Search Results (66)

Recently, there has been a growing interest in using agricultural and forestry residues to cultivate Flammulina filiformis. However, there is limited research on cultivating F. filiformis with soybean straw as a substrate. This study systematically optimized the cultivation formula for F. filiformis using soybean straw as the raw substrate and explored the effects of the water content, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio), substrate particle size, and substrate loading on its growth and development. By replacing corncob, wheat bran, and soybean hulls with soybean straw and increasing the proportion of rice bran, the cultivation formula for growing F. filiformis was optimized. We found that the maximum fruiting body yield of 405 g (330 g dry substrate per bottle) and a biological efficiency of 122.73% were achieved using a substrate mixture of 25% soybean straw, 20% corncob, 20% cottonseed hull, 25% rice bran, 8% wheat bran, 1% CaCO₃, and 1% shellfish powder. The yield and biological efficiency of fruiting bodies cultivated on the substrate containing 25% soybean straw did not show significant differences compared to the control group. However, the cultivation formula containing 25% soybean straw yielded F. filiformis with significantly higher levels of amino acids, essential amino acids, and fat. These findings suggest that the 25% soybean straw substrate formulation can serve as a viable alternative to the control formulation for the cultivation of F. filiformis, although variations in the nutritional composition exist. Based on this optimized formula, an optimal biological efficiency can be achieved with a substrate-to-water ratio of 1:1.7, a wet substrate loading amount of 940 g (in a 1250 mL cultivation bottle), and a soybean straw particle size range of 6–8 mm. The optimal C/N ratio for cultivating F. filiformis using soybean straw ranges from 27:1 to 32:1. Additionally, orthogonal experiments revealed that the nitrogen content significantly affected the fruiting body yield, stipe length, and stipe diameter, while the water content mainly affected the pileus diameter, pileus thickness, and number of fruit bodies. Under defined conditions (dry substrate loading volume of 337 g (in a 1250 mL cultivation bottle), a substrate-to-water ratio of 1:1.6, and a C/N ratio of 26:1), the maximum yield and biological efficiency per bottle reached 395 g and 117.21%, respectively. Our findings indicate that the F. filiformis cultivation using soybean straw as the raw substrate exhibits a promising performance and extensive application potential. Full article

Flammulina velutipes is a widely cultivated edible mushroom in East Asia, recognized for its nutritional benefits and distinct morphology characterized by a long stipe and a compact, hemispherical pileus. The pileus not only plays a critical biological role in reproduction through spore formation but also serves as a key commercial trait influencing consumer preference and market value. Despite its economic importance, pileus development in F. velutipes is highly sensitive to environmental factors, among which carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration is particularly influential under indoor cultivation conditions. While previous studies have reported that elevated CO₂ levels can inhibit pileus expansion in other mushroom species, the molecular mechanisms by which CO₂ affects pileus growth in F. velutipes remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of CO₂ concentration on pileus morphology and gene expression in F. velutipes by cultivating fruiting bodies under two controlled atmospheric conditions: low (1000 ppm) and high (10,000 ppm) CO₂. Morphometric analysis revealed that elevated CO₂ levels significantly suppressed pileus expansion, reducing the average diameter by more than 50% compared to the low CO₂ condition. To elucidate the underlying genetic response, we conducted RNA sequencing and identified 102 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 78 being downregulated under elevated CO₂. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the involvement of cyclin-dependent protein kinase regulatory pathways in this response. Two cyclin genes were found to be significantly downregulated under elevated CO₂ conditions, and their suppression was validated through quantitative real-time PCR. These genes, possessing conserved cyclin_N domains, are implicated in the regulation of the eukaryotic cell cycle, particularly in mitotic growth. These results indicate that CO₂-induced downregulation of cyclin genes may underlie cell cycle arrest, contributing to inhibited pileus development. This study is the first to provide transcriptomic evidence that elevated CO₂ concentrations specifically repress PHO80-like cyclin genes in F. velutipes, revealing a molecular mechanism by which CO₂ stress inhibits pileus development. These findings suggest that elevated CO₂ triggers a morphogenetic checkpoint by repressing PHO80-like cyclins, thereby modulating cell cycle progression during fruiting body development. This study provides the first evidence of such a transcriptional response in edible mushrooms and offers promising molecular targets for breeding CO₂-resilient strains and optimizing commercial cultivation conditions. Full article

The formation and development of mushrooms depend on suitable conditions of humidity, substrate, and temperature. These environmental factors are directly influenced by ongoing climate change, which may alter fungal growth patterns, distribution, and morphology. However, these attributes remain inadequately investigated in Antarctic mushrooms. In this study, we examined 334 basidiomes of Arrhenia antarctica, discovered on Livingston Island in 2023. The morphological characteristics of these basidiomes were analyzed to explore how recent variations may be linked to and explained by climatic changes. Comparing the original description from over 60 years ago with the recent literature on the subject, we observed a larger pileus diameter (47.3% of basidiomes with diameters exceeding 23 mm, up to 75 mm) than previously documented (reported as up to 23 mm). Additionally, there were changes in pileus morphology, with not all of them exhibiting an umbilicate form, contrary to the references. We propose that these morphological variations may be attributed to climatic changes. The basidiomata were also found in association with pure Antarctic grass banks, prompting the question of whether Arrhenia antarctica is indeed a moss parasite. The information presented in this study aims to support ongoing research on the taxonomy and diversity of Agaricales fungi in Antarctica. Full article

México is the world’s leading producer of avocado, with 2,540,715 tons in the last year. Trametes spp. are macromycete fungi that rot wood. In 2022, in the state of Michoacán, México, sporomas of Trametes sp. were found in the trunks of avocado trees (Persea americana var. Hass) of 10 years old and older. The trees showed disease symptoms including yellowing of leaves, widespread defoliation, and wilting. It was observed that 10% of the infected trees were felled after heavy rains. In the place where the fungus settled, abundant cream-colored and cottony mycelium developed, causing “white rot”. The incidence of the disease in the sampled orchards was 60% in the tree population per hectare with 350 trees. The symptomatic trees studied were randomly selected from seven orchards. The collected fungal samples show typical structures corresponding to Trametes sp., including large sporomas, a pileus with a surface of concentric zones of various ocher tones, and a porous hymenium. The samples showed a 99% match with the species Trametes hirsuta. Laboratory bioassays of inoculation in fresh wood segments of avocado formed typical sporomas of the pathogen. Finally, the fungus was recovered and reisolated in vitro in PDA, and its identity was confirmed through the morphological characteristics and molecular tests. To the best of our knowledge, this article reports for the first time that P. americana cv. Hass and Mendez are new hosts for T. hirsuta. Therefore, the environmental and horticultural management conditions that favor the proliferation of T. hirsuta must be investigated. Full article

Es Colomer Island is occupied by a melanistic population of the Lilford’s Wall lizard, Podarcis lilfordi. Adult males are larger than females, with longer tails, and higher values of body mass, pileus length, head heigh, head width, hindleg length and number of dorsal scales. Adult sex ratio is balanced or slightly skewed towards males. At the summit of the islet, body condition was found to be significantly better than in almost vertical slopes. We found a higher proportion of digit amputations in adult males, probably due to frequent male–male interactions, promoted by high lizard density. During a 2024 survey, we recorded the highest known density of the Lilford’s Wall lizard. The prevalence of mites and blood parasites was 100%. The frequent intraspecific interactions, shown by the proportion of males with digit amputations, could be the source of the higher prevalence and susceptibility to blood parasite infections. The diet of lizards from Colomer is omnivorous, including several prey groups, as well as carcass remains from birds and mammals, and even conspecifics. Lizards from Colomer are an excellent example of the effects of extreme environmental conditions, with high population densities, strong intraspecific competition, the widespread presence of external and blood parasites, the extensive use of the scarce resources, and the opportunistic use of unpredictable resources in masting years, such as the fruits of the joint pine. Full article

As symbiotic mycorrhizal associates, species within the genus Laccaria play pivotal roles in forest ecosystems, specifically forming ectomycorrhizal relationships with the root systems of various plants. Some Laccaria species are recognized for their edibility, holding potential as a sustainable food source in the context of future food security and dietary diversification. In this study, the species diversity of Laccaria in Yunnan was investigated, and four novel species were identified. Their taxonomical positions and phylogenetic affinities were confirmed through phylogenetic analysis based on ITS, nrLSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 sequence data. Macro- and micro-morphological characteristics of the new species are also given here. Laccaria brownii sp. nov. has a dark to slightly desaturated orange pileus, stipe context broadly fistulose and soft orange, and relatively smaller cheilocystidia and pleurocystidia. Laccaria orangei sp. nov. has a hemispherical to paraboloid pileus, abundant narrowly clavate, flexuose, and branched cheilocystidia. Laccaria ruber sp. nov. pileus is red on the margin, clearly striate on the pileus surface, basidia clavate, mostly four-spored, rarely two-spored. Laccaria stipalba sp. nov. stipe surface is white, long sterigmata (4–13 μm × 2–3 μm), pleurocystidia narrowly clavate to subclavate, flexuose or mucronate, rarely branch. The descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis results of the new taxa are provided. In addition, the new taxa are compared with closely related taxa. Full article

Stropharia rugosoannulata is a mushroom that is rich in nutrients and has a pleasant flavor. Its cultivation area is expanding rapidly due to its simplicity and diversity. However, the developmental mechanism of the fruiting body, which constitutes the edible portion of S. rugosoannulata, remains to be elucidated. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a comprehensive study. Our approach entailed the observation of sections through the fruiting body of S. rugosoannulata and the sequencing of the transcriptomes of various fruiting body tissues. The results demonstrated significant variations in the structure of the pileipellis, pileus, gill, veil, stipe, and trama of S. rugosoannulata. The predominant metabolic pathways included the amino acid metabolism of the pileus, sugar metabolism of the stipe, tryptophan metabolism, and wax production of the pileipellis, the DNA pathway of the gill, amino sugar metabolism of the veil, and the nitrogen metabolism of the trama. The promoter cis-element analysis revealed the roles of light response, methyl jasmonate, oxygen, and temperature on the differentiation of the veil, trama, and pileipellis, respectively. In summary, the present findings offer a molecular mechanism for the development of the fruiting body and provide directions for the enhancement of cultivation techniques of S. rugosoannulata. Full article

Phenotypic traits of fungi and their automated extraction are crucial for evaluating genetic diversity, breeding new varieties, and estimating yield. However, research on the high-throughput, rapid, and non-destructive extraction of fungal phenotypic traits using 3D point clouds remains limited. In this study, a smart phone is used to capture multi-view images of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) from three different heights and angles, employing the YOLOv8x model to segment the primary image regions. The segmented images were reconstructed in 3D using Structure from Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS). To automatically segment individual mushroom instances, we developed a CP-PointNet++ network integrated with clustering methods, achieving an overall accuracy (OA) of 97.45% in segmentation. The computed phenotype correlated strongly with manual measurements, yielding R² > 0.8 and nRMSE < 0.09 for the pileus transverse and longitudinal diameters, R² = 0.53 and RMSE = 3.26 mm for the pileus height, R² = 0.79 and nRMSE = 0.12 for stipe diameter, and R² = 0.65 and RMSE = 4.98 mm for the stipe height. Using these parameters, yield estimation was performed using PLSR, SVR, RF, and GRNN machine learning models, with GRNN demonstrating superior performance (R² = 0.91). This approach was also adaptable for extracting phenotypic traits of other fungi, providing valuable support for fungal breeding initiatives. Full article

Morchella is an edible mushroom with medical applciations. To explore the correlation between the texture indices of Morchella and to establish a sensory quality evaluation system, the texture quality characteristics of 214 Morchella germplasm resources from our country were analyzed via the Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) method on a texture analyzer. The research revealed significant differences in the texture quality characteristics of both the pileus and stipe among Morchella populations. After the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, the six texture characteristics were seen to conform to a normal distribution. According to the correlation analysis, there was a significant correlation between the texture characteristics of the pileus, and a significant positive correlation between the hardness and the gumminess of the stipe (correlation coefficient of 0.96). Additionally, the hardness was negatively correlated with cohesiveness and resilience, with correlation coefficients of −0.51 and −0.38. Variation analysis indicated abundant genetic variation in each characteristic. Furthermore, the coefficient of variation for the characteristics of Morchella sextalata was higher than those of other species. Principal component analysis simplified the texture evaluation indices of Morchella pileus into a palatable factor and cohesive factor, and arranged the texture evaluation indexes of Morchella stipe into toughness–hardness factor and cohesive factor. Through comprehensive evaluation and cluster analysis, 10 Morchella strains were selected for subsequent use as breeding or cultivation materials. By comparing three different methods, the ‘probability grading method’ was determined to be the most suitable evaluation method for the texture quality characteristics of Morchella. The research results established a texture evaluation system for Morchella, offering a reference for selecting and cultivating breeds with superior texture qualities. Full article

The analysis of the developmental stages of Agaricus bisporus, a major edible and medicinal mushroom, has always been an important focus in this research area. The process of the growth and development of edible mushrooms is complex and involves the regulation of multiple genes and metabolic pathways. Less data exist on the mechanism of their growth and development at the overall level. In this study, RNA sequencing analyses (RNA-Seq) and data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomic analyses were carried out at the button phase (BP), harvesting phase (HP), and opening phase (OP) stages of Agaricus bisporus ‘Shuangbao 106’ to reveal the changes in gene expression during the different growth periods of its substrates. The authors screened and explored 3351 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with a difference factor of ≥2.0, including 2080 up-regulated and 1271 down-regulated genes. After proteome sequencing, 1156 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were screened, including 524 up-regulated and 632 down-regulated genes. The expression in TPM of glycoside hydrolase, catalytic core, and chitinase II decreased during both the HP and OP compared with the BP. This may be because mushrooms require higher levels of glycoside hydrolase, catalytic core, and chitinase II activity during the BP to cope with external threats and the need for cell wall remodeling. Conversely, the growth of mushrooms slowed down and the need for cell wall remodeling decreased during the HP and OP, leading to a decrease in the expression of glycoside hydrolase, catalytic core, and chitinase II. This change is related to the need for environmental adaptation, immune defense, and cell wall remodeling, and may regulate the post-growth process of A. bisporus via the hydrolysis of cell wall chitin and glycoside hydrolase. It may also inhibit the growth of mushroom pilei. Full article

Coprophilous species of Coprinopsis sect. Niveae, commonly known as “snow inkcap”, are widespread in pastoral areas; however, wide sampling approaches are needed to discover new taxa and to clarify the taxonomic status of the so-called “snow inkcap”. Nationwide field work was conducted in China with a detailed record collected of the distribution and the animal origin of the dung. A four-loci phylogenetic study of Coprinopsis sect. Niveae was conducted based on the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS), the ribosomal large subunit (LSU), and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α)], and the mitochondria small ribosomal RNA subunit (mtSSU). Fourteen phylogenetic species were assigned to this section, including six novel species, namely Coprinopsis furfuracea, C. iliensis, C. khorqinensis, C. sericivia, C. subigarashii, and C. tenuipes. Macro-, micro-, and ultramicro-morphological observations of species collected from China were also conducted and the detailed descriptions and illustrations of the novel species are provided. Our studies revealed that the different origin of herbivore dung, the distribution, the color and thickness of the pileus, the shape of stipes, the shape and size of basidiospores, and the presence or absence of pleurocystidia can be used as characteristics for distinguishing species in sect. Niveae. The key to species belonging to this section is also provided. Full article

Russula, a prominent genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi, is notably abundant and diverse in China. We present here the findings from studies on various Chinese Russula collections. Two notable species within subg. Heterophyllinae, namely Russula leucoviridis and R. subswatica, were described and illustrated based on comprehensive morphological characteristics and molecular evidence. Morphologically, Russula leucoviridis is characterized by its pastel-green to green pileus center with light-yellow spots, a white to greenish-white pileus margin, and a cuticle that cracks and breaks into small green patches after maturation, whereas R. subswatica is distinguished by an infundibuliform pileus with a deeply depressed center after maturation, a light-orange to grayish-orange pileus center, and a yellowish-white to light-orange margin with a purplish to purplish-black hue, and a white to yellowish-white stipe that exhibits a purplish hue at the junction with the pileus. The phylogenetic analyses were conducted using a combined dataset of ITS, nrLSU, RPB2, and mtSSU. Relying on both morphological characteristics and multigene phylogeny, the former species is classified within subsect. Virescentinae, while the latter is affiliated with subsect. Griseinae. In this study, we provide new scientific data that enhance the comprehension of species diversity within the subgenus Heterophyllinae in China. Full article

While investigating macrofungi diversity in Gansu province, northwestern China, five fresh and fleshy specimens were collected, which are characterized by nearly white to buff hemispherical pileus with waved margins, a disc depressed with coral to brownish red fibrillose scales, adnate to sub-decurrent lamellae with four relatively regular rows of lamellulae, a stipe that is central, hollow, frequently straight to curved; basidiospores that are globose to subglobose, 5.0–6.0 × (3.5−) 4.0–5.0 (−5.5) μm, narrowly clavate cheilocystidia predominantly, pleurocystidia and caulocystidia not observed; and a cutis pileipellis, with hyphae slightly inflated in the KOH. The results of phylogeny analysis indicated that the species forms an independent lineage in Phyllotopsidaceae based on the ITS (ITS5/ITS4) and nLSU (LR0R/LR7) dataset. Molecular clock analyses suggested the common ancestor of Neotricholomopsis emerged later than upper Cretaceous with a mean crown age of 229.36 Mya (95% highest posterior density of 129.63–343.08 Mya). These five specimens were described as an unreported taxon based on the phylogeny analysis combined with morphological examination and ecological and geographical distribution. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic trees to demonstrate the placement of this species and discussions with its related species are provided. Full article

Deconica is a relatively small genus, with only 90 names recorded in previous research. In this study, four new species of Deconica have been identified based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence from subtropical regions of China. This represents the first discovery of new species of Deconica in China. Morphologically, D. austrosinensis is characterized by medium-sized spores that are elliptical to elongated-ellipsoid in face view, and fusiform to sublageniform and slightly thick-walled pleurocystidia; D. furfuracea is identified by a well-developed and evanescent veil, medium-sized spores that are rhomboid to mitriform in face view, and fusiform to subclavate pleurocystidia that are rare and subacute at apex; D. fuscobrunnea is recognized by dark brown pileus, medium-sized spores that are rhomboid to mitriform in face view, an ixocutis pileipellis, lageniform cheilocystidia with a long neck and lacks pleurocystidia; D. ovispora is distinguished from other Deconica species by medium-sized spores that are ovoid in face view, an ixocutis pileipellis, lageniform cheilocystidia with a long to short neck, and lacks pleurocystidia. Their distinct taxonomic status is confirmed by the positions of the four new species in ITS + LSU phylogenetic trees. Detailed descriptions and morphological photographs of four new species are presented. Full article

Brown-rot fungi are an important group of wood-decaying fungi, but there has been limited research on the species diversity of brown-rot fungi in Xinjiang, China. During an investigation of brown-rot fungi in Xinjiang, from July 2018 to July 2023, five new species belonging to the family Postiaceae were discovered based on morphological and molecular evidence. Amaropostia altaiensis is characterized by a conchate pileus, circular pores (5–8 per mm), and growing on Populus. Amaropostia tianshanensis is characterized by a flabelliform-to-conchate pileus, angular pores (5–6 per mm), and growing on Picfea. Cyanosporus latisporus is characterized by a hirsute and dark greyish blue pileal surface with fresh, larger pores (3–6 per mm) and broad basidiospores (4.3–5.9 × 1.4–2 µm). Cyanosporus tianshanensis is characterized by a smooth and white-to-cream pileal surface with fresh, smaller pores (6–9 per mm). Osteina altaiensis is characterized by a light mouse-grey-to-honey-yellow pileal surface, smaller pores (4–6 per mm), and slightly wide basidiospores (5–6 × 1.7–2.2 µm). Each of these five new species form independent lineages in phylogenetic analyses based on the seven gene loci (ITS + nLSU + nSSU + mtSSU + TEF1 + RPB1 + RPB2). This research enriches the diversity of brown-rot fungi species, while also demonstrating the substantial discovery potential and research value of brown-rot fungi in Xinjiang. Full article