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AbstractSmall galls and white blisters with cup-like fungal structures were observed on the leaves of Machilus thunbergii (Lauraceae), a tree species native to East Asia. Based on its distinctive symptoms and aster-shaped spores, the causal agent was identified as Asteroconium saccardoi. Despite its unique characteristics, the genus Asteroconium remains taxonomically unresolved (incertae sedis) within the phylum Ascomycota due to the absence of both sequence data and available culture. The present study successfully obtained ITS and LSU rDNA sequences from its fresh spore masses formed on M. thunbergii. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. saccardoi belongs to the order Exobasidiales under Basidiomycota. Detailed morphological characteristics of basidia and basidiospores were documented, providing comprehensive insights into the taxonomy and phylogeny of Asteroconium within Exobasidiales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we introduce a novel saprobic taxon Paraloratospora edkuensis, from a decaying stem of Phragmites australis collected at Lake Edku, El-Behera Governorate, Egypt. Multi-locus analyses of the combined ITS (internal transcribed spacers of rDNA), LSU (nuclear large subunit rDNA) and tef1-α (translation elongation factor) sequence data placed the new taxon within Paraloratospora as a phylogenetically distinct species in a clade containing two aquatic species P. fructigena and P. marina. The new species is characterized by having globose to subglobose, dark brown to black ascomata with a short neck, 4–8-spored, cylindrical to obclavate asci, and 3-septate, hyaline and fusiform ascospores. Paraloratospora edkuensis differs from P. fructigena and P. marina by having smaller ascomata with a single neck, asci with four or eight ascospores, different mycelial colony morphology, and nucleotide differences of 2.1–3 %, 0.6–1.4 %, and 1.3–6.9 % in the ITS, LSU and tef1-α genes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDuring an investigation of Korean Ascomycetes in 2023, we found two undescribed species from South Korea. We analyzed them using a combined approach, including morphological and phylogenetic analyses of the rDNA regions (internal transcribed spacer and large subunit). The two species were identified to belong to the genus Geoglossum; the species G. simile and a new species named G. subdifforme sp. nov. The phylogenetic tree constructed using the ITS region showed that G. subdifforme is closely related to G. difforme. These species are distinguishable by certain morphological characteristics, particularly the size and septae of ascospores. Morphologically, G. simile is related to G. glabrum, but it is distinguishable by the morphological characteristics of paraphyses as well as ITS sequences. In this study, the descriptions, photographs, and phylogenetic relationships of these Geoglossum species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to find a potential antagonist for Cryptostroma corticale , the causal agent of the sooty bark disease, different fungi previously isolated from Acer pseudoplatanus were tested in dual culture antagonism assays with C. corticale. In total 102 fungal strains, mainly Ascomycota , were tested. Each potentially antagonistic strain was paired with three different strains of C. corticale. Four different tests were conducted to get a better understanding of the interactions between C. corticale and the potential antagonists. Test 1 was a dual culture set up at room temperature with all 102 strains to get an overview of the interactions with C. corticale , as well as placing the potential antagonist on a Petri dish 1 week prior to C. corticale for a selection of fungi. For Test 2, only fungi which showed inhibition at distance in Test 1 were chosen and tested on different media at 25°C, the optimal growing temperature of the pathogen. In Test 3, fungi showing signs of antagonism in Test 1 were tested against C. corticale in a 6:1 ratio of potential antagonist plugs to the C. corticale plug. For Test 4, the viability of C. corticale hyphae was tested after they stopped growing in dual culture with a potential antagonist. These in vitro trials show that C. corticale displays a very competitive behavior, overgrowing most of the tested fungi. However, nine of the tested fungal strains, showed an antagonism at distance for at least one of the C. corticale strains. Over all tests, Hypholoma fasciculare , Jackrogersella cohaerens , Paracamarosporium cf. fagi , Pezicula sporulosa, and Preussia cf. aemulans showed the highest potential in regard of functionality as a biological control agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The gut is involved in the development of acute pancreatitis (AP). Increased focus is being given to the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of AP. Nevertheless, there is currently no available evidence regarding the composition of fungal microorganisms in the intestines of patients with AP. Methods: In this study, we sequenced ITS rRNA gene amplicons and examined the intestinal fungal microbiota in feces from 11 AP patients (the test group) and 15 healthy people (the control group). Additionally, we examined the relationship between fungus and clinical and biochemical markers. Results: Results showed a decline in alpha diversity in AP patients. The overall fungal microbiota in the test group was significantly different from that of the control group (P < 0.05). In both groups, the fecal fungal microbiota was dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota phyla. At the genus level, the abundance of Candida was significantly higher in the test group and the abundances of Penicillium, Auricularia, unclassified Eurotiomycetes, Epicoccum and Vishniacozyma were significantly lower. Furthermore, AP patients had a significant decrease in the GMHI score and a significant increase in the MDI index. The co-abundance networks of gut fungus in AP patients showed more interactions and mostly positive correlations than in the control group. There was a strong positive link between Aspergillus and WBC counts, while There was a strong link between unclassified Rozellomycota and IL-6. Conclusion: Our study provides the first empirical evidence that AP patients have different fecal fungal microbiota, which raises the possibility that mycobiota contribute to the etiology and progression of AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saprobic fungi are known for their critical role in decomposition and nutrient cycling. The study of saprobic fungi is equally important, as it helps in understanding their ecological roles and identifying their hidden diversity. This study focused on saprobic fungi on Aquilaria, which is poorly studied compared to economically important hosts like coffee, tea, and rubber. Our rigorous process led to the collection of two new terrestrial saprobic fungi from the Guangdong and Yunnan provinces in China. After extensive phylogenetic analyses and detailed comparison of morphological characteristics, the two collections were identified as two new species belonging to Pleosporales, Ascomycota. Aquilariomyces maomingensis sp. nov. was isolated from Aquilaria sinensis in Guangdong Province, while Mangifericomes aquilariae sp. nov. was isolated from Aquilaria sp. in Yunnan Province. Full descriptions, photo plates, and phylogenetic analyses (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses based on LSU , ITS , SSU , tef1-α, and rpb2 gene combinations) of the new species are provided, along with a comprehensive list of saprobic fungi associated with Aquilaria spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the fungal investigations of Larix hosts in China, ten isolates of Phaeobotryon were obtained from dead and dying branches. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS , LSU , and tef1-α loci revealed the presence of two new species, P. laricinum and P. longiparaphysium, as well as two new host records for P. aplosporum and P. rhois from L. olgensis. In this study, we provide descriptions and illustrations of these species, thereby enriching the diversity within the Phaeobotryon taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, forest decline and tree mortality are rising due to climate change. As one of the important afforestation trees in northeast China, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica is suffering from forest decline and the accompanying pests. Certain fungi from the ophiostomatalean contribute to forest pest outbreaks and can be pathogenic to pine trees. However, only a limited number of ophiostomatalean fungi associated with beetles infesting Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica have been identified. In this study, 293 ophiostomatalean fungi were isolated from Acanthocinus griseus, Ips chinensis, and Pissodes nitidus infesting Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica in Heilongjiang Province, including Graphilbum griseum sp. nov., Gra. nitidum sp. nov., Graphilbum sp., and Ophiostoma ips. Ophiostoma ips was the dominant species, followed by Graphilbum sp., Graphilbum griseum, and Gra. nitidum, which accounted for 73.38, 17.41, 7.17, and 2.05% of the isolated ophiostomatalean fungi, respectively. Fungi associated with different beetles are diverse, even within the same host. This study deepens our understanding of the pest-associated fungi of P. sylvestris var. mongolica and provides a basis for exploring the causes of forest decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungal pathogens Fusarium keratoplasticum and Fusarium falciforme are responsible for the emerging infectious disease named sea turtle egg fusariosis (STEF). This disease affects all sea turtle species throughout the world, causing low hatching success and mass mortalities. In this study, we investigated the potential use of widely available and easy-to-handle eggs of the invasive alien red-eared slider turtle, Trachemys scripta, as part of an in vivo host model to improve our knowledge of the biological properties of the pathogens responsible of the STEF. Specifically, we performed in vivo experiments, in which T. scripta eggs were challenged with conidia of F. keratoplasticum isolated from diseased sea turtle eggs. We found that the pathogen could colonize and develop similar signs to those observed in nature and fulfill Koch's postulates. The pathogen showed high virulence properties (e.g., high disease incidence, severity, and low hatching success) and its ability to modify the pH in both the egg surface and culture media, confirming previously described fungal pathogen models. These results support the use of T. scripta as an experimental in vivo host model for studying the biological characteristics of STEF, thus providing valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the emergence of this fungal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of Blackwellomyces (Clavicipitaceae, Hypocreales, Ascomycota) were discovered during an investigation of the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi. A new fungus and one known fungal species that were gathered from Yunnan Province were described in this study. Blackwellomyces changningensis, sp. nov. was described using morphology and phylogenetic evidence from 14 mitochondrial protein-coding gene (PCG) data sets (atp6, atp8, atp9, cob, cox1, cox2, cox3, nad1, nad2, nad3, nad4, nad5, nad6, and nad4L) and six nuclear genes (ITS [ITS4 and ITS5], 18S nuc rDNA [18S], 28S nuc rDNA [28S], tef1-α, rpb1, and rpb2). B. changningensis were found parasitic to Lepidoptera larvae and to produce filiform ascospores with septations. The asexual conidia were ovoid to ellipsoid in shape. Phylogenetic analysis and morphological observations concurred that the fungus belonged to a different species within the genus of Blackwellomyces. The foundation for further taxonomic, genetic, and evolutionary biological studies of the genus Blackwellomyces was laid by this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palaeomycological material has rarely been reported in Mexican localities, especially parasitic fungi. In this paper, we present the first formal report of an interaction between an entomopathogenic fungus and an insect trapped in the Miocene amber from Chiapas, Mexico. The described syninclusion corresponds to two well-developed fungal fruiting bodies and a third one in development, assigned to the order Hypocreales (Ascomycota: Sordariomycetes), emerging from the thorax and abdomen of a termite (Blattodea: Mastotermitidae). This syninclusion represents a remarkable example of biological interactions in ancient tropical environments reflected in the fossil record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two corticolous species of Coenogonium viz., C. pseudonepalense and C. submoniliforme are described as new to science. Coenogonium pseudonepalense is characterized by a crustose, greenish‐grey thallus, pale‐orange apothecial disc and 13.0–17.0 × 2.5–3.0 µm ascospores. Coenogonium submoniliforme is characterized by appressed‐filamentous thallus, small‐sized apothecia (up to 0.4 mm in diameter), pale orange apothecial disc and 14.0–18.0 × 2.8–3.8 µm ascospores. Coenogonium lueckingii and C. pineti are new records for Indian lichen biota. An updated world key to the known species of Coenogonium is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungi present in the breeding waters of mosquitoes have been scarcely investigated. This work explored the diversity of cultivable fungi present in the breeding sites of the South American malaria vector mosquito Anopheles darlingi. Water samples were collected from four sites located in the municipalities of Coari and São Gabriel da Cachoeira and four different culture media were used for the isolation of fungi. Two-hundred-and-six fungal strains were isolated and morphologically similar fungi were grouped into 30 morphotypes. Their taxonomic identities were assigned by macro and microscopic observations and sequencing of rDNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). Representatives of 26 morphotypes were identified at the genus level, one only at the family level, and three were not identified. The identified morphotypes belong to the phyla, Ascomycota (80.6%), Basidiomycota (11.7%), and Mucoromycota (2.4%), distributed in five classes, ten orders, 25 families, and 26 genera. This study fills a considerable knowledge gap about the fungi present in the breeding sites of An. darlingi mosquitoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichens represent one of the most successful examples of symbiosis. They are constituted by the association between a dominant fungus (i.e., the mycobiont), one or more photosynthetic partners (algae or cyanobacteria), and harbor an array of associated microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. The associated fungal communities in lichens, known as the "lichen mycobiome", are composed of both ascomycetes and basidiomycetes, including filamentous and yeast taxa. Recently, basidiomycete yeasts have received considerable attention as a much-overlooked source of diversity within the lichen mycobiome, with hypothesized roles in lichen symbiosis. This study surveyed the diversity of cultivable basidiomycete yeasts associated with Peltigera lichens across southern Chile. A phylogenetic study based on sequences of 179 yeast isolates allowed the identification of 29 taxa from 13 genera in the classes Agaricostilbomycetes, Cystobasidiomycetes, Microbotryomycetes, and Tremellomycetes, with the latter being the most represented. This research revealed several yeast species, including members of the genera Boekhoutia andGoffeauzyma, in lichens for the first time, thereby expanding our understanding of lichen-associated fungal diversity. In addition, four new cultivable species isolated from Peltigera are formally described. These are Boekhoutia peltigerae sp. nov., Cystobasidium chilense sp. nov., Genolevuria patagonica sp. nov. and Pseudotremella navarinensis sp. nov. These results highlight the role of lichens as reservoirs of uncharacterized basidiomycete yeasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We expanded our knowledge of the Cladonia cariosa group by seeking out and sequencing squamulose epodetiate Cladonia specimens in western North America. Cladonia galindezii, a species in the Cladonia cariosa group with large squamules forming thick mats and often containing porphyrilic acid, as in the type specimen from Antarctica, was found in several western states, new to the United States. In the same clade were specimens with atranorin only or atranorin with norstictic acid. We also establish Cladonia andereggii as another species in the C. cariosa group, from Idaho and Washington, based on sequencing new specimens from near the type locality. Although C. andereggii resembles C. symphycarpa in having norstictic acid-containing medium-sized squamules, ITS sequences of C. andereggii showed that it is more closely related to C. cariosa than to C. symphycarpa. We also demonstrated chemical diversity in the remainder of the C. cariosa group in western North America, with five chemotypes, all with atranorin, most frequently with atranorin only, less frequently with porphyrilic acid, homosekikaic acid, norstictic acid, or fumarprotocetraric acid, some of these in combination with rangiformic acid. While C. andereggii consistently contained norstictic acid and atranorin, C. galindezii and the remainder of C. cariosa s.l. varied in major substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epiphytic fungi evolved several times in Dothideomycetes, particularly within the orders Asterinales, Capnodiales, Microthyriales, and Zeloasperisporiales, but also in other, less obvious lineages. In this study, a new genus and species, Szaferohypha and S. enigmatica, isolated from the sooty mould community on the leaves of Symphoricarpos albus in Poland, are described based on morphology and phylogenetic analysis using sequences of four DNA loci (LSU, ITS, SSU , and rpb2). Due to single isolation, it is unclear whether Szaferohypha enigmatica represents a very rare or accidental inhabitant of sooty mould communities. Szaferohypha is assigned to the poorly known family Neodactylariaceae and order Neodactylariales, together with Beaucarneamyces, Neodactylaria, and Pseudoarthrographis. The order and family were originally circumscribed based on the features of the genus Neodactylaria. Therefore, they are emended by characters of Beaucarneamyces, Pseudoarthrographis, and Szaferohypha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Hypoxylaceae has a cosmopolitan distribution with greater diversity in tropical regions, its growth habit is saprotrophic, endophytic and potentially phytopathogenic. From the revision of herbarium specimens and field collections from the Yucatan Peninsula, two new species were described: Annulohypoxylon fusisporum, characterized by having fusiform spores and Hypoxylon xmatkuilense which is distinguished by having stromata vinaceous and dark brown KOH-extractable pigments. The species are described based on morphological characters and Bayesian Inference analyses of four molecular markers (ITS, LSU, RPB2 and TUB2). In addition, one new record from Mexico is presented: Hypoxylon bellicolor. The presence of Daldinia eschscholtzii, H. lenormandii, H. lividipigmentum and Entonaema liquescens is confirmed with molecular data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apiospora, Microdochium and Pestalotiopsis have been reported as plant pathogens, endophytes or saprotrophes worldwide. Combining multiple molecular markers with morphological characteristics, this study proposes three new species, viz. Apiospora bambusigena, Microdochium jianfenglingense and Pestalotiopsis solicola from southern China. Apiospora bambusigena and M. jianfenglingense were collected from bamboo in Hainan Province and P. solicola was collected from soil in Yunnan Province. The morphologically similar and phylogenetically closely-related species were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptaibols are linear or cyclic peptide antibiotics (peptabiotics) characterized by the presence of a non-proteinogenic alpha-aminoisobutyric amino acid produced by filamentous fungi from the Ascomycota phylum. They exhibit a wide range of biological activities against various microbial pathogens, protozoa, viruses, and tumor cells. In this review we described methods for the fungi cultivation, isolation, screening, purification, as well as peptaibol characterization andtheir biological activities. Currently many techniques for each step of their isolation are known, and we will focus on the most commonly used and recently developed chromatographic and spectroscopic methods for their extraction and identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of macrofungi has been closely associated with forest diversity and stability. However, such a correlation has not been established for the forests of the Ningxia Autonomous Region due to the lack of systematic data on its macrofungal diversity. Therefore, for the present study, we collected 3130 macrofungal specimens from the forests of the Helan Mts., Luo Mts., and Liupan Mts. in Ningxia and assessed them using morphological and molecular approaches. We identified 468 species belonging to 157 genera, 72 families, 18 orders, 11 classes, and 2 phyla. Among them, 31 species were ascomycetes, and 437 species were basidiomycetes. Tricholomataceae, with 96 species of 22 genera, was the most species-rich family, and Inocybe was the most species-rich genus (6.2%). The Jaccard similarity index measurement revealed the highest similarity in macrofungal species (16.15%) between the Helan and Liupan Mountains and the lowest (7.72%) between the Luo and Liupan Mountains. Further analyses of the macrofungal population of Ningxia showed that 206 species possess considerable potential for utilization, including 172 edible, 70 medicinal, and 36 edible–medicinal ones. Meanwhile, 54 species were identified as being poisonous. In these forests, saprophytic fungi were the most abundant, with 318 species (67.95%), followed by symbiotic fungi (31.62%) and parasitic fungi (0.04%). Grouping based on the geographical distribution indicated that the fungi of Ningxia are composed mainly of the cosmopolitan and north temperate types. These observations unveil the diversity and community structure of macrofungi in Ningxia forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular techniques for studying soil microorganisms allow to quantify the presence of specific functional groups from the total soil DNA and thus to assess their dynamic in response to the land use. Using this approach, a study was carried out to assess the increase the soil organic carbon (C) of arable land in the central Po Valley with three woody species (white willow, black locust, hybrid poplar) in short rotation forestry. Being fungi the most involved microorganisms in the C-cycle and representing the larger part of microbial biomass in volume, total fungi e the two most widespread main fungal degraders in the upper soil layer (Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes) were used as indicators of the effectiveness of land use in increasing soil organic C. An innovative molecular technique (SYBR® Green I dye on the QuantStudio™ 3D digital PCR system) which allows to overcome the critical issues associated with the relatively low concentration of fungal DNA compared to that of bacteria was used. Compared to the ploughed soil, total organic carbon (TOC), microbial biomass and enzyme activities increased significantly in the woody plantations. However, TOC increased to different degrees among the woody species. White willow and black locust showed a greater increase in soil TOC than arable (+30 and 20% respectively), followed by hybrid poplar with a smaller increase of +12%. The increases in soil TOC in the three plantations were not correlated with the total woody mass, assessed 15 years after abandonment. Total fungi and Ascomycetes were highly correlated with microbial biomass and TOC, while Basidiomycetes were not. Ascomycetes, which commonly prevail in agricultural soils, were still the most abundant even after a short rotation forest cycle of 15 years and can be taken as good indicator of C sequestration activities into the soil. Soil tillage strongly reduced the content of Basidiomycetes and short rotation forestry managed to increase it at least 4-5 times over a 15- year cycle of short rotation forestry, suggesting that it can act as a qualitative indicator of C sequestration. Since Basidiomycetes have different biological and morphological characteristics than Ascomycetes, combining them (i.e., as Ascomicetes:Basidiomycetes ratio) seems to be a good option for choosing the most suitable woody species for carbon accumulation in agricultural soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a continued effort to dismantle the Sticta fuliginosa morphodeme of western North America, we performed an extensive sampling throughout the mountainous regions of the southwestern states of the USA: Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. Recent studies have concluded the genus Sticta has extensive hidden biodiversity and is a large sub-cosmopolitan species-rich genus that encompasses 500+ taxa and counting. The prior treatment, incorporating all laminal isidiate species of Sticta into the Sticta fulignosa s.str. and Sticta sylvatica s.str. morphodemes, was incorrect. Our data does not support those previous treatments nor the broad application of European species concepts of isidiate Sticta in Western North America. Instead, our 4-locus phylogenetic analyses support a narrowing of that concept to a single species of Sticta that is neither S. fuliginosa s.str. nor S. sylvatica s.str. and is a distinct species with a specialized ecological niche. This unique proposed species is named and described here as Sticta puebloensis sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bryophilous fungi are an understudied group with unknown biodiversity in tropical regions, and are often underestimated worldwide. In Brazil, research on this ecological group has primarily focused on the southern and southeastern regions. During a survey of bryophilous fungi in the northeastern region, specifically in Bahia State, two novel species, Brachydesmiella bahiensis and Dendryphiosphaera longispora, were discovered. Brachydesmiella bahiensis resembles B. biseptata and B. caudata, but exhibits conidial distal cell morphology between these two species. Dendryphiosphaera longispora has longer conidia than other species within the genus. Also, the uncommon microfungus Dwibeeja sundara was reported for the second time globally. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of each species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramothyrium ryukyuense (Chaetothyriaceae) is described as a new species from Okinawa, southern Japan. It is characterized by subglobose minute ascomata (up to 110 µm diam.) covered with a brown mycelial pellicle, small ellipsoid 1(-2)-septate ascospores (8.7-13.8 × 3.4-4.9 µm) within a small ascus (20-30 × 13-17 µm), and a lichenized thallus. This species resembles non-lichenized Brazilian species, C. paiveae and C. philodendri, in producing minute ascomata and 1-4 or 7 septate ascospores. However, besides its lichenized status, C. ryukyuense is distinguished by its smaller asci (up to 30 µm long in C. ryukyuense vs. 30-42 µm long in C. paiveae, and 50-100 µm long in C. philodendri), and predominantly 1-septate ascospores in C. ryukyuense, whereas multi-septate in C. paiveae and C. philodendri. It was collected on a living leaf of Arecaceae in the subtropical forest near the seashore. In a phylogenetic tree based on nuITS and nuLSU sequences, C. ryukyuense formed a sister clade to Ceramothyrium exiguum which is known as an anamorphic species. DNA sequences of C. paiveae and C. philodendri, morphologically similar species to C. ryukyuense, were not available in this study. Algal cells distant from the perithecium exhibited continuous branching, while those near the perithecium were strongly deformed into a spherical shape and were partially unicellular. The photobiont of C. ryukyuense is suggested to be a species of Trentepohliales, inferred from a phylogenetic analysis based on the rbcl sequence. Ceramothyrium ryukyuense is the first report of a lichenized lineage within Chaetothyriaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From an exhaustive taxonomic survey of Xylariales carried out in the subtropical montane forest of the Argentine northwest ("Las Yungas"), a first comprehensive revision of Camillea for the country is presented. Based on a new combination of sexual and asexual morphology, C. hladkiae and C. romeroae are proposed as new species for the genus; C. hladkiae is principally distinguished by its conidiogenous structure from similar species such as C. guzmanii and C. magnifica. On the other hand, C. romeroae is mainly differentiated from other known species of Camillea by the ornamentation of the ascospores under SEM. Additionally, the conidiogenous structure of C. coroniformis, C. flosculosa, C. hainesii, C. hyalospora and C. signata are described and illustrated for the first time. Furthermore, four species reports are new for the Southern Cone of South America (C. coroniformis, C. hainesii, C. hyalospora and C. signata) and three are a novelty for Argentine Yunga (C. flosculosa, C. obularia and C. punctulata). Finally, full descriptions, illustrations of all species and a dichotomous key to the identification of Camillea species for the region are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lichinomycetes is an independent lichenized lineage within the Ascomycota comprising ca. 390 species and 50 genera. Very few studies have dealt with family and genus classification using molecular data and many groups are in need of thorough revision. Thus, we constructed a multilocus phylogeny (mtSSU, RPB2 and mcm7 gene regions) including 190 specimens of Lichinomycetes belonging to 126 species. Ancestral state reconstruction analyses were carried out to trace the evolution of selected characters. The current classification scheme of the Lichinomycetes based on morphological and anatomical characters is in great conflict with the phylogenetic relationships resulting from the present study. The results suggest substantial non-monophyly at the family and genus levels. A revised classification is proposed here and an overview of genera accepted in the Lichinomycetes is given. Ancestral Lichinomycetes are reconstructed as crustose with pycnoascocarps and octosporous asci. We used a combination of characters to delineate groups including the ascoma development and the type of asci. The revised classification includes 11 new genera, five resurrected genera, and 54 new combinations distributed in four families (three emended and one new). Three new species are also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morels are edible fungi collected for food and medicines worldwide. In the present study, samples of Morchella were collected during consecutive fungal surveys in 2017-2021 from Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir. The specimens were identified as Morchella costata Pers., Morchella conica Krombh., Naturgetr. Abbild. Beschr., Morchella deliciosa Fr., Morchella elata Fr., and Morchella tridentina Bres., after phylogenetic sequencing using the nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) barcoding technique along with morpho-anatomical analyses. The highest stipe length was found in Morchella elata (6-8.8 cm), and the lowest was noted in Morchella deliciosa (2-3.5 cm). The highest pileus length was found in Morchella costata (6.9-12 cm), and the lowest was noted in Morchella conica (2.5-4 cm). The highest spore size was observed in Morchella costata (26.5-33 × 12-16 µm), and the lowest was observed in Morchella conica (7.2-7.5 × 12.5-14.6 µm). This is the first detailed study on morels, based on molecular phylogeny from the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. Variations have been observed in both qualitative and quantitative characters. The results reinforced the significance of the morpho-anatomical features of the genus Morchella and will be used as an aid for valuable taxonomic tools in the systematics of morels. The accurate identification of morels species is very crucial for the isolation of bioactive compounds, and these compounds play a vital role in the drug discovery. So, we recommend a comprehensive exploration of Morels in the Western Himalayan Forests by using advanced molecular approaches and the isolation of bioactive compounds because this genus is still unexplored in the context of pharmaceutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Annulohypoxylon are saprotrophic fungi growing predominantly on dead shoots of dicots. They are also known to produce a diverse range of secondary metabolites, including some bioactive compounds. During a survey conducted in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate forests of Arunachal Pradesh (Northeast India) that lies within the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, seven species of Annulohypoxylon (Hypoxylaceae) were collected and identified. Of these, five are new records to India (A. leptascum, A. microbovei, A. nitens, A. subeffusum, A. viridistratum) while A. subeffusum is a new report from Southeast Asia. The two remaining species (A. stygium, A. truncatum) were previously reported from India. All seven species are described, illustrated and discussed based on morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A first checklist is provided for the lichenised fungi of Niue. Based on field-work undertaken during May 2024, when 130 collections were made over a 10-day period, 55 species are recognised, representing 33 genera and 22 families. Six genera include three or more species: Coccocarpia (5 species), Graphis (3), Lepidocollema (3), Physcia (6), Pyrenula (5), and Ramalina (3). In addition, nineteen collections referable to the genera Bacidia, Coccocarpia, Herpothallon, Leptogium, Megalaria, Pertusaria and Toninia could not be identified to species level due to infertile, immature, or depauperate specimens. This checklist is undoubtedly incomplete, and it is hoped that future studies will expand the island’s known lichen diversity. A number of the new records reported here for Niue are also first reports for islands of the wider Pacific Ocean or southwestern Polynesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A new species of Xylaria is described based on morphological characters of both sexual and asexual morphs, and molecular data based on nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer, α-actin, β-tubulin and RNA polymerase subunit II sequences. Xylaria aurantiorubroguttata is characterized by the presence of both upright, cylindrical, long-stipitate and globose to subglobose, short-stipitate stromata, immature stromatal stages producing at first orange and then red drops, and ascospores with a slightly oblique, straight half spore-length germ slit. We provide also new morphological descriptions for X. haemorrhoidalis (holotype) and X. anisopleura (isosyntype), two Xylaria species belonging to X. polymorpha complex together with X. aurantiorubroguttata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater fungi exhibit a remarkable diversity and are commonly found on submerged wood, freshwater insects, herbaceous materials, sediments, leaves, foam, and living plants. Sordariomycetes in the Ascomycota is the most frequently reported group in freshwater environments. Three samples of submerged decaying wood and twigs samples were collected and examined during in this study from freshwater habitats in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China. Detailed morphological studies, complemented by phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, SSU, RPB2 and TEF1-α sequence data, revealed them to be three hitherto known species, namely Acrogenospora thailandica, Cancellidium cinereum and Chloridium humicola. Of these, Acrogenospora thailandica is a new geographical record for China. Chloridium humicola is also reported for the first time in China which enhances the geographical and host distribution of this species, providing new insights into its ecological preferences. Cancellidium cinereum is reported as an additional provincial record from China, contributing to our knowledge of its regional distribution. All three species, reported in their asexual state, are illustrated with detailed morphological descriptions and phylogenetic analyses. In addition, we also provide a new host record of the saprobic species Isthmolongispora quadricellularia in hyphomycetous asexual state on decaying wood for the first time in a terrestrial habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogenetic relationships of the monospecific genus Paratricharia , with the single species P. paradoxa , within the family Gomphillaceae are resolved using newly generated sequences of the mtSSU and nuLSU markers for three specimens collected in Costa Rica. The results support placement as sister to the genus Caleniopsis , the two genera sister to a clade containing the genera Aulaxina and Aulaxinella. This placement confirms earlier studies based on cladistic analysis of phenotype characters and phenotype-based phylogenetic binning, suggesting that apothecial features are more informative for the phylogenetic placement of taxa within Gomphillaceae than thallus characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylloblastia iranica S. Kazemi, Lücking & Sipman sp. nov. is described and illustrated as a new foliicolous lichen. It is characterized by 1-septate, colourless, more or less fusiform, slightly curved ascospores, 9–19 × 4–6 μm. In addition, the foliicolous Strigula buxi Chodat is reported for the first time from Iran, increasing the number of foliicolous lichens known from that country to three, where previously only Gyalectidium caucasicum (Elenk. & Woron.) Vězda was recorded. All three species were found in boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) forest. A key to all known Phylloblastia species worldwide is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypogeous fungi ("truffles") are challenging to study because they produce underground sporocarps that may not be located during traditional fungal surveys. Commercially valuable truffles are located using scent‐detection dogs trained on truffles. However, the dogs are not necessarily limited to commercial truffle species when trained on other taxa of interest. For example, Genea (Pyronemataceae, Ascomycota) is a genus of common but difficult to find truffles that develops small and often soil‐colored hypogeous ascomata. We used a truffle dog trained to locate Genea sporocarps in the southern Willamette Valley and associated mountains in western Oregon, USA, recording when the sporocarps were present at a wide range of elevations (113 to 1879 m). We found Genea was present in half of our surveys and noted that it rarely fruited in areas that had experienced wildfire. This study demonstrates the value of using truffle dogs in documenting truffle diversity, particularly those that are difficult to locate visually, and provides further evidence for the abundance of Genea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAmbrosia fungi are well-known for their symbiotic interactions with ambrosia beetles, acting as a sole food source of larvae and adult beetles. As a first step to reveal these interactions, extensive survey on the fungal symbionts of ambrosia beetles dwelling in Korea. Eight fungal species isolated from 15 ambrosia beetle species were not known for their presence in Korea. Seven of these belonged to two orders of Ascomycota; Microascales (Ambrosiella beaveri, A. catenulate, and A. roeperi) and Ophiostomatales (Leptographium verrucosum, Raffaelea cyclorhipidii, R. subfusca, and Sporothrix eucastaneae) and one to Polyporales of Basidiomycota (Irpex subulatus). This is the first report of these species in Korea with taxonomic descriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mytilinidioid fungi are conchiform in nature, with the appearance of bivalve shells or wedge-shaped, rigid, brittle, and carbonaceous hysterothecia growing on the bark of gymnosperms or angiosperms. Based on their morphological characteristics and molecular markers (ITS and LSU), this study describes three new species of mytilinidioid fungi: Ericboehmia mexicana of the family Hysteriaceae of the order Hysteriales and Lophium pinicola and Mytilinidion mexicanum of the family Mytilinidiaceae of the order Mytilinidiales. The first species grows on Liquidambar styracyphlua, the second species grows on Pinus patula, and the third species grows on Acacia californica subsp. pringlei. The specimens studied were deposited in the ENCB Herbarium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Truffles of the Tuber genus (Pezizales, Ascomycetes) are among the most valuable and expensive foods, but their shelf life is limited to 7–10 days when stored at 4 °C. Alternative preservation methods have been proposed to extend their shelf life, though they may alter certain quality parameters. Recently, a hypogeal display case equipped with an ultrasonic humidity system (HDC) was developed, extending the shelf life to 2–3 weeks, depending on the truffle species. This study assesses the efficacy of HDC in preserving Tuber melanosporum and Tuber borchii ascomata over 16 days, using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (QMRI) to monitor water content and other parameters. Sixteen T. melanosporum and six T. borchii ascomata were stored at 4 °C in an HDC or a static fridge (SF) as controls. QMRI confirmed that T. borchii has a shorter shelf life than T. melanosporum under all conditions. HDC reduced the rate of shrinkage, water, and mass loss in both species. Additionally, the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC), longitudinal relaxation time (T1), and transverse relaxation time (T2), which reflect molecular changes, decreased more slowly in HDC than SF. QMRI proves useful for studying water-rich samples and assessing truffle preservation technologies. Further optimization of this method for industrial use is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new fossil epifoliar ascomycete (Ascomycota), Meliolinites miocenicus nov. sp. (fossil Meliolaceae), occurs in situ on a compressed monocot leaf from middle Siwalik (Late Miocene, ca. 12–8 Ma) sediments of Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya. The fossil consists of a well-preserved mycelium of superficial, brown to dark brown, septate, thick-walled, branched hyphodiate hyphae; a sub-globose, dark brown putative ascoma, and an oblong to broadly cylindrical, five-celled, four-septate, mature germinating ascospore. The new fossil differs from earlier reported melioloid fossils primarily in the morphology of appressoria. Meliolinites miocenicus nov. sp. on its host is evidence of the existence of a biotrophic relationship at the time of deposition. Qualitative climate data using plant megafossils recovered from the same fossil locality indicate that M. miocenicus nov. sp. and its host thrived in a warm and humid tropical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepultariella semi-immersa (Pyronemataceae, Ascomycota) was identified in a new locality for macrofungal diversity in Türkiye from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Terzioğlu Campus. S. semi-immersa, which constitutes a species comlex, is included in the Sepultariella clade. This study gives a detailed description of the species, geographical coordinates, photographs taken in its natural habitat, and its phylogenetic position in the genus Sepultariella based on molecular data. The Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequence determined the evolutionary and phylogenetic relationship within the genus but S. semi-immersa, which might constitute a species complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study; 123 macrofungal samples were collected from different stations in Armutlu (Yalova) region between 2010 and 2017. As a result of field and laboratory studies, belonging to the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota sections; 6 orders, 16 families and 23 economically valueable species belonging to these families have been described. Taxa identified in the study; localities, habitats, collection dates and sample numbers are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to elucidate community structures and dynamic changes of culturable symbiotic fungal colony in roots of Quercus mongolica, the symbiotic fungi in roots of young Q. mongolica at different ages were isolated directly. The isolated fungi were identified based on the morphological characteristics of colony and molecular analysis. The results were as follows: (1) A total of 249 fungal strains were isolated from the roots of young Q. mongolica, 18 species belonging to 15 genera, 8 families, 7 orders, 5 classes and 2 phyla were recognized. Among them, two species belonged to Basidiomycetes and 16 species belonged to Ascomycota. Pezicula pruinosa was the species with the highest isolation frequency (81.93%), followed by Dactylonectria torresensis (4.02%), Ilyonectria robusta (2.01%) and Atrocalyx nordicus (2.01%) . (2) Significant differences in species and quantities of symbiotic fungi demonstrated in different ages of young Quercus mongolica, with the highest frequency of isolation occurring in the 4-5 years old (44.98%) followed by the triennial (29.32%), biennial (19.68%) and annual (6.02%) . To sum up, culturable symbiotic fungi in the roots of young Q. mongolica on Liupan Mountain are highly diverse. Species and quantities of isolates vary at different ages of trees, the diversity increases with the growth of tree, and Pezicula pruinosa is the most dominant culturable symbiotic fungi in roots of young Quercus mongolica. The results provide the reference for further investigating symbiotic fungal resources and exploring the microbial symbiotic mechanism of Q. mongolica in adapting to local environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuber magnatum Picco, the Italian white truffle mushroom recorded for the first time in Türkiye, is a rare and economically valuable mushroom. Samples were collected from Sakarya province during field studies in 2024. The samples were identified as T. magnatum according to their macro- and microscopic features. To make molecular confirmation of the species, the samples' ITS1 and ITS4 gene regions were analysed and registered in Genbank with the number PP239641. The sample showed 100% compatibility with other T. magnatum accessions in Genbank. The distributions of Tuber species in Türkiye were given, and their taxonomic features were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calonectria leaf blight caused by Calonectria species is one of the most important diseases associated with Eucalyptus plantations in Asia and South America. This study aimed to clarify the distribution patterns of Calonectria species residing in different species complexes associated with diseased trees and soils during leaf blight outbreak season in Eucalyptus plantations in southern China. In this study, 482 Calonectria isolates obtained from diseased Eucalyptus trees and soils under these trees in eight sampling sites in three provinces were identified by DNA sequence analyses of tef1 , tub2 , cmdA , and his3 gene regions. Six species residing in three species complexes were identified: Calonectria pseudoreteaudii and C. acaciicola in the Calonectria reteaudii species complex; C. hongkongensis, C. aconidialis, and C. chinensis in C. kyotensis species complex; and C. auriculiformis in C. cylindrospora species complex. The habitats of Calonectria in different species complexes differed, C. reteaudii species complex inhabits in both diseased trees and soils, C. kyotensis species complex only in soils. The Calonectria leaf blight in the sampled regions was caused by species in the C. reteaudii species complex but not by the species in the C. kyotensis species complex. These findings suggest that the species in the C. reteaudii species complex should receive more attention in disease management, as they are the primary cause of the disease in the sampled regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stropharia rugosoannulata is an important edible mushroom in China, but green mold disease has caused significant production and economic losses. In this study, two new pathogens Trichoderma strophariensis and T. viridistromatis were identified as the causal agents of this disease. During October-November 2023, six strains of the fungal pathogen were isolated from infected fruiting bodies of S. rugosoannulata and identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), the second largest RNA polymerase II subunit (rpb2) and the partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) region. The representative isolates of the pathogenic green mold Trichoderma species were used to perform a pathogenicity test with spore suspensions, resulting in symptoms similar to those observed in the cultivated field. The same pathogens were successfully re-isolated, thereby fulfilling Koch's postulates. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, culture characteristics, and comparisons with morphologically similar and closely related species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the distribution and mechanisms of the meiotic drive as a phenomenon manifested in unequal transmission of gene alleles and/or homologous chromosomes into gametes during meiosis. The meiotic drive has been studied in the most detail in Drosophila, mice, corn, and ascomycete fungi of the genera Neurospora and Podospora. The consequence of the meiotic drive is a shift in the frequencies of alleles in the gene pool and the maintenance of nonadaptive traits in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogens are reduced by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated by yeasts play an important role in controlling postharvest diseases. The yeast HXMG-1, which works effectively against the grey mould pathogen of grapes (Botrytis cinerea), was evaluated for its potential to generate volatile organic compounds as one of its modes of action. A double Petri dish assay was used to evaluate the effect of VOCs produced by HXGM-1 on mycelial and spore development of the target pathogens. Compared to the control, the VOCs produced by yeast HXMG-1 significantly reduced the growth of mycelium and spore germination of Botrytis cinerea. Specifically, the mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea was completely restricted and the rate of spore germination of Botrytis cinerea was only 20.11% at a concentration of 1 × 109 CFU/mL. It was also found that the VOCs could significantly inhibit mycelial growth with an inhibition of 82.46% at a concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/mL. The VOCs caused the mycelium to grow curved, resulting in larger mycelial tips, fewer nuclei, and shorter mycelial septum spacing. In vivo tests, noninjure or injure grapes were artificially inoculated with the pathogen hyphal disc followed by biofumigation with VOCs produced by yeast HXMG-1, and the treatments (Wp2 and Wp3) significantly controlled pathogenic infection, confirming the results of in vitro tests. By molecular biological identification based on comparative sequence analysis of the 18S rDNA gene, the HXMG-1 strain was identified as Hanseniaspora uvarum. Through the creation of a phylogenetic tree, HXMG-1 was recognised as a member of the Ascomycota, Hemiascomycota, Yeasts, and Hanseniaspora sp. families. In conclusion, the yeast strain HXMG-1 created VOCs that significantly inhibited the development of Botrytis cinerea on grapes and is expected to be further developed and utilised. This study lays the foundation for the use of Hanseniaspora sp. for biological control of postharvest disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee production worldwide is affected by the pathogen Hemileia vastatrix, which causes the "coffee rust" disease and may be associated with other fungi. Ecuador lacks studies on fungal diversity associated with coffee rust, which could potentially control or escalate pathogen activity. Using the ITS-5.8S nrDNA region, we randomly detected a small preliminary fungi diversity related to coffee rust in Ecuador, which we report here for the first time. Ten coffee farms (four in Loja, three in Calvas, and three in Quilanga) from the Loja Province were sampled to analyze the genetic diversity of the pathogen Hemileia vastatrix in rust lesions on coffee leaves. A high number of selected sequences (Sanger sequencing) showed the presence of 48 OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) or "hypothetical species" of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes distributed across all the sampled farms. The genera Akanthomyces, Ceramothyrium, Cladosporium, Didymella, Fusarium, Mycosphaerella, Neoceratosperma, and Trichothecium of Ascomycetes, as well as Bulleribasidium, Hannaella, and Meira of Basidiomycetes, were the most abundant. To avoid taxonomic conflict, some sequences were placed into Capnodiales (Ascomycetes) and Tremelalles (Basidiomycetes) without a genus definition. A new phylogenetic group of sequences is considered Incertae Sedis from Basidiomycetes. Additionally, morphospecies of Akanthomyces (synonymous with some Lecanicillium species) and Colletotrichum were observed macroscopically and microscopically growing closely with rust. Most of the OTUs probably correspond to rust mycoparasites, as previously reported in the literature. However, this study is limited by the number of sequences analyzed phylogenetically, which may hinder the discovery of significant insights. Future studies are needed to determine whether this preliminary fungal diversity is associated with the rust fungus or corresponds to ubiquitous airborne fungi. Furthermore, research into the function of these species may reveal whether they promote rust pathogenicity or enhance plant responses by activating resistance mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm fungi are a diverse and unique group mostly found on Arecaceae hosts. They have been studied for approximately 200 years resulting in a large number of known fungal species representing over 700 genera. The timeline of palm fungal studies could be roughly divided into three phases, based on the methods and frequency of reports. They are the "Historical palm fungi era", "Classical palm fungi era" and "Molecular palm fungi era". In the first two periods, the identification of palm fungi was based on morphology, which resulted in a considerable number of morphological species scattered across the data in books, monographs and papers. With the advancement of molecular techniques, studies on palm fungi accelerated. A large number of new species were introduced in the molecular era, especially from Asia, including China and Thailand. However, there is a necessity to link these three generations of studies into a single platform combining data related to host factors, geography and utilisation. Herein, we introduce the palm fungi website: https://palmfungi.org, an integrated data platform for interactive retrieval, based on palm and fungal species. This website is not only a portal for the latest, comprehensive species information on palm fungi, but also provides a new platform for fungal researchers to explore the host-specificity of palm fungi. Additionally, this study uses palmfungi.org and related data to briefly discuss the current status of research on the distribution of palm fungi populations, showing how palmfungi.org links fungi with their palm hosts. Furthermore, the website will act as a platform for collaboration amongst taxonomists, plant pathologists, botanists, ecologists and those who are interested in palms and their relationship with ecological sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]