Random forest machine-learning algorithm classifies white- and brown-rot fungi according to the number of the genes encoding Carbohydrate-Active enZyme families.

Wood-rotting fungi play an important role in the global carbon cycle because they are the only known organisms that digest wood, the largest carbon stock in nature. In the present study, we used linear discriminant analysis and random forest (RF) machine learning algorithms to predict white- or brown-rot decay modes from the numbers of genes encoding Carbohydrate-Active enZymes with over 98% accuracy. Unlike other algorithms, RF identified specific genes involved in cellulose and lignin degradation, including auxiliary activities (AAs) family 9 lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases, glycoside hydrolase family 7 cellobiohydrolases, and AA family 2 peroxidases, as critical factors. This study sheds light on the complex interplay between genetic information and decay modes and underscores the potential of RF for comparative genomics studies of wood-rotting fungi. IMPORTANCE: Wood-rotting fungi are categorized as either white- or brown-rot modes based on the coloration of decomposed wood. The process of classification can be influenced by human biases. The random forest machine learning algorithm effectively distinguishes between white- and brown-rot fungi based on the presence of Carbohydrate-Active enZyme genes. These findings not only aid in the classification of wood-rotting fungi but also facilitate the identification of the enzymes responsible for degrading woody biomass.

A profitable function of Ceriporia lacerata HG2011 on nodulation and biological nitrogen fixation of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

AIMS: Green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a popular vegetable worldwide. The use of beneficial fungi is a simple and effective way to improve the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) of this leguminous vegetable. METHODS AND RESULTS: A micro-plot was conducted to investigate the enhancement of BNF using 15N natural abundance technology and agronomic performances of green bean caused by wood-rot fungus Ceriporia lacerata HG2011. The results showed the soil for frequently growing green bean featured abundant native rhizobia, and newly inoculated rhizobia may have to compete with them in nodulation and only highly competitive rhizobia can succeed. The addition of C. lacerata HG2011 to the soil increased the population of ammonia oxidizers, nitrifiers, and phosphorus (P)-mobilizing microbes in rhizosphere, accelerated nitrification and P mobilization, creating a favorable soil environment with high P and low ammonia for BNF. Green bean received C. lacerata HG2011 had higher dehydrogenase activity in roots and higher nodulation rate and large nodules. These phenomena implied abundant supplies of adenosine triphosphate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen for BNF in the roots, a large proportion of N2 fixation tissues, and a greater sink for receiving photosynthates. As a result, C. lacerata HG2011 considerably increased the percentage of N derived from the atmosphere, BNF, and plant nutrient uptake (including N, P, and potassium), leading to 15.58%-28.51% of biomass increasment and 9.82%-17.03% of peapod yield increasment along with quality improvement compared with non-fungal application. CONCLUSIONS: C. lacerata HG2011 increased the nodulation and BNF of green bean, accelerated the nutrient uptake (NPK) and therefore improved the yield and peapod quality of green bean. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: The study demonstrates that C. lacerata HG2011 could be used as a biofertilizer for BNF improvement of legumes.

Continuous operation of fungal wheel reactor based on solid-state fermentation for the removal of pharmaceutical and personal care products.

Wood-rotting fungi and their enzymatic systems represent promising biocatalysts for the removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) from wastewater. We designed a fungal wheel reactor (FWR) based on solid-state fermentation (SSF) of Trametes versicolor and a lignocellulosic substrate, which was used as an immobilization carrier for fungal biomass and the sole initial nutrient source for producing fungal oxidative enzymes. Three pharmaceutical and personal care products, acetaminophen, bisphenol A and carbamazepine, were spiked into the synthetic wastewater and the treatment was carried out under non-sterile conditions. Acetaminophen was completely removed from the FWR until laccase was observed. The acetaminophen removal efficiency was retrieved by replacing the fungal wheel with fresh SSF products. Bisphenol A and carbamazepine were removed via enzymatic activity and adsorption. When the fungal wheel was replaced, acetaminophen began to be completely removed, even after laccase depletion. The microbial community analysis indicated that the continuous removal of acetaminophen was mainly due to the high proportion of T. versicolor. The relative abundance of the co-occurring microbial community might be responsible for the divergence in acetaminophen removal between two of fungal wheel-replaced reactors. Overall, FWRs are promising tools for the removal of PPCPs by highly reactive enzymatic mechanisms as well as adsorption on the carrier surface. By replacing SSF and settled microbial communities, FWRs may continuously contribute to bioremediation over a long-term period.

Antifungal Sesquiterpenoids from Michelia formosana Leaf Essential Oil against Wood-Rotting Fungi.

Michelia formosana (Kanehira) Masamune is a broad-leaved species widespread in East Asia; the wood extract and its constituents possess antifungal activity against wood-decay fungi. Antifungal activities of leaf essential oil and its constituents from M. formosana were investigated in the present study. Bioassay-guided isolation was applied to isolate the phytochemicals from leaf essential oil. 1D and 2D NMR, FTIR, and MS spectroscopic analyses were applied to elucidate the chemical structures of isolated compounds. Leaf essential oil displayed antifungal activity against wood decay fungi and was further separated into 11 fractions by column chromatography. Four sesquiterpenoids were isolated and identified from the active fractions of leaf essential oil through bioassay-guided isolation. Among these sesquiterpenoids, guaiol, bulnesol, and ß-elemol have higher antifungal activity against brown-rot fungus Laetiporus sulphureus and white-rot fungus Lenzites betulina. Leaf essential oil and active compounds showed better antifungal activity against L. sulphureus than against L. betulina. The molecular structure of active sesquiterpenoids all contain the hydroxyisopropyl group. Antifungal sesquiterpenoids from M. formosana leaf essential oil show potential as natural fungicides for decay control of lignocellulosic materials.

Diallyl Trisulfide, the Antifungal Component of Garlic Essential Oil and the Bioactivity of Its Nanoemulsions Formed by Spontaneous Emulsification.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical compounds of garlic essential oil (EO), and determine the antifungal efficacy of garlic EO and its major components, diallyl trisulfide and its nanoemulsions against wood-rotting fungi, Trametes hirsuta and Laetiporus sulphureus. GC-MS analysis revealed that the major constituents of garlic EO were diallyl trisulfide (39.79%), diallyl disulfide (32.91%), and diallyl sulfide (7.02%). In antifungal activity, the IC50 value of garlic EO against T. hirsuta and L. sulphureus were 137.3 and 44.6 µg/mL, respectively. Results from the antifungal tests demonstrated that the three major constituents were shown to have good antifungal activity, in which, diallyl trisulfide was the most effective against T. hirsuta and L. sulphureus, with the IC50 values of 56.1 and 31.6 µg/mL, respectively. The diallyl trisulfide nanoemulsions showed high antifungal efficacy against the examined wood-rotting fungi, and as the amount of diallyl trisulfide in the lipid phase increases, the antifungal efficacy of the nanoemulsions increases. These results showed that the nanoemulsions and normal emulsion of diallyl trisulfide have potential to develop into a natural wood preservative.

Phylogeny and diversity of Fomitiporella (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota).

Fomitiporella accommodates polypores producing annual to perennial basidiocarps with an indistinct subiculum (very thin to almost lacking), mostly a dimitic hyphal structure, lacking any kind of setae, with brownish, thick-walled basidiospores, and causing a white rot. Previously, only a few samples of Fomitiporella were studied on the basis of morphological and nuc 28S rDNA (28S)-based phylogenetic analyses. In this study, we made a comprehensive study on Fomitiporella on the basis of collections from Central America, USA, Europe, and China. The phylogenetic analysis, including 28 nuc 28S rDNA and 29 nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer [ITS]) sequences newly generated, discovered 14 new lineages. Combined with morphological evidence, 4 new lineages are described and illustrated as new species, viz., Fomitiporella americana, F. micropora, F. sinica, and F. subinermis; 10 other new lineages, each with a single collection, are still treated as unidentified taxa; three new combinations, viz., Fomitiporella tenuissima, F. chinensis, and F. resupinata, are proposed. In addition, F. inermis is redescribed. A key to the 12 known species of Fomitiporella is provided.

Neomensularia duplicata gen. et sp. nov. (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) and two new combinations.

Neomensularia (Hymenochaetaceae) is a new genus introduced for N. duplicata sp. nov. (generic type), N. crocitincta and N. kanehirae combs. nov., based on a combination of distinct morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses inferred from nuc rDNA partial 28S and ITS datasets. The new genus is characterized by annual, pileate, brown to fuscous basidiocarps, duplex context, dimitic hyphal structure, ventricose, and hooked hymenial setae, golden yellow, thick-walled, smooth basidiospores that are negative in both Melzer's reagent and Cotton Blue and a growth habit in tropical forests. Neomensularia duplicata closely resembles Mensularia radiata by hooked hymenial setae, but M. radiata has a homogenous context, larger pores (5-7 per mm), monomitic hyphal structure, hyphoid setae, larger cyanophilic basidiospores and occurs in temperate forests. Central American specimens labeled as Inonotus crocitinctus and Asian specimens identified as Fulvifomes kanehirae were re-examined. The duplex context, hooked hymenial setae and colored basidiospores are similar to N. duplicata Phylogenetic inferences based on 28S and ITS sequence data confirm their affinities with N. duplicata and result in the proposal of new combinations, Neomensularia crocitincta and N. kanehirae.

Two new species of Fomitiporia (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) from Tibet, southwest China.

Two new species of Fomitiporia growing on Hippophae trees, F. norbulingka and F. subhippophaëicola, are described from southwest China based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis. Fomitiporia norbulingka is characterized by pileate basidiomata, mostly angular pores (6-9 per mm), slightly thick-walled generative hyphae, subglobose to globose basidiospores (6.5-7 × 5.5-7 µm), and absence of cystidioles. Fomitiporia subhippophaëicola is diagnostic by effused-reflexed to pileate basidiomata, angular pores (8-10 per mm), thick-walled generative hyphae, subglobose to obovoid basidiospores (6-8 × 5.5-7 µm), and presence of ventricose to fusoid cystidioles. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from combined sequences including the nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8-ITS2 region, 28S rDNA D1-D2 domains, partial sequences of translation elongation factor 1-α, and RNA polymerase II second largest subunits genes indicated that F. norbulingka and F. subhippophaëicola represent two new lineages which group together with F. hippophaëicola.

Antifungal potential of actinomycete isolate Streptomyces exfoliates MT9 against wood-rotting fungi.

An actinomycete isolate, Streptomyces exfoliatus MT9 was assessed for in vitro antagonism against wood-rotting fungi. Strain MT9 showed strong antagonistic activity (ZOI ? 25 mm) towards various tested wood-rotting fungi. Extracellular production of antifungal metabolite(s) including primary and secondary was monitored up to 10 days of submerged fermentation. Antagonist S. exfoliatus MT9 produces fungal cell-wall lytic enzymes, namely chitinase (3.098 U ml-1), b-1,3 glucanase (2.4 U ml-1) and protease (144.0 U ml-1) and also showed antifungal activity towards tested P. chrysosporium MTCC 787 (12.0 mm) and P. placenta MTCC 144 (16.0 mm). Extracellular culture filtrate (ECF) of S. exfoliatus MT9 also exhibited strong antifungal activity (ZOI ≥ 25 mm) towards tested wood-rotting fungi and n-butanol was found to be the suitable solvent for complete extraction of antifungal metabolite(s) from ECF. Reduced antifungal activity of n-butanol extract against P. chrysosporium MTCC 787 (11.00 mm) and P. placenta MTCC 144 (10.00 mm) on ergosterol agar plate, no activity against bacteria and characteristic UV spectra at 224 nm revealed the polyene nature of antifungal metabolite(s) present in the n-butanol extract. A novel actinomycete isolate, S. exfoliatus MT9 is producing antifungal metabolite(s) that makes it suitable for biotechnological processes and has the potential to be used as a bioactive agent for controlling wood-rotting fungi.

Mycolytic enzymes produced by Streptomyces violaceusniger and their role in antagonism towards wood-rotting fungi.

Extracellular mycolytic enzymes produced under submerged fermentation by the fungal antagonist Streptomyces violaceusniger MTCC 3959 were characterized. This streptomycete produced higher amounts of extracellular chitinase and protease during late exponential phase, whereas ß-1,3-glucanase production was at peak in mid-stationary phase. Cell-free culture filtrate (CCF) exhibited a broad range of antifungal activity against both white rot and brown rot fungi. The inhibitory activity was completely lost after treatment with proteinase K and heat, indicating that extracellular antifungal metabolites are heat labile and proteinaceous in nature. Optimum pH and temperature for enzyme activity were: 9.0 and 60 °C for chitinase; 6.0 and 60 °C for ß-1,3-glucanase; and 9.0 and 70 °C for protease. Mycolytic enzymes were moderately thermostable, and had a wide pH stability range extending from pH 5.0 to 10.0. The zymogram analysis of CCF revealed five chitinase isoenzymes with an apparent molecular weight of 20.8, 33.3, 45.6, 67.4, and 114.8 kDa, one ß-1,3-glucanase appeared as a single band of ∼131.8 kDa and four protease isoenzymes with approximate molecular weights of 22.8, 62.52, 74.64, and 120.5 kDa. S. violaceusniger MTCC 3959 produced mycolytic enzymes that can be effectively used for suppression of phytopathogenic basidiomycetes. It has the potential to be an effective biofungicide.

Molecular and morphological data reveal two new species of Tropicoporus (Hymenochaetaceae, Basidiomycota) from Australia and tropical Asia.

Phylogenetic analyses and morphological examination confirmed two new species in the tropical polypore genus Tropicoporus, T.oceanianus and T.zuzaneae, from Australia and tropical Asia, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis based on the two DNA markers including the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the large subunit (nLSU) gene shows that these two new species form two independent lineages nested in the genus Tropicoporus. T.oceanianus is characterized by perennial and ungulate basidiomata, the occasional presence of hymenial setae, a trimitic hyphal structure in the context and a dimitic hyphal system in the trama, and broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores measuring 5.2-6 × 4-5 µm. T.zuzaneae is characterized by perennial and resupinate basidiomata with distinct receding margin, glancing pores, very thin to almost lacking subiculum, a dimitic hyphal structure, the absence of any setal elements, broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores measuring 3.8-4.9 × 3-4.2 µm. The differences among the new species and their phylogenetically related and morphologically similar species are discussed.

Molecular and morphological data reveal two new polypores (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) with reddish brown to orange basidiomata from China.

Two taxonomically controversial polypore genera with reddish brown to orange basidiomata that stain reddish with KOH solution, Aurantiporus and Hapalopilus, are revised based on additional sampling, morphological examination, and phylogenetic analysis of a combined dataset of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-nLSU sequences. Hapalopilus is a monophyletic genus belonging to Phanerochaetaceae, whereas Aurantiporus is a polyphyletic genus belonging to Meruliaceae. Hapalopilus and Aurantiporus s. str. are circumscribed, and two new species - Aurantiporusorientalis and Hapalopilustabuliformis - are described and illustrated from temperate China. In addition, four new combinations, viz. Aurantiporusalboaurantius, A.mutans, A.tropicus and Luteoporiaalbocitrina, are proposed based on morphology and phylogenetic analysis. The relationships between Aurantiporus and Hapalopilus are discussed.

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.

Performance of wood-rotting fungi-based enzymes on enzymic saccharification of rice straw.

BACKGROUND: For effective saccharification of rice straw we focused on enzyme preparations from wood-rotting fungi that have the ability to degrade cell wall polysaccharides and lignin. We tested extracellular enzyme preparations from 14 species of fungi for saccharification activity and examined the factor for saccharification by statistical analysis. RESULTS: An enzyme preparation from Schizophyllum commune had the highest saccharification activity of rice straw. This preparation contained highly active endo-ß-xylanase, endo-ß-glucanase (CMCase), ß-d-glucosidase and acetylxylan esterase. Correlation analysis of the 14 enzyme preparations demonstrated that acetylxylan esterase was closely related to saccharification activity in rice straw. Multiple regression analysis also showed that acetylxylan esterase had an important role in saccharification. Ligninolytic enzymes, which are characteristic of white-rot fungi, did not contribute to saccharification activity of rice straw. CONCLUSION: Deacetylation is an essential factor for saccharification of rice straw and enzyme preparations for saccharification need to contain highly active acetylxylan esterase as well as highly active cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes, but not ligninolytic ones.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of Sidera (Hymenochaetales, Rickenella clade) from China and North America revealing two new species.

Sidera, belonging to the Rickenella clade of Hymenochaetales, is a worldwide genus with mostly poroid hymenophore of wood-inhabiting fungi. Two new species in the genus, Sideraamericana and S.borealis, are described and illustrated from China and North America based on morphological and molecular evidence. They were mainly found growing on rotten wood of Abies, Picea and Pinus. S.americana is characterized by annual, resupinate basidiomata with silk sheen when dry, round pores (9-11 per mm), a dimitic hyphal system, and allantoid basidiospores measuring 3.5-4.2 × 1 µm. S.borealis is characterized by annual, resupinate basidiomata with cream to pinkish buff dry pore surface, angular pores (6-7 per mm), a dimitic hyphal system, and allantoid basidiospores measuring 3.9-4.1 × 1-1.1 µm. Phylogenetic analysis based on a combined 2-locus dataset [ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) + nuclear large subunit RNA (nLSU)] shows that the two species are members of Sidera, and they are compared with morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species, respectively. An identification key to 18 accepted species of Sidera in worldwide is provided.

Species diversity of pathogenic wood-rotting fungi (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) in China.

Wood-rotting basidiomycetes have been investigated in the Chinese forest ecosystem for the past 30 years. Two hundred and five pathogenic wood-decayers belonging to 9 orders, 30 families, and 74 genera have been found in Chinese native forests, plantations, and gardens. Seventy-two species (accounting for 35% of the total pathogenic species) are reported as pathogenic fungi in China for the first time. Among these pathogens, 184 species are polypores, nine are corticioid fungi, eight are agarics and five are hydnoid basidiomycetes. One hundred and seventy-seven species (accounting for 86%) cause white rot, while 28 species (accounting for 14%) result in brown rot; 157 species grow on angiosperm trees (accounting for 76.5%) and 44 species occur on gymnosperm trees (accounting for 21.5%), only four species inhabit both angiosperms and gymnosperms (accounting for 2%); 95 species are distributed in boreal to temperate forests and 110 in subtropical to tropical forests. In addition, 17 species, including Fomitopsis pinicola, Heterobasidion parviporum, and Phellinidium weirii etc. which were previously treated as pathogenic species in China, do not occur in China according to recent studies. In this paper, the host(s), type of forest, rot type, and distribution of each pathogenic species in China are given.

Two new species of Scytinostroma (Russulales, Basidiomycota) in Southwest China.

Two new species of Scytinostroma viz. S. acystidiatum and S. macrospermum, are described from southwest China. Phylogeny based on ITS + nLSU dataset demonstrates that samples of the two species form two independent lineages and are different in morphology from the existing species of Scytinostroma. Scytinostroma acystidiatum is characterized by resupinate, coriaceous basidiomata with cream to pale yellow hymenophore, a dimitic hyphal structure with generative hyphae bearing simple septa, the absence of cystidia, and amyloid, broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 4.7-7 × 3.5-4.7 µm. Scytinostroma macrospermum is characterized by resupinate, coriaceous basidiomata with cream to straw yellow hymenophore, a dimitic hyphal structure with generative hyphae bearing simple septa, numerous cystidia embedded or projecting from hymenium, and inamyloid, ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 9-11 × 4.5-5.5 µm. The differences between the new species and morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are discussed.

Two new species of Haploporus (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from China and Ecuador based on morphology and phylogeny.

At present, 25 species are accepted in Haploporus and are distributed in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa. In this study, two new species, Haploporus ecuadorensis from Ecuador and H. monomitica from China, are described and illustrated based on morphological examination and phylogenetic analyses. H. ecuadorensis is characterized by annual, resupinate basidiomata with pinkish buff to honey yellow hymenophore when dry, round to angular pores of 2-4 per mm, a dimitic hyphal structure with generative hyphae bearing clamp connections, hyphae at dissepiment edge usually with one or two simple septa, the presence of dendrohyphidia and cystidioles, and oblong to ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 14.9-17.9 × 6.9-8.8 µm. Haploporus monomitica differs from other Haploporus species in that it has a monomitic hyphal system and strongly dextrinoid basidiospores. The differences between the new species and morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are discussed. In addition, an updated key to 27 species of Haploporus is provided.

A contribution to Porogramme (Polyporaceae, Agaricomycetes) and related genera.

The polypores with shallow pores from tropical Asia and America are studied. Our molecular phylogeny based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1), and the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1) demonstrates six clades are formed among Porogramme and related genera. Two new genera, Cyanoporus and Pseudogrammothele, are established, and the six clades represent Porogramme, Cyanoporus, Grammothele, Epithele, Theleporus, and Pseudogrammothele, respectively. The molecular clock analyses estimate the divergence times of the six clades based on a dataset (ITS + LSU + TEF1 + RPB1 + RPB2), and we recognize the mean stem ages of the six genera are earlier than 50 Mya. Three new species in Porogramme were morphologically and phylogenetically confirmed, and they are described as P. austroasiana, P. cylindrica, and P. yunnanensis. Phylogenetic analysis shows that type species of Tinctoporellus and Porogramme are nested in the same clade, and Tinctoporellus is treated as a synonym of Porogramme. Based on our phylogeny, twelve new combinations are proposed, and the differences between the new species and similar or related species are discussed.

A contribution to the genus Steccherinum (Steccherinaceae, Polyporales): Introducing two new species and two new combinations of the genus.

Two new wood-inhabiting fungi from China, Steccherinum juniperi and S. incrustans, in the family Steccherinaceae are described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular analyses. The species S. juniperi was found growing on the rotten wood of Juniperus in Qinghai Province, China, while S. incrustans was collected on rotten angiosperm wood in Yunnan Province, China. The characteristics of S. juniperi include annual, resupinate basidiomata with a buff yellow fresh pore surface that becomes apricot orange when bruised, angular pores of 3-6 per mm, subicular generative hyphae sometimes covered with crystals, the presence of encrusted skeletocystidia in tube trama only, fusiform to slim clavate cystidioles, and ellipsoid basidiospores measuring as 3-4 × 2-3 µm. The characteristics of S. incrustans include annual, resupinate basidiomata with a buff yellow or pinkish buff to clay buff dried pore surface, angular pores (8-10 per mm), generative hyphae in trama frequently covered with crystals, the presence of encrusted skeletocystidia in tube trama and hymenium, and ellipsoid basidiospores (3.5-4.5 × 2.5-3.5 µm). Phylogenetic analysis based on a combined 2-locus dataset [ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) + nuclear large subunit RNA (nLSU)] shows that the two species are members of Steccherinum, and they are compared with morphologically similar and related species of this genus, respectively. In addition, two new combinations from Junghuhnia, transferred to Steccherinum as S. austrosinense and S. nandinae, are proposed based on examination of their type materials and phylogenetic analysis.