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The study revisits the taxonomic classification and ecological distribution of Panus velutinus and Panus similis, formerly known as Lentinus velutinus and Lentinus similis, respectively. A total of 45 samples were collected from five distinct conservation areas in Sabah, Malaysia. Detailed morphological analyses and DNA sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region were employed to reassess species identity and distribution. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the distinct species status of P. velutinus and P. similis, with both species forming separate, well-supported clades (bootstrap support ≥ 70%; posterior probability ≥ 0.9). Notable morphological differences were observed, particularly in basidiospore size, pileus texture, and gleocystidia measurements. Panus velutinus exhibited larger basidiospores (6.5-7 x 3-4 µm) and broader ecological adaptability compared to P. similis (4.5-6 x 2-3 µm), which displayed a more restricted distribution. These findings enhance the taxonomic understanding of these species and highlight the importance of integrating molecular and morphological data to clarify species boundaries within the genus Panus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cantharellus cuticulatus, first described by E.J.H. Corner in 1966, is an edible mushroom distinguished by its vibrant yellow-orange cap, lamellae-like hymenium and the absence of clamp connections. This study reveals a significant shift in its distribution from the high-altitude regions of Mount Kinabalu to lowland areas, raising interesting questions about its habitat preferences and associated host plants. The research was conducted between 2021 and 2023, involving comprehensive macro- and micro-morphological analyses, as well as molecular identification techniques. After a hiatus of over half a century without any new records in Sabah, the study has successfully collected three Cantharellus cuticulatus specimens from three different districts in Sabah. To date, this species has only been documented in Peninsular Malaysia and Northern Borneo (Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal studies are scant within this region of Borneo, and the potential effects of anthropogenic disturbance on fungal communities in Sabahan caves have not been explored. This study involved opportunistic sampling of guano, speleothems, and cavern water from four caves in Sabah, Malaysia, categorised according to the level of anthropogenic activity. The dilution method was used for fungal isolation and abundance calculations. Morphological identification of axenic cultures was conducted, and DNA barcoding of the ITS region of cryptic species corroborated identification. A total of 170 axenic cultures were attained, composed of 69 morphological taxonomic units (MTUs), 33 genera, ten orders, and two divisions -- Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Fifty-seven of the 69 MTUs were identified to the species level. The genera Aspergillus and Penicillium were particularly prevalent, with a combined total of 86 isolations (50.6%). Notably, twelve species were documented for the first time in cave ecosystems of Sabah. The average fungal abundance across all substrates and fungal taxa occurrence was found to be higher in samples found in active caves. A significant difference in relative abundance was observed between active and non-active cave conditions. Beta regression modelling indicated that anthropogenic activity is a significant factor influencing the composition of cave fungal communities. While anthropogenic activity seems to affect cave mycobiomes, especially by selecting for ubiquitous fungi, it is likely not the sole influencing determinant of their composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignosus hainanensis was discovered in the Hainan Island, China, a decade ago, marking the only known occurrence of this species worldwide. This study provides the first report of Lignosus hainanensis from the Kadamaian Forest in Sabah (Northern Borneo), Malaysia, including detailed macro- and micromorphological descriptions, supported by molecular analyses. The morphological characteristics of the Malaysian collection was matched with the description of Lignosus hainanensis from the Hainan Island, China. Despite similarities in basidiocarps, Malaysian L. hainanensis showed similar hymenophore and basidiospore in terms of size, but with slightly different basidiospore shapes. Phylogenetic analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region strongly supported the phylogenetic placement of the Malaysian collection alongside the Chinese collections. This study confirmed the occurrence of Lignosus hainanensis in Sabah, Malaysia, marking its first recorded presence in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durian (Durio zibethinus) brings in princely revenue for the fruit economy in Southeast Asia, ushering the current trend of clearing forests for durian plantations. Despite the thorny fruit's popularity and increasing bat-durian papers, not many associate their vital plant-pollinator relationship. This unfamiliarity has led to the persisting negative connotations of bats as agricultural pests and worse, a disease carrier amplified by the Covid-19 pandemic. This review focuses on the bat-durian relationship comprising botanical insights and pollination ecology in relevance to the wider pteropodid-plant interactions. The majority of the studies compiled have concluded that bats are the most effective pollinator for durian than insects. Six fruit bat species (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) have been recorded pollinating durian flowers, with several other pteropodid species speculated to pollinate durian, including in non-native countries. Lastly, we address the research gaps for the bat-durian relationship, which can also be applied to other chiropterophilous plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleurotus giganteus (Berk.) Karunarathna & Hyde is one of the largest edible mushrooms which can be found either in groups or solitary and in soil and buried woods, but seldom in grassland. It has been recorded in Southeast Asia, Australasia, and China by either its common names or local names. Previously known as Lentinus/Panus giganteus, its unique physical characteristics and the utilization of molecular tools have since anchored its taxonomical position in the Pleurotus genus. A sawdust-based substrate coupled with soil casing method is described as a standard cultivation procedure for P. giganteus. The basidiocarp of P. giganteus is found to be rich in carbohydrates, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts of P. giganteus have been studied in vitro for its antioxidative, antifungal, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and neurite outgrowth capabilities. The review covers the optimum cultivation methods of P. giganteus, as well as its various biological activities and medicinal properties that have been studied by different approaches. Available data in regards to the chemical compounds present in P. giganteus are also compiled for future references. Overall, both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown significant bioactivity comparable to other recognized Pleurotoid mushrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the study on aspergillus, the fungi in Sarawak, Malaysia, which produce ohcratoxin. It highlights the material and methods, and results and discussion which include fungal isolates, extraction and immunochemical tests, and optaacoustic (OA) detection by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Photographic images, graphs, and chart depicting the aspergillus, its chromatogram, and sources of origin are offered.

Overlooking the importance of insect disease can have disastrous effects on insect conservation. This study reported the microfungi that infect Pteroptyx bearni eggs and larvae during ex-situ rearing project. Two different species of microfungi that infected the firefly's immature life stages were isolated and identified. Penicillium citrinum infected the firefly's eggs while Trichoderma harzianum infected the firefly during the larval stage. Both microfungi species caused absolute mortality once infection was observed; out of 244 individual eggs collected, 75 eggs (32.5%) were infected by Penicillium citrinum . All 13 larvae that hatched from the uninfected eggs were infected by Trichoderma harzianum . This study was the first to document the infection of Pteroptyx bearni 's eggs and larvae by Penicillium citrinum and Trichoderma harzianum ., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.