identical to the Mel-12 phylogenetic lineage (GU551425) identified in a previous study. Variation at 1-3 nucleotide sites was detected among a small number of isolates (n = 6) within this well supported clade (94%). Four isolates sampled from a single location were in a well supported clade (97%) distinct from the dominant haplotypes and may represent a previously unsampled, cryptic phylogenetic species. Species-specific SNP and SCAR markers were developed for Mel-12 lineage isolates by cloning and sequencing AFLP amplicons, and segregation of AFLP markers were studied from single ascospore isolates from individual fruiting bodies. Based on the segregation of AFLP markers within single fruiting bodies, split decomposition analyses of two SCAR markers, and population genetic analyses of SNP, SCAR, and AFLP markers, it appears that members of the Morchella sp. Mel-12 phylogenetic lineage are heterothallic and outcross in nature similar to yellow morels. This is the first set of locus-specific molecular markers that has been developed for any Morchella species, to our knowledge. These markers will prove to be valuable tools to study mating system, gene flow and genetic structure of black morels at various spatial scales with field-collected fruiting bodies and eliminate the need to culture samples in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morchella spp. ascocarps (morels) are some of the world's most sought-after mushrooms. Successful cultivation of morels is still a rare and difficult task despite over 100 years of effort. Here we provide the first report of successful Morchella rufobrunnea fruiting body initiation and development in laboratory-scale experiments. Mushroom initials appeared 2 to 4 weeks after first watering of pre-grown sclerotia incubated at 16 to 22°C and 90% humidity. Mature fruiting bodies reached 7 to 15 cm in length and were obtained after the five morphological developmental stages of this Morchella species: sclerotium formation, scelerotium germination, asexual spore formation, formation of initial knots and development of the fruiting body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanisms involved in post-fire morel fructification remain unclear. A new undescribed belowground vegetative structure of Morchella tomen-tosa in a burned boreal forest was investigated north of Fairbanks, Alaska. The name "radiscisclerotium" is proposed to define this peculiar and elaborate below-ground vegetative structure of M. tomentosa. Bayesian and maximum parsimony analyses based on ITS rRNA regions and nLSU gene strongly supported a new clade composed of M. tomentosa within the genus Morchella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Local Ecological Knowledge to Assess Morel Decline in the U.S. Mid–Atlantic Region. Morels ( Morchella spp.) are prized wild edible mushrooms. In the United States, morels are the focus of family traditions, local festivals, mycological society forays, and social media, as well as substantial commercial trade. A majority of the anglophone research on morels has been conducted in Europe and in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and Midwest. This literature provides insights into a diverse and plastic genus, but much of its biology and ecology remains a mystery. In 2004, we initiated a study of morel mushroom harvesting in the U.S. Mid–Atlantic region in response to concerns that morels might be in decline in the national parks in that area. This paper presents results from that research with an emphasis on morel hunters’ local ecological knowledge of morel types, phenology, habitat, vegetative associations, and responses to disturbance. We conclude that experienced morel harvesters possess local ecological knowledge that complements scientific knowledge and can increase our understanding of the complex and regionally variable ecology of Morchella and inform conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the density of ascocarps (mushrooms) of morels (Morchella) and pixie cups (Geo-pyxis carbonaria) as a function of postfire duff (forest floor organic layer) depth in the first 4 y after a wildfire. The great majority of ascocarps of both species appeared in the first summer (2004) after an Aug 2003 fire in predominantly pine-spruce montane stands in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia. The spatial distribution of the ascocarps of both species was strongly biased toward (i) microsites with thin postfire duff and (ii) proximity to standing burned tree trunks. The bases of ascocarps of both species invariably were found just below the surface of the mineral soil. A field experiment in nearby intact forest showed that complete or partial duff removal in the absence of damage to the roots or crown did not lead to ascocarps of either species. We conclude that for both fungal species an unusually large abundance of ascocarps simultaneously requires damage to the associated trees and major duff reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morchella anatolica (Ascomycota, Pezizales, Morchellaceae), a new species collected from pine forest of southwestern Anatolia, Turkey, is described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]