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19 pages, 14137 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphology and Phylogeny Reveal New Species and Records of Diplodia, Dothiorella, and Phaeobotryon Associated with Tree Cankers in Xizang, China

by Jia Zhou, Aining Li and Ning Jiang

J. Fungi 2025, 11(5), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11050331 - 22 Apr 2025

Viewed by 207

Abstract

The fungal family Botryosphaeriaceae, which includes genera such as Diplodia, Dothiorella, and Phaeobotryon, comprises species commonly associated with woody plants such as endophytes, pathogens, and saprophytes. The Xizang Autonomous Region of China, known for its rich forest resources, harbors significant [...] Read more.

The fungal family Botryosphaeriaceae, which includes genera such as Diplodia, Dothiorella, and Phaeobotryon, comprises species commonly associated with woody plants such as endophytes, pathogens, and saprophytes. The Xizang Autonomous Region of China, known for its rich forest resources, harbors significant fungal diversity. However, limited research has been conducted on plant-disease-associated fungi in this region. In this study, we employed morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA (ITS), the ribosomal large subunit (LSU), the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) gene, and the partial beta-tubulin (tub2) gene to identify fungal species. As a result, two new species, Diplodia salicicola sp. nov. and Phaeobotryon xizangense sp. nov., are proposed and described herein. Additionally, Di. corticola, Di. mutila, Do. acericola, Do. magnoliae, Do. vidmadera, Do. yunnana comb. nov., and Do. zanthoxyli are reported for the first time in Xizang. Our findings contribute to advancing the knowledge of fungal biodiversity in Xizang’s high-altitude ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research of Ascomycota)

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15 pages, 3117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molluscicidal Screening of Hypocreales Fungi from a Brazilian Cerrado Cave Against Biomphalaria glabrata Snails

by Dominnyke Slater Santos Neves, Cyntia Ayumi Yokota Harayashiki, Pedro Henrique Félix de Oliveira, Thiago Lopes Rocha and Jadson Diogo Pereira Bezerra

J. Fungi 2025, 11(3), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11030173 - 21 Feb 2025

Viewed by 588

Abstract

Fungi play vital roles in ecosystems through parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism. Additionally, they are widely used in industry as bioactive compound producers and biological control agents. Biomphalaria glabrata is a freshwater snail often controlled with chemical molluscicides. However, developing effective alternatives to these [...] Read more.

Fungi play vital roles in ecosystems through parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism. Additionally, they are widely used in industry as bioactive compound producers and biological control agents. Biomphalaria glabrata is a freshwater snail often controlled with chemical molluscicides. However, developing effective alternatives to these chemical treatments is essential. This study evaluated the molluscicidal potential of culture supernatant from Hypocreales fungi isolated from a cave in the Brazilian Cerrado against the B. glabrata. The isolates were identified based on morphological features and ITS rDNA sequences. Fifteen filtrates of Hypocreales fungi were obtained and tested both pure and in different dilutions (10% and 50%) against newly hatched snails during 96 h of exposure. The fungal isolates were identified as belonging to the genera of Clonostachys (1), Cylindrocladiella (1), Fusarium (1), Gliocladiopsis (1), Keithomyces (1), Marquandomyces (1), Ovicillium (1), Pochonia (1), Purpureocillium (1), Sarcopodium (1), Sarocladium (1), Trichoderma (3), and Volutella (1). The results showed 93.33% (14) of the fungal filtrates induced significant mortality, indicating their molluscicidal activity, with Pochonia chlamydosporia FCCUFG 100 and Volutella aeria FCCUFG 107 causing 100% mortality in all dilutions. These results reveal the potential of Hypocreales fungi from a Brazilian Cerrado cave as a promising approach for snail control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research of Ascomycota)

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37 pages, 27014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Five New Species of Pezizales from Northeastern China

by Zhengqing Chen and Tolgor Bau

J. Fungi 2025, 11(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11010060 - 14 Jan 2025

Viewed by 921

Abstract

Species belonging to the Pezizales are mainly saprobes in nature. They are most commonly observed in woodlands and humid environments. As a result of recent research conducted on the distribution of species in sandy areas and some National Forests Parks, five new species [...] Read more.

Species belonging to the Pezizales are mainly saprobes in nature. They are most commonly observed in woodlands and humid environments. As a result of recent research conducted on the distribution of species in sandy areas and some National Forests Parks, five new species belonging to three genera were identified. A total of five species of disk fungi from Northeast China were identified and described based on morphological classification and molecular phylogenetics. These included Pulvinula (Pulvinula elsenensis, Pulvinula sublaeterubra), Microstoma (Microstoma jilinense, Microstoma changchunense), and Sarcoscypha (Sarcoscypha hongshiensis). Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses were performed using a combined nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and nuc 28S rDNA (nrLSU) dataset for the construction of phylogenetic trees. Morphological descriptions, line illustrations, and photographs of the ascocarps of these new species are provided, along with lists of the salient attributes exhibited by the species in the three genera under consideration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research of Ascomycota)

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24 pages, 14670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Gene Phylogenetic Analyses Reveals Heteroxylaria Gen. Nov. and New Contributions to Xylariaceae (Ascomycota) from China

by An-Hong Zhu, Zi-Kun Song, Jun-Fang Wang, Hao-Wen Guan, Zhi Qu and Hai-Xia Ma

J. Fungi 2024, 10(9), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090645 - 11 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1276

Abstract

An in-depth study of the phylogenetic relationships of Xylaria species associated with nutshells of fruits and seeds within the genus Xylaria and related genera of Xylaceaecea was conducted in China. The multi-gene phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on ITS, RPB2, and TUB [...] Read more.

An in-depth study of the phylogenetic relationships of Xylaria species associated with nutshells of fruits and seeds within the genus Xylaria and related genera of Xylaceaecea was conducted in China. The multi-gene phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on ITS, RPB2, and TUB sequences of 100 species of 16 known genera in Xylariaceae around the world. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, morphological observations, and ecological habitats, a new genus, Heteroxylaria, is established to accommodate four new species, viz. H. cordiicola, H. juglandicola, H. meliicola, and H. terminaliicola, and four new combinations, viz. H. oxyacanthae, H. palmicola, H. reevesiae, and H. rohrensis. The genus is characterized by cylindrical stromata with conspicuous to inconspicuous perithecial mounds, surface black, having brown to dark brown ascospores with a germ slit, and it grows on nutshell of fruits. The combined ITS+RPB2+TUB sequence dataset of representative taxa in the Xylariaceae demonstrate that Heteroxylaria is grouped with Hypocreodendron but forms a monophyletic lineage. All novelties described herein are morphologically illustrated and compared to similar species and phylogeny is investigated to establish new genera and species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research of Ascomycota)

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18 pages, 1337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Sequencing and Functional Analysis of the Ex-Type Strain of Malbranchea zuffiana

by Alan Omar Granados-Casas, Ana Fernández-Bravo, Alberto Miguel Stchigel and José Francisco Cano-Lira

J. Fungi 2024, 10(9), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090600 - 24 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1476

Abstract

Malbranchea is a genus within the order Onygenales (phylum Ascomycota) that includes predominantly saprobic cosmopolitan species. Despite its ability to produce diverse secondary metabolites, no genomic data for Malbranchea spp. are currently available in databases. Therefore, in this study, we obtained, assembled, and [...] Read more.

Malbranchea is a genus within the order Onygenales (phylum Ascomycota) that includes predominantly saprobic cosmopolitan species. Despite its ability to produce diverse secondary metabolites, no genomic data for Malbranchea spp. are currently available in databases. Therefore, in this study, we obtained, assembled, and annotated the genomic sequence of the ex-type strain of Malbranchea zuffiana (CBS 219.58). For the genomic sequencing, we employed both the Illumina and PacBio platforms, followed by hybrid assembly using MaSuRCA. Quality assessment of the assembly was performed using QUAST and BUSCO tools. Annotation was conducted using BRAKER2, and functional annotation was completed with InterProScan. The resulting genome was of high quality, with a size of 26.46 Mbp distributed across 38 contigs and a BUSCO completion rate of 95.7%, indicating excellent contiguity and assembly completeness. A total of 8248 protein-encoding genes were predicted, with functional annotations assigned to 73.9% of them. Moreover, 82 genes displayed homology with entries in the Pathogen Host Interactions (PHI) database, while 494 genes exhibited similarity to entries in the Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZymes) database. Furthermore, 30 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) were identified, suggesting significant potential for the biosynthesis of diverse secondary metabolites. Comparative functional analysis with closely related species unveiled a considerable abundance of domains linked to enzymes involved in keratin degradation, alongside a restricted number of domains associated with enzymes engaged in plant cell wall degradation in all studied species of the Onygenales. This genome-based elucidation not only enhances our comprehension of the biological characteristics of M. zuffiana but also furnishes valuable insights for subsequent investigations concerning Malbranchea species and the order Onygenales. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research of Ascomycota)

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20 pages, 7558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New and Interesting Pine-Associated Hyphomycetes from China

by Wen-Hui Tian, Yan Jin, Yue-Chi Liao, Turki Kh. Faraj, Xin-Yong Guo and Sajeewa S. N. Maharachchikumbura

J. Fungi 2024, 10(8), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10080546 - 3 Aug 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1089

Abstract

Pine trees play a crucial role in the forests of Sichuan Province, boasting rich species diversity and a lengthy evolutionary history. However, research and investigation on fungi associated with pine trees are insufficient. This study investigated the diversity of hyphomycetes fungi associated with [...] Read more.

Pine trees play a crucial role in the forests of Sichuan Province, boasting rich species diversity and a lengthy evolutionary history. However, research and investigation on fungi associated with pine trees are insufficient. This study investigated the diversity of hyphomycetes fungi associated with pine trees in Sichuan Province, China. During the survey, we collected five specimens of hyphomycetes from branches and bark of species of Pinus. Five barcodes were selected for study and sequenced, including ITS, SSU, LSU, TEF1, and RPB2. Morphological examination and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses revealed three new species, viz. Catenulostroma pini sp. nov. within Teratosphaeriaceae, Kirschsteiniothelia longisporum sp. nov. within Kirschsteiniotheliaceae, Sporidesmiella sichuanensis sp. nov. within Junewangiaceae, and two known species, Paradictyoarthrinium diffractum and P. hydei within Paradictyoarthriniaceae, which are the new host records from Pinus species. Catenulostroma pini, distinguished from other species in the genus by its unique morphology, has three conidial morphologies: small terminal helicoconidia, scolecoconidia with many septa, and phragmoconidia conidia. Kirschsteiniothelia longisporum has longer spores when compared to the other species in the genus. According to phylogenetic analysis, Sporidesmiella sichuanensis formed an independent clade sister to S. aquatica and S. juncicola, distinguished by differences in conidial size. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research of Ascomycota)

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Review

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24 pages, 1331 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of the Biotechnological Potential of Cave Fungi: A Toolbox for the Future

by Renan N. Barbosa, Maria Tamara C. Felipe, Leticia F. Silva, Edna A. Silva, Sabrina A. Silva, Polyanna N. Herculano, José F. S. A. Prazeres, Joenny M. S. Lima, Jadson D. P. Bezerra, Keila A. Moreira, Oliane M. C. Magalhães and Cristina M. Souza-Motta

J. Fungi 2025, 11(2), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11020145 - 14 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1000

Abstract

The study of the intersection between biodiversity and biotechnology has revealed a rich source of innovations. Fungi, with their vast range of morphologies and lifestyles, thrive in various habitats, including caves. With impressive metabolic characteristics, they play a key role in producing essential [...] Read more.

The study of the intersection between biodiversity and biotechnology has revealed a rich source of innovations. Fungi, with their vast range of morphologies and lifestyles, thrive in various habitats, including caves. With impressive metabolic characteristics, they play a key role in producing essential biotechnological compounds for various economic sectors. This paper aims to consolidate evidence on the biotechnological potential of fungi isolated from caves, highlighting the urgency of conserving and exploring these ecosystems. For this purpose, we conducted a comprehensive literature search using scientific databases (SciELO, Medline Complete, Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus (Elsevier), and Google Scholar). We adopted an interdisciplinary approach by collecting information from 22 papers published between 2013 and 2024. Based on these data, our survey revealed broad potential, including antimicrobial compounds, antioxidants, antitumor agents, enzymes, and organic acids. We emphasize that accurately identifying and depositing fungal isolates in reference collections are crucial for reliable research and effective industrial applications, driving metabolic bioactivity and the production of substances with the potential to inhibit pathogens. Conserving and protecting the cave environment is imperative, considering its continuous potential for discovery and contribution to scientific advancement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research of Ascomycota)

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33 pages, 5571 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring Endophytic Fungi as Natural Antagonists against Fungal Pathogens of Food Crops

by Kumudu K. Manathunga, Niranjan W. Gunasekara, Muditha K. Meegahakumbura, Pamoda B. Ratnaweera, Turki Kh. Faraj and Dhanushka N. Wanasinghe

J. Fungi 2024, 10(9), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090606 - 26 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2884

Abstract

The yield and quality of cultivated food crops are frequently compromised by the prevalent threat from fungal pathogens that can cause widespread damage in both the pre-harvest and post-harvest stages. This paper investigates the challenges posed by fungal pathogens to the sustainability and [...] Read more.

The yield and quality of cultivated food crops are frequently compromised by the prevalent threat from fungal pathogens that can cause widespread damage in both the pre-harvest and post-harvest stages. This paper investigates the challenges posed by fungal pathogens to the sustainability and yield of essential food crops, leading to significant economic and food security repercussions. The paper critiques the long-standing reliance on synthetic fungicides, emphasizing the environmental and health concerns arising from their widespread and occasionally inappropriate use. In response, the paper explores the potential of biological control agents, specifically endophytic fungi in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. Through their diverse symbiotic relationships with host plants, these fungi exhibit strong antagonistic capabilities against phytopathogenic fungi by producing various bioactive compounds and promoting plant growth. The review elaborates on the direct and indirect mechanisms of endophytic antagonism, such as antibiosis, mycoparasitism, induction of host resistance, and competition for resources, which collectively contribute to inhibiting pathogenic fungal growth. This paper consolidates the crucial role of endophytic fungi, i.e., Acremonium, Alternaria, Arthrinium, Aspergillus, Botryosphaeria, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Cevidencealdinia, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Gliocladium, Muscodor, Nigrospora, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Phomopsis, Pichia, Pochonia, Pythium, Ramichloridium, Rosellinia, Talaromyces, Trichoderma, Verticillium, Wickerhamomyces, and Xylaria, in biological control, supported by the evidence drawn from more than 200 research publications. The paper pays particular attention to Muscodor, Penicillium, and Trichoderma as prominent antagonists. It also emphasizes the need for future genetic-level research to enhance the application of endophytes in biocontrol strategies aiming to highlight the importance of endophytic fungi in facilitating the transition towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research of Ascomycota)

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