Transcriptome and Hormonal Analysis of Agaricus bisporus Basidiome Response to Hypomyces perniciosus Infection.

Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach is the most widely cultivated mushroom in the world. A. bisporus wet bubble disease is one of the most severe diseases of white button mushrooms and is caused by the fungal pathogen Hypomyces perniciosus. The pathogen causes a drastic reduction in mushroom yield because of malformation and deterioration of the basidiomes. However, the mechanism of the button mushroom's malformation development after infection with H. perniciosus remains obscure. Therefore, to reveal the mechanism of A. bisporus malformation caused by H. perniciosus, the interaction between the pathogen and host was investigated in this study using histopathological, physiological, and transcriptomic analyses. Results showed that irrespective of the growth stages of A. bisporus basidiomes infected with H. perniciosus, the host's malformed basidiomes and enlarged mycelia and basidia indicated that the earlier the infection with H. perniciosus, the more the malformation of the basidiomes. Analyzing physiological and transcriptomic results in tandem, we concluded that H. perniciosus causes malformation development of A. bisporus mainly by affecting the metabolism level of phytohormones (N6-isopentenyladenosine, cis-zeatin, and N6-[delta 2-isopentenyl]-adenine) of the host's fruiting bodies rather than using toxins. Our findings revealed the mechanism of the button mushroom's malformation development after infection with H. perniciosus, providing a reference for developing realistic approaches to control mushroom diseases. Our results further clarified the interaction between A. bisporus and H. perniciosus and identified the candidate genes for A. bisporus wet bubble disease resistance breeding. Additionally, our work provides a valuable theoretical basis and technical support for studying the interaction between other pathogenic fungi and their fungal hosts.

Advancements in genetic studies of mushrooms: a comprehensive review.

Genetic studies in mushrooms, driven by innovations such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and RNA interference, transform our understanding of these enigmatic fungi and their multifaceted roles in agriculture, medicine, and conservation. This comprehensive review explores the rationale and significance of genetic research in mushrooms, delving into the ethical, regulatory, and ecological dimensions of this field. CRISPR-Cas9 emerges as a game-changing technology, enabling precise genome editing, targeted gene knockouts, and pathway manipulation. RNA interference complements these efforts by downregulating genes for improved crop yield and enhanced pest and disease resistance. Genetic studies also contribute to the conservation of rare species and developing more robust mushroom strains, fostering sustainable cultivation practices. Moreover, they unlock the potential for discovering novel medicinal compounds, offering new horizons in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. As emerging technologies and ethical considerations shape the future of mushroom research, these studies promise to revolutionize our relationship with these fungi, paving the way for a more sustainable and innovative world.

Reviewing the world's edible mushroom species: A new evidence-based classification system.

Wild mushrooms are a vital source of income and nutrition for many poor communities and of value to recreational foragers. Literature relating to the edibility of mushroom species continues to expand, driven by an increasing demand for wild mushrooms, a wider interest in foraging, and the study of traditional foods. Although numerous case reports have been published on edible mushrooms, doubt and confusion persist regarding which species are safe and suitable to consume. Case reports often differ, and the evidence supporting the stated properties of mushrooms can be incomplete or ambiguous. The need for greater clarity on edible species is further underlined by increases in mushroom-related poisonings. We propose a system for categorizing mushroom species and assigning a final edibility status. Using this system, we reviewed 2,786 mushroom species from 99 countries, accessing 9,783 case reports, from over 1,100 sources. We identified 2,189 edible species, of which 2,006 can be consumed safely, and a further 183 species which required some form of pretreatment prior to safe consumption or were associated with allergic reactions by some. We identified 471 species of uncertain edibility because of missing or incomplete evidence of consumption, and 76 unconfirmed species because of unresolved, differing opinions on edibility and toxicity. This is the most comprehensive list of edible mushrooms available to date, demonstrating the huge number of mushrooms species consumed. Our review highlights the need for further information on uncertain and clash species, and the need to present evidence in a clear, unambiguous, and consistent manner.

Applied Mycology Can Contribute to Sustainable Rural Livelihoods: Building upon China's Matsutake Management Initiatives.

Matsutake mushrooms are an important part of rural livelihoods and forest ecosystems across large parts of China, as well as elsewhere in East Asia, Northern Europe and North America. Mushroom harvesters have developed sophisticated understandings of matsutake ecology and production, and are applying this knowledge in various innovative management strategies. At the same time, Chinese government agencies and scientists are promoting matsutake-based livelihoods to support development and conservation goals. We collaborated with matsutake harvesters in one Yunnan community to carry out a systematic experiment on a popular shiro-level management technique: covering matsutake shiros with either plastic or leaf litter. Our experimental results suggest that although leaf litter coverings are superior to plastic coverings, shiros that are left uncovered may produce the highest yields. Complementing our experimental work is a multi-sited household survey of existing matsutake management practices across Yunnan, which shows that a high proportion of harvesters are already engaged in a broad range of potentially beneficial management strategies. Though both findings highlight limitations of previous initiatives led by government and research actors in China, this existing body of work is an important foundation and opportunity for developing applied mycology in the region. In and beyond China, working with communities to develop site-specific management strategies through rigorous and participatory scientific inquiry can provide salient benefits for both scientists and resource users.

Taxonomic revision and phylogenetic analyses of rubber powdery mildew fungi.

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that infects a wide range of plants, including rubber trees, which results in a reduction of latex yields of up to 45%. The causal agent of powdery mildew of rubber was first described as Oidium heveae, but later morpho-molecular research suggested that in the past, O. heveae has been confused with Erysiphe quercicola. However, it is still under debate whether the causal agent should be classified as a species of the genus Erysiphe emend. or Golovinomyces and Podosphaera, respectively. Therefore, the aim of this study was to undertake the morpho-molecular characterization of powdery mildew species associated with rubber trees, thus resolving these taxonomic issues. Morphological observation under light and scanning electron microscopes (SEM) clearly identified two morphotypes of the rubber powdery mildew. With the support of morphological and phylogenetic data, one of the two morphotypes was identified as the asexual morph of E. quercicola, while the second morphotype is still insufficiently known and according to the morphological results obtained we assume that it might belong to the genus Golovinomyces. More collections and additional molecular data are required for final conclusions regarding the exact taxonomic position of the second morphotype of rubber powdery mildew and its relation to the name O. heveae. The haplotype analysis identified eight haplotype groups of E. quercicola indicating the high genetic diversity of the species.

Using in silico techniques: Isolation and characterization of an insect cuticle-degrading-protease gene from Beauveria bassiana.

Cuticle-degrading-proteases (CDPs) secreted by Beauveria spp. are pivotal biocontrol substances, possessing commercial potential for developing bio-pesticides. Therefore, a thoughtful and contemplative understanding and assessment of the structural and functional features of these proteases would markedly assist the development of biogenic pesticides. Computational molecular biology is a new facile alternative approach to the tedious experimental molecular biology; therefore, by using bioinformatics tools, we isolated and characterized an insect CDP gene from Beauveria bassiana 70 s.l. genomic DNA. The CDP gene (1240 bp with GeneBank accession no. KT804651.1) consisted of three introns and four CDS exons, and shared 74-100% sequence identity to the reference CDP genes. Its phylogenetic tree results showed a unique evolution pattern, and the predicted amino acid peptide (PAAP) consisted of 344 amino acid residues with pI, molecular weight, instability index, grand average hydropathicity value and aliphatic index of 7.2, 35.4 kDa, 24.45, -0.149, and 76.63, respectively. The gene possessed 74-89% amino acid sequence similarity to the 12 reference strains. Three motifs (Peptidase_S8 subtilase family) were detected in the PAAP, and the computed 3D structure possessed 79.09% structural identity to alkaline serine proteases. The PAAP had four (three serine proteases and one Pyridoxal-dependent decarboxylase) conserved domains, a disulfide bridge, two calcium binding sites, MY domain, and three predicted active sites in the serine family domains. These results will set the groundwork for further exploitation of proteases and understanding the mechanism of disease caused by cuticle-degrading-serine-proteases from entomopathogenic fungi.

The taxonomic foundation, species circumscription and continental endemisms of Singerocybe: evidence from morphological and molecular data.

The genus Singerocybe (Tricholomataceae, Agaricales, Basidiomycota) has been the subject of controversy since its proposal in 1988. Its taxonomic foundation, species circumscription and geographical distribution have not yet been examined with molecular sequence data. In this study phylogenetic analyses on this group of fungi were conducted based on collections from Europe, eastern Asia, southern Asia, North America and Australia, with four nuclear markers, ITS, nrLSU, tef1-α and rpb2. Molecular phylogenetic analyses, together with morphological observations, strongly support Singerocybe as a monophyletic group and identify the vesicles in the pileal and stipe cuticle as a synapomorphy of this genus. Seven species are recognized in the genus, including one new species and four new combinations. Clitocybe trogioides and Clitocybe trogioides var. odorifera are synonyms of Singerocybe humilis and Singerocybe alboinfundibuliformis respectively. Most of these species are geographically restricted in their distributions. Furthermore our study expands the distribution range of Singerocybe from the North Temperate Zone to Australia (Tasmania) and tropical southern Asia.

Morphological and molecular identification of two new Marasmiellus species (Omphalotaceae, Agaricales) from Thailand.

Marasmiellus (Omphalotaceae, Agaricales) specimens collected in Thailand were investigated based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses. In the present study, two species are introduced as new to science, namely Marasmiellusthailandicus and M.minutisporus. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on the internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and nuclear ribosomal RNA large subunit (nrLSU) regions, and the results revealed that the two new taxa are distinct species within Marasmiellus. Another specimen was identified as M.scandens and is reported for the first time with morphology and molecular data from Thailand. Descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic results are provided. In addition, M.diaphanus and M.colocasiae are proposed as new combinations of Collybiopsisdiaphana and Paramarasmiuscolocasiae, respectively, based on the phylogenetic evidence.

Characterization of New Tropicoporus Species (Basidiomycota, Hymenochaetales, Hymenochaetaceae) Discovered in Tamil Nadu, India.

This study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of three new species of Tropicoporus from the southern parts of India. The analyses of the ITS and nLSU regions revealed the novelty of these species, which have been named T. pannaensis, T. subindicus, and T. xerophyticus. All three species possess pileate basidiomes, a monomitic hyphal system in the context, and the presence of cystidioles and setae. However, they differ significantly in their phylogenetic placements and other morpho-taxonomic features. Tropicoporus pannaensis is characterized by a meagrely ungulate basidiome, indistinct zones, and an obtuse margin. Tropicoporus subindicus has a triquetrous basidiome and a radially cracked, crusted pileal surface with an acute margin, while T. xerophyticus is distinguished by an imbricate, perennial basidiome with an abundantly warted pileal surface. A phylogenetic tree is provided to show the placement of the three new species, along with detailed descriptions and illustrations. Additionally, a key for the identification of the Asian species of Tropicoporus is presented.

An In-Depth Study of Phytopathogenic Ganoderma: Pathogenicity, Advanced Detection Techniques, Control Strategies, and Sustainable Management.

Phytopathogenic Ganoderma species pose a significant threat to global plant health, resulting in estimated annual economic losses exceeding USD (US Dollars) 68 billion in the agriculture and forestry sectors worldwide. To combat this pervasive menace effectively, a comprehensive understanding of the biology, ecology, and plant infection mechanisms of these pathogens is imperative. This comprehensive review critically examines various aspects of Ganoderma spp., including their intricate life cycle, their disease mechanisms, and the multifaceted environmental factors influencing their spread. Recent studies have quantified the economic impact of Ganoderma infections, revealing staggering yield losses ranging from 20% to 80% across various crops. In particular, oil palm plantations suffer devastating losses, with an estimated annual reduction in yield exceeding 50 million metric tons. Moreover, this review elucidates the dynamic interactions between Ganoderma and host plants, delineating the pathogen's colonization strategies and its elicitation of intricate plant defense responses. This comprehensive analysis underscores the imperative for adopting an integrated approach to Ganoderma disease management. By synergistically harnessing cultural practices, biological control, and chemical treatments and by deploying resistant plant varieties, substantial strides can be made in mitigating Ganoderma infestations. Furthermore, a collaborative effort involving scientists, breeders, and growers is paramount in the development and implementation of sustainable strategies against this pernicious plant pathogen. Through rigorous scientific inquiry and evidence-based practices, we can strive towards safeguarding global plant health and mitigating the dire economic consequences inflicted by Ganoderma infections.

Correction: Priyashantha et al. Plant-Fungi Interactions: Where It Goes? Biology 2023, 12, 809.

Affiliation Update: [...].

Unveiling fungi associated with Castanopsis woody litter in Yunnan Province, China: Insights into Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes) species.

During a survey of the diversity of lignicolous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, we collected and identified five microfungi species from dead woody litters of Castanopsis trees in terrestrial habitats. Through both morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of multi-gene sequences, we identified two taxa as new species and three collections as new host records within Pleosporales. Pseudolophiostomalincangense sp. nov. is introduced as a sexual morph in Lophiostomataceae, Pleopunctumbaoshanense sp. nov. is introduced as a hyphomycetous fungi in Phaeoseptaceae, and Paraphomaaquatica as a first report of sexual morph in Paraphoma. In addition, Occultibambusakunmingensis and Pleopunctummegalosporum were isolated for the first time from the dead twigs of Castanopsisdelavayi and C.calathiformis, respectively. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis results are provided for the above-mentioned species.

New species of Tropicoporus (Basidiomycota, Hymenochaetales, Hymenochaetaceae) from India, with a key to Afro-Asian Tropicoporus species.

The Inonotuslinteus complex, predominantly reported from East Asia, Mesoamerica and Caribbean countries, was circumscribed into Tropicoporus as one of the new genera, based on morphological and phylogenetic data. The present paper describes four new species of Tropicoporus from India. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses, based on ITS and nLSU data, delimited the new species, which are named T.cleistanthicola, T.indicus, T.pseudoindicus and T.tamilnaduensis. The pairwise homoplasy index (PHI) test was done to confirm the distinctive nature of the new species. The traits of Indian species remain distinct from one another, except for the pileate basidiome with the mono-dimitic hyphal system, cystidioles and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores. Descriptions, illustrations, PHI test results and a phylogenetic tree to show the position of the new species are provided. In addition, an identification key to Tropicoporus in Asia and an African species is given.

Identification of two new species and a new host record of Distoseptispora (Distoseptisporaceae, Distoseptisporales, Sordariomycetes) from terrestrial and freshwater habitats in Southern China.

During our investigation of saprophytic fungi in Guizhou and Hainan provinces, China, three hyphomycetes were collected from terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 sequence data, two new species are introduced: Distoseptisporahainanensis and D.lanceolatispora. Additionally, one known species, D.tectonae, previously unreported from Edgeworthiachrysantha, is newly reported. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree to show the two new species and the new host record of Distoseptispora are provided. In addition, a checklist of Distoseptispora species with their locations, lifestyles, habitats, and hosts is provided.

Four new species of Dothideomycetes (Ascomycota) from Pará Rubber (Heveabrasiliensis) in Yunnan Province, China.

The tropical areas in southern and south-western Yunnan are rich in fungal diversity. Additionally, the diversity of seed flora in Yunnan Province is higher than in other regions in China and the abundant endemic species of woody plants provide favourable substrates for fungi. Rubber plantations in Yunnan Province are distributed over a large area, especially in Xishuangbanna. During a survey of rubber-associated fungi in Yunnan Province, China, dead rubber branches with fungal fruiting bodies were collected. Morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2 and tef1-α) revealed four distinct new species, described herein as Melomastiapuerensis, Nigrogranalincangensis, Pseudochaetosphaeronemalincangensis and Pseudochaetosphaeronemaxishuangbannaensis. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and phylogenetic trees are provided to show the taxonomic placements of these new species.

Multi-Gene Phylogeny and Taxonomy of the Wood-Rotting Fungal Genus Phlebia sensu lato (Polyporales, Basidiomycota).

Phlebia s.l. (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) accommodates numerous species of wood-inhabiting fungi within the phylum Basidiomycota. The present study employs the morphological and phylogenetic approaches to revise the generic and species classification of Phlebia s.l. and surveys the species diversity. The phylogenetic analyses were performed using multiple gene regions viz. the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), the translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1), the small subunit of mitochondrial rRNA gene (mtSSU), the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), RNA polymerase II largest subunit (rpb1), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2). We overall recognize twenty genera of Phlebia s.l., including three new genera viz. Ceriporiopsoides, Phlebicolorata, and Pseudophlebia, seven new species viz. Crustodontia rhododendri, Hydnophlebia fissurata, Luteoporia straminea, Merulius sinensis, Mycoaciella brunneospina, Phlebia niveomarginata, and P. poroides and seventeen new combinations viz. Ceriporiopsoides guidella, C. lagerheimii, Hydnophlebia acanthocystis, H. capsica, H. fimbriata, Merulius fuscotuberculatus, M. nantahaliensis, M. tomentopileatus, Mycoacia tuberculata, Mycoaciella uda, Phlebicolorata alboaurantia, Ph. brevispora, Ph. pseudoplacenta, Ph. rosea, Pseudophlebia lindtneri, Ps. semisupina, and Ps. setulosa. Descriptions, illustrations, phylogenetic trees to show the placements, and notes of new taxa are provided.

Physiological Properties of Three Pelagic Fungi Isolated from the Atlantic Ocean.

Oceanic fungi are widely understudied compared to their terrestrial counterparts. However, they have been shown to be important degraders of organic matter in the global pelagic oceans. By examining the physiological characteristics of fungi isolated from the pelagic waters of the ocean it is possible to infer specific functions of each species in the biogeochemical processes that occur in the marine ecosystem. In this study, we isolated three pelagic fungi from different stations and depths across a transect in the Atlantic Ocean. We identified two yeasts [(Scheffersomyces spartinae (Debaryomycetaceae, Saccharomycetes, Ascomycota) and Rhodotorula sphaerocarpa (Sporidiobolaceae, Microbotryomycetes, Basidiomycota)], and the hyphae-morphotype fungus Sarocladium kiliense (Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota), and conducted physiological experiments to investigate their preferred carbon uptake as well as their growth patterns under different environmental conditions. Despite their taxonomic and morphological differences, all species exhibited a high tolerance towards a wide range of salinities (0-40 g/L) and temperatures (5-35 °C). Furthermore, a shared metabolic preference for oxidizing amino acids was found among all fungal isolates. Collectively, this study provides relevant information on the physiological properties of oceanic pelagic fungi, revealing a high tolerance towards salinity and temperature changes, ultimately contributing to understanding their ecology and distribution in the oceanic water column.

Fungicolous Mucor on mushrooms: One novel species and six host records from southwest China and northern Thailand.

Mucor species are a group of common soil-borne fungi, known to cause infections on humans and animals, interfere in food production, and act as useful agents in biotechnological applications. This study reports one new Mucor species, M. yunnanensis, which was found to be fungicolous on an Armillaria sp. from southwest China. Further, M. circinelloides on Phlebopus sp., M. hiemalis on Ramaria sp. and Boletus sp., M. irregularis on Pleurotus sp., M. nederlandicus on Russula sp., and M. yunnanensis on Boletus sp. are reported as new host records. Mucor yunnanensis and M. hiemalis have been collected from Yunnan Province in China, whereas M. circinelloides, M. irregularis, and M. nederlandicus have been collected from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Provinces in Thailand. All the Mucor taxa reported herein were identified based on both morphology and phylogenetic analyses of a combined nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and partial nuc 28S rDNA (28S) sequence matrix. Comprehensive descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree are provided for all the taxa reported in the study to show the placements of taxa, and the new taxon is compared with its sister taxa.

Termite Mushrooms (Termitomyces), a Potential Source of Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds Exhibiting Human Health Benefits: A Review.

Termite mushrooms have been classified to the genus Termitomyces, family Lyophyllaceae, order Agaricales. These mushrooms form a mutualistic association with termites in the subfamily Macrotermitinae. In fact, all Termitomyces species are edible and have unique food value attributed to their texture, flavour, nutrient content, and beneficial mediational properties. Additionally, Termitomyces have been recognized for their ethno-medicinal importance in various indigenous communities throughout Asia and Africa. Recent studies on Termitomyces have indicated that their bioactive compounds have the potential to fight against certain human diseases such as cancer, hyperlipidaemia, gastroduodenal diseases, and Alzheimer's. Furthermore, they possess various beneficial antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Moreover, different enzymes produced from Termitomyces have the potential to be used in a range of industrial applications. Herein, we present a brief review of the current findings through an overview of recently published literature involving taxonomic updates, diversity, distribution, ethno-medicinal uses, nutritional value, medicinal importance, and industrial implementations of Termitomyces, as well as its socioeconomic importance.

Isolation of Phosphate-Solubilizing Microorganisms and the Formulation of Biofertilizer for Sustainable Processing of Phosphate Rock.

As phosphorus (P) bioavailability is limited in arable lands, chemical fertilizers are being used by farmers to increase crop production. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) increase the bioavailability of sparingly soluble inorganic and organic soil phosphorus. Therefore, the current study was an effort to evaluate the phosphate-solubilizing efficiency of PSMs using tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and Eppawala rock phosphate (ERP). The efficiency of phosphate solubilization by a series of identified isolates was compared using TCP (5 g L-1) and ERP (5 g L-1) as a P source in Pikovskava's broth. Twelve microbial isolates that showed a higher efficiency in phosphate solubilization were selected for the production of the biofertilizer. The isolate F10 in ERP broth was characterized by the highest significant level of available phosphorus (896.98 ± 10.41) mg L-1, followed by F5 (Aspergillus sp.) in TCP broth 991.43 ± 1.37 mg L-1. A pot trial was carried out by using Capsicum annuum L. as the test plant in two soil conditions: sterilized soil and non-sterilized soil with six treatments and four replicates. The significantly highest plant height, leaf length, and width were shown by chili plants treated with the formulated biofertilizer. Therefore, the application of native PSMs appeared to be an efficient method of solubilizing sparingly soluble P compounds into plant-available forms.