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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]

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]

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]

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]

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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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Cordyceps militaris and Lentinula edodes are known for their high extracellular proteolytic, amylolytic, and laccase activity, which is important for bakery production. This article describes the effect of enzymes obtained from mycelial biomass of C. militaris and L. edodes on such properties of flour mixes as amylolytic and proteolytic enzymic activity during baking, technological costs, and bread quality. The research featured strains of C. militaris SRG4 and L. edodes 3790 fungi; mycelial biomass powder of these fungi on a sterile grain substrate (rice, wheat); experimental flour mixes of wheat bread and first-grade baking flour with mycelial biomass powder; bread made from the experimental flour mixes. The experimental part included standard methods used in the bakery industry. The mycelial biomass of C. militaris and L. edodes fungi proved to be a promising baking additive because it possessed hydrolytic enzymes and was rich in protein substances (32.2 ± 1.5 and 26.4 ± 2.0%, respectively), specific mushroom polysaccharides (36.7 ± 0.8 and 52.2 ± 1.2%, respectively), and carotenoids (1600 ± 40 mcg/g of C. militaris biomass). The active amylases and proteinases in the mycelial biomass powder improved the sugar-forming ability and reduced the falling number. In addition, they raised the amount of washed gluten with a slight decrease in elasticity, as well as provided an acceptable structure and viscosity of the dough at 1–4% of mycelial biomass powder. This dose resulted in an optimal bread formulation of standard quality. A bigger amount caused the crumb to darken and increased its humidity while reducing the specific volume. The bread samples with C. militaris were too acid. Mycelial biomass of C. militaris and L. edodes proved to be a good source of enzymes to be used with grain substrates in bakery production. Further research is needed to define the optimal dose and processing modes.

Aquilaria (Thymelaeaceae), a tropical and subtropical plant, is one of the main genera that can produce agarwood. Aquilaria sinensis and Aquilaria yunnanensis are native Chinese tree species, and A. sinensis is China's main agarwood source. Agarwood is a nontimber forest product with high economic and medicinal value. First‐grade agarwood is sold as much as $100 000 per kilogram. There has been little research on the saprobic fungi associated with Aquilaria, with only 11 records having been reported. In the present study, 10 terrestrial saprobic fungi associated with A. sinensis and A. yunnanensis were collected in China. Based on morphological and phylogenetic studies, these 10 collections are introduced herein as one new genus (Aquilariomyces), nine new species – Aquilariomyces aquilariae, Corynespora aquilariae, Melomastia maomingensis, Nigrograna aquilariae, Parathyridariella aquilariae, Peroneutypa maomingensis, Phaeoseptum aquilariae, Pseudothyridariella aquilariae, and Triangularia aquilariae, and one known species (Camarographium clematidis). Descriptions, illustrations of morphological characteristics, photo plates, phylogenetic trees, and the results of a pairwise homoplasy index test (PHI) test results are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meticulous morphological study of the genus Minimelanolocus and related genera reveals that several species within the genus are not congeneric. As a result, two new genera, Acuminavicula and Zelofuscophialis, are proposed to accommodate Minimelanolocus chimonanthi and M. bicolorata, respectively. Additionally, a new species, M. eucalypti, is proposed. Seven species of Minimelanolocus are reassigned to the genera Kylindria, Nigrolentilocus, Pyriculariopsis, Repetophragma and Thysanorea. Two synonyms are proposed for Belemnospora verruculosa and Repetophragma dennisii. The new combination Kylindria yunnanensis is suggested based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis. A synoptic table and illustrations of conidia of accepted species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple tree canker is a serious disease caused by species of Cytospora. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is one of the most important apple-producing areas in China. However, losses due to apple Cytospora canker have seriously damaged the apple industry and affected the economic development of the apple growers in this region. In this study, we used morphological characteristics combined with multilocus phylogenetic analyses of the ITS , act , rpb2 , tef1 and tub2 loci to identify isolates from apple (Malus domestica) and wild apple (M. sieversii). As a result, C. hippophaopsis sp. nov. from M. sieversii and C. shawanensis sp. nov. from M. domestica were discovered and proposed herein. Pathogenicity tests were further conducted on 13 varieties of apple and wild apple, which confirmed C. hippophaopsis and C. shawanensis as canker pathogens. Meanwhile, C. hippophaopsis is generally more aggressive than C. shawanensis on the tested varieties of apple and wild apple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six collections of ascomycetes were obtained from samples collected from dead branches and leaves of Juglans regia in Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, China. By incorporating multigene phylogenetic analysis (ITS , LSU , rpb2 , SSU , tef1-α , tub2) supplemented by morphological data, we establish two novel species, namely Helminthosporium guizhouense and Nigrospora yunnanensis. In morphology, H. guizhouense can be distinguished from H. caespitosum by its narrower conidia (13–16 µm vs. 27.3–35.5 µm), and N. yunnanensis is characterized by black, globose conidia (16.2 × 14.4 µm). The phylogenetic results further substantiated them as novel taxa. The present study contributes to our comprehension of the range of fungi found in Juglans regia, thereby expanding our knowledge of the diversity of fungi within this host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During our investigation of microfungi on grasslands in Yunnan Province, China, three new fungal taxa associated with grasses were collected. Morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses of the combined SSU, LSU, ITS, tef1-α, and rpb2 loci based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference were used to reveal the taxonomic placement of these fungal taxa. This study introduces Parastagonospora yunnanensis, Para. zhaotongensis, Phaeoseptoriella poaceicola. Parastagonospora yunnanensis is characterized by ampulliform or globose to subglobose conidiogenous cells, with conidia that are cylindrical to subcylindrical, 0–1-septate, rounded at the apex and slightly truncate at the base. Parastagonospora zhaotongensis features similar globose to subglobose conidiogenous cells but with 0–3-septate, cylindrical to subcylindrical conidia. Phaeoseptoriella poaceicola is distinguished by its globose to subglobose conidiogenous cells and phragmosporous conidia that are initially hyaline, turn pale yellowish at maturity, and are 7-septate, cylindrical to subcylindrical, either straight or slightly curved. These discoveries underscore the significance of exploring and accurately identifying fungal taxa within Ascomycota, highlighting the species richness and potential for new species discoveries in grass-based habitats. The findings from this study expand our understanding of the taxonomy and phylogeny of grassland-associated Ascomycota, providing a foundation for further ecological and taxonomic studies of these fungi within their natural environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundant variety of yeasts and their diverse applications have essential roles in traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage fermentation processes. During our investigation of yeast diversity associated with Pulque, 41 yeast strains were characterized. Among them, 31 strains were eight known species belonging to seven genera. According to morphological and phylogenetic analyses (ITS and LSU rDNA), ten unidentified yeast strains were identified to be three novel species and proposed: Starmerella elongatum sp. nov., Kazachstania paragamospora sp. nov. and Pichia teotihuacanensis sp. nov. Our study has resulted in the isolation of yeast species not previously detected in Pulque, expanding our knowledge of the diversity of its associated yeast communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in-depth study of the phylogenetic relationships of Xylaria species associated with nutshells of fruits and seeds within the genus Xylaria and related genera of Xylaceaecea was conducted in China. The multi-gene phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on ITS, RPB2, and TUB sequences of 100 species of 16 known genera in Xylariaceae around the world. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, morphological observations, and ecological habitats, a new genus, Heteroxylaria, is established to accommodate four new species, viz. H. cordiicola, H. juglandicola, H. meliicola, and H. terminaliicola, and four new combinations, viz. H. oxyacanthae, H. palmicola, H. reevesiae, and H. rohrensis. The genus is characterized by cylindrical stromata with conspicuous to inconspicuous perithecial mounds, surface black, having brown to dark brown ascospores with a germ slit, and it grows on nutshell of fruits. The combined ITS+RPB2+TUB sequence dataset of representative taxa in the Xylariaceae demonstrate that Heteroxylaria is grouped with Hypocreodendron but forms a monophyletic lineage. All novelties described herein are morphologically illustrated and compared to similar species and phylogeny is investigated to establish new genera and species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peltula shalae Kumar S. is described as a new species of lichens from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is characterised by peltate-umbilicate thallus comprising of overlapping squamules forming rosettes, with diameter 2–3.5 cm. The absence of soredia is notable. This lichen is observed to grow on 'shale rock', a type of sedimentary rock, and is distinguished from closely related species, including P. daurica, P. sonorensis, P. anthracina , and P. obscurans by its distinct morphological features. Furthermore, a comprehensive comparison with closely related peltate-umbilicate species is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During an ongoing survey on fungal diversity in Sichuan Province, China, a white filamentous fungus growing on decaying marbled bamboo (Chimonobambusa marmoreal) leaves was collected. Upon conducting the initial morphological diagnosis and BLASTn searches, the new collection was assigned to the genus Arthrobotrys. A multi-locus phylogeny, based on a concatenated dataset (SSU-ITS-LSU-TEF1-RPB2), revealed the new collection in close phylogenetic proximity to Arthrobotrys eryuanensis and A. hyrcanus. However, they differ in shape and size of conidia. The conidia of the new collection are comparatively shorter than those of A. hyrcanus and wider than those of A. eryuanensis. Based on the difference in morphology and molecular data, we proposed the new collection as a new species, Arthrobotrys chinensis sp. nov. Detailed morphological characteristics, illustrations, and an updated phylogeny is provided for the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the genus Hypoxylon (Ascomycota) are pleomorphic fungi mostly forming conspicuous teleomorphs, consisting of perithecia embedded into stromal tissue, and their morphology has traditionally served for species delineation. However, analysis in tandem with other phenotypic characters, such as chemical and genetic traits, proved to be a more stable predictor of interspecies and intergeneric relationships. During 2014 and 2015, a set of species identified as Hypoxylon were described from the Neotropics, exclusively relying on morphological traits. The secondary metabolite profiles of their stromata were analysed by HPLC/DAD-ESI-MS, corroborating their classification within Xylariales. Additionally, molecular data for ex-type strains of H. dussii and H. sofaiense were incorporated into an inferred molecular phylogeny of the Hypoxylaceae and allies. Furthermore, a freshly collected specimen from North Carolina was selected as epitype of Sphaeria perforata Schweinitz (syn. Hypoxylon perforatum), as its morphological/chemotaxonomic characters matched those of the holotype. Our findings demonstrate that the secondary metabolism of Hypoxylon closely correlates with both morphological features and molecular data, serving as a complement for species identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morocco is a leading citrus producer with a Mediterranean climate and fertile soil. The diversity of microbial communities is a subtle indicator of this fertility and lends insights into soil function and sustainability. We compare the soil microbiome under oranges in the Taroudant and Béni Mellal regions: 90 samples were analysed by genetic sequencing using Illumina MiSeq. Several groups of microorganisms play a key role in soil health, tree growth, and the production of good quality fruit. Proteobacteria dominate the bacterial phyla, Ascomycota the fungal phyla, but ANOVA reveals a highly significant difference between the two studied areas (R = 0.164, p = 0.001) in terms of bio-sustainability and microbiome. According to the Similarity Percentage Test, the Taroudant region is characterised by high biodiversity, contributing 55% to the other parameters, whereas Béni-Mellal region exhibits high resistance of microbial communities, contributing 43% to the other parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Mianning ham is a dry-cured ham from Southwest China, known for its distinct regional characteristics and delicious taste. It is particularly favored by consumers due to its safety, as no artificial nitrites are added during processing. The microbial changes during its different processing stages significantly influence the final product's flavor. This study aims to investigate the changes in microbial communities and flavor compounds across the nine stages of Mianning ham production, from raw material preparation to salting, drying, fermentation, and maturation, using 16S and ITS sequencing, as well as solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). The goal is to explore the correlation between these changes and provide a basis for process improvement from the initial raw material preparation. (2) Results: The microbiota of Mianning ham across different processing stages mainly consisted of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Ascomycota. A total of 324 volatile compounds were identified, of which 27 were key contributors to the ham's flavor. Aldehydes contributed the most to flavor, with octanal, trans-2-nonenal, and trans, trans-2,4-decadienal being the most significant contributors at various stages. Mature Mianning ham, fermented for 1–3 years, exhibited fresh grass and earthy aromas, buttery and fatty flavors, and a distinctive roasted potato note. Correlation analysis revealed that Cobetia was the primary bacterial contributor to the main flavor compounds, especially prominent in the second year of fermentation. Among fungi, Yamadazyma and Aspergillus positively influenced several key aldehyde flavor compounds throughout the processing stages, significantly contributing to the flavor profile of Mianning ham. (3) Conclusions: Correlation analysis showed that the Mianning ham that matured for two years had the richest and most characteristic flavor. The positive and consistent impact of fungi on the ham's flavor suggests that they may warrant further research and application in Mianning ham production. This provides a theoretical basis for improving the flavor quality and enhancing the market competitiveness of Mianning ham. One of the key features of Mianning ham is its substantial accumulation of hydrocarbons, which surpasses that of hams from other regions in China. A notable characteristic of Mianning ham processing is the absence of artificially added nitrites as antioxidants and color fixatives. Whether this absence is a contributing factor to the significant accumulation of hydrocarbons warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Golovinomyces (Erysiphaceae, Ascomycota) is an obligate plant pathogenic group causing powdery mildew on diverse angiosperm plants, including economically significant crops. Despite advancements in the taxonomy and phylogeny of Golovinomyces species using ribosomal DNA markers (ITS and LSU), several taxonomic issues remain unresolved. Previously, the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene, which exhibits higher nucleotide variation, has been proposed as an additional marker for powdery mildew species. In this study, we designed a new primer set (GoGPD-F and GoGPD-R) to improve the PCR success and efficiency of the GAPDH gene across various Golovinomyces species and dried herbarium specimens. The primers were successful in amplifying and sequencing the GAPDH gene in sixteen Golovinomyces species, including six species not previously registered in GenBank and two undescribed species. This development is a significant contribution to future research on the identification, taxonomy, and phylogeny of Golovinomyces species, offering a more robust tool for resolving existing taxonomic issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the first-ever report of lichens from Sholayar 10 ha permanent plot, with a total of 38 species under 23 genera and 14 families. Of these, one species, Allographa cinerea (Fée) Lücking and Kalb reported as new to India, and nine species namely Coenogonium dilucidum (Kremp.) Kalb and Lücking, Crypthonia albida (Fée) Frisch, Enterographa divergens (Müll. Arg.) Redinger, Graphis indica J. Kalb and Kalb, Malmidea fuscella (Müll. Arg.) Kalb and Lücking, Malmidea piae (Kalb) Kalb, Malmidea subgranifera (Kalb and Elix) Kalb and Elix, and Porina subinterstes (Nyl.) Müll. Arg. as new distributional records to Kerala. The genus Crypthonia is reported for the first time in Kerala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the culturable fungal community recovered from deep marine sediments in the maritime Antarctic, and assessed their capabilities to produce exoenzymes, emulsifiers and metabolites with phytotoxic activity. Sixty-eight Ascomycota fungal isolates were recovered and identified. The most abundant taxon recovered was the yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii, followed by the filamentous fungi Penicillium chrysogenum, P. cf. palitans, Pseudeurotium cf. bakeri, Thelebolus balaustiformis, Antarctomyces psychrotrophicus and Cladosporium sp. Diversity indices displayed low values overall, with the highest values obtained at shallow depth, decreasing to the deepest location sampled. Only M. guilliermondii and P. cf. palitans were detected in the sediments at all depths sampled, and were the most abundant taxa at all sample sites. The most abundant enzymes detected were proteases, followed by invertases, cellulases, lipases, carrageenases, agarases, pectinases and esterases. Four isolates showed good biosurfactant activity, particularly the endemic species A. psychrotrophicus. Twenty-four isolates of P. cf. palitans displayed strong phytotoxic activities against the models Lactuca sativa and Allium schoenoprasum. The cultivable fungi recovered demonstrated good biosynthetic activity in the production of hydrolytic exoenzymes, biosurfactant molecules and metabolites with phytotoxic activity, reinforcing the importance of documenting the taxonomic, ecological and biotechnological properties of fungi present in deep oceanic sediments of the Southern Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Evolutionary relationships between the morphological and ecological traits of fungi are poorly understood. The appendages of chasmothecia, which are sexual reproductive organs of Erysiphaceae, are considered to play a crucial role in the overwintering strategies of these fungi on host plants. Previous studies suggested that both the host type and appendage morphology evolved at the same nodes and transitioned from complex appendages on deciduous hosts to simple appendages on herb/evergreen hosts. However, the evolutionary dependence between host type and appendage morphology remains unproven owing to the limited species data used in analyses. To elucidate the evolutionary relationship between host type and appendage morphology, we used phylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs) to investigate the state transition, ancestral state, evolutionary dependence, and contingent evolution within Erysipheae, the largest and most diverse tribe in Erysiphaceae. Our PCMs, based on a comprehensive data set of Erysipheae, revealed that the most ancestral states were deciduous host types and complex appendages. From these ancestral states, convergent evolution toward the herb/evergreen host types and simple appendages occurred multiple times at the same nodes. For the first time in Erysiphaceae, we detected an evolutionary dependence between host type and appendage morphology. This is one of the few examples in which evolutionary dependence between host phenology and morphological traits in plant-parasitic fungi was demonstrated using PCMs. Appendage simplification on herb/evergreen hosts and complications on deciduous hosts can be reasonably explained by the functional advantages of each appendage type in different overwintering strategies. These expected appendage functions can explain approximately 90% of host type and appendage morphology combinations observed in the analyzed taxa. However, our results also highlighted the occurrence of evolutionary shifts that deviate from the expected advantages of each appendage morphology. These seemingly irrational shifts might be interpretable from the flexibility of overwintering strategies and quantification of appendage functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, yeasts from the gut of O. barnabita larvae were isolated and molecularly identified. It is worth noting that this research provides the first analysis of the gut yeast community in O. barnabita larvae in Lithuania, which is a significant contribution to the field. Two hermit-like L3-praepupa instars were collected from a decaying oak log in Lithuania. The isolation, morphology, biochemistry, and physiology of the yeast isolates were characterized using standards commonly employed in yeast taxonomy studies. The isolates were identified by sequencing the large subunit (26S) rDNA (D1/D2 domain of the LSU). All gut compartments were colonized by the yeast. A total of 45 yeast strains were obtained from the gut of both O. barnabita larvae, with 23 strains originating from Larva 1, 16 strains from Larva 2, and 6 strains from the galleries. According to our identification results of the 45 yeast strains, most of the species were related to Ascomycota, with most of them belonging to the Saccharomycetales order. Yeasts of the genera Candida, Debaryomyces, Meyerozyma, Priceomyces, Schwanniomyces, Spencermartinsiella, Trichomonascus, and Blastobotrys were present in gut of O. barnabita larvae. Species of the Trichosporonales order represented the Basidiomycota phylum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of lichens were reported as new to Lithuania: Flavoplaca arcis, Kuettlingeria teicholyta, Ramalina europaea, Xanthoria calcicola. Of these, two calcicolous lichens, Kuettlingeria teicholyta and Flavoplaca arcis, were recorded for the first time in the Baltic States. Two species, namely Cladonia turgida and Peltigera aphthosa, previously considered extinct, were re-found after more than 50 years in Lithuania. The conservation value of some of the listed species was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular study of Circinaria specimens collected in arid habitats of the Chuya Steppe showed the existence of two different growth forms, crustose and vagrant, in C. tominii that implies a more complex lifecycle of the species compared to that postulated by Mereschkowsky for vagrant taxa. An ITS phylogeny revealed the position of Circinaria tominii relative to three vagrant species, C. alpicola, C. aschabadensis and C. jussufii. Circinaria tominii was first collected in 1926 and was rediscovered in its type locality 90 years later in the only habitat near Ortolyk settlement in the Republic of Altai (Russia). The species is found on soil in stony habitats of the Chuya Steppe. The estimated abundance of the species reaches several hundred specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lophium arboricola is known as a saprotrophic fungus from different substrates, but it was mainly reported from conifers. In this study, two strains of fungi found growing on resin were molecularly identified as Lophium arboricola. The species was isolated from the resin of Picea abies and Abies alba in Poland. It is the first report of L. arboricola from resin substrate and, simultaneously, the first indication of a resinicolous lifestyle of this species. Isolated strains were morphologically characterized. The phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on ITS and LSU rDNA regions. Moreover, it is the first published report of L. arboricola from Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Biologica Slovenica is the property of Drustvo Biologov Slovenije 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.)

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.

Molecular studies of fungi within the order Laboulbeniales (Ascomycota, Pezizomycotina) have been hampered for years because of their minute size, inability to grow in axenic culture, and lack of reliable and cost-efficient DNA extraction protocols. In particular, the genus Laboulbenia is notorious for low success with DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. This is attributed to the presence of melanin, a molecule known to inhibit PCR, in the cells. We evaluated the efficacy of a standard single cell-based DNA extraction protocol by halving the recommended amount of reagents to reduce the cost per extraction and adding bovine serum albumin (BSA) during the multiple displacement amplification step to reverse the effect of melanin. A total of 196 extractions were made, 111 of which were successful. We found that halving the reagents used in the single cell-based extraction kit did not significantly affect the probability of successful DNA extraction. Using the halved protocol reduces cost and resource consumption. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the probability of successfully extracting DNA based on whether BSA was added or not, suggesting that the amount of melanin present in cells of the thallus has no major inhibitory effect on PCR. We generated 277 sequences from five loci, but amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region, the mitochondrial small subunit rDNA, and protein-coding genes remains challenging. The probability of successfully extracting DNA from Laboulbeniales was also impacted by specimen storage methods, with material preserved in > 95% ethanol yielding higher success rates compared to material stored in 70% ethanol and dried material. We emphasize the importance of proper preservation of material and propose the design of Laboulbeniales-specific primers to overcome the problems of primer mismatches and contaminants. Our new insights apply not only to the genus Laboulbenia; Laboulbeniales generally are understudied, and the vast majority of species remain unsequenced. New and approachable molecular developments will benefit the study of Laboulbeniales, helping to elucidate the true diversity and evolutionary relationships of these peculiar microfungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]