Arcyria similaris: A new myxomycete species from China

A new myxomycete species, Arcyria similaris, was reported herein. The specimens were found and collected in the field on dead bark from Jingangtai National Geopark in Henan Province of China. This species has distinct and unique morphological characteristics, including dark grayish olive sporothecae that fade to smoke gray with age, shallow saucer-shaped cups with marked reticulations and thick papillae on the inner surface, a netted capillitium with many bulges, uniformly marked with low, dense, and irregular reticulations, and spores (8.0-)9.3-10.1(-10.9) μm in diameter, marked with sparse small warts and grouped prominent warts. Apart from a comprehensive morphological study, partial sequences of the nuclear 18S rDNA and elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α) genes were also provided in this study. This new species was described and illustrated morphologically. The specimens are deposited in the Herbarium of Fungi of Nanjing Normal University (HFNNU).

First report of fossil representative of Zygosporium mont. With stacked chained vesicular conidiophores from India

In the present manuscript, we describe and illustrate a novel foliicolous fossil-species of Zygosporium Mont. (Zygosporiaceae: Xylariales: Sordariomycetes) on compressed monocot leaf recovered from the Middle Siwalik sediments (Late Miocene) of Himachal Pradesh, western Himalaya. The new fossil-species characterized by macronematous, dark brown, unbranched or occasionally branched conidiophores with a chain of up to four integrated dark brown, curved, thick-walled, swollen, hook-like, alternately or sub-oppositely arranged vesicles is described here as Zygosporium himachalensis sp. nov. This is the first fossil evidence of Zygosporium having stacked chained vesicular conidiophores and is so significant data for both paleomycologists and mycologists. The in-situ occurrence of Z. himachalensis on monocot leaf cuticles suggests a possible host-saprophyte relationship that might have existed in the ancient forest of Himachal Pradesh during the Miocene.

Molecular taxonomic characterization and infra-specific diversity of entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana fungi from Argentina

It has been the aim of this study to molecular-taxonomically identify 15 Beauveria isolates collected from different geographical regions and insect hosts in Argentina and to investigate the levels of inter- and intra-specific diversity across this set of isolates. Based on phylogenetic analyses of EF1A-RPB1-RPB2 concatenated genes and BLOC markers, all Beauveria strains were identify as Beauveria bassiana. Within the B. bassiana clades of both phylogenies, isolates from Argentina were not clustered according to geographic origin or host. The 15 fungal isolates were further analyzed by PCR amplification of the intron insertion hot spot region of the nuclear 28S rRNA encoding sequence. By intron sequence and position, seven different group-I intron combinations termed variants A, B1, B2, C, D, E and F were found in the 15 isolates under study. Variants B1/B2 consisting of a single 28Si2 intron were found in ten isolates, whereas variant A occurred twice and variants C through F were unique across the set of isolates under study. The determination of the different introns and intron combinations in the 28S rRNA gene is a powerful tool for achieving infraspecific differentiation of B. bassiana isolates from Argentina.

What do We Know about Cryptic Aspergillosis?

Cryptic Aspergillus species are increasingly recognized as pathogens involved in human disease. They are ubiquitarian fungi with high tenacity in their environment and can express various resistance mechanisms, often due to exposure to antifungal agents employed in agriculture and farming. The identification of such species is increasing thanks to molecular techniques, and a better description of this type of pathogen is granted. Nevertheless, the number of species and their importance in the clinical setting still need to be well studied. Furthermore, their cross-sectional involvement in animal disease, plants, and human activities requires a multidisciplinary approach involving experts from various fields. This comprehensive review aims to provide a sharp vision of the cryptic Aspergillus species, from the importance of correct identification to the better management of the infections caused by these pathogens. The review also accentuates the importance of the One Health approach for this kind of microorganism, given the interconnection between environmental exposure and aspergillosis, embracing transversely the multidisciplinary process for managing the cryptic Aspergillus species. The paper advocates the need for improving knowledge in this little-known species, given the burden of economic and health implications related to the diffusion of these bugs.

Two new species of Perenniporia sensu lato (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from China and two new combinations in Crassisporus

Phylogenetic and morphological analyses on Perenniporia s.l. were carried out. Phylogenies on Perenniporia s.l. are reconstructed with two loci DNA sequences including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the large subunit (nLSU). Two new species from Yunnan Province, southwest China, Perenniporiaprunicola and P.rosicola in Perenniporia s.l., are illustrated and described. Perenniporiaprunicola is characterised by the perennial and resupinate basidiomata with a clay pink pore surface when fresh, a trimitic hyphal system, the presence of clavate to fusiform hymenial cystidia, ellipsoid to broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 4.8-6.2 × 3.6-4.5 µm. Perenniporiarosicola is characterised by annual and resupinate basidiomata with a white pore surface when fresh, a dimitic hyphal system, the presence of dendrohyphidia, broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores measuring 5-5.8 × 4-5.2 μm. In addition, Crassisporus is a genus in Perenniporia s.l., in which two new combinations Crassisporusminutus and C.mollissimus are proposed. Main morphological characteristics of species related to new taxa are also provided.

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal five new species of Porotheleaceae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from China

The first occurrence of Marasmiellomycena and Pulverulina in the Chinese mycobiota are reported, M.tomentosa and P.flavoalba, two new species and M.albodescendens, a new combination, revealed by phylogenetic analyses and morphological study. These newly-recorded genera, Marasmiellomycena, which can be distinguished by their agaricoid basidiomata, dark-coloured stipe, sarcodimitic tramal structure, stipitipellis with yellow to yellowish-brown pigments and yellow-pigmented thick-walled caulocystidia and Pulverulina, which differs from other genera of Porotheleaceae by its pruinose stipe, decurrent lamellae, inamyloid basidiospores and absence of hymenial cystidia. We also formally describe three other new species of Porotheleaceae collected from Chinese temperate to subtropical zones of Fujian and Zhejiang Provinces: Clitocybulafuscostriata, Gerronemabrunneosquamulosum and Leucoinocybesubglobispora. Furthermore, we include the results of a phylogenetic analysis of Porotheleaceae, based on a multi-locus (ITS, nrLSU and rpb2) dataset. According to this analysis, Chrysomycena, Clitocybula, Delicatula, Hydropodia, Hydropus, Leucoinocybe, Marasmiellomycena, Megacollybia, Pulverulina, Trogia and Vizzinia are monophyletic. However, Gerronema is identified as polyphyletic and, additionally, Porotheleum does not form a monophyletic group either because Porotheleumparvulum and Porotheleumalbidum are "unassigned" in phylogenetic analysis. The results of our phylogenetic analyses, coupled with morphological observations, confirm recognition of these new taxa. Morphological descriptions, photographs, line drawings and comparisons with closely-related taxa are presented for the new species. A key to the 22 species belonging to nine genera of Porotheleaceae in China is also provided.

Ramomarthamyces octomerus sp. nov. and Insights into the Evolution and Diversification of Ramomarthamyces (Ascomycota, Leotiomycetes, Marthamycetales)

The apothecial fungus Ramomarthamyces octomerus sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in Mediterranean climate regions in southern Portugal, Spain (Canary Islands), and the Dalmatian region of Croatia. Presumably saprobic, R. octomerus occurs on intact, decorticated wood of Laurus novocanariensis and Olea europaea. Ascospores are cylindric-ellipsoid and seven-septate. Surprisingly, in our four-locus phylogenetic analysis (nuSSU, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, LSU, mtSSU), this fungus clusters among species of Cyclaneusma, Marthamyces, Naemacyclus, and Ramomarthamyces in a core Marthamycetaceae clade that circumscribes primarily leaf-inhabiting, filiform-spored species. In addition, the asci of R. octomerus possess an amyloid pore, but the reaction varies between specimens collected in the Canary Islands and those collected in Portugal and Croatia. The occurrence of an amyloid reaction in the asci of R. octomerus challenges the characterization of Marthamycetales taxa as possessing inamyloid asci. In our discussion we provide background and analysis of these notable observations.

Four New Species and One New Record of Thelephora from China

Species of the genus Thelephora (Thelephorales, Thelephoraceae) are ectomycorrhizal symbionts of coniferous and broad-leaved plants, and some of them are well-known edible mushrooms, making it an exceptionally important group ecologically and economically. However, the diversity of the species from China has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analyses, along with morphological observations of this genus. Four new species from China are proposed, viz., T. dactyliophora, T. lacunosa, T. petaloides, and T. pinnatifida. In addition, T. sikkimensis originally described from India is reported for the first time from China. Thelephora dactyliophora, T. pinnatifida, and T. sikkimensis are distributed in subtropical forests and mainly associated with plants of the families Fagaceae and Pinaceae. Thelephora lacunosa and T. petaloides are distributed in tropical to subtropical forests. Thelephora lacunosa is mainly associated with plants of the families Fagaceae and Pinaceae, while T. petaloides is mainly associated with plants of the family Fagaceae. Line drawings of microstructures, color pictures of fresh basidiomes, and detailed descriptions of these five species are provided.

Growth-promoting effects of Aspergillus Elegans and the dark septate endophyte (DSE) Periconia macrospinosa on cucumber

Cucurbits are subject to a variety of stresses that limit their sustainable production, despite their important role in ensuring food security and nutrition. Plant stress tolerance can be enhanced through fungal endophytes. In this study, two endophytes isolated from wild plant roots, were tested to determine their effect on the growth promotion of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the designated isolates were Aspergillus elegans and Periconia macrospinosa. The results of the Plant Growth Promoting Fungal (PGPF) tests showed that both Aspergillus elegans and Periconia macrospinosa have a zinc solubilizing capacity, especially A. elegans, with a solubilization index higher than 80%. Also, both have a high salt tolerance (10-15% NaCl for P. macrospinosa and A. elegans, respectively), cellulolytic activity, and inhibition indices of 40-64.53%. A. elegans and P. macrospinosa had antagonistic effects against the cucumber phytopathogenic fungi Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum, respectively. However, A. elegans and P. macrospinosa didn't exhibit certain potential plant benefits, such as the production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and phosphate solubilization. The chlorophyll content and growth parameters of two-month-old cucumber plants inoculated with the fungal species were significantly better than those of the controls (non-inoculated); the shoot dry weights of inoculated plants were increased by 138% and 170% for A. elegans and P. macrospinosa, respectively; and the root colonization by fungal endophytes has also been demonstrated. In addition to the fact that P. macrospinosa has long been known as PGPF, this is the first time that the ability of A. elegans to modulate host plant growth has been demonstrated, with the potential to be used as a biofertilizer in sustainable agriculture.

New species, new records and common species of Pluteussect.Celluloderma from northern China

Wood-rotting fungi are organisms that can decompose wood substrates and extract nutrients from them to support their growth. They play a crucial role in the material cycle of forest ecosystems. The genus Pluteus plays a significant role in wood decomposition. In this study, the morphology and molecular systematics of the sect. Celluloderma of the genus Pluteus were carried out. Pluteusbrunneodiscus was identified as a new species, along with the discovery of two new records, P.cystidiosus and P.chrysophlebius, and a common species, P.romellii. Pluteusbrunneodiscus is characterized by the brown center of the pileus that transitions to white towards the margins, with the surface cracking to form irregular granules. It is typically found in Populus forests growing on decomposing twigs or wood chips. Line drawings, color photographs, and phylogenetic analyses of related species within the genus Pluteus accompany the descriptions of these four species. The analyses are based on ITS + TEF1-α sequence data. Finally, a key for the twenty species within the sect. Celluloderma of the genus Pluteus, which has been documented in China, is provided.

Morphology and phylogeny of Cytospora (Cytosporaceae, Diaporthales) species associated with plant cankers in Tibet, China

During our biodiversity investigations in Tibet, China, typical Cytospora canker symptoms were observed on branches of hosts Myricariapaniculate, Prunuscerasifera and Sibiraeaangustata. Samples were studied, based on morphological features coupled with multigene phylogenetic analyses of ITS, act, rpb2, tef1 and tub2 sequence data, which revealed two new species (Cytosporamyricicolasp. nov. and C.sibiraeicolasp. nov.) and a known species (C.populina). In addition, Cytosporapopulina is newly discovered on the host Prunuscerasifera and in Tibet.

Anti-Staphylococcus aureus potential of compounds from Ganoderma sp.: A comprehensive molecular docking and simulation approaches

In this study, a series of secondary metabolites from Ganoderma sp. were screened against Staphylococcus aureus protein targets, including as phosphotransacetylase, clumping factor A, and dihydrofolate reductase, using molecular docking simulations. The chemicals that showed the strongest binding energy with the targeted proteins were ganodermanontriol, lucidumol B, ganoderic acid J, ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide, 7-oxoganoderic acid Z, ganoderic acid AM1, ganosinoside A, ganoderic acid D, and 24R-ergosta-7,2E-diene-3β,5α,6β-triol. Interestingly, ganosinoside A showed the greatest affinity for the protein clumping factor A, a result validated by molecular dynamic simulation. Additionally, three natural Ganoderma sp. Strains as Ganoderma lingzhi VNKKK1903, Ganoderma lingzhi VNKK1905A2, and Amauroderma subresinosum VNKKK1904 were collected from Kon Ka Kinh National Park in central land of Vietnam and evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus using an agar well diffusion technique. These results suggest that the fungal extracts and secondary metabolites may serve as valuable sources of antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus. These findings provided an important scientific groundwork for further exploration of the antibacterial mechanisms of compounds derived from Ganoderma sp. in future research.

A Palearctic view of a bat fungal disease

The fungal infection causing white-nose disease in hibernating bats in North America has resulted in dramatic population declines of affected species, since the introduction of the causative agent Pseudogymnoascus destructans. The fungus is native to the Palearctic, where it also infects several bat species, yet rarely causes severe pathology or the death of the host. Pseudogymnoascus destructans infects bats during hibernation by invading and digesting the skin tissue, resulting in the disruption of torpor patterns and consequent emaciation. Relations among pathogen, host, and environment are complex, and individuals, populations, and species respond to the fungal pathogen in different ways. For example, the Nearctic Myotis lucifugus responds to infection by mounting a robust immune response, leading to immunopathology often contributing to mortality. In contrast, the Palearctic M. myotis shows no significant immunological response to infection. This lack of a strong response, resulting from the long coevolution between the hosts and the pathogen in the pathogen's native range, likely contributes to survival in tolerant species. After more than 15 years since the initial introduction of the fungus to North America, some of the affected populations are showing signs of recovery, suggesting that the fungus, hosts, or both are undergoing processes that may eventually lead to coexistence. The suggested or implemented management methods of the disease in North America have encompassed, for example, the use of probiotics and fungicides, vaccinations, and modifying the environmental conditions of the hibernation sites to limit the growth of the pathogen, intensity of infection, or the hosts' responses to it. Based on current knowledge from Eurasia, policy makers and conservation managers should refrain from disrupting the ongoing evolutionary processes and adopt a holistic approach to managing the epizootic.

Systematic revision of species of Atractilina and Spiropes hyperparasitic on Meliolales (Ascomycota) in the tropics

Atractilina Dearn. & Barthol. and Spiropes Cif. are genera of asexual fungi that comprise species mainly hyperparasitic on black mildews (Meliolales, Ascomycota). Although a common group of anamorphic fungi, they have been described up to now only by morphology and their systematic position is unknown. The present study provides a morphological treatise of all known species of Atractilina and Spiropes hyperparasitic on Meliolales, including insights into their systematic position, based on DNA sequences generated here for the first time. The study was conducted, based on 33 herbarium specimens and 23 specimens recently collected in Benin and Panama. The obtained DNA sequence data (28S rDNA and ITS rDNA) of A.parasitica and of two species of Spiropes show systematic placements in the Dothideomycetes and Leotiomycetes, respectively. The sequence data of the two Spiropes spp. do not group together. Moreover, the anamorph-teleomorph connection between Atractilinaparasitica and Malacariameliolicola, a pseudothecioid fungus, is confirmed. Three species in the genus Spiropes are proposed as new to science, namely S.angylocalycis, S.carpolobiae and S.croissantiformis. Four species are reported for Benin for the first time, three species for Panama and one species for mainland America. Atractilina and Spiropes are currently two genera with highly heterogeneous species and they might have to be split in the future, once the taxonomic concepts are validated by morphology and molecular sequence data.

The comprehensive checklist of myxomycetes of Ukraine, based on extended occurrence and reference datasets

Background

A significant body of valuable data about the myxomycetes of Ukraine lies in a "grey zone". This encompasses undigitised historical books and articles published in languages such as Polish, French or German, as well as proceedings from local conferences, articles featured in local scientific journals and annual reports submitted to public authorities by employees of protected areas, published in Ukrainian or Russian. Yet, due to their exclusive existence in print and often the Cyrillic alphabet, these publications remain neither findable nor accessible to a wider audience.

New information

The datasets presented here aim to summarise over 150 years of myxomycetes research in Ukraine. The majority of the data has been extracted from published literature sources spanning the years 1842 to 2023, with a minor supplement from unpublished herbarium specimens. The datasets include 5036 georeferenced occurrences, 339 taxa and 91 literature sources. Seventy-one of the used literature sources, mostly published before 2010, were uploaded to Zenodo and are available in open access.

Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Three Inoculation Methods for Valsa sordida in Populus alba var. pyramidalis

A key step in the study of tree pathology is the identification of an appropriate method for inoculating pathogens of diseases in branches and trunks. Pathogens of diseases in branches and trunks are commonly inoculated through punching, burning, and toothpick inoculation. However, there is a lack of comparative analyses of the inoculation outcomes of these three methods. In this work, six-year-old P. alba var. pyramidalis were inoculated with V. sordida using punching, burning, and toothpick techniques to investigate the differences in the effectiveness of these inoculation methods. Results reveal that the incidence rate was 93.55% in the toothpick inoculation group, significantly higher than the 80.65% in the burning inoculation group (chi-square, n = 90, p = 0.007), while punching inoculation exhibited significant pathological responses in the early stages, with spontaneous healing in the later stage. Additionally, toothpick inoculation was more efficient in inducing Valsa canker when inoculating the pathogen at the bottom of the tree, with lower intra- and inter-row spacing (stand density) providing better outcomes than higher intra- and inter-row spacing. The results of this study demonstrate that toothpick inoculation is an optimal option for studying the artificial inoculation of V. sordida in six-year-old P. alba var. pyramidalis, providing technical support for research on poplar diseases and offering a theoretical basis for the inoculation of other diseases in the branch and trunk.

Taxonomic study of Hymenochaetaceae species (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) in the municipalities of Tomé-Açu and Bujaru, Pará, Brazil

The family Hymenochaetaceae includes a diversity of 893 species described around the world. Its representatives are known by their usually rusty colored basidiomes with a poroid hymenial surface, hydnoid or smooth, woody consistency, and wide morphological variation regarding the arrangement on the substrate. They behave as saprophytic, parasitic, ectomycorrhizal and play a fundamental role in the decomposition of wood in forest ecosystems. In the Brazilian Amazonia region, approximately 40 species of Hymenochaetaceae are currently recorded. The main goal of this study was to increase the knowledge on Hymenochaetaceae from the Brazilian Amazonia. Collections were carried out between October 2021 and April 2022 in the state of Pará, municipalities of Tomé-Açu and Bujaru, to expanding the knowledge of this fungal family to the Brazilian Amazonia. A total of 15 specimens were identified, distributed in seven genera and 12 species. Four species are new records for the state of Pará (Fomitiporia apiahyna, Phellinus neocallimorphus, Phellinus sancti-georgii, and Sclerotus extensus) and two of them are new records for the Brazilian Amazonia (P. neocallimorphus and P. sancti-georgii). Our findings contribute to taxonomic knowledge of this family in the Brazilian Amazonia and reduce the information gaps about the diversity of species.

Multi-gene phylogeny and morphological characters reveal seven new species of Micropsalliota (Agaricales, Agaricaceae) from southern China, with an updated key for the species distributed in China

Species of Micropsalliota generally grow in the tropics and are characterised by small, slender basidiomes, brown basidiospores, and cheilocystidia that vary in shape with capitate or subcapitate apex, and pigmented pileipellis. Based on morphological characters and molecular evidence, here we describe seven new species from southern China, viz. Micropsalliota ferruginea, M. fimbriata, M. gigaspora, M. longicystis, M. nana, M. squarrosa, and M. umbonata. Micropsalliota appendiculata, a species recently described from Vietnam, was first recorded in China. The Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses based on multi-locus sequence datasets (the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, nrITS; the D1-D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA, LSU; partial sequences of the most variable region of the second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, rpb2, and a portion of the translation-elongation factor 1-α, tef1) shows that the genus is separated into 11 major clades and subclades. To aid in diagnosis, a key to 32 species of Micropsalliota in China is provided.

Quantitative integrative taxonomy informs species delimitation in Teloschistaceae (lichenized Ascomycota): the genus Wetmoreana as a case study

The genus Wetmoreana was studied using quantitative integrative taxonomy methods to resolve the genus delimitation and explore its taxonomy diversity at the species level. As a result, the genus Fulgogasparrea is synonymized with Wetmoreana, and the latter includes 15 formally described species, one subspecies, and three further, thus far undescribed species: W. appressa, W. awasthii comb. nov., W. bahiensis sp. nov., W. brachyloba comb. nov., W. brouardii, W. chapadensis comb. nov., W. circumlobata sp. nov., W. decipioides, W. intensa comb. nov., W. ochraceofulva comb. nov., W. rubra sp. nov., W. sliwae sp. nov., W. sliwae ssp. subparviloba subsp. nov., W. subnitida comb. nov., W. texana, and W. variegata sp. nov. Eleven of 19 examined taxa are newly placed within this genus or confirmed to belong to it. Two species, W. awasthii and W. intensa, are transferred to Wetmoreana without additional analysis but based on previous studies. The W. brouardii and W. ochraceofulva species complexes are discussed in detail. Additionally, Caloplaca muelleri and C. rubina var. evolutior are transferred to Squamulea, and the latter is elevated to the species rank.

Analyzing the structure-activity relationship of raspberry polysaccharides using interpretable artificial neural network model

The structure-activity relationship has been a hot topic in the field of polysaccharide research. Six polysaccharides and three polysaccharide fragments were obtained from raspberry pulp. Based on their structural information and immune-enhancing activity data, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was used for prediction, and Gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) algorithm was exploited for explanation structure-activity relationship of these raspberry polysaccharides in the present study. The structural information and immune activity data of raspberry polysaccharides were respectively used as input and output in the ANN model. The training and testing losses of ANN model was no longer decreased after trained for 200 epochs. The mean-square error (MSE) of training set and test set stabilized around 0.003 and 0.013, and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of training set and test set were 0.21 % and 0.98 %, indicating the trained ANN model converged well and exhibited strong robustness. The interpretability analysis showed that molecular weight, content of arabinose, galactose or galacturonic acid, and glycosyl linkage patterns of →3)-Arap-(1→, Araf-(1→, →4)-Galp-(1 → were the main structural factors greatly affecting the immune-enhancing activity of raspberry polysaccharides. This work may provide a new perspective for the study of structure-activity relationship of polysaccharides.

Validation of a Field-Portable, Handheld Real-Time PCR System for Detecting Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the Causative Agent of White-Nose Syndrome in Bats

White-nose syndrome (WNS), caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, has decimated bat populations across North America. Despite ongoing management programs, WNS continues to expand into new populations, including in US states previously thought to be free from the pathogen and disease. This expansion highlights a growing need for surveillance tools that can be used to enhance existing monitoring programs and support the early detection of P. destructans in new areas. We evaluated the feasibility of using a handheld, field-portable, real-time (quantitative) PCR (qPCR) thermocycler known as the Biomeme two3 and the associated field-based nucleic acid extraction kit and assay reagents for the detection of P. destructans in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus). Results from the field-based protocol using the Biomeme platform were compared with those from a commonly used laboratory-based qPCR protocol. When using dilutions of known conidia concentrations, the lowest detectable concentration with the laboratory-based approach was 108.8 conidia/mL, compared with 1,087.5 conidia/mL (10 times higher, i.e., one fewer 10× dilution) using the field-based approach. Further comparisons using field samples suggest a high level of concordance between the two protocols, with positive and negative agreements of 98.2% and 100% respectively. The cycle threshold values were marginally higher for most samples using the field-based protocol. These results are an important step in establishing and validating a rapid, field-assessable detection platform for P. destructans, which is urgently needed to improve the surveillance and monitoring capacity for WNS and support on-the-ground management and response efforts.

Salinity and pH related microbial nitrogen removal in the largest coastal lagoon of Chinese mainland (Pinqing Lagoon)

Coastal lagoon is critical habitat for human and provides a wide range of ecosystem services. These vital habitats are now threatened by waste discharge and eutrophication. Previous studies suggest that the pollution mitigation of coastal lagoon relies on the water exchange with open sea, and the role of microbial processes inside the lagoon is overlooked. This study takes the Pinqing Lagoon which is the largest coastal lagoon in Chinese mainland as example. The distribution of nutrients, microbial activity of nitrogen removal and community structure of denitrifying bacteria in sediment are analyzed. The results showed that the nutrient in sediment represented by DIN (1.65-12.78 mg kg-1), TOM (0.59-8.72 %) and TN (0.14-1.93 mg g-1) are at high levels and are enriched at the terrestrial impacted zone (TZ). The microbial nitrogen removal is active at 0.27-19.76 μmol N kg-1 h-1 in sediment and denitrification is the dominate pathway taking 51.44-98.71 % of total N removal. The composition of the denitrifying microbial community in marine impacted zone (MZ) is close to that of ocean and estuary, but differs considerably with those of TZ and transition zone (TM). The denitrification activity is mainly controlled by salinity and pH, and the denitrifying bacterial community composition related to the nutrient parameters of TN, TOM, etc. Our study suggested that the distribution of nutrients, microbial activity of nitrogen removal and community structure in Lagoon are the combined effects of terrestrial input and exchange with open sea. The microbial processes play important role in the nitrogen removal of coastal lagoon.

Russula brunneoaurantiaca, a novel taxon of Russula subg. Crassotunicata from West Bengal, India, with morpho-molecular analysis and scanning electron microscopy

This paper describes a new Russula species, R. brunneoaurantiaca, from India with morphological and molecular sequence (nrITS) data, field pictures of basidiocarps, and comparisons with close relatives. Russula brunneoaurantiaca has a brownish orange pileus with a mucilaginous surface, sub-decurrent lamellae that are white to pale orange, a white stipe that turns yellowish brown to brown when bruised, a strong, unpleasant smell, globose to subglobose basidiospores (5.0-9.0 5.0-7.8 m) with an inamyloid suprahilar spot and ornamentation of small isolated conical warts, fusiform hymenial cystidia on gill sides (62.5-82 × 7.5-12.5 μm) and lageniform to sub-lageniform cystidia with filiform apex near the gill edge (80-113 × 7.5-10 μm), fusiform to spindle-shaped pileocystidia, and habitat in association with Castanopsis sp. A complete morphological description, photographs, and molecular sequence-based phylogenetic trees demarcating the position of the novel taxon are provided. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and subsequent DNA analysis revealed a new species of the genus Russula. SEM analysis is an additional technique to describe the size and shape of its basidiospores as well as their ornamentation. The diagnostic characteristics, habit, habitat, and similarities to related species are given.

Rostrupomyces, a new genus to accommodate Xerocomussisongkhramensis, and a new Hemileccinum species (Xerocomoideae, Boletaceae) from Thailand

A new genus, Rostrupomyces is established to accommodate Xerocomussisongkhramensis based on multiple protein-coding genes (atp6, cox3, tef1, and rpb2) analyses of a wide taxon sampling of Boletaceae. In our phylogeny, the new genus was sister to Rubinosporus in subfamily Xerocomoideae, phylogenetically distant from Xerocomus, which was highly supported as sister to Phylloporus in the same subfamily Xerocomoideae. Rostrupomyces is different from other genera in Boletaceae by the following combination of characters: rugulose to subrugulose pileus surface, white pores when young becoming pale yellow in age, subscabrous stipe surface scattered with granulose squamules, white basal mycelium, unchanging color in any parts, yellowish brown spore print, and broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid, smooth basidiospores. In addition, Hemileccinuminferius, also from subfamily Xerocomoideae, is newly described. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the new genus and new species are presented.

First description of adenosine production by Gnomoniopsis smithogilvyi, causal agent of chestnut brown rot

Gnomoniopsis smithogilvyi (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales) is the main causal agent of chestnut brown rot on sweet chestnut worldwide. The rotting of nuts leads to alterations in the organoleptic qualities and decreased fruit production, resulting in significant economic losses. In 2021, there was an important outbreak of chestnut rot in southern Galicia (Spanish northwest). The profile of secondary metabolites from G. smithogilvyi was studied, especially to determine its capability for producing mycotoxins, as happens with other rotting fungi, due to the possible consequences on the safety of chestnut consumption. Secondary metabolites produced by isolates of G. smithogilvyi growing in potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium were identified using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Three metabolites with interesting pharmacological and phyto-toxicological properties were identified based on their exact mass and fragmentation patterns, namely adenosine, oxasetin, and phytosphingosine. The capacity of G. smithogilvyi to produce adenosine in PDA cultures was assessed, finding concentrations ranging from 176 to 834 µg/kg. Similarly, the production of mycotoxins was ruled out, indicating that the consumption of chestnuts with necrotic lesions does not pose a health risk to the consumer in terms of mycotoxins.

Three Novel Cheiroid Hyphomycetes in Dictyocheirospora and Dictyosporium (Dictyosporiaceae) from Freshwater Habitats in Guangdong and Guizhou Provinces, China

Over the past two decades, numerous novel species have been identified within Dictyosporiaceae, primarily in Dictyocheirospora and Dictyosporium. A recent monograph has revealed that these two genera exhibit a distinct preference for freshwater habitats, particularly in southern China. However, further investigation into the distribution and diversity of the two genera in Guangdong and Guizhou Provinces remains insufficient. In this study, we conducted an analysis of four intriguing cheiroid hyphomycetes collected from flowing rivers in these two regions. Through morphological and phylogenetic analyses incorporating combined LSU, SSU, ITS, and tef1-α sequence data, we have identified them as a novel species in Dictyocheirospora (Dictyoc. submersa sp. nov.), two novel species in Dictyosporium (Dictyos. guangdongense sp. nov. and Dictyos. variabilisporum sp. nov.), and one previously documented species (Dictyos. digitatum). Specifically, the identification of Dictyos. guangdongense is primarily based on its distinct morphology, characterized by complanate, cheiroid, and brown to dark brown conidia, with a hyaline, short, and atrophied appendage arising from the apical cell of the outer row. In addition, the morphological distinctions between Dictyocheirospora and Dictyosporium are further clarified based on our new data. This study also highlights a few phylogenetic matters regarding Dictyosporiaceae.

Species clarification of fairy inkcap ("Coprinellus disseminatus") in China

Coprinellus disseminatus and other morphologically similar species are widely dispersed worldwide and are commonly referred to as "fairy inkcap". Based on the molecular phylogenetic study and morphological observation, a thorough investigation was carried out utilising 74 collections of related species that were gathered from seventeen provinces and five Chinese fungaria between 1998 and 2023 and revealed 11 lineages of "fairy inkcap", nine of which were found in China, and which belonged to the two genera Coprinellus and Tulosesus. In sect. Disseminati, genetic diversities (π), and fixation index (Fst) amongst lineages were computed, and a haplotype-based network was established to ascertain the relationships amongst each clade. A new section of Coprinellus, sect. Aureodisseminati, were discovered. In addition, four new species (C. aureodisseminatus, C. austrodisseminatus, C. parcus, and C. velutipes), a new subspecies of C. disseminatus, a new combination (Tulosesus pseudodisseminatus), the first discovery of epigamous type of C. magnoliae and a new record to China (T. subdisseminatus) were also identified and thoroughly described with accompanying illustrations. Their differences in macro- and micro-features, as well as their character sequence, were discussed.

Species diversity and taxonomy of Vararia (Russulales, Basidiomycota) with descriptions of six species from Southwestern China

Vararia is a species-rich genus in the family Peniophoraceae and has been shown to be polyphyletic. In this study, sequences of ITS and LSU rRNA markers of the studied samples were generated and phylogenetic analyses were performed with the maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. Seventeen lineages including six new species from China, i.e., V.fissurata, V.lincangensis, V.punctata, V.isabellina, V.sinensis, and V.yaoshanensis were recognized, in which V.fissurata is characterized by the brittle basidiomata with pruinose and cracking hymenophore having white to olivaceous buff hymenial surface, the clamped generative hyphae, presence of the two types gloeocystidia; V.lincangensis is characterized by the simple-septa generative hyphae, and thick-walled skeletal hyphae, and ellipsoid basidiospores; V.punctata is delimited by its thin to slightly thick-walled generative hyphae, and thick-walled skeletal hyphae, present thick-walled, clavate to cylindrical gloeocystidia; V.isabellina is characterized by having the cream to isabelline to slightly brown hymenial surface, thin to slightly thick-walled generative hyphae, and sub-fusiform to navicular basidiospores; V.sinensis is distinguishable by its white to slightly pink hymenial surface, thick-walled skeletal hyphae, and sub-fusiform to navicular basidiospores; V.yaoshanensis is characterized by cream to pinkish buff to cinnamon-buff hymenial surface, slightly thick-walled generative hyphae, the presence of two types gloeocystidia, and slightly thick-walled, ellipsoid basidiospores. Phylogram based on the ITS+nLSU rDNA gene regions included nine genera within the family Peniophoraceae as Amylostereum, Asterostroma, Baltazaria, Dichostereum, Michenera, Peniophora, Scytinostroma and Vararia, in which the six new wood-inhabiting fungi species were grouped into genus Vararia. The phylogenetic tree inferred from the combined ITS and LSU tree sequences highlighted that V.fissurata was found to be the sister to V.ellipsospora with strong supports. Additionally, V.lincangensis was clustered with V.fragilis. Furthermore, V.punctata was retrieved as a sister to V.ambigua. Moreover, V.sinensis was grouped with five taxa as V.breviphysa, V.pirispora, V.fusispora, V.abortiphysa and V.insolita. The new species V.isabellina formed a monophyletic lineage, in which it was then grouped closely with V.daweishanensis, and V.gracilispora. In addition, V.yaoshanensis was found to be the sister to V.gallica with strong supports. The present results increased the knowledge of Vararia species diversity and taxonomy of corticioid fungi in China. An identification key to 17 species of Vararia in China is provided.

Unraveling the Life Cycle of Nyssopsora cedrelae: A Study of Rust Diseases on Aralia elata and Toona sinensis

Rust disease poses a major threat to global agriculture and forestry. It is caused by types of Pucciniales, which often require alternate hosts for their life cycles. Nyssopsora cedrelae was previously identified as a rust pathogen on Toona sinensis in East and Southeast Asia. Although this species had been reported to be autoecious, completing its life cycle solely on T. sinensis, we hypothesized that it has a heteroecious life cycle, requiring an alternate host, since the spermogonial and aecial stages on Aralia elata, a plant native to East Asia, are frequently observed around the same area where N. cedrelae causes rust disease on T. sinensis. Upon collecting rust samples from both A. elata and T. sinensis, we confirmed that the rust species from both tree species exhibited matching internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit (LSU) rDNA, and cytochrome oxidase subunit III (CO3) mtDNA sequences. Through cross-inoculations, we verified that aeciospores from A. elata produced a uredinial stage on T. sinensis. This study is the first report to clarify A. elata as an alternate host for N. cedrelae, thus providing initial evidence that the Nyssopsora species exhibits a heteroecious life cycle.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the importance of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis for the induced resistance of 84K poplar to anthracnose

BACKGROUND

Poplar anthracnose, which is one of the most important tree diseases, is primarily caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, which has been detected in poplar plantations in China and is responsible for serious economic losses. The characteristics of 84K poplar that have made it one of the typical woody model plants used for investigating stress resistance include its rapid growth, simple reproduction, and adaptability.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that the resistance of 84K poplar to anthracnose varied considerably depending on how the samples were inoculated of the two seedlings in each tissue culture bottle, one (84K-Cg) was inoculated for 6 days, whereas the 84K-DCg samples were another seedling inoculated at the 6th day and incubated for another 6 days under the same conditions. It was showed that the average anthracnose spot diameter on 84K-Cg and 84K-DCg leaves was 1.23 ± 0.0577 cm and 0.67 ± 0.1154 cm, respectively. Based on the transcriptome sequencing analysis, it was indicated that the upregulated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis-related genes in 84K poplar infected with C. gloeosporioides, including genes encoding PAL, C4H, 4CL, HCT, CCR, COMT, F5H, and CAD, are also involved in other KEGG pathways (i.e., flavonoid biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism). The expression levels of these genes were lowest in 84K-Cg and highest in 84K-DCg.

CONCLUSIONS

It was found that PAL-related genes may be crucial for the induced resistance of 84K poplar to anthracnose, which enriched in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. These results will provide the basis for future research conducted to verify the contribution of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis to induced resistance and explore plant immune resistance-related signals that may regulate plant defense capabilities, which may provide valuable insights relevant to the development of effective and environmentally friendly methods for controlling poplar anthracnose.

Large invertebrate decomposers contribute to faster leaf litter decomposition in Fraxinus excelsior-dominated habitats: Implications of ash dieback

Leaf litter decomposition is a major component of nutrient cycling which depends on the quality and quantity of the leaf material. Ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior, decay time ∼ 0.4 years) are declining throughout Europe due to a fungal pathogen (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), which is likely to alter biochemical cycling across the continent. The ecological impact of losing species with fast decomposing leaves is not well quantified. In this study we examine how decomposition of three leaf species with varying decomposition rates including ash, sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus, decay time ∼ 1.4 years), and beech (Fagus sylvatica, decay time ∼ 6.8 years) differ in habitats with and without ash as the dominant overstorey species. Ten plots (40 m × 40 m) were set up in five locations representing ash dominated and non-ash dominated habitats. In each plot mesh bags (30 cm × 30 cm, 0.5 mm aperture) with a single leaf species (5 g) were used to include (large holes added) and exclude macrofauna invertebrates (with a focus on decomposer organisms such as earthworms, millipedes, and woodlice). The mesh bags were installed in October 2020 and retrieved without replacement at exponential intervals after 6, 12, 24 and 48 weeks. Total leaf mass loss was highest in the ash dominated habitat (ash dominated: 88.5%, non-ash dominated: 66.5%) where macrofauna were the main contributor (macrofauna: 96%, microorganisms/mesofauna: 4%). The difference between macrofauna vs microorganisms and mesofauna was less pronounced in the non-ash dominated habitat (macrofauna: 68%, microorganisms/mesofauna: 31%). Our results suggest that if ash dominated habitats are replaced by species such as sycamore, beech, and oak, the role of macrofauna decomposers will be reduced and leaf litter decomposition rates will decrease by 25%. These results provide important insights for future ash dieback management decisions.

Characterization of potassium-solubilizing fungi, Mortierella spp., isolated from a poplar plantation rhizosphere soil

Potassium-solubilizing microorganisms are capable of secreting acidic chemicals that dissolve and release potassium from soil minerals, thus facilitating potassium uptake by plants. In this study, three potassium-dissolving filamentous fungi were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a poplar plantation in Jiangsu Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, 18 S, and 28 S showed that these three isolates were most similar to Mortierella. These strains also possessed spherical or ellipsoidal spores, produced sporangia at the hyphal tip, and formed petal-like colonies on PDA media resembling those of Mortierella species. These findings, along with further phenotypic observations, suggest that these isolates were Mortierella species. In addition, the potassium-dissolution experiment showed that strain 2K4 had a relatively high potassium-solubilizing capacity among these isolated fungi. By investigating the influences of different nutrient conditions (carbon source, nitrogen source, and inorganic salt) and initial pH values on the potassium-dissolving ability, the optimal potassium-solubilization conditions of the isolate were determined. When potassium feldspar powder was used as an insoluble potassium source, isolate 2K4 exhibited a significantly better polysaccharide aggregation ability on the formed mycelium-potassium feldspar complex. The composition and content of organic acids secreted by strain 2K4 were further detected, and the potassium-dissolution mechanism of the Mortierella species and its growth promotion effect were discussed, using maize as an example.

Multilocus Molecular Phylogeny of the Umbilicaria aprina Group (Umbilicariaceae, Lichenized Ascomycota) Supports Species Level and Neo-Endemic Status of Umbilicaria krascheninnikovii

The Northeast Asian endemic species of lichen-forming fungus Umbilicaria krascheninnikovii is herein discussed in the global context of biogeography and phylogeny of the U. aprina group. The name U. krascheninnikovii has been erroneously used by lichenologists for Umbilicaria spp. from high latitudes or altitudes worldwide, as there are omphalodisc apothecia and rough "crystals" of a necral layer on the upper surface. To test the monophyly and phylogenetic relationships within the U. aprina group, four independent DNA regions (nrITS/5.8S, RPB2, mtLSU, and mtSSU) were used for six rare species, including a dozen specimens of U. krascheninnikovii from its locus classicus in Kamchatka. The study is based on the phylograms obtained using maximum likelihood and a Bayesian phylogenetic inference framework. As a result of phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses, it was shown that U. krascheninnikovii is a neo-endemic of the areas of modern volcanism in Kamchatka, Japan, as well as in the Kurile Islands, where this species was recorded for the first time. The morphology of U. krascheninnikovii is herein described and illustrated. Increasing the role of the sexual process and reducing asexual thalloconidiogenesis are shown to be apomorphic traits in the U. aprina group. The combination of sexual and asexual reproduction provides adaptive advantages in changing environmental conditions.

Gymnosporangium mori comb. nov. (Pucciniales) for Caeoma mori (≡ Aecidium mori) inferred from phylogenetic evidence

Caeoma mori (≡ Aecidium mori), known as the mulberry rust which is an anamorphic rust fungus forming only aecidioid uredinia, were found on Morus alba in Ibaraki and Saitama Prefectures, Japan. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using the combined dataset of sequences from 28S and 18S of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene and Cytochrome-c-oxidase subunit 3 of the mitochondrial DNA revealed that this anamorphic rust fungus was a member of the clade composed of the genus Gymnosporangium. Therefore, a new combination, Gymnosporangium mori is proposed for this species. Additionally, a new combination, G. brucense for Roestelia brucensis is proposed by phylogenetic evidence.

Family matters inside the order Agaricales: systematic reorganization and classification of incertae sedis clitocyboid, pleurotoid and tricholomatoid taxa based on an updated 6-gene phylogeny

The phylogenetic position of several clitocyboid/pleurotoid/tricholomatoid genera previously considered incertae sedis is here resolved using an updated 6-gene dataset of Agaricales including newly sequenced lineages and more complete data from those already analyzed before. Results allowed to infer new phylogenetic relationships, and propose taxonomic novelties to accommodate them, including up to ten new families and a new suborder. Giacomia (for which a new species from China is here described) forms a monophyletic clade with Melanoleuca (Melanoleucaceae) nested inside suborder Pluteineae, together with the families Pluteaceae, Amanitaceae (including Leucocortinarius), Limnoperdaceae and Volvariellaceae. The recently described family Asproinocybaceae is shown to be a later synonym of Lyophyllaceae (which includes also Omphaliaster and Trichocybe) within suborder Tricholomatineae. The families Biannulariaceae, Callistosporiaceae, Clitocybaceae, Fayodiaceae, Macrocystidiaceae (which includes Pseudoclitopilus), Entolomataceae, Pseudoclitocybaceae (which includes Aspropaxillus), Omphalinaceae (Infundibulicybe and Omphalina) and the new families Paralepistaceae and Pseudoomphalinaceae belong also to Tricholomatineae. The delimitation of the suborder Pleurotineae (= Schizophyllineae) is discussed and revised, accepting five distinct families within it, viz. Pleurotaceae, Cyphellopsidaceae, Fistulinaceae, Resupinataceae and Schizophyllaceae. The recently proposed suborder Phyllotopsidineae (= Sarcomyxineae) is found to encompass the families Aphroditeolaceae, Pterulaceae, Phyllotopsidaceae, Radulomycetaceae, Sarcomyxaceae (which includes Tectella), and Stephanosporaceae, all of them unrelated to Pleurotaceae (suborder Pleurotineae) or Typhulaceae (suborder Typhulineae). The new family Xeromphalinaceae, encompassing the genera Xeromphalina and Heimiomyces, is proposed within Marasmiineae. The suborder Hygrophorineae is here reorganized into the families Hygrophoraceae, Cantharellulaceae, Cuphophyllaceae, Hygrocybaceae and Lichenomphaliaceae, to homogenize the taxonomic rank of the main clades inside all suborders of Agaricales. Finally, the genus Hygrophorocybe is shown to represent a distinct clade inside Cuphophyllaceae, and the new combination H. carolinensis is proposed. Taxonomic novelties: New suborder: Typhulineae Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado. New families: Aphroditeolaceae Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Melanoleucaceae Locq. ex Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Paralepistaceae Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Pseudoomphalinaceae Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Volvariellaceae Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Xeromphalinaceae Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado. New species: Giacomia sinensis J.Z. Xu. Stat. nov.: Cantharellulaceae (Lodge, Redhead, Norvell & Desjardin) Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Cuphophyllaceae (Z.M. He & Zhu L. Yang) Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Hygrocybaceae (Padamsee & Lodge) Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado, Lichenomphaliaceae (Lücking & Redhead) Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado. New combination: Hygrophorocybe carolinensis (H.E. Bigelow & Hesler) Vizzini, Consiglio & P. Alvarado. New synonyms: Sarcomyxineae Zhu L. Yang & G.S. Wang, Schizophyllineae Aime, Dentinger & Gaya, Asproinocybaceae T. Bau & G.F. Mou. Incertae sedis taxa placed at family level: Aphroditeola Redhead & Manfr. Binder, Giacomia Vizzini & Contu, Hygrophorocybe Vizzini & Contu, Leucocortinarius (J.E. Lange) Singer, Omphaliaster Lamoure, Pseudoclitopilus Vizzini & Contu, Resupinatus Nees ex Gray, Tectella Earle, Trichocybe Vizzini. New delimitations of taxa: Hygrophorineae Aime, Dentinger & Gaya, Phyllotopsidineae Zhu L. Yang & G.S. Wang, Pleurotineae Aime, Dentinger & Gaya, Pluteineae Aime, Dentinger & Gaya, Tricholomatineae Aime, Dentinger & Gaya. Resurrected taxa: Fayodiaceae Jülich, Resupinataceae Jülich. Citation: Vizzini A, Alvarado P, Consiglio G, Marchetti M, Xu J (2024). Family matters inside the order Agaricales: systematic reorganization and classification of incertae sedis clitocyboid, pleurotoid and tricholomatoid taxa based on an updated 6-gene phylogeny. Studies in Mycology 107: 67-148. doi: 10.3114/sim.2024.107.02.

Distribution of Badhamiopsis and Badhamia (Physaraceae, Myxomycetes) in brazilian Biomes

The family Physaraceae (Physarales, Myxomycetes) is represented in Brazil by eight genera and 75 species. Based on data obtained from the GBIF, SpeciesLink, Flora and Funga do Brasil platforms, collections from the IPA and URM Herbaria and material collected since 1960 deposited in the UFP Herbarium, the microhabitats and distribution of Badhamiopsis (1sp.) and Badhamia (10 spp.) in Brazilian biomes are commented. An identification key for the species and the first report of B. melanospora from the state of Paraíba, B. panicea from the state of Paraná and B. ovispora from Brazil are presented.

Three new species in Russula subsection Xerampelinae supported by genealogical and phenotypic coherence

Xerampelinae is a subsection composed of species of ectomycorrhizal fungi belonging to the hyperdiverse and cosmopolitan genus Russula (Russulales). Species of Xerampelinae are recognized by their fishy or shrimp odor, browning context, and a green reaction to iron sulfate. However, species delimitation has traditionally relied on morphology and analysis of limited molecular data. Prior taxonomic work in Xerampelinae has led to the description of as many as 59 taxa in Europe and 19 in North America. Here we provide the first multilocus phylogeny of European and North American members based on two nrDNA loci and two protein-coding genes. The resulting phylogeny supports the recognition of 17 species-rank Xerampelinae clades; however, higher species richness (~23) is suggested by a more inclusive nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS barcode) analysis. Phylogenetic and morphological analyses support three new species with restricted geographic distributions: R. lapponica, R. neopascua, and R. olympiana. We confirm that the European species R. subrubens is present in North America and the North American species R. serissima (previously known as R. favrei) is present in Europe. Most other Xerampelinae appear restricted to either North America or Eurasia, which indicates a high degree of regional endemism; this includes R. xerampelina, a name widely applied to North American taxa, but a species restricted to Eurasia.

The genus Acrophialophora: History, phylogeny, morphology, beneficial effects and pathogenicity

The genus Acrophialophora is a thermotolerant fungus, which is widely distributed in temperate and tropical zones. This fungus is classified in Ascomycota and belongs to the Chaetomiaceae family and the genera of Parathielavia, Pseudothielavia and Hyalosphaerella are closely related to Acrophialophora. For this genus have been reported 28 species so far, which two species of Acrophialophora jodhpurensis and Acrophialophora teleoafricana produce only sexual phase and other species produce asexual form. Therefore, producing both sexual and asexual forms were not reported by any species. Many applications were reported by some species in agriculture, pharmacy and industry. Production of enzymes, antimicrobial metabolites and plant growth-promoting factors were reported by some species. The species of A. nainiana is used in the industries of textile, fruit juice, pulp and paper due to extracellular enzyme production. Also, other species produce extracellular enzymes that can be used in various industries. The species Acrophialophora are used in the composting industry due to the production of various enzymes and to be thermotolerant. In addition, some species were isolated from hostile environmental conditions. Therefore has been suggested that it can be used for mycoremediation. Also, antimicrobial metabolites of Acrophialophora have been reported to be effective against human and plant pathogens. In contrast to the beneficial effects described, the Acrophialophora pathogenicity has been rarely reported. Two species A. fusispora and A. levis are opportunistic fungi and have been reported as pathogens in humans, animals and plants. Currently, the development and applications of Acrophialophora species have increased more than past. To our knowledge, there is no report with comprehensive information on the species of Acrophialophora, which include their disadvantage and beneficial effects, particularly in agriculture. Therefore, it seems necessary to pay more in-depth attention to the application of this genus as a beneficial fungus in agriculture, pharmaceutical and industry. This review is focused on the history, phylogeny, morphology, valuable roles of Acrophialophora and pathogenicity.

An In-Depth Evaluation of Powdery Mildew Hosts Reveals One of the World's Most Common and Widespread Groups of Fungal Plant Pathogens

Powdery mildews are highly destructive fungal plant pathogens that have a significant economic impact on both agricultural and ecological systems worldwide. The intricate relationship between powdery mildews and their host plants has led to cospeciation. In this study, we conducted an extensive evaluation of powdery mildew hosts to provide an updated understanding of the host ranges and distributions of these fungi. The "United States National Fungus Collections Fungus-Host Dataset" is the primary source of information for our analyses. The analysis of the dataset demonstrated the worldwide prevalence of powdery mildews; the data contained over 72,000 reports of powdery mildews, representing ∼8.7% of all host-fungal records. We have updated the taxonomy and nomenclature of powdery mildews. In total, powdery mildews infect ∼10,125 host taxa belonging to 205 families of flowering plants, which accounts for 1,970 genera in 200 countries across six continents. Furthermore, we estimate that powdery mildews infect approximately 2.9% of described angiosperm species. Our study underscores the need for regular updates on powdery mildew host information due to the continuously evolving taxonomy and the discovery of new host taxa. Since 1986, we estimate an additional 1,866 host taxa, 353 genera, and 36 families have been reported. Additionally, the identification of powdery mildew hosts provides valuable insights into the coevolutionary dynamics between the fungi and their plant hosts. Overall, this updated list provides valuable insights into the taxonomy and geographic distribution of powdery mildew species, which builds upon the previous work of Amano in 1986. Discerning the geographic spread and host range of economically significant plant pathogens is vital for biosecurity measures and identifying the origins and expansion of potentially harmful pathogens.

Four new species of Puccinia from herbaceous plants in China

Members of Puccinia (Pucciniaceae, Pucciniales) are known as plant pathogens worldwide, which are characterized by their morphology, host association, and molecular data of various genes. In the present study, 10 specimens of Puccinia were collected from four herbaceous plants (Anaphalis hancockii, Anthriscus sylvestris, Halenia elliptica, and Pilea pumila) in China and identified based on morphology and phylogeny. As a result, 10 samples represent four undescribed species of Puccinia, viz., P. apdensia, P. decidua, P. dermatis, and P. lianchengensis, spp. nov. P. apdensia is characterized by its smooth teliospores with thickened apex. P. decidua represents the first Puccinia species inhabiting the host Anaphalis hancockii and is distinguished from the other Puccinia species by its telia and uredinia surrounded by the epidermis. P. dermatis from Halenia elliptica differs from the other Puccinia species on the host genus Halenia by the telia that have epidermis and teliospores with sparsely irregular granulated protrusions. P. lianchengensis is characterized by its teliospore surface with fishnet ornamentation and urediniospores without prominent caps. All of the new species are described and illustrated in this study.

The genus Fomitopsis (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) reconsidered

Based on seven- and three-gene datasets, we discuss four alternative approaches for a reclassification of Fomitopsidaceae (Polyporales, Basidiomycota). After taking into account morphological diversity in the family, we argue in favour of distinguishing three genera only, viz. Anthoporia, Antrodia and Fomitopsis. Fomitopsis becomes a large genus with 128 accepted species, containing almost all former Fomitopsis spp. and most species formerly placed in Antrodia, Daedalea and Laccocephalum. Genera Buglossoporus, Cartilosoma, Daedalea, Melanoporia, Neolentiporus, alongside twenty others, are treated as synonyms of Fomitopsis. This generic scheme allows for morphologically distinct genera in Fomitopsidaceae, unlike other schemes we considered. We provide arguments for retaining Fomitopsis and suppressing earlier (Daedalea, Caloporus) or simultaneously published generic names (Piptoporus) considered here as its synonyms. Taxonomy of nine species complexes in the genus is revised based on ITS, ITS + TEF1, ITS + TEF1 + RPB1 and ITS + TEF1 + RPB2 datasets. In total, 17 species are described as new to science, 26 older species are reinstated and 26 currently accepted species names are relegated to synonymy. A condensed identification key for all accepted species in the genus is provided. Taxonomic novelties: New species: Fomitopsis algumicola Grebenc & Spirin, F. caseosa Vlasák & Spirin, F. cupressicola Vlasák, J. Vlasák Jr. & Spirin, F. derelicta Vlasák & Spirin, F. dollingeri Vlasák & Spirin, F. fissa Vlasák & Spirin, F. lapidosa Miettinen & Spirin, F. lignicolor Vlasák & Spirin, F. maculosa Miettinen & Spirin, F. pannucea Runnel & Spirin, F. perhiemata Viner & Spirin, F. purpurea Spirin & Ryvarden, F. retorrida Spirin & Kotiranta, F. solaris Rivoire, A.M. Ainsworth & Vlasák, F. tristis Miettinen & Spirin, F. tunicata Miettinen & Spirin, F. visenda Miettinen & Spirin. New combinations: Fomitopsis aculeata (Cooke) Spirin & Miettinen, F. aethalodes (Mont.) Spirin, F. alaskana (D.V. Baxter) Spirin & Vlasák, F. albidoides (A. David & Dequatre) Bernicchia & Vlasák, F. amygdalina (Berk. & Ravenel) Spirin & Vlasák, F. angusta (Spirin & Vlasák) Spirin & Vlasák, F. atypa (Lév.) Spirin & Vlasák, F. caespitosa (Murrill) Spirin & Miettinen, F. calcitrosa (Spirin & Miettinen) Spirin & Miettinen, F. circularis (B.K. Cui & Hai J. Li) Spirin, F. concentrica (G. Cunn.) M.D. Barrett, F. cyclopis (Miettinen & Spirin) Miettinen & Spirin, F. dickinsii (Berk. ex Cooke) Spirin, F. elevata (Corner) Spirin & Miettinen, F. eucalypti (Kalchbr.) Spirin, F. ferrea (Cooke) Spirin & Viner, F. flavimontis (Vlasák & Spirin) Vlasák & Spirin, F. foedata (Berk.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. gilvidula (Bres.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. glabricystidia (Ipulet & Ryvarden) Miettinen & Ryvarden, F. globispora (Ryvarden & Aime) Spirin, F. hartmannii (Cooke) M.D. Barrett & Spirin, F. hyalina (Spirin, Miettinen & Kotir.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. hypoxantha (Bres.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. incana (Lév.) Spirin & V. Malysheva, F. infirma (Renvall & Niemelä) Miettinen & Niemelä, F. juniperina (Murrill) Spirin & Vlasák, F. kuzyana (Pilát ex Pilát) Spirin & Vlasák, F. leioderma (Mont.) Spirin & Vlasak, F. leucaena (Y.C. Dai & Niemelä) Spirin & Miettinen, F. luzonensis (Murrill) Spirin & Miettinen, F. maculatissima (Lloyd) Spirin, F. madronae (Vlasák & Ryvarden) Vlasák & Ryvarden, F. malicola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Spirin, F. marchionica (Mont.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. marianii (Bres.) Spirin, Vlasák & Cartabia, F. mellita (Niemelä & Penttilä) Niemelä & Miettinen, F. microcarpa (B.K. Cui & Shun Liu) Spirin, F. micropora (B.K. Cui & Shun Liu) Spirin, F. modesta (Kuntze ex Fr.) Vlasák & Spirin, F. monomitica (Yuan Y. Chen) Spirin & Viner, F. morganii (Lloyd) Spirin & Vlasák, F. moritziana (Lév.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. neotropica (D.L. Lindner, Ryvarden & T.J. Baroni) Vlasák, F. nigra (Berk.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. nivosella (Murrill) Spirin & Vlasák, F. oboensis (Decock, Amalfi & Ryvarden) Spirin, F. oleracea (R.W. Davidson & Lombard) Spirin & Vlasák, F. philippinensis (Murrill) Spirin & Vlasák, F. primaeva (Renvall & Niemelä) Miettinen & Niemelä, F. psilodermea (Berk. & Mont.) Spirin & Vlasák, F. pulverulenta (Rivoire) Rivoire, F. pulvina (Pers.) Spirin & Vlasák, F. pulvinascens (Pilát ex Pilát) Niemelä & Miettinen, F. quercina (L.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. ramentacea (Berk. & Broome) Spirin & Vlasák, F. renehenticii (Rivoire, Trichies & Vlasák) Rivoire & Vlasák, F. roseofusca (Romell) Spirin & Vlasák, F. sagraeana (Mont.) Vlasák & Spirin, F. sandaliae (Bernicchia & Ryvarden) Bernicchia & Vlasák, F. sclerotina (Rodway) M.D. Barrett & Spirin, F. serialiformis (Kout & Vlasák) Vlasák, F. serialis (Fr.) Spirin & Runnel, F. serrata (Vlasák & Spirin) Vlasák & Spirin, F. squamosella (Bernicchia & Ryvarden) Bernicchia & Ryvarden, F. stereoides (Fr.) Spirin, F. subectypa (Murrill) Spirin & Vlasák, F. substratosa (Malençon) Spirin & Miettinen, F. tropica (B.K. Cui) Spirin, F. tumulosa (Cooke) M.D. Barrett & Spirin, F. tuvensis (Spirin, Vlasák & Kotir.) Spirin & Vlasák, F. uralensis (Pilát) Spirin & Miettinen, F. ussuriensis (Bondartsev & Ljub.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. variiformis (Peck) Vlasák & Spirin, F. yunnanensis (M.L. Han & Q. An) Spirin, Daedaleopsis candicans (P. Karst.) Spirin, Megasporoporia eutelea (Har. & Pat.) Spirin & Viner, Neofomitella hemitephra (Berk.) M.D. Barrett, Pseudophaeolus soloniensis (Dubois) Spirin & Rivoire, P. trichrous (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Vlasák & Spirin. New synonyms: Antrodia bondartsevae Spirin, A. huangshanensis Y.C. Dai & B.K. Cui, A. taxa T.T. Chang & W.N. Chou, A. wangii Y.C. Dai & H.S. Yuan, Antrodiella subnigra Oba, Mossebo & Ryvarden, Antrodiopsis Audet, Boletus quercinus Schrad., Brunneoporus Audet, Buglossoporus Kotl. & Pouzar, Buglossoporus eucalypticola M.L. Han, B.K. Cui & Y.C. Dai, Caloporus P. Karst., Cartilosoma Kotlaba & Pouzar, Coriolus clemensiae Murrill, C. cuneatiformis Murrill, C. hollickii Murrill, C. parthenius Hariot & Pat., C. rubritinctus Murrill, Daedalea Pers., Daedalea allantoidea M.L. Han, B.K. Cui & Y.C. Dai, D. americana M.L. Han, Vlasák & B.K. Cui, D. radiata B.K. Cui & Hai J. Li, D. rajchenbergiana Kossmann & Drechsler-Santos, D. sinensis Lloyd, Daedalella B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, Dentiporus Audet, Flavidoporia Audet, Fomes subferreus Murrill, Fomitopsis cana B.K. Cui, Hai J. Li & M.L. Han, F. caribensis B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, F. cystidiata B.K. Cui & M.L. Han, F. ginkgonis B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, F. iberica Melo & Ryvarden, F. incarnata K.M. Kim, J.S. Lee & H.S. Jung, F. subfeei B.K. Cui & M.L. Han, F. subtropica B.K. Cui & Hai J. Li, Fragifomes B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, Leptoporus epileucinus Pilát, Melanoporia Murrill, Neoantrodia Audet, Neolentiporus Rajchenb., Nigroporus macroporus Ryvarden & Iturr., Niveoporofomes B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, Pilatoporus Kotl. & Pouzar, Piptoporus P. Karst., Polyporus aurora Ces., P. durescens Overh. ex J. Lowe, P. griseodurus Lloyd, Poria incarnata Pers., Pseudoantrodia B.K. Cui, Y.Y. Chen & Shun Liu, Pseudofomitopsis B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, Ranadivia Zmitr., Rhizoporia Audet, Rhodofomes Kotl. & Pouzar, Rhodofomitopsis B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, Rhodofomitopsis pseudofeei B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, R. roseomagna Nogueira-Melo, A.M.S. Soares & Gibertoni, Rubellofomes B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, Subantrodia Audet, Trametes fulvirubida Corner, T. lignea Murrill, T. lusor Corner, T. pseudodochmia Corner, T. subalutacea Bourdot & Galzin, T. supermodesta Ryvarden & Iturr., T. tuberculata Bres., Tyromyces multipapillatus Corner, T. ochraceivinosus Corner, T. palmarum Murrill, T. singularis Corner, T. squamosellus Núñez & Ryvarden, Ungulidaedalea B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai. Lectotypes: Hexagonia sulcata Berk., Polyporus castaneae Bourdot & Galzin, Poria incarnata Pers., Trametes subalutacea Bourdot & Galzin, Ungulina substratosa Malençon. Neotypes: Agaricus soloniensis Dubois, Boletus pulvinus Pers. Citation: Spirin V, Runnel K, Vlasák J, Viner I, Barrett MD, Ryvarden L, Bernicchia A, Rivoire B, Ainsworth AM, Grebenc T, Cartabia M, Niemelä T, Larsson K-H, Miettinen O (2024). The genus Fomitopsis (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) reconsidered. Studies in Mycology 107: 149-249. doi: 10.3114/sim.2024.107.03.

Mycorrhization in trees: ecology, physiology, emerging technologies and beyond

Mycorrhization has been an integral part of plants since colonization by the early land plants. Over decades, substantial research has highlighted its potential role in improving nutritional efficiency and growth, development and survival of crop plants. However, the focus of this review is trees. Evidence have been provided to explain ecological and physiological significance of mycorrhization in trees. Advances in recent technologies (e.g., metagenomics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, agricultural drones) may open new windows to apply this knowledge in promoting tree growth in forest ecosystems. Dual mycorrhization relationships in trees and even triple relationships among trees, mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria offer an interesting physiological system to understand how plants interact with other organisms for better survival. Besides, studies indicate additional roles of mycorrhization in learning, memorizing and communication between host trees through a common mycorrhizal network (CMN). Recent observations in trees suggest that mycorrhization may even promote tolerance to multiple abiotic (e.g., drought, salt, heavy metal stress) and biotic (e.g. fungi) stresses. Due to the extent of physiological reliance, local adaptation of trees is heavily impacted by the mycorrhizal community. This knowledge opens the possibility of a non-GMO avenue to promote tree growth and development. Indeed, mycorrhization could impact growth of trees in nurserys and subsequent survival of the inoculated trees in field conditions. Future studies might integrate hyperspectral imaging and drone technologies to identify tree communities that are deficient in nitrogen and spray mycorrhizal spore formulations on them.

Identification and Fungicide Screening of Fungal Species Associated with Walnut Anthracnose in Shaanxi and Liaoning Provinces, China

Walnut is cultivated around the world for its precious woody nut and edible oil. Recently, walnut infected by Colletotrichum spp. resulted in a great yield and quality loss. In August and September 2014, walnut fruits with anthracnose were sampled from two commercial orchards in Shaanxi and Liaoning provinces, and five representative isolates were used in this study. To identify the pathogen properly, four genes per region (internal transcribed spacer, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, actin, and chitin synthase) were sequenced and used in phylogenetic studies. Based on multilocus phylogenetic analysis, five isolates clustered with Colletotrichum fioriniae, including its ex-type, with 100% bootstrap support. The results of multilocus phylogenetic analyses, morphology, and pathogenicity confirmed that C. fioriniae was one of the walnut anthracnose pathogens in China. All 13 fungicides tested inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination. Flusilazole, fluazinam, prochloraz, and pyraclostrobin showed the strongest suppressive effects on the mycelial growth than the others, the average EC50 values ranged from 0.09 to 0.40 μg/ml, and there was not any significant difference (P < 0.05). Pyraclostrobin, thiram, and azoxystrobin were the most effective fungicides on spore germination (P < 0.05), and the EC50 values ranged from 0.01 to 0.44 μg/ml. Pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, fluazinam, flusilazole, mancozeb, thiram, and prochloraz exhibited a good control effect on walnut anthracnose caused by C. fioriniae, and preventive activities were greater than curative activities. Pyraclostrobin at 250 a.i. μg/ml and fluazinam at 500 a.i. μg/ml provided the highest preventive and curative efficacy, and the values ranged from 81.3 to 82.2% and from 72.9 to 73.6%, respectively. As a consequence, mancozeb and thiram could be used at the preinfection stage, and pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, flusilazole, fluazinam, and prochloraz could be used at the early stage for effective prevention and control of walnut anthracnose caused by C. fioriniae. The results will provide more significant instructions for controlling the disease effectively in northern China.

Two new species and one new combination of Ophiocordyceps (Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) in Guizhou

Ophiocordyceps is the largest genus in Ophiocordycipitaceae and has a broad distribution with high diversity in subtropical and tropical regions. In this study, two new species, pathogenic on lepidopteran larvae are introduced, based on morphological observation and molecular phylogeny. Ophiocordycepsfenggangensissp. nov. is characterised by having fibrous, stalked stroma with a sterile tip, immersed perithecia, cylindrical asci and filiform ascospores disarticulating into secondary spores. Ophiocordycepsliangiisp. nov. has the characteristics of fibrous, brown, stipitate, filiform stroma, superficial perithecia, cylindrical asci and cylindrical-filiform, non-disarticulating ascospores. A new combination Ophiocordycepsmusicaudata (syn. Cordycepsmusicaudata) is established employing molecular analysis and morphological characteristics. Ophiocordycepsmusicaudata is characterised by wiry, stipitate, solitary, paired to multiple stromata, yellowish, branched fertile part, brown stipe, immersed perithecia, cylindrical asci and cylindrical-filiform, non-disarticulating ascospores.

Morphological and molecular analyses reveal two new species of Grifola (Polyporales) from Yunnan, China

Species of Grifola are famous edible mushrooms and are deeply loved by consumers around the world. Most species of this genus have been described and recorded in Oceania, Europe and South America, with only Grifolafrondosa being recorded in Asia. In this study, two novel species of Grifola from southwestern China (Asia) are introduced. Macro and micromorphological characters are described. Grifolaedulissp. nov. present medium-size basidiomata with gray to gray-brown lobes upper surface, mostly tibiiform or narrowly clavate, rarely narrowly lageniform or ellipsoid chlamydospores, cuticle hyphae terminal segments slightly enlarged. Grifolasinensissp. nov. has white to grayish white lobes upper surface, mostly ellipsoid, rarely narrowly utriform chlamydospores, and broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid basidiospores (4.6-7.9 × 3.0-5.9 μm). The two new species are supported by phylogenetic analyses of combined nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA (ITS) and β-tubulin (TUBB). Moreover, the genetic distance between TUBB sequences of those specimen from GenBank was 1.76-1.9%. Thus, the conspecificity relationship of our specimens remains uncertain, and further specimens are required to conclusively confirm its identity.

DkWRKY transcription factors enhance persimmon resistance to Colletotrichum horii by promoting lignin accumulation through DkCAD1 promotor interaction

Persimmon anthracnose, a severe disease caused by the hemibiotrophic fungus Colletotrichum horii, poses a substantial threat to China's persimmon industry. Previous research showed that 'Kangbing Jianshi' cultivar exhibits strong resistance to anthracnose. Notably, 'Kangbing Jianshi' branches exhibit greater lignification compared with the susceptible 'Fuping Jianshi' cultivar. In this study, higher lignin content was observed in 'Kangbing Jianshi' compared with 'Fuping Jianshi', and this difference was associated with disease resistance. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that the majority of differentially expressed genes and differentially accumulated metabolites were primarily enriched in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and lignin synthesis pathways. Furthermore, significant upregulation of DkCAD1, a pivotal gene involved in lignin metabolism, was observed in the resistant cultivar when inoculated with C. horii. Transient overexpression of DkCAD1 substantially increased lignin content and improved resistance to C. horii in a susceptible cultivar. Furthermore, through yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays, we identified two WRKY transcription factors, DkWRKY8 and DkWRKY10, which interacts with the DkCAD1 promoter and induces its activity. Overexpression of DkWRKY8 and DkWRKY10 not only increased leaf lignin content but also enhanced persimmon tolerance to C. horii. Moreover, the expression levels of DkCAD1, DkWRKY8, and DkWRKY10 were significantly increased in response to salicylic acid and jasmonic acid in the resistant cultivar. These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular functions of DkWRKY8, DkWRKY10, and DkCAD1 in persimmons, as well as their involvement in molecular breeding processes in persimmons.

A New Species of Ganoderma (Ganodermataceae, Polyporales) from Southern China and Optimum Condition for Mycelia Production

The present study sought to propose Ganoderma guixiense sp. nov. as a new species based on phenotypic and genotypic evidence. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), and the second subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) sequence data. G. guixiense has been characterized by pileate basidiomata, long stipe, in addition to reddish-black zonate pileal surface. Basidiospores are broadly ellipsoid with one end tapering at maturity, and measuring 9-12.8 × 6.5-9.3 μm. Basidia are oval to subglobose. This study marks the first exploration of the biological characteristics of G. guixiense. The result indicated that the optimal medium of mycelial growth was observed on malt extract agar (MEA) and yeast extract peptone dextrose agar (YPD) while the optimal temperature was found to be 25-30 °C with pH range of 6-7.

Three new Pyrenula species with 3-septate ascospores with red or orange oil when over-mature (Ascomycota, Pyrenulales, Pyrenulaceae) from China

The lichenised fungal genus Pyrenula is a very common crustose lichen element in tropical to subtropical forests, but little research has been done on this genus in China. During our study on Pyrenula in China, based on morphological characteristics, chemical traits and molecular phylogenetic analysis (ITS and nuLSU), three new 3-septate species with red or orange oil in over-mature ascospores were found: Pyrenulainspersasp. nov., P.thailandicoidessp. nov. and P.apiculatasp. nov. Compared to the known 3-septate species of Pyrenula with red or orange oil, P.inspersa is characterised by the inspersed hamathecium; P.thailandicoides is characterised by the IKI+ red hamathecium and the existence of an unknown lichen substance; and P.apiculata is characterised by the absence of endospore layers in the spore tips and the absence of pseudocyphellae. It is reported for the first time that the presence of a gelatinous halo around the ascospores of Pyrenula is common. A word key for the Pyrenula species with red or orange oil in over-mature ascospores is provided.

Three new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycota) and Acaulospora gedanensis revised

Studies of the morphology and the 45S nuc rDNA phylogeny of three potentially undescribed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (phylum Glomeromycota) grown in cultures showed that one of these fungi is a new species of the genus Diversispora in the family Diversisporaceae; the other two fungi are new Scutellospora species in Scutellosporaceae. Diversispora vistulana sp. nov. came from maritime sand dunes of the Vistula Spit in northern Poland, and S. graeca sp. nov. and S. intraundulata sp. nov. originally inhabited the Mediterranean dunes of the Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece. In addition, the morphological description of spores of Acaulospora gedanensis, originally described in 1988, was emended based on newly found specimens, and the so far unknown phylogeny of this species was determined. The phylogenetic analyses of 45S sequences placed this species among Acaulospora species with atypical phenotypic and histochemical features of components of the two inner germinal walls.

Molecular phylogenetics of the Ophiocordyceps sinensis-species complex lineage (Ascomycota, Hypocreales), with the discovery of new species and predictions of species distribution

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a famous traditional Chinese medicine adapted to the alpine environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and adjacent regions. Clarification of the species diversity of Ophiocordyceps sinensis and its relatives could expand the traditional medicinal resources and provide insights into the speciation and adaptation. The study is prompted by the discovery of a new species, O. megala, described here from a biodiversity hotspot in the Hengduan Mountains, China. Combined morphological, ecological, and phylogenetic evidence supports its distinctiveness from O. sinensis, O. xuefengensis, and O. macroacicularis. Additionally, based on the phylogenetic construction of Ophiocordyceps, a special clade was focused phylogenetically on the more closely related O. sinensis complex, which was defined as the O. sinensis- species complex lineage. A total of 10 species were currently confirmed in this lineage. We made a comprehensive comparison of the sexual/asexual morphological structures among this species complex, distinguishing their common and distinctive features. Furthermore, using the method of species distribution modelling, we studied the species ocurrences in relation to climatic, edaphic, and altitudinal variables for the eight species in the O. sinensis-species complex, and determined that their potential distribution could extend from the southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the Xuefeng Mountains without isolating barrier. Thus, the biodiversity corridor hypothesis was proposed around the O. sinensis-species complex. Our study highlights the phylogeny, species diversity, and suitable distribution of the O. sinensis-species complex lineage, which should have a positive implication for the resource discovery and adaptive evolution of this unique and valuable group.