Mycological Research in Mexico

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 1717

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
National Center for Disciplinary Research in Animal Health and Safety (INIFAP), Km 11 Federal Road Cuernavaca-Cuautla, Jiutepec 62550, MR, Mexico
Interests: the possible biotechnological use of edible mushroom bioproducts for controlling plant and animal parasitic nematodes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The study of mycology in Mexico has evolved significantly, reflecting the country’s rich biodiversity and deep-rooted cultural connections to fungi. From early ethnomycological studies documenting the sacred and medicinal uses of fungi and edible mushrooms among indigenous communities to contemporary research in fungal taxonomy, ecology, biotechnology, and omics, Mexican mycology has made notable contributions to science and society. This Special Issue aims to highlight the key milestones in the development of mycological research in Mexico, emphasizing the transition from descriptive studies to integrative approaches that utilize molecular tools and interdisciplinary frameworks. Mexican researchers have explored diverse ecosystems, uncovering unique fungal species and their ecological roles while fostering collaborations to address global challenges, such as sustainable agriculture, bioremediation, and food security. The establishment of specialized institutions, academic programs, and networks has strengthened this field, enabling innovative studies on edible and medicinal mushrooms, endophytes, and fungal pathogens. By synthesizing the historical and current trajectories of mycological research in Mexico, this Special Issue aims to underscore its relevance to national and international scientific priorities. The findings that will be presented within aim to inspire further exploration and conservation of fungal biodiversity, highlighting its potential for ecological, economic, and societal benefits.  

Dr. Liliana Aguilar-Marcelino
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • mycology in Mexico
  • fungal biodiversity
  • ethnomycology
  • edible and medicinal mushrooms
  • fungal taxonomy and ecology
  • molecular tools in mycology
  • sustainable agriculture
  • bioremediation
  • food security
  • conservation of fungal biodiversity

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

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14 pages, 1413 KiB  
Review
From the Metabolic Effects and Mechanism of Monovalent Cation Transport to the Actual Measurement of the Plasma Membrane Potential in Yeast
by Antonio Peña, Norma Silvia Sánchez and Martha Calahorra
J. Fungi 2025, 11(7), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11070522 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 293
Abstract
The effects of potassium (K+) on yeast metabolism were documented as early as 1940. Studies proposing a mechanism for its transport started in 1950, and in 1953, a mechanism for the stimulation of fermentation was suggested. However, it was not until [...] Read more.
The effects of potassium (K+) on yeast metabolism were documented as early as 1940. Studies proposing a mechanism for its transport started in 1950, and in 1953, a mechanism for the stimulation of fermentation was suggested. However, it was not until the 1970s that both mechanisms were clarified in Mexico, and the actual internal pH of the cells was measured. The presence of an H+-ATPase that generates an electric plasma membrane difference (PMP), which is used by specific transporters to facilitate the influx of K+ and other cations into the cells, was discovered. For years, many efforts were made to estimate and measure the value of the PMP; the obtained results were variable and erratic. In the 1980s, a methodology was developed to estimate the plasma membrane potential by following the fluorescence changes in the DiSC3(3) dye and measuring its accumulation, which provided actual but inaccurate values. Similar values were obtained by measuring the accumulation of tetraphenylphosphonium. The most reliable method of measuring the actual values of the plasma membrane potential was only recently devised using the also fluorescent dye thioflavin T. This review presents the attempts and outcomes of these experiments necessary to clarify the results reported by different research groups. Innovative research with Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicators (GEVIs) is also included. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycological Research in Mexico)
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Other

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20 pages, 1812 KiB  
Systematic Review
Pine Forest Plantations in the Neotropics: Challenges and Potential Use of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi and Bacteria as Inoculants
by Yajaira Baeza-Guzmán, Sara Lucía Camargo-Ricalde, Dora Trejo-Aguilar and Noé Manuel Montaño
J. Fungi 2025, 11(5), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11050393 - 20 May 2025
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Abstract
Forest plantations in the Neotropics aim to alleviate pressure on primary forests. This study synthesizes knowledge on pine species used in these plantations, emphasizing the challenges and potential of ectomycorrhizal fungi and bacteria as inoculants. An analysis of 98 articles identifies 23 pine [...] Read more.
Forest plantations in the Neotropics aim to alleviate pressure on primary forests. This study synthesizes knowledge on pine species used in these plantations, emphasizing the challenges and potential of ectomycorrhizal fungi and bacteria as inoculants. An analysis of 98 articles identifies 23 pine species in Mexico and Central America and about 16 fast-growing species in South America. While pine plantations provide a habitat for generalist species, they reduce the richness of specialist species. Ectomycorrhizal fungi and bacterial diversity in plantations with introduced pines is up to 20% lower compared to native ecosystems. Suillus and Hebeloma are commonly used as mycorrhizal inoculants for Neotropical and introduced species, including Pinus ponderosa and Pinus radiata in South America. Commercial inoculants predominantly feature the fungal species Pisolithus tinctorius, alongside bacterial genera such as Bacillus, Cohnella, and Pseudomonas. This study emphasizes the importance of leveraging native microbial communities and their synergistic interactions with ECM fungi and bacteria to enhance seedling growth and quality. Such a combined approach can improve plantation survival, boost resilience to environmental stressors, and promote long-term productivity. These findings underscore the need to incorporate native fungi and bacteria into inoculant strategies, advancing sustainable forestry practices and ecosystem adaptation in the Neotropics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycological Research in Mexico)
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