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Lichens are multi-component microbial communities where yeasts are common. This work was designed to address the taxonomic diversity and distribution of cultivated endothallic yeasts in terricolous lichens of the genus Cladonia. Lichens Cladonia stellaris, C. rangiferina, C. cornuta, and C. pleurota from arctic, subarctic, and continental boreal climates in Russia in a range of biotopes were studied. In total, 40 yeast species were isolated. It revealed a broad taxonomic range of endothallic yeast with a substantial proportion of basidiomycetes from subphyla Agaricomycotina and Pucciniomycotina. Many common yeast species were found within the epithallic and endothallic yeast communities of some lichens studied. The physiological and ecological characterization of 30 basidiomycetous endothallic yeasts enhances our understanding of lichen habitats and may aid in culturing seldom-isolated lichenicolous fungi. Out of 40 species in this study, 21 new yeast species were discovered, and 10 new yeast species were proposed with their formal descriptions. They are Colacogloea glushakovae sp. nov., Cyrenella lichenicola sp. nov., Microsporomyces wangii sp. nov., Microsporomyces cladoniae sp. nov., Genolevuria nadymea sp. nov., Teunia turchettiae sp. nov., Phaeotremella sibirica sp. nov., Phaeotremella endothallina sp. nov., Piskurozyma altaica sp. nov., and Piskurozyma cladoniicola sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylodon lanatus and closely related species were studied with molecular and morphological means. This species complex contains six species, two of which we describe as new. Species in the complex have minutely odontioid hymenophore projections that consist of encrusted, firm-walled hyphae and ellipsoid spores. We assign an epitype for X. lanatus, for which ITS and 28S rDNA sequences were obtained, and amend the concept of X. pseudolanatus. The two new species, both well supported in our phylogenetic analyses, are X. afromontanus, found in Eastern Africa, and X. mantiqueirensis, found in southeastern Brazil. We show the phylogenetic affinity of X. echinatus with X. lanatus for the first time, and according to new data the range of the previous species extends to Sunda Archipelago. We provide scanning electron microscopy illustrations of the crystalline deposits on projecting hyphae for the above-mentioned species. The sixth member of the complex is X. kunmingensis. Outside the X. lanatus complex, we report additional sequenced specimens of X. hyphodontinus. A new species, X. neotropicus from South America, related to X. hyphodontinus, is described. We also describe X. gloeocystidiifer from Ecuador as new species. It is characterised by globose/broadly ellipsoid spores, gloeocystidia and capitate cystidia with a resinous cap. The heterotypic names Hyphodontia yunnanensis and Xylodon yunnanensis are considered. We suggest the previous one is a synonym of the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gypsum Karst of Sorbas, Almeria, southeast Spain, includes a few caves whose entrances are open and allow the entry and roosting of numerous bats. Caves are characterized by their diversity of gypsum speleothems, such as stalactites, coralloids, gypsum crusts, etc. Colored biofilms can be observed on the walls of most caves, among which the Covadura and C3 caves were studied. The objective was to determine the influence that bat mycobiomes may have on the fungal communities of biofilms. The results indicate that the fungi retrieved from white and yellow biofilms in Covadura Cave (Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota, Basidiomycota) showed a wide diversity, depending on their location, and were highly influenced by the bat population, the guano and the arthropods that thrive in the guano, while C3 Cave was more strongly influenced by soil- and arthropod-related fungi (Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota), due to the absence of roosting bats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entoloma is one of the largest genera of Agaricales in terms of species diversity and is widespread throughout the world. In the present study, four new species, namely Entoloma brunneofibrillosum, E. humidiphilum, E. ochraceodiscum, and E. colchicum, are introduced as new to science. These species are described based on specimens collected in Cyprus, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Russia, Spain, and Türkiye, including morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Entoloma brunneofibrillosum is recognized by its brown to dark brown pileus with conspicuous dark, radial fibrils, a pale brown stipe with glistening fibrils, and usually fusiform to broadly clavate cheilocystidia. It belongs to the /Undulatosporum clade. Entoloma humidiphilum (subg. Alboleptonia) is close to E. niveum from New Zealand but differs by a completely pruinose or minutely squamulose pileus surface, narrowly cylindrical to cylindrical pileipellis elements with a deep median constriction, and by occurring in riparian habitats. Entoloma ochraceodiscum is characterized by funnel-shaped basidiomata with a deeply depressed yellowish-brown pileus and belongs to the section Griseorubida. Entoloma colchicum (subg. Nolanea) is similar to E. ortonii but differs by its distinctive radially fibrillose or velutinous pileus and the absence of odour. The new species are presented with photographs, line drawings, and comparisons with similar taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Heterostigmatic mites from the family Microdispidae, Premicrodispus (Premicrodispus) abani Rahiminejad & Majidi sp. n., is described and illustrated based on female individuals recovered from macro-fungi, Trichaptum sp. (Fungi: Polyporales), in forestry areas of Gorgan, northern Iran. Additionally, distributional records of four pygmephoroid species belonging to Pediculaster Vitzthum, 1931, Metapygmephorellus Rahiminejad, Hajiqanbar & Khaustov, 2015, and Krczaldania Sasa, 1961 genera are reported from various mushrooms over the sampling region. All the fungi, including Trichaptum sp. (Polyporales), Psathyrella sp., and Pleurotus sp. (Fungi: Agaricales), are recorded for the first time as hosts of Heterostigmata. Moreover, Pediculaster sklarii Sevastianov & Chydyrov, 1994 and P. amerahae Sevastianov & Abo-korah, 1984, are recorded for the first time in the arthropod fauna of Iran. Eventually, an overview of heterostigmatic mites associated with macro-fungi, as well as their host range and distribution, has been provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity, composition, and abundance of soil fungi from three sacred groves in Kerala, namely Iringole kavu of Ernakulam District, Kollakal Thapovanam of Alappuzha District, and Poyilkavu of Kozhikode District were analysed using Metagenomics analysis and Illumina sequencing. A total of 30,584, 78,323, and 55,640 reads were obtained from these groves, respectively. Ascomycota constitutes over 96% of the total fungi, making it the most abundant phylum, followed by Mortierellomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Rozellomycota. These phyla were subdivided into 20 classes, 40 orders, 83 families, 119 genera, and 135 species, while 1269 OTUs remained unidentified at the species level. Eurotiomycetes predominates the class, while the genus Talaromyces from the family Trichomaceae dominates the genera. Neocarmospora falciformis, Trichoderma lixii, and Candida ethanolic are the most abundant fungal species. Diversity analysis shows that Kollakal Thapovanam is rich in fungal species, while Poyilkavu is rich in biodiversity, with a high degree of dominance. Several species were found only in a particular grove and were absent in others and vice-versa, indicating high fungal specificity. Therefore, fungi have to be preserved in their original habitat. The Principal Coordinate Analysis revealed that each grove is distinct highlighting the importance of preserving the unique diversity of each sacred grove. In conclusion, this research provides valuable information about the soil fungal genera in their natural habitat. It emphasizes the need for more systematic research to understand the actual diversity and ecological role of fungi in sacred groves. This study is the first of its kind to analyse and compare soil fungal diversity in sacred groves using the metagenomics approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the investigations of macrofungi resources in Zhejiang Province, China, an interesting wood rot fungus was collected. Based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies, it is described as a new species, Anthracophyllum sinense. A. sinense is characterized by its sessile, charcoal black and pleurotoid pileus, sparse lamellae occasionally branching, clavate basidia with long sterigmata [(3-)6–7(-8) μm], and non-heteromorphous cystidia. A. sinense establishes a separate lineage close to A. archeri and A. lateritium in the phylogenetic tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of mycoflora is crucial for determining the overall health of an ecosystem, yet it has received less attention compared to floristic diversity. An integrated taxonomical approach was used to understand the diversity and systematics of the gasteroid fungus Geastrum in the tropical mixed forest of Butea and Tectona in India's Lower Chota Nagpur Plateau. Geastrum triplex, identified as a collared earthstar fungus, exhibits distinctive characteristics, including onion-shaped to obpyriform young basidiomes, a round umbo at the apex, a pseudoparenchymatous layer around the base of the sessile endoperidium, and a delimited fibrillose peristome. The present study provides a comprehensive morphological description coupled with illustrations, SEM image of basidiospores, distribution and ITS based phylogenetic analysis of Geastrum triplex and moreover, contributes to the distributional records in the Lower Chota Nagpur Plateau regions of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daqu is of great significance to the brewing process of Baijiu, and there are variations in the light-flavor Baijiu Daqu in different regions. However, few studies have been conducted on light-flavor Daqu from the north and south regions of China. In this study, the physicochemical indices, volatile flavor components, and microbial community structure of two types of Daqu from the north and south regions of China were comparatively analyzed. The study findings reveal that Daqu originating from the southern region of China (HB) exhibits superior moisture content, acidity, starch content, and saccharification power. In contrast, Daqu from the northern region of China (SX) displays higher fermentation, esterification, and liquefaction power. The analysis of the microbial community structure revealed that HB was dominated by Bacillus, Kroppenstedtia, Saccharomycopsis, and Thermoascus, while SX was dominated by Bacillus, Prevotella, and Saccharomycopsis. The analysis detected a total of 47 volatile components in both HB Daqu and SX Daqu. The volatile components of pyrazine were significantly more abundant in HB Daqu than in SX Daqu, while alcohol compounds were more prominent in SX Daqu than in HB Daqu. In addition, the RDA analysis established a correlation between dominant microorganisms and volatile components. Cyanobacteria, Fusobacteriota, Ascomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucormyce exhibited positive correlations with a significant proportion of the key volatile compounds. This study establishes a scientific foundation for improving the quality of light-flavor Daqu liquor in different regions of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substituted benzaldehydes are the most commonly used natural-occurring flavours in the world. The consumer's preference for 'natural or organic' aromas has increased the request for flavours possessing the 'natural' status. The resulting shortage of aromatic aldehydes of extractive origin, such as vanillin, veratraldehyde and piperonal, can be offset by developing a new biotechnological synthesis method. Here, we report a study on the microbiological reduction of five natural benzoic acid derivatives, namely p-anisic, vanillic, veratric, piperonylic and eudesmic acids, to produce the corresponding fragrant aldehydes. We found that different Basidiomycota strains can efficiently perform this transformation, with good chemical selectivity and tolerance to the toxicity of substrates and products. Besides confirming the carboxylic acid reductase activity of the already studied fungi Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, we discovered that other species such as Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus sapidus and Laetiporus sulphureus as well as the non-ligninolytic fungi Lepista nuda are valuable microorganisms for the synthesis of anisaldehyde, vanillin, veratraldehyde, piperonal and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde from the corresponding acids. According to our findings, we propose a reliable process for the preparation of the above-mentioned aldehydes, in natural form. Key points: • Fragrant benzaldehydes were obtained by biotransformation. • Basidiomycota strains reduced substituted benzoic acid to the corresponding aldehydes. • Anisaldehyde, vanillin, veratraldehyde, piperonal and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde were prepared in natural form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the continuation of Fungal Diversity Notes series, the current paper is the 16th contribution to this series. A total of 103 taxa from seven classes in Ascomycota and Basidiomycota are included here. Of these 101 taxa, four new genera, 89 new species, one new combination, one new name and six new records are described in detail along with information of hosts and geographic distributions. The four genera newly introduced are Ascoglobospora, Atheliella, Rufoboletus and Tenuimyces. Newly described species are Akanthomyces xixiuensis, Agaricus agharkarii, A. albostipitatus, Amphisphaeria guttulata, Ascoglobospora marina, Astrothelium peudostraminicolor, Athelia naviculispora, Atheliella conifericola, Athelopsis subglaucina, Aureoboletus minimus, A. nanlingensis, Autophagomyces incertus, Beltrania liliiferae, Beltraniella jiangxiensis, Botryobasidium coniferarum, Calocybella sribuabanensis, Calonarius caesiofulvus, C. nobilis, C. pacificus, C. pulcher, C. subcorrosus, Cortinarius flaureifolius, C. floridaensis, C. subiodes, Crustomyces juniperi, C. scytinostromoides, Cystostereum subsirmaurense, Dimorphomyces seemanii, Fulvoderma microporum, Ginnsia laricicola, Gomphus zamorinorum, Halobyssothecium sichuanense, Hemileccinum duriusculum, Henningsomyces hengduanensis, Hygronarius californicus, Kneiffiella pseudoabdita, K. pseudoalutacea, Laboulbenia bifida, L. tschirnhausii, L. tuberculata, Lambertella dipterocarpacearum, Laxitextum subrubrum, Lyomyces austro-occidentalis, L. crystallina, L. guttulatus, L. niveus, L. tasmanicus, Marasmius centrocinnamomeus, M. ferrugineodiscus, Megasporoporia tamilnaduensis, Meruliopsis crystallina, Metuloidea imbricata, Moniliophthora atlantica, Mystinarius ochrobrunneus, Neomycoleptodiscus alishanense, Nigrograna kunmingensis, Paracremonium aquaticum, Parahelicomyces dictyosporus, Peniophorella sidera, P. subreticulata, Phlegmacium fennicum, P. pallidocaeruleum, Pholiota betulicola, P. subcaespitosa, Pleurotheciella hyalospora, Pleurothecium aseptatum, Resupinatus porrigens, Russula chlorina, R. chrysea, R. cruenta, R. haematina, R. luteocarpa, R. sanguinolenta, Synnemellisia punensis, Tenuimyces bambusicola, Thaxterogaster americanoporphyropus, T. obscurovibratilis, Thermoascus endophyticus, Trechispora alba, T. perminispora, T. subfarinacea, T. tuberculata, Tremella sairandhriana, Tropicoporus natarajaniae, T. subramaniae, Usnea kriegeriana, Wolfiporiella macrospora and Xylodon muchuanensis. Rufoboletus hainanensis is newly transferred from Butyriboletus, while a new name Russula albocarpa is proposed for Russula leucocarpa G.J. Li & Chun Y. Deng an illegitimate later homonym of Russula leucocarpa (T. Lebel) T. Lebel. The new geographic distribution regions are recorded for Agaricus bambusetorum, Bipolaris heliconiae, Crinipellis trichialis, Leucocoprinus cretaceus, Halobyssothecium cangshanense and Parasola setulosa. Corresponding to morphological characters, phylogenetic evidence is also utilized to place the above-mentioned taxa in appropriate taxonomic positions. The current morphological and phylogenetic data is helpful for further clarification of species diversity and exploration of evolutionary relationships in the related fungal groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of cryptic species is widespread among various fungal lineages. Fomes inzengae (Ces. & De Not.) Cooke has been recently recognized as a South European kin of wood-decay basidiomycete F. fomentarius (L.) Fr. due to the problematic morphological identification of both species, their taxonomic status has been disputed. The aim of this research is to examine the distribution, host preferences, morphological characters, and phylogenetic relationships between F. fomentarius and F. inzengae in the South Moravian region in Czechia (Central Europe), where both species occur sympatrically. The results revealed the ecological preferences of Fomes spp. along an altitudinal gradient, while F. inzengae is a lowland taxon, F. fomentarius dominates at higher altitudes in forests with abundant Fagus sylvatica. The main contact zone of the two taxa is located in the upper-colline vegetation belt (elevation ca. 400‒550 m a.s.l.). The morphological analysis revealed that the basidiospore size, the width of skeletal hyphae in basidiomes, and the linear density of pores of both taxa are almost identical and can not be used for the identification of the two species. Multigene sequence analyses of ITS, LSU, RPB1, RPB2, and TEF1 markers confirmed that F. fomentarius and F. inzengae are phylogenetically distinct species. The relationship of F. inzengae and F. fomentarius to Globifomes graveolens and Hexagonia spp. is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of bacterial microbiota on host metabolism and obesity risk is well documented. However, the role of fungal microbiota on host storage metabolite pools is largely unexplored. We aimed to investigate the role of microbiota on D. melanogaster fat metabolism, and examine interrelatedness between fungal and bacterial microbiota, and major metabolic pools. Fungal and bacterial microbiota profiles, fat, glycogen, and trehalose metabolic pools are measured in a context of genetic variation represented by whole genome sequenced inbred Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) samples. Increasing Basidiomycota, Acetobacter persici, Acetobacter pomorum, and Lactobacillus brevis levels correlated with decreasing triglyceride levels. Host genes and biological pathways, identified via genome-wide scans, associated with Basidiomycota and triglyceride levels were different suggesting the effect of Basidiomycota on fat metabolism is independent of host biological pathways that control fungal microbiota or host fat metabolism. Although triglyceride, glycogen and trehalose levels were highly correlated, microorganisms' effect on triglyceride pool were independent of glycogen and trehalose levels. Multivariate analyses suggested positive interactions between Basidiomycota, A. persici, and L. brevis that collectively correlated negatively with fat and glycogen pools. In conclusion, fungal microbiota can be a major player in host fat metabolism. Interactions between fungal and bacterial microbiota may exert substantial control over host storage metabolite pools and influence obesity risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permafrost active layer soils are harsh environments with thaw/freeze cycles and sub-zero temperatures, harboring diverse microorganisms. However, the distribution patterns, assembly mechanism, and driving forces of soil microeukaryotes in permafrost remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated microeukaryotes in permafrost active layer across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) using 18S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that the microbial eukaryotic communities were dominated by Nematozoa, Ciliophora, Ascomycota, Cercozoa, Arthropoda, and Basidiomycota in terms of relative abundance and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness. Nematozoa had the highest relative abundance, while Ciliophora had the highest OTU richness. These phyla had strong interactions between each other. Their alpha diversity and community structure were differently influenced by the factors associated to location, climate, and soil properties, particularly the soil properties. Significant but weak distance-decay relationships with different slopes were established for the communities of these dominant phyla, except for Basidiomycota. According to the null model, community assemblies of Nematozoa and Cercozoa were dominated by heterogeneous selection, Ciliophora and Ascomycota were dominated by dispersal limitation, while Arthropoda and Basidiomycota were highly dominated by non-dominant processes. The assembly mechanisms can be jointly explained by biotic interactions, organism treats, and environmental influences. Modules in the co-occurrence network of the microeukaryotes were composed by members from different taxonomic groups. These modules also had interactions and responded to different environmental factors, within which, soil properties had strong influences on these modules. The results suggested the importance of biological interactions and soil properties in structuring microbial eukaryotic communities in permafrost active layer soil across the QTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal pigments are characterized by a diverse set of chemical backbones, some of which present photosensitizer-like structures. From the genus Cortinarius, for example, several biologically active photosensitizers have been identified leading to the hypothesis that photoactivity might be a more general phenomenon in the kingdom Fungi. This paper aims at testing the hypothesis. Forty-eight fruiting body-forming species producing pigments from all four major biosynthetic pathways (i.e., shikimate-chorismate, acetate-malonate, mevalonate, and nitrogen heterocycles) were selected and submitted to a workflow combining in vitro chemical and biological experiments with state-of-the-art metabolomics. Fungal extracts were profiled by high-resolution mass spectrometry and subsequently explored by spectral organization through feature-based molecular networking (FBMN), including advanced metabolite dereplication techniques. Additionally, the photochemical properties (i.e., light-dependent production of singlet oxygen), the phenolic content, and the (photo)cytotoxic activity of the extracts were studied. Different levels of photoactivity were found in species from all four metabolic groups, indicating that light-dependent effects are common among fungal pigments. In particular, extracts containing pigments from the acetate-malonate pathway, e.g., extracts from Bulgaria inquinans, Daldinia concentrica, and Cortinarius spp., were not only efficient producers of singlet oxygen but also exhibited photocytotoxicity against three different cancer cell lines. This study explores the distribution of photobiological traits in fruiting body forming fungi and highlights new sources for phototherapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candolleomyces circumscribes several mushroom-forming fungi that produce pale brown to dark brown basidiospores. Despite its species richness, this genus has been poorly studied in Pakistan. In this study, we describe two species of the genus found in the districts of Bahawalnagar, Khushab, and Sheikhupura. These regions are dominated by angiosperm vegetation and have somewhat similar climatic conditions. The description of two new species, C. campanulatus and C. sultanii, is based on morphological and multigene phylogenetic analyses (nrITS, nrLSU). We hope that our contribution to the understanding of the diversity of Candolleomyces in Pakistan will prompt further studies of samples obtained from unexplored areas of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poroid species of Auriculariales have been placed in Aporpium, Elmerina, Protodaedalea and Protomerulius and include resupinate, effused-reflexed or pileate basidiomata, 4-celled basidia and globose, ovoid to allantoid basidiospores. According to recent DNA-based phylogenetic studies, those genera have good support in Auriculariales, but many species without phylogenetic treatment remain in uncertain taxonomic position, especially from the Neotropics. In the present paper, specimens with poroid hymenophore and septate basidia were collected in Brazil and morphological and DNA analyses, based in ITS and LSU regions, evidenced three new species (Elmerina brasiliensis, E. santanaensis and Protomerulis pedratalhadensis) and three new combinations (E. minipora, E. strigosa and E. obtusispora). Descriptions and illustrations of the new species, the new combinations and a comparative table of species of the genera are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Russula is the most diverse genus within the family Russulaceae and has an ectomycorrhizal association with many host trees. During the monsoon season of 2022, five Russula specimens were collected in northern Thailand. After morphological and molecular analyses, the five specimens were determined to belong to Russula subgenus Heterophyllidia. A single specimen belonged to R. bellissima. Four other collected specimens were found distinct from all other known species. We have identified these four specimens as two new species, namely R. pseudomodesta and R. sribuabanensis. Russula pseudomodesta belongs to the subsection Modestinae, while R. sribuabanensis belongs to the subsection Virescentinae. The phylogenetic placement of two new species within Russula has been confirmed based on sequences of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) region and a large subunit (nrLSU) of the nuclear ribosomal RNA (nrRNA). Comprehensive morphological descriptions, field photographs, and comparisons of two new species with other morphologically and phylogenetically closely related species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the 15th contribution in the Fungal Diversity Notes series, wherein 115 taxa from three phyla, nine classes, 28 orders, 48 families, and 64 genera are treated. Fungal taxa described and illustrated in the present study include a new family, five new genera, 61 new species, five new combinations, one synonym, one new variety and 31 records on new hosts or new geographical distributions. Ageratinicolaceae fam. nov. is introduced and accommodated in Pleosporales. The new genera introduced in this study are Ageratinicola, Kevinia, Pseudomultiseptospora (Parabambusicolaceae), Marasmiellomycena, and Vizzinia (Porotheleaceae). Newly described species are Abrothallus altoandinus, Ageratinicola kunmingensis, Allocryptovalsa aceris, Allophoma yuccae, Apiospora cannae, A. elliptica, A. pallidesporae, Boeremia wisteriae, Calycina papaeana, Clypeococcum lichenostigmoides, Coniochaeta riskali-shoyakubovii, Cryphonectria kunmingensis, Diaporthe angustiapiculata, D. campylandrae, D. longipapillata, Diatrypella guangdongense, Dothiorella franceschinii, Endocalyx phoenicis, Epicoccum terminosporum, Fulvifomes karaiensis, F. pannaensis, Ganoderma ghatensis, Hysterobrevium baoshanense, Inocybe avellaneorosea, I. lucida, Jahnula oblonga, Kevinia lignicola, Kirschsteiniothelia guangdongensis, Laboulbenia caprina, L. clavulata, L. cobiae, L. cosmodisci, L. nilotica, L. omalii, L. robusta, L. similis, L. stigmatophora, Laccaria rubriporus, Lasiodiplodia morindae, Lyophyllum agnijum, Marasmiellomycena pseudoomphaliiformis, Melomastia beihaiensis, Nemania guangdongensis, Nigrograna thailandica, Nigrospora ficuum, Oxydothis chinensis, O. yunnanensis, Petriella thailandica, Phaeoacremonium chinensis, Phialocephala chinensis, Phytophthora debattistii, Polyplosphaeria nigrospora, Pronectria loweniae, Seriascoma acutispora, Setoseptoria bambusae, Stictis anomianthi, Tarzetta tibetensis, Tarzetta urceolata, Tetraploa obpyriformis, Trichoglossum beninense, and Tricoderma pyrrosiae. We provide an emendation for Urnula ailaoshanensis Agaricus duplocingulatoides var. brevisporus introduced as a new variety based on morphology and phylogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have explored the effect of a new strain of the mushroom Inonotus obliquus (Ach.:Pers.) Pilat (Basidiomycota) F-1375 on melanin production in a glucose–tryptone medium, while adding a preparation of betulin and chemically pure tyrosine, under electric lighting and under dark conditions. The betulin preparation in the examined concentrations had practically no effect on the production of melanin, while high concentrations of tyrosine stimulated the production of melanin, both under illumination and in the dark. All studied samples of mushroom melanin are nontoxic: both isolated from natural (TC50 = 96 ± 8 μg/mL) and cultured in a liquid medium with the addition of betulin and tyrosine (TC50 from 164 to 400 μg/ml) are active against HIV-1 in an MT-4 cell culture (IC50 1 to 4.3 μg/mL, SI 17 to 192). The selectivity indices of the preparations of melanin of cultivated Inonotus obliquus F-1375 against the human immunodeficiency virus subtype A were at the level of 33-192, which makes it possible to recommend them for the development of antiviral agents. Melanin from the mushroom Inonotus obliquus F-1375 cultured in electric light with the addition of 10 and 20 mM tyrosine had the highest selectivity index for the HIV-1 retrovirus (SI 192). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phanerochaete is an important genus of wood-inhabiting fungi that can decompose rotten wood in forest ecosystems. In this study, we describe three new species of Phanerochaete viz. P. daliensis, P. subtropica, and P. subtuberculata from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, China. A combination of morphological features and phylogenetic analyses were used to describe these species. Firstly, P. daliensis possesses a cracking basidioma, grandinioid hymenophore with white hymenial surface, monomitic hyphal system with simple septate generative hyphae, and ellipsoid to elongate to cylindrical basidiospores. In comparison, P. subtropica possesses a smooth basidioma with rhizomorphic sterile margins, monomitic hyphal system with subhymenial hyphae densely covered by crystals, and ellipsoid basidiospores. Finally, P. subtuberculata is characterized by a tuberculate basidioma with slightly olivaceous to pale brown hymenial surface, monomitic hyphal system, clavate cystidia with a tapering apex, and ellipsoid basidiospores. Sequences of the ITS and LSU rDNA markers of 12 genera related to the genus Phanerochaete within the family Phanerochaetaceae (Polyporales) were generated and phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The results of the phylogenetic analysis indicated that the three new species belong to the genus Phanerochaete. Further, the phylogram inferred from the ITS dataset revealed that P. subtuberculata is a sister group to P. crystallina and that P. subtropica grouped with P. daliensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to determine the spatial distribution of rare fungal species is critical to understanding the environmental factors that affect them. Maximum entropy (MaxEnt) spatial distribution modeling solves this problem by allowing inferences about the distribution of species in a gradient of environmental factors based on occurrence data. To identify patterns of spatial distribution based on objective data, models of the potential geographical distribution of the rare polyporoid fungus of Picipes rhizophilus under current conditions (~1950–2000) and with predicted future climate changes (2100 AD) on a global scale have been created. The species Picipes rhizophilus can develop in steppe habitats of both plains and mountains. Most known habitats of the species are found in the ecoregions that make up the temperate grasslands, savannas and shrublands, Mediterranean forests, woodlands and scrubs, and desert and xeric shrubland biomes. The species is not associated with forest biomes, but it can be found in habitats located on their territory, subject to the processes of climate aridization and desertification. The species Picipes rhizophilus can develop in steppe habitats of both plains and mountains. Modeling the potential distribution of the species under the selected climatic scenario has shown the dynamics of changes in its range. The species-friendly climate area will increase in the North American continent, while there will be no significant changes in Europe and adjacent areas of Africa. In the most favorable territory for the species, located in the basin of the Western Manych River, conditions will become less favorable. There will be a local shift in the areas of potential distribution in the Asian part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data characterizing the temperature dependence of the growth and CO2 emission of two species of xylotrophic fungi (D. confragosa and D. tricolor) during their development on wort–agar and wood debris in a laboratory experiment are presented. Currently available estimates of the temperature dynamics of CO2 emission by wood debris do not fully take into account the relationship between temperature, CO2 emission, growth, and respiratory activity of fungi. In the range of 10–30°C, both linear growth and CO2 emission activity of fungal mycelium are positively and linearly related to temperature (Spearman's correlation coefficient, 0.94–0.97) to the same extent (Q10 of growth, 2.2; Q10 of respiration, 2.1), and CO2 emission is directly proportional to mycelium area and its specific emission activity. As a result, the temperature effect on CO2 emission is a derivative of two equally temperature dependent factors: growth and specific emission activity of mycelium. It is equal to the product of the effects of each of the factors separately and is described by an exponential equation, which reflects the non-additive, possibly synergistic nature of the temperature enhancement of CO2 emission in the range from 20 to 30°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although West Asia potentially represents one of the diversity hotspots for several groups of fungi, our knowledge of the funga in this region is fragmentary. Here, we provide a list of macrofungal species from Iran and performed a comparative analysis of macrofungal diversity in 12 regions worldwide. The list was compiled from relevant national/international conference letters, GenBank submissions, and published literature in Persian, English, and other languages. In total, 1333 species of macrofungal Asco- and Basidiomycota are listed which were reported from 31 provinces of Iran. We have classified the reported fungi into 12 predefined morphogroups, with most of them being agaricoid species (60%). The Hyrcanian forests that stretch along the Caspian Sea coast in northern Iran are the most species-rich region. Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) was used to check the number of worldwide occurrences of the reported species which revealed a total of 17 species were exclusively reported from Iran. We suggest that globally rare or low-occurrence species from Iran require global attention and potentially can contribute to the IUCN list of endangered species. Based on comparisons between the macrofungi of Iran and that of various countries, the Iranian species composition is found to be similar to those of the Mediterranean regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomace as a side stream from black currant juice production is mostly discarded, even though it is rich in nutrients like protein, fiber, sugars, anthocyanins, polyphenols, and other secondary metabolites. Fungi from the division of Basidiomycota have a great enzymatic toolbox to recycle these complex mixtures of nutrients. In particular, the edible medicinal fungus Wolfiporia cocos has been described as a suitable biocatalyst to form pleasant aroma compounds in fermentation processes. Therefore, medium optimization, upscaling, and filtration were performed to produce a beverage based on black currant pomace fermented with W. cocos. A trained panel described the beverage as highly pleasant, reminiscent of honey, flowers and berries with a well-balanced sour and sweet taste. The flavor compounds linalool (citrus), geraniol (flowery), phenylacetic acid (honey), methyl phenylacetate (honey), eugenol (clove), and 2-phenylethanol (rose) were produced during fermentation and the concentrations exceeded their respective odor thresholds. The produced beverage was evaluated with 8.0 ± 1.4 from 10 for the question of whether panelists would buy the product. Fungal fermentation with the edible fungus W. cocos enabled the production of a highly pleasant beverage and additionally may reduce waste by using pomace and table sugar as sole ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-mining sites represent important secondary refuges for invertebrates as well as for fungal species, often providing biodiversity hotspots in homogenous landscapes. Our study focuses on assemblages of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), spiders (Araneae), and macromycetes (Fungi: Basidiomycota, Ascomycota) in abandoned kaolin quarries and their immediate surroundings in the Pilsen region, Czech Republic. We studied mined and unmined sites and the impact of past mining, the vegetation composition of the sites, cover of herb and tree layers, and the amount of dead wood on the target groups. In total, we confirm the occurrence of 54 carabid beetle, 147 spider, and 139 macromycetes species, including several Red-listed species across the given groups. Carabid beetles and spiders, as well as the all Red-listed species, tend to prefer early successional open habitats. The fungal species displayed affinity to dead wood. Our results indicate that not only the invertebrates, but also macromycetes species prefer open post-mining sites, which are a substitute for endangered habitats such as natural wetlands or xerophilic grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-assisted bioprinting of microbial cells by hydrogel microdroplets is a rapidly developing and promising field that can contribute to solving a number of issues in microbiology and biotechnology. To date, most research on the use of laser bioprinting for microorganism manipulation and sorting has focused on prokaryotes; the bioprinting of eukaryotic microorganisms is much less understood. The use of hydrogel allows solving two fundamental problems: creating comfortable environments for living microorganisms and imparting the necessary rheological properties of the gel for the stable transfer of microdroplets of a preset size. Two main problems were solved in this article. First, the parameters of the hydrogel based on hyaluronic acid and laser fluence to ensure stable transfer of single drops are selected. Second, possible differences in the bioprinting by hyaluronic acid hydrogel microdroplets with yeasts of various taxonomy (Ascomycota vs Basidiomycota), which form and do not form polysaccharide capsules and evaluated. We have performed laser induced forward transfer of 8 yeast species (Goffeauzyma gilvescens, Lipomyces lipofer, Lipomyces starkey, Pichia manshurica, Saitozyma podzolica, Schwanniomyces occidentalis var. occidentalis, Sterigmatosporidium polymorphum, Vanrija humicola) and assessed its viability based on colony formation on the nutrient medium. It is shown that after laser-induced transfer in hydrogel microdroplets the mean viability rate was 77% with some strains showing relatively high viability rates exceeding 90%. Effect of capsules presence on colony formation after laser bioprinting was not revealed. Differences in laser transfer of the yeast of various phyla were found—basidiomycetes formed a greater number of colonies than ascomycetes. The causes and mechanisms of these effects require detailed studies. The data obtained contributes to the knowledge about the bioprinting of eukaryotic microorganisms and can be useful in the studies of single microbial cells and inter-organism interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Flaviporus (Polyporales, Steccherinaceae) includes species of polypores with watery and resinous basidiomes that shrink and become very hard upon drying. Recent studies indicated that F. liebmannii, one of the most common species of the genus in the Neotropics, is polyphyletic. In addition, several names have been associated with Flaviporus in the past, but have not been revised and/or discussed recently. In this study, we aimed to identify monophyletic groups in the genus based on morphological features and a multigene molecular phylogeny. We prepared two different datasets to infer phylogenetic relationships, one based in four genes (ITS, ncLSU rDNA, TEF1-α, and RPB1) to evaluate the position of the genus within the Steccherinaceae, and a separate phylogeny based on two genes (ITS and ncLSU) to evaluate species-level boundaries within Flaviporus. Based on the data obtained, the new species Flaviporus lacteus is proposed. In addition, F. liebmannii is confirmed to form a species complex including at least two different species, F. liebmannii s.s., and F. subglobisporus comb. et stat. nov. Full descriptions of the new taxa proposed, as well as comments on all species accepted in the genus are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the 14th in the Fungal Diversity Notes series, wherein we report 98 taxa distributed in two phyla, seven classes, 26 orders and 50 families which are described and illustrated. Taxa in this study were collected from Australia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chile, China, Cyprus, Egypt, France, French Guiana, India, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Mexico, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. There are 59 new taxa, 39 new hosts and new geographical distributions with one new combination. The 59 new species comprise Angustimassarinakunmingense, Asterinalopi, Asterinabrigadeirensis, Bartaliniabidenticola, Bartaliniacaryotae, Buelliapruinocalcarea, Coltriciainsularis, Colletotrichumflexuosum, Colletotrichumthasutense, Coniochaetacaraganae, Coniothyriumyuccicola, Dematipyriformaaquatic, Dematipyriformaglobispora, Dematipyriformanilotica, Distoseptisporabambusicola, Fulvifomesjawadhuvensis, Fulvifomesmalaiyanurensis, Fulvifomesthiruvannamalaiensis, Fusariumpurpurea, Gerronemaatrovirens, Gerronemaflavum, Gerronemakeralense, Gerronemakuruvense, Grammotheletaiwanensis, Hongkongmyceschangchunensis, Hypoxyloninaequale, Kirschsteiniotheliaacutisporum, Kirschsteiniotheliacrustaceum, Kirschsteiniotheliaextensum, Kirschsteiniotheliaseptemseptatum, Kirschsteiniotheliaspatiosum, Lecanoraimmersocalcarea, Lepiotasubthailandica, Lindgomycesguizhouensis, Martheasmiuspallidoaurantiacus, Marasmiustangerinus, Neovaginatisporamangiferae, Pararamichloridiumaquisubtropicum, Pestalotiopsispiraubensis, Phacidiumchinaum, Phaeoisariagoiasensis, Phaeoseptumthailandicum, Pleurotheciumaquisubtropicum, Pseudocercosporavernoniae, Pyrenophoraverruculosa, Rhachomycescruralis, Rhachomyceshyperommae, Rhachomycesmagrinii, Rhachomycesplatyprosophi, Rhizomarasmiuscunninghamietorum, Skeletocutiscangshanensis, Skeletocutissubchrysella, Sporisoriumanadelphiae-leptocomae, Tetraploadashaoensis, Tomentellaexiguelata, Tomentellafuscoaraneosa, Tricholomopsislechatii, Vaginatisporaflavispora and Wetmoreanablastidiocalcarea. The new combination is Torulasundara. The 39 new records on hosts and geographical distribution comprise Apiosporaguiyangensis, Aplosporellaartocarpi, Ascochytamedicaginicola, Astrocystisbambusicola, Atheliarolfsii, Bambusicolabambusae, Bipolarisluttrellii, Botryosphaeriadothidea, Chlorophyllumsquamulosum, Colletotrichumaeschynomenes, Colletotrichumpandanicola, Coprinopsiscinerea, Corylicolaitalica, Curvulariaalcornii, Curvulariasenegalensis, Diaporthefoeniculina, Diaporthelongicolla, Diaporthephaseolorum, Diatrypellaquercina, Fusariumbrachygibbosum, Helicomaaquaticum, Lepiotametulispora, Lepiotapongduadensis, Lepiotasubvenenata, Melanconiellameridionalis, Monotosporellaerecta, Nodulosphaeriadigitalis, Palmiascomagregariascomum, Periconiabyssoides, Periconiacortaderiae, Pleopunctumellipsoideum, Psilocybekeralensis, Scedosporiumapiospermum, Scedosporiumdehoogii, Scedosporiummarina, Spegazziniadeightonii, Torulafici, Wiesneriomyceslaurinus and Xylariavenosula. All these taxa are supported by morphological and multigene phylogenetic analyses. This article allows the researchers to publish fungal collections which are important for future studies. An updated, accurate and timely report of fungus-host and fungus-geography is important. We also provide an updated list of fungal taxa published in the previous fungal diversity notes. In this list, erroneous taxa and synonyms are marked and corrected accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood-degrading fungi and enzyme preparations derived thereof were identified to degrade boar taint compounds. Fungal strains (n = 27) were analytically and sensorially screened for skatole (SK) and androstenone (AEON) degradation in head space (HS) vials and agar plates, respectively. Eight strains were able to reduce > 80% of AEON and > 80% of SK intensities. Three enzyme fractions (extracellular, intracellular, and mycelial) obtained from submerged cultures of Cerrena zonata, Irpex lacteus, Marasmius cohortalis (MCO), and Trametes hirsuta were used for SK and AEON bioconversion. Several enzyme fractions were able to reduce 90–100% of SK/AEON concentrations in the reaction mixtures based on the volatile analysis. MCO extracellular enzyme fractions (EEF) and mycelial enzyme fractions (MEF) were able to completely abolish both compounds and were therefore used for a sensory 2-alternative forced choice discrimination test in parallel to quantitative analysis. HS-SPME–GC–MS results demonstrated that active EEF and active MEF reduced > 98% SK and AEON intensities individually and > 92% in the SK/AEON mixture. Discrimination tests with trained panelists revealed that samples were perceived significantly less intense regarding SK, AEON, and SK/AEON than the control samples with d' values (a discrimination value) of 1.19, 0.74, and 0.72 for active EEF and 2.12, 0.88, and 2.12 for active MEF respectively, which were well in line with the analytical results. This indicates that both fractions (EEF and MEF) were effective in the boar taint reduction in aqueous solutions. The study revealed that Basidiomycota or enzymes derived thereof may become interesting tools to remove boar taint compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geastrum is a genus with worldwide distribution and the most species-diverse in the family Geastraceae and is easily recognized by the star-like basidioma in the majority of species. The most recent and accepted classification based on phylogenetic, morphological and chemical data, subdivided the genus into 14 sections. The section Exareolata is formed by eleven species from which only G. echinulatum and G. verrucoramulosum are truly stipitate. During field trips in Brazilian Amazonia, we found a stipitate species of Geastrum. Based on morphological and phylogenetic data, we propose it as a new species for the genus, which forms a sister group of G. verrucoramulosum and is allocated in sect. Exareolata. Geastrum squameoramulosum sp. nov. is characterized by a prominent and well-developed ramified stipe and the presence of scales on the outer surface of the exoperidium. It is known so far only from the Amazon rainforest. We also provide an updated key to the species in this section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal rhizomorphs, largely from the suborder Marasmiineae, are routinely used in the construction of bird nests in tropical and subtropical forests. Fungal rhizomorphs provide structural benefits that include increased tensile strength and water repellence. Additionally, it has been hypothesized that the incorporation of rhizomorphs into nests may provide a means of parasite control through the production of antibiotics or volatiles. However, this hypothesis was not supported when a prior study of rhizomorphs in a tropical dry forest were found to be non-viable. Therefore, in this study, we tested the viability of four species of fungal rhizomorphs from bird nests constructed in a tropical rainforest. Twenty-five different rhizomorphs were harvested from 22 bird nests collected in the Iwokrama Forest in the Guiana Shield. Rhizomorphs were surface sterilized and plated on nutrient media. All rhizomorphs produced hyphae, suggesting they were metabolically active. Of these, ten were isolated in axenic culture and DNA barcoding was used to match cultures and originating rhizomorphs. The results showed that, at least in wet tropical rainforests, bird nest rhizomorphs used for nest construction are viable. This supports the hypothesis that the utilization of rhizomorphs by birds may provide additional benefits, including the production of antimicrobials, but that climatic conditions may influence the viability of these structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungal communities provide the nutrients and drive the cycles of elements in nature, and the rare fungal taxa are proved to be crucial for these communities in many environments. However, the ecological functions of rare taxa for the fungal communities in mangrove ecosystems are poorly assessed until now. This work aims to reveal the importance of rare taxa for the assembly of fungal communities in mangrove sediments by using the amplicon sequencing analysis of different spatiotemporal samples collected from Sanya mangroves, China. The results showed that Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant phyla in the conditionally rare taxa (CRT). The fungal communities possessed outstanding stability against the spatiotemporal variation and most collected environmental factors. The CRT possessed narrower niches and were more affected by the environmental variables than the abundant taxa. The current work demonstrated that the CRT had significantly higher relative abundances, degrees (the number of adjacent edges), clustering coefficients, and closeness centralities in the top 8 modules of the co-occurrence network (p < 0.05), indicating the important role of the CRT for the interaction of fungal communities in mangrove sediments. These findings indicate the importance of the CRT for the fungal community structures in mangrove sediments, and would deepen our understanding of dynamic functions of mangrove fungi, thereby facilitating the management, utilization, and protection of mangrove ecosystems. Key points: • Fungal communities in mangrove sediments are stable against environment variations. • The conditionally rare taxa (CRT) possessed narrower niches than the abundant fungal taxa. • The CRT are central for the co-occurrence network and interaction of fungal communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi play vital roles in ecosystems as endophytes, pathogens and saprobes. The current estimate of fungal diversity is highly uncertain, ranging from 1.5 to 12 million, but only around 150,000 species have been named and classified to date. Since the introduction of DNA based methods for species identification, the number of newly described taxa has increased from approximately 1000 to around 2000 yearly. This demonstrates the importance of DNA based methods to identify and distinguish species, especially cryptic species. Many novel species from recent studies have been found in historically understudied regions and habitats, but these still represent only a small percentage of the estimated species. In this paper, we examine 16 genera from the top 40 most speciose genera as listed in Species Fungorum as case studies to examine the diversity of taxa in each genus. The genera treated herein are Cercospora, Diaporthe, Meliola, Passalora, Phyllachora, Phyllosticta, Pseudocercospora, Ramularia (ascomycetes) and Cortinarius, Entoloma, Inocybe, Marasmius, Psathyrella, Puccinia, Russula, Uromyces (basidiomycetes). We critically evaluate the number of species in these genera and correlate these numbers with the number of entries in GenBank. We introduce 18 new species Apiospora multiloculata, Candolleomyces thailandensis, Cortinarius acutoproximus, Cortinarius melleoalbus, Cortinarius pacificus, Cortinarius parvoacetosus, Diaporthe guizhouensis, Entoloma pseudosubcorvinum, Inocybe meirensongia, Marasmius albulus, Marasmius obscuroaurantiacus, Meliola camporesii, Phyllachora siamensis, Phyllosticta doitungensis, Picipes yuxiensis, Pseudocercospora vignae, Puccinia maureanui and Russula inornata. We also introduce a new record of Candolleomyces cladii-marisci and Inocybe iringolkavensis. We discuss the genera Colletotrichum and Pleurotus that are speciose, but do not occur in the top 40. We hypothesize whether there might be more species in these genera and discuss why these genera have some of the largest number of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yeasts, usually defined as unicellular fungi, occur in various fungal lineages. Hence, they are not a taxonomic unit, but rather represent a fungal lifestyle shared by several unrelated lineages. Although the discovery of new yeast species occurs at an increasing speed, at the current rate it will likely take hundreds of years, if ever, before they will all be documented. Many parts of the earth, including many threatened habitats, remain unsampled for yeasts and many others are only superficially studied. Cold habitats, such as glaciers, are home to a specific community of cold-adapted yeasts, and, hence, there is some urgency to study such environments at locations where they might disappear soon due to anthropogenic climate change. The same is true for yeast communities in various natural forests that are impacted by deforestation and forest conversion. Many countries of the so-called Global South have not been sampled for yeasts, despite their economic promise. However, extensive research activity in Asia, especially China, has yielded many taxonomic novelties. Comparative genomics studies have demonstrated the presence of yeast species with a hybrid origin, many of them isolated from clinical or industrial environments. DNA-metabarcoding studies have demonstrated the prevalence, and in some cases dominance, of yeast species in soils and marine waters worldwide, including some surprising distributions, such as the unexpected and likely common presence of Malassezia yeasts in marine habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) have found applications in the treatment of dye-contaminated industrial wastes or to improve biomass digestibility. Their roles in fungal biology are uncertain, although it has been repeatedly suggested that they could participate in lignin degradation and/or modification. Using a comprehensive set of 162 fully sequenced fungal species, we defined seven distinct fungal DyP clades on basis of a sequence similarity network. Sequences from one of these clades clearly diverged from all others, having on average the lower isoelectric points and hydropathy indices, the highest number of N-glycosylation sites, and N-terminal sequence peptides for secretion. Putative proteins from this clade are absent from brown-rot and ectomycorrhizal species that have lost the capability of degrading lignin enzymatically. They are almost exclusively present in white-rot and other saprotrophic Basidiomycota that digest lignin enzymatically, thus lending support for a specific role of DyPs from this clade in biochemical lignin modification. Additional nearly full-length fungal DyP genes were isolated from the environment by sequence capture by hybridization; they all belonged to the clade of the presumably secreted DyPs and to another related clade. We suggest focusing our attention on the presumably intracellular DyPs from the other clades, which have not been characterized thus far and could represent enzyme proteins with novel catalytic properties. Key points: • A fungal DyP phylogeny delineates seven main sequence clades. • Putative extracellular DyPs form a single clade of Basidiomycota sequences. • Extracellular DyPs are associated to white-rot fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We collected solonchaks samples of 5 subtypes and 13 genera from Gansu Province in China and analyzed the diversity of fungal communities with the methods of ITS sequencing. We found that ACE, Chao 1, Simpson and Shannon indices of the fungal community varied significantly in soil samples and were generally inversely correlated with pH. The dominant fungal groups were Ascomycota and Basidiomycota among the different solonchaks. Redundancy analysis revealed that soil organic matters was the most important driving force for fungal composition (29.9%), and the second most influencing factor was sulfate ion (9.1%). Our results suggest that Ascomycota was the main indicator phylum reflecting changes of the microbial groups and soil organic matter as a key factor drove the composition of fungal community in 5 subtypes and 13 genera of solonchaks in Gansu Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allophlebia is proposed as a new genus in Meruliaceae based on morphological characters and molecular data. The genus, so far monotypic, is typified by Peniophora ludoviciana and the new combination A. ludoviciana is proposed. The type species is characterized by a resupinate basidioma, a monomitic hyphal system with clamp connections, two types of cystidia (leptocystidia and metuloids), clavate basidia, and hyaline, thin-walled and ellipsoid basidiospores. A phylogeny for Allophlebia and related taxa was inferred from ITS and nLSU rDNA sequences and new information on the geographic distribution of A. ludoviciana is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycopan is a genus established for Hydropus scabripes by Redhead, Moncalvo & Vilgalys (in Redhead 2013). They considered the genus to be distinct based on morphology and the phylogenetic analysis by Moncalvo et al. (2002) which included a sequence of Hydropus scabripes (AF042635, DAOM 192847) unrelated to the type species of Hydropus (H. fuliginarius). Subsequent sequences of material identified as Hydropus scabripes are not conspecific with the sequence of DAOM 192847. We consider this sequence (obtained from a mycelium culture) to be misidentified. We investigated the true phylogenetic position of authentic Mycopan including genera previously included in Cyphellaceae and Porotheleaceae. Sixteen collections of M. scabripes from Europe and North America were studied on morphological and molecular basis (nrITS and nrLSU sequences). No sequences were obtained from the holotype of Mycopan scabripes, and we designate an epitype to fix the interpretation of this species and the genus Mycopan. Mycopan is maintained as a good genus nested within Cyphellaceae as sister to the mycenoid genus Atheniella. The misidentified Hydropus scabripes AF042635 (DAOM 192847) represents a different species that is closely related to the holotype (and a new Italian collection) of Hebelomina microspora and the monospecific genus Pleurella described from New Zealand. Consequently, Hebelomina microspora is transferred to the emended genus Pleurella, which is sister to Baeospora within the Cyphellaceae. Additionally, based on these phylogenetic results, an updated taxonomic arrangement of Cyphellaceae and Porotheleaceae is proposed, emphasizing once again the polyphyletic nature of Hydropus and Gerronema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheath Blight (ShB) disease of rice is a disease of significant importance caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA. Several published reports state that the disease is capable to destroy rice yield and grain quality up to 50%. DeCandolle (1815) first introduced the genus concept of Rhizoctonia and the fungus, R. solani AG1-IA (Teleomorph Thanatephorous cucumeris Frank. Donk) belongs to the phylum Basidiomycota, and family Ceratobasidiaceae. This pathogenic fungus creates early symptoms on the 'leaf sheaths' of rice plants as circular, oval or ellipsoid, water-soaked spots which are greenish-gray in color. This review comprehensively focuses on the morphology of the pathogen, disease spread and epidemiology, control measures, the genetics of the pathogen, and the current trends in sheath blight research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey of polypores in the montane forest of the Ôbo de São Tomé National Park, in the western African, equatorial island of São Tomé, a specimen that was, a priori, related to Fomitopsis showed deviating features including subglobose basidiospores with a large gutta. The gross morphology of the basidiome, the hyphal system, the subglobose basidiospores and a brown rot pointed toward Niveoporofomes. Phylogenetic inferences based on multiple loci dataset (ITS-LSU-SSU-TEF1-RPB2) confirmed the placement, and Niveoporofomes oboensis is described as new. The species is compared to Fomitopsis widdringtoniae, known from southeast Africa, which is characterized also by subglobose basidiospores; hence, the new combination N. widdringtoniae is proposed. The new combination Niveoporofomes globosporus (basionym Trametes globospora) is also proposed based on phylogenetic analyses. A key to the species of Fomitopsis, Niveoporofomes, Rhodofomes and Rhodofomitopsis in Tropical Africa is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we present the results of studies of Japanese Hebeloma collections. The four species described by Imai as Hebeloma (H. fimicola, H. helvolescens, H. humosum, and H. tomoeae) are not from the genus Hebeloma, but are members of Agrocybe, Homophron, or Pholiota. Recombinations are made. Hebelomacrustuliniforme f. microspermum, described by Hongo, is a synonym of H. nanum. Three species of Hebeloma are described as new to science, all currently known only from Japan. Two of these species, H. asperosporum and H. cinnamomeum, are members of H. sect. Denudata while the third species H. citrisporum belongs to H. sect. Velutipes. Japanese records of H. cavipes, H. eburneum, H. hygrophilum, H. subtortum, and H. velutipes are validated. In total, fifteen species of Hebeloma are confirmed from Japan; this is compared with previous checklists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gymnopilus stabilis (Fungi, Agaricales), a very rare species of unclear identity described from Europe, was revised using morphological data and phylogenetic affiliations derived from ITS rDNA sequences. Collections from the Czech Republic, Germany, and Russia plus reference vouchers of related or similar species were studied. Gymnopilus stabilis sequences form a moderately supported but distinct clade in a lineage containing G. swaticus and a Gymnopilus collection of unknown identity from the USA. The G. stabilis lineage is sister to the G. sapineus clade, a group of species with low divergence in ITS rDNA region. This whole, well-supported group is clearly distinct from the lineage of G. penetrans, a species with which G. stabilis has sometimes been confused. Morphological characters of a recent, well-documented Czech collection of G. stabilis are described in detail and compared with the German and Russian ones. A literature review confirms that the taxonomic concept of G. stabilis has not substantially changed over time. In order to consolidate the taxonomy and nomenclature of this enigmatic species, lectotype and epitype are designated here for G. stabilis, and key diagnostic characters are highlighted. The taxonomic concepts of G. sapineus and G. penetrans are further specified based on well-documented, sequenced reference collections. Moreover, the position of G. hybridus is briefly discussed. The identification of several GenBank entries of G. stabilis, G. sapineus, and G. penetrans is revised in order to fix species concepts in this fascinating group of wood-decaying fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report the development of methodologies that enable genetic modification of a Basidiomycota yeast, Naganishia liquifaciens. The gene targeting method employs electroporation with PCR products flanked by an 80 bp sequence homologous to the target. The method, combined with a newly devised CRISPR-Cas9 system, routinely achieves 80% gene targeting efficiency. We further explored the genetic requirement for this homologous recombination (HR)-mediated gene targeting. The absence of Ku70, a major component of the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway of DNA double-strand break repair, almost completely eliminated inaccurate integration of the marker. Gene targeting with short homology (80 bp) was almost exclusively dependent on Rad52, an essential component of HR in the Ascomycota yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. By contrast, the RecA homolog Rad51, which performs homology search and strand exchange in HR, plays a relatively minor role in gene targeting, regardless of the homology length (80 bp or 1 kb). The absence of both Rad51 and Rad52, however, completely eliminated gene targeting. Unlike Ascomycota yeasts, the absence of Rad52 in N. liquefaciens conferred only mild sensitivity to ionizing radiation. These traits associated with the absence of Rad52 are reminiscent of findings in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerotium delphinii is a common pathogen that causes wilting in a number of plants. In recent years, the genus Sclerotium has been reported as one of those responsible for leaf spots in Piper nigrum in the Amazonian humid tropical regions. In 2017–2018, several black pepper plants presented symptoms of concentric leaf spots. Five isolates were obtained in this study for morphological and phylogenetic characterizations and pathogenicity test. Initially, the gene regions (ITS and LSU) were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the grouping of the five isolates with the S. delphinii reference isolate (CBS 672.71). The isolates produced sclerotia in all culture media, but some of them altered their capacity to produce sclerotia. The inoculated isolates induced irregular necrotic lesions in the pathogenicity assay using detached leaves. The symptomatic leaves were re-isolated and the fungus culture obtained. No fungus growth was observed in the leaves used as control. This study is the first record of S. delphinii causing leaf spots on P. nigrum in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phlebioid clade (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) accommodates numerous species of corticioid and polyporoid fungi of the Phanerochaetaceae, Irpicaceae, and Meruliaceae. The present study used morphological and phylogenetic approaches to revise the generic classification of the phlebioid clade and survey species diversity. The phylogenetic analyses were performed using sequences of multiple genes, including the nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), the D1-D2 domains of 28S rDNA (28S), the RNA polymerase II largest subunit (rpb1), the RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), and the translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1). We overall recognize 57 genera including six new ones (Alboefibula, Cremeoderma, Gelatinofungus, Luteochaete, Phanerochaetella and Quasiphlebia). We describe 26 new species belonging to 15 genera (Alboefibula bambusicola, A. gracilis, Crustodontia taiwanensis, Cytidiella albomarginata, Efibula matsuensis, E. turgida, E. subglobispora, Gelatinofungus brunneus, Hydnophlebia aurantia, H. crocata, Irpex lenis, Mycoaciella efibulata, Phanerochaete alpina, P. crystallina, P. guangdongensis, P. rhizomorpha, P. spadicea, P. subcarnosa, Phanerochaetella formosana, Phlebiopsis odontoidea, P. yushaniae, Quasiphlebia densa, Rhizochaete chinensis, Roseograndinia jilinensis, R. minispora, and Scopuloides allantoidea), and present 18 new combinations belonging to 12 genera (Cremeoderma unicum, Crustodontia nigrodontea, C. tongxiniana, Cytidiella albida, Efibula intertexta, Hydnophlebia alachuana, Irpex laceratus, I. latemarginatus, I. rosettiformis, Luteochaete subglobosa, Luteoporia lutea, Phanerochaetella angustocystidiata, P. exilis, P. leptoderma, P. xerophila, Phlebiopsis alba, Rhizochaete lutea, Scopuloides dimorpha). Descriptions, illustrations and notes of new species and some new records are provided, as well as identification keys to genera of each family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the 13th contribution in the Fungal Diversity Notes series, wherein 125 taxa from four phyla, ten classes, 31 orders, 69 families, 92 genera and three genera incertae sedis are treated, demonstrating worldwide and geographic distribution. Fungal taxa described and illustrated in the present study include three new genera, 69 new species, one new combination, one reference specimen and 51 new records on new hosts and new geographical distributions. Three new genera, Cylindrotorula (Torulaceae), Scolecoleotia (Leotiales genus incertae sedis) and Xenovaginatispora (Lindomycetaceae) are introduced based on distinct phylogenetic lineages and unique morphologies. Newly described species are Aspergillus lannaensis, Cercophora dulciaquae, Cladophialophora aquatica, Coprinellus punjabensis, Cortinarius alutarius, C. mammillatus, C. quercoflocculosus, Coryneum fagi, Cruentomycena uttarakhandina, Cryptocoryneum rosae, Cyathus uniperidiolus, Cylindrotorula indica, Diaporthe chamaeropicola, Didymella azollae, Diplodia alanphillipsii, Dothiora coronicola, Efibula rodriguezarmasiae, Erysiphe salicicola, Fusarium queenslandicum, Geastrum gorgonicum, G. hansagiense, Helicosporium sexualis, Helminthosporium chiangraiensis, Hongkongmyces kokensis, Hydrophilomyces hydraenae, Hygrocybe boertmannii, Hyphoderma australosetigerum, Hyphodontia yunnanensis, Khaleijomyces umikazeana, Laboulbenia divisa, Laboulbenia triarthronis, Laccaria populina, Lactarius pallidozonarius, Lepidosphaeria strobelii, Longipedicellata megafusiformis, Lophiotrema lincangensis, Marasmius benghalensis, M. jinfoshanensis, M. subtropicus, Mariannaea camelliae, Melanographium smilaxii, Microbotryum polycnemoides, Mimeomyces digitatus, Minutisphaera thailandensis, Mortierella solitaria, Mucor harpali, Nigrograna jinghongensis, Odontia huanrenensis, O. parvispina, Paraconiothyrium ajrekarii, Parafuscosporella niloticus, Phaeocytostroma yomensis, Phaeoisaria synnematicus, Phanerochaete hainanensis, Pleopunctum thailandicum, Pleurotheciella dimorphospora, Pseudochaetosphaeronema chiangraiense, Pseudodactylaria albicolonia, Rhexoacrodictys nigrospora, Russula paravioleipes, Scolecoleotia eriocamporesi, Seriascoma honghense, Synandromyces makranczyi, Thyridaria aureobrunnea, Torula lancangjiangensis, Tubeufia longihelicospora, Wicklowia fusiformispora, Xenovaginatispora phichaiensis and Xylaria apiospora. One new combination, Pseudobactrodesmium stilboideus is proposed. A reference specimen of Comoclathris permunda is designated. New host or distribution records are provided for Acrocalymma fici, Aliquandostipite khaoyaiensis, Camarosporidiella laburni, Canalisporium caribense, Chaetoscutula juniperi, Chlorophyllum demangei, C. globosum, C. hortense, Cladophialophora abundans, Dendryphion hydei, Diaporthe foeniculina, D. pseudophoenicicola, D. pyracanthae, Dictyosporium pandanicola, Dyfrolomyces distoseptatus, Ernakulamia tanakae, Eutypa flavovirens, E. lata, Favolus septatus, Fusarium atrovinosum, F. clavum, Helicosporium luteosporum, Hermatomyces nabanheensis, Hermatomyces sphaericoides, Longipedicellata aquatica, Lophiostoma caudata, L. clematidis-vitalbae, Lophiotrema hydei, L. neoarundinaria, Marasmiellus palmivorus, Megacapitula villosa, Micropsalliota globocystis, M. gracilis, Montagnula thailandica, Neohelicosporium irregulare, N. parisporum, Paradictyoarthrinium diffractum, Phaeoisaria aquatica, Poaceascoma taiwanense, Saproamanita manicata, Spegazzinia camelliae, Submersispora variabilis, Thyronectria caudata, T. mackenziei, Tubeufia chiangmaiensis, T. roseohelicospora, Vaginatispora nypae, Wicklowia submersa, Xanthagaricus necopinatus and Xylaria haemorrhoidalis. The data presented herein are based on morphological examination of fresh specimens, coupled with analysis of phylogenetic sequence data to better integrate taxa into appropriate taxonomic ranks and infer their evolutionary relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Basidiomycete fungus Ustilago maydis is a biotrophic pathogen of maize. The U. maydis UmRrm75 gene encodes an RNA-binding protein (RBP). In a previous study, we reported that ΔUmRrm75 null mutant strains accumulate H 2 O 2 , exhibit slow growth, and have decreased virulence in maize. Herein, we describe UmRrm75 as an ortholog of the ScHrb1, a serine-arginine (SR) protein identified in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which plays a role in nuclear quality control, specifically in mRNA splicing and export processes. The yeast ScHrb1 mutant (ΔScHrb1) exhibits an increased sensitivity to elevated levels of boron. We noticed that the ΔScHrb1 displayed sensitivity to H 2 O 2 , which is consistent with previous findings in the ΔUmRrm75 mutant. We reversed the sensitivity phenotypes of boron and H 2 O 2 by introducing the UmRrm75 gene into the ΔScHrb1 mutant. Furthermore, we generated complementary strains of U. maydis by expressing UmRrm75-GFP under its native promoter in the ∆UmRrm75 mutants. The UmRrm75-GFP/∆UmRrm75 complementary strains successfully recovered their growth capability under stressors, H 2 O 2 and boron, resembling the parental strains FB2 and AB33. The subcellular localization experiments conducted in U. maydis revealed that the UmRrm75 protein is localized within the nucleus of both yeast and hyphae. The nuclear localization of the UmRrm75 protein remains unaltered even under conditions of heat or oxidative stress. This suggests that UmRrm75 might perform its RBP activity in the nucleus, as previously reported for ScHrb1. Our data contribute to understanding the role of the nuclear RBP UmRrm75 from the corn smut fungus U. maydis., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Erythritol has been produced by various microorganisms including Yarrowia, Moniliella, Aureobasidium, and Candida strains. Due to its relatively high price, erythritol sweetener is used lesser than other polyols despite having many advantages. Therefore, in this study, Moniliella pollinis strain was improved for erythritol production by chemical mutagenesis and subsequently screening for cost-effective carbon sources for the enhanced erythritol yield. M. pollinis was subjected to N-methyl N-nitro N-nitroso guanidine (NTG), ethyl methyl sulfonate (EMS), and UV mutagenesis for improved erythritol production. The fmutant strains were evaluated for enhanced erythritol production medium optimization by using different carbon substrates at the shake flask level. To enhance the production of erythritol and statistical media, optimization was carried out using a central composite design (CCD). Among 198 isolated mutants, Mutant-58 strain generated by EMS mutagenesis was selected for further assessment. The Mutant-58 strain showed significant morphological changes as compared to the parent strain. Furthermore, statistically optimized media composition resulted in the higher production of erythritol (91.2 ± 3.4 g/L) with a yield of 40.7 ± 3.4 % in shake flask experiments. The optimized medium composition for erythritol production constitutes (g/L) 225 jaggery, 4.4 yeast extract (YE), 4.4 KH 2 PO 4 , 0.31 MgSO 4 , and pH 5.5. The present study demonstrated strain improvement, media, and process optimization resulting in a 30% increase in the erythritol production in the Mutant-58 as compared to the parent strain. This is also the first instance where jaggery has been used as a cost-effective carbon source alternative to glucose for industrial-scale erythritol production., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Fungal biotechnology is set to play a keystone role in the emerging bioeconomy, notably to address pollution issues arising from human activities. Because they preserve biological diversity, Biological Resource Centres are considered as critical infrastructures to support the development of biotechnological solutions. Here, we report the first large-scale phenotyping of more than 1,000 fungal strains with evaluation of their growth and degradation potential towards five industrial, human-designed and recalcitrant compounds, including two synthetic dyes, two lignocellulose-derived compounds and a synthetic plastic polymer. We draw a functional map over the phylogenetic diversity of Basidiomycota and Ascomycota, to guide the selection of fungal taxa to be tested for dedicated biotechnological applications. We evidence a functional diversity at all taxonomic ranks, including between strains of a same species. Beyond demonstrating the tremendous potential of filamentous fungi, our results pave the avenue for further functional exploration to solve the ever-growing issue of ecosystems pollution. Navarro et al. present a culture-based approach to the degradation of industrial products and by-products by assessing >1,000 fungal strains. Using growth-assay-screening and a large sample of fungal phenotypes, they explore the functional differences across strains and species to demonstrate the potential of filamentous fungi in breaking down dyes and industrial by-products with lignocellulose and plastic bases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]