Search Results (49)

Climate change is reshaping climatic regimes worldwide, with direct consequences for species distributions and ecosystem services, including those provided by wild edible fungi. In Mexico, these fungi represent a resource of ecological, cultural, and economic importance, yet their vulnerability to future climate scenarios remains poorly understood. This study evaluated projected changes in the potential distributions of ten frequently consumed edible fungal species in central Mexico under current and future climate scenarios (2061–2080 and 2081–2100). Ecological niche models were performed using Maxent with 19 bioclimatic variables, spatial block cross-validation, and model tuning based on the AICc and partial ROC curves. Additionally, associations between species suitability and land use and vegetation variables were assessed through multivariate analyses. The most influential predictors were the mean temperature of the warmest quarter (71.929%), temperature seasonality (47.589%), and annual precipitation (41.962%). Current models identify high environmental suitability primarily within the TMVB, Sierra Madre Occidental, and southern mountainous regions such as Chiapas. Future projections revealed heterogeneous, species-specific responses. Suitability gains were projected for Cantharellus cibarius (21–50%), Infundibulicybe gibba (20–34%), Lactarius deliciosus (13–48%), and Lyophyllum decastes (8–141%), whereas Helvella crispa (1–99%), Agaricus campestris (2–88%), and Russula brevipes (74–100%) showed marked contractions under high-emission scenarios. These contrasting patterns suggest that climate change may restructure the spatial availability of edible fungi in Mexico, potentially affecting forest sustainability and the biocultural practices of communities that depend on these resources. Integrating species-specific climatic sensitivity into conservation and sustainable management strategies will be essential under future climate conditions. Full article

Climate change necessitates direct measures in horticultural crop production, including the adoption of sustainable agronomic practices, such as the use of biostimulants and the inclusion of alternative species in agroecosystems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two biostimulant formulations, one based on beneficial bacteria and fungi and the other based on seaweed extracts, on the growth, nutritional value, and bioactive properties of three wild edible species, namely, Sonchus oleraceus, Cichorium spinosum, and Scolymus hispanicus, grown in a greenhouse under optimal conditions. Our results indicate that biostimulant application had a variable effect on crop performance depending on the biostimulant formulation and species, with Bactiva showing a clear beneficial effect on the fresh weight, number of leaves, and leaf area of S. oleraceus (increased by 63.2%, 32.4%, and 51.1%, respectively, compared to the control), while seaweed extracts mostly improved the crop performance of S. hispanicus and the number of leaves and the Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) index of C. spinosum (increased by 1.1% and 24.8%, respectively, compared to the control). Moreover, Bactiva significantly increased the leaf protein content of all the studied species (increased by 2.1%, 5.2%, and 6.9% for S. oleraceus, C. spinosum, and S. hispanicus, respectively, compared to the control), whereas a varied response was observed for the rest of the macronutrients, depending on the species and biostimulant. Similarly, the macromineral content (N, P, and K) increased for the application of Bactiva and/or seaweed extracts in S. oleraceus (increased by 2.1%, 22.4%, and 14.0% for N, P and K, respectively, compared to the control) and C. spinosum (increased by 5.2%, 19.3%, and 14.7% for N, P, and K, respectively, compared to the control) leaves, while for S. hispanicus leaves, only N and K increased for Bactiva (increase by 7.0% and 17.9% for N and K, respectively, compared to the control). Finally, the use of the studied biostimulants had a varied effect on the polyphenol content of the three species, and the antioxidant activity also varied among the three assays implemented. In conclusion, the use of biostimulants on these underexplored species showed promising results in terms of crop performance and chemical composition/. However, considering that the plants were subjected to optimal conditions, further research is needed to reveal the stress-mitigating effects of these biostimulant formulations for their integration as a sustainable agronomic tool for the commercial exploitation of wild edible greens. Full article

Edible and medicinal fungi are a general term for large fungi with both edible and medicinal values. As a unique wild edible and medicinal fungus in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the ‘Four Medical Classics’ of the Tang Dynasty has recorded Floccularia luteovirens effects of external application and internal administration on swelling, cold disease, and neck stiffness. At present, it has not been artificially domesticated and has significant development potential. The mushroom is rich in nutrients. The crude protein content of 100 g dried product is 33~39% (up to 38.71 g, about 2.2 times that of Flammulina velutipes). It contains 19 amino acids (including 8 essential amino acids for the human body; tryptophan accounts for 21.55~22.63%). It is also rich in minerals such as selenium, zinc (0.09 g/kg), and iron (0.3 g/kg) and vitamins B1 (0.10 mg), B2 (1.10 mg), C (4.50 mg), and E (6.20 mg). Among the functional active substances, polysaccharides (containing 20.1% β-glucan and 5.7% mannan-oligosaccharide) had antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, which could alleviate the weight loss of diabetic rats. The IC50 of DPPH free radical scavenging rate of phenolics (ferulic acid, etc.; total phenolic content of 4.21 ± 0.06 mg/g) was 43.85 μg/mL; there was also adenosine, volatile oil, and other components. Pharmacologically, the DPPH free radical scavenging rate of the extract was 65 ± 0.46%, the tumor inhibition rate of the polysaccharide on the tumor-bearing mice was 42.48%, the gastrodin was biocatalyzed (conversion rate 85.2%), and the extracellular polysaccharide could inhibit the color change in shrimp to achieve preservation. This paper reviews its related research progress and provides a reference for its development in the fields of healthy food and biomedicine. Full article

The Catalan Linguistic Area (CLA) is a mycophile region where interest in the nutritional properties of traditional edible fungi is steadily growing, driven by their gastronomic appeal. The present study undertakes a scoping review with two main objectives. First, to compile a list of edible fungi taxa identified in the CLA, and second, to determine whether their nutritional values have already been published. Data were collected through books from different library catalogues and archives, expert consultations, a specialized database, and a search in three academic databases: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. As a result, we obtained a list of 643 culinary fungi taxa, of which 35.46% have reported nutritional values. Moreover, among the most cited CLA culinary fungi, Hygrophorus latitabundus Britzelm. and Hypomyces lateritius (Fr.) Tul. & C. Tul. have no nutritional values reported in the literature. Additionally, an ethnomycoticity index (EMI) and ethnomyconymic diversity index are proposed as adaptations to ethnomycology of two commonly used ethnobotanical indices. To conclude, wild edible fungi (WEF) are widely used in the CLA, but nutritional values for the majority of macromycetes are still lacking. Further studies need to be carried out regarding ethnomycology, enhancing their nutritional values, since data recorded are disperse and difficult to standardise. Full article

Fungal biodiversity and ethnomycological knowledge are fundamental components of the biocultural identity of communities within the La Malinche National Park (PNM), a region of ecological and cultural significance in Mexico. This study documented the diversity of wild fungi and their uses in San Miguel Canoa, Puebla, through field excursions with local mushroom gatherers, interviews, and qualitative analysis. Key species such as Russula delica, Boletus aff. edulis, and Amanita basii were identified, playing a vital role in local gastronomy with traditional recipes like mole and pipián. Intergenerational knowledge transmission, crucial for identifying edible fungi and avoiding intoxications, highlights the importance of oral tradition. However, deforestation, illegal logging, and land-use change threaten fungal diversity, a problem exacerbated by the lack of effective conservation policies. The discussion highlights the interplay between biodiversity and culture, emphasizing the significance of the Wild Mushroom Fair organized by the Yolaltepetl collective as an effort to disseminate ethnomycological knowledge and promote the conservation of the PNM. Such community-driven initiatives represent a sustainable model that integrates environmental protection with cultural strengthening. The study concludes that protecting the PNM requires a holistic approach, merging ecological conservation with the recognition of biocultural knowledge. This is essential to preserve both biodiversity and cultural heritage, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. Full article

Edible mushrooms are macroscopic fungi that have been recognized as the “new superfoods” due to their high nutritional and medicinal values. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize a method for the wet digestion of edible mushrooms using a closed digestion block for the determination of macro- and micronutrients (Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, and Zn) using microwave-induced plasma emission spectrometry (MIP OES). For the digestion of the samples, a 2³ factorial design was used to evaluate the amount of HNO₃ 65% (m m⁻¹), H₂O₂ 30% (m m⁻¹) and the digestion time, in 500 mg of the sample (dry and crushed) at 200° C. The method was applied to eleven species of edible or medicinal mushrooms (edible cultivated from wild strains, wild edible, and commercials medicinal). The average concentrations (in mg kg⁻¹) showed higher levels of K (1442.85–17,534.97), Mg (1295.40–13,550.72), Fe (11.33–27.38), Zn (28.86–36.09), and Mn (10.22–10.97). This study contributed to the determination of the multi-element composition and nutritional potential of edible mushrooms from Brazil. Full article

Auricularia mushrooms, common bulk edible fungi, have considerable culinary and medicinal value. The Qinling region, represented by Zhashui County, is the main production area of Auricularia mushrooms in China. In this study, two wild Auricularia strains, M12 and M13, selected from the Qinling region for their desirable horticultural traits after domestication, were sequenced and characterized. Sequencing assembly results based on Illumina NovaSeq and PacBio Sequel II HiFi showed that the M12 genome was 56.04 Mbp in size, with 2.58% heterozygosity and 14.13% repetitive sequences, and was anchored on 12 chromosomes using HI-C technology. In contrast, the M13 genome was 52.10 Mbp, showed 2.34% heterozygosity, 13.89% repetitive sequences, and was assembled into 12 scaffolds. Collinearity analysis revealed extensive homologous regions between the M12 and M13 genomes. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the divergence between M12 and M13 occurred approximately 4.575 million years ago (MYAs), while their divergence from Auricularia subglabra TFB-10046 SS5 occurred approximately 33.537 MYAs. Analyses of CYP450, carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), and gene family expansion/contraction revealed distinct genomic features between the two strains. SSR and LTR insertion time analyses revealed the genome dynamics of the two strains during their evolution. Analysis of secondary metabolite-associated biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) provides powerful clues to understand the origin of bioactive compounds in the Auricularia mushroom. This work represents the first genome sequencing of the Auricularia species derived from the Qinling region. These results not only enriched our understanding of the Auricularia genome but also provided an important genomic resource and theoretical basis for the subsequent genetic breeding, functional gene mining, and development of medicinal components of Auricularia species. Full article

Pleurotus tuoliensis is a valuable edible mushroom native to Xinjiang in northwest China. It colonizes the roots and stems of Ferula plants. Field inoculation in its natural habitat has been shown to significantly enhance the colonization rate of P. tuoliensis hyphae in Ferula plants. However, the effects of field inoculation on P. tuoliensis hyphal colonization, soil properties, and microbial communities remain underexplored. In this study, we examined the characteristics of rhizosphere soil and microbial communities under four conditions: natural environments with and without hyphal colonization, and field inoculation with and without colonization. High-throughput sequencing results revealed that field inoculation markedly increased the relative abundance of Pleurotus species (57.98%) compared to natural colonization (14.11%). However, field inoculation also resulted in a reduction in microbial community diversity compared to hyphal colonization. Concurrently, the relative abundance of Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, and Bacillota significantly increased following field inoculation. LEfSe analysis suggested that the identified potential biomarkers were most likely associated with the Bacillus genus within Bacillota. Furthermore, mushroom growth-promoting bacteria were successfully isolated and identified as members of the Bacillus cereus group (L5) and Bacillus safensis (S16). This finding suggests that field inoculation with P. tuoliensis in its natural habitat promotes microbial communities that enhance its growth. This study offers new insights into conserving wild edible fungi and their interactions with soil microbiota. Full article

The selection and breeding of high-quality wild edible fungal strains can bring significant economic and social benefits. A wild fungal strain (X21185) from the Tibetan Plateau was isolated and identified as a novel Pleurotus pulmonarius (P. pulmonarius) based on its morphological and molecular characteristics. The appropriate culture conditions for P. pulmonarius were determined. The nutrient contents of P. pulmonarius fruiting bodies were analyzed. Compared with the conventional nutritional contents of the representative edible fungi (Pleurotus ostreatu and Pleurotus eryngii) and egg, the protein, ash, and dietary fiber contents of P. pulmonarius were higher. Four types of essential amino acids, seven types of nonessential amino acids, the total essential and nonessential amino acids of P. pulmonarius were present in considerably higher quantities than those of representative edible fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus citrinopileatus) and egg, respectively. P. pulmonarius polysaccharides (PPPs) had strong ABTS⁺, DPPH, and hydroxyl free radical scavenging activities (EC₅₀: 0.051, 3.322, and 2.87 mg/mL, respectively), and the cytotoxicity was higher against HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells (IC₅₀: 1.501 mg/mL) than against MDA-MB-468 triple-negative breast cancer cells (IC₅₀: 2.183 mg/mL). This study provides a foundation for the development of the novel wild P. pulmonarius strain. Full article

There are approximately 130 reported medicinal effects attributed to mushrooms. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of hot-water extracts of 66 wild and cultivated fungi species (both edible and poisonous) by analyzing the inhibition of platelet aggregation and interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene expression induced by sodium arachidonate (A-Na), platelet-aggregating factor (PAF), and adenosine diphosphate (ADP). All species exhibited inhibitory effects: 38.3–98.1%, 37.3–96.8%, and 41.0–96.6% species inhibited platelet aggregation induced by A-Na, PAF, and ADP, respectively, while 17.0–97.0% inhibited IL-8 expression. Gyromitra esculenta showed the highest inhibition rate in all assays. High inhibition (≥80%) of A-Na-, PAF-, and ADP-induced platelet aggregation was observed in 29 (43.9%), 29 (43.9%) and 31 (47.0%) species, respectively. Half (33) of the species exhibited high inhibition of IL-8 expression. Four (6.1%), five (7.6%), and seven (10.6%) species exhibited inhibition rates of <50% for A-Na-, PAF-, and ADP-induced platelet aggregation, while nine (13.6%) exhibited low inhibition of IL-8 expression. The majority (87.5–100%) of poisonous species exhibited high inhibition. Our findings suggest that anti-inflammatory effects are universal among fungi, with poisonous species showing particular potential as raw materials for drug discovery. It can be inferred that many fungi contain universal or pleiotropic compounds with anti-inflammatory activities. Full article

Morels (Morchella spp.) are medicinal and edible mushrooms, renowned for their distinctive taste and appearance. Due to the low yields and difficulty of foraging wild morels, artificial cultivation has significant economic value. Outdoor cultivation yields are influenced by factors such as weather and diseases, which can result in crop instability or failure, thereby causing losses to farmers. Previous studies have typically concentrated on either the fungal or bacterial communities. In this study, we investigated the ecological relationships between morel growth and both the fungi and bacteria in soil, analyzed over multiple trophic levels. We investigated three soil types: soil in which morel death was observed (DM), soil in which no morels emerged (UM), and soil that is suitable for normal fruiting (NM). We used high-throughput ITS and 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing, alongside assessment of soil physicochemical properties, to investigate factors contributing to morel emergence and death. The results indicated that the richness and diversity of both fungal and bacterial communities in the normal fruiting soil (NM) were significantly higher than those in the non-fruiting soils (DM and UM). The bacterial community was primarily composed of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota, while the fungal community was dominated by Ascomycota and Mucoromycota. Furthermore, Morchella was significantly enriched in NM, indicating that it had successfully colonized and could develop into fruiting bodies. The morel mycelium in NM effectively utilized external nutrient bags, enhancing the soil nitrogen and organic matter content while reducing the consumption of available phosphorus and potassium. LEfSe and random forest analyses identified Pedobacter and Massilia as biomarkers of NM, potentially associated with the symbiosis of Morchella, which may promote its growth. Furthermore, the construction of the fungal-bacterial co-occurrence network revealed that the NM soil exhibited a higher number of nodes and greater network stability, suggesting that its complex microbial community structure may play a crucial role in the successful cultivation of Morchella. Our results indicate that the failures in morel production were due to inadequate management practices. Elevated greenhouse temperatures may have promoted pathogen proliferation, hindering the effective utilization of external nutrient bags by morel mycelium. Consequently, the mycelium was unable to accumulate nutrients efficiently, leading to the inability of Morchella to fruit or resulting in developmental failures. This study offers valuable insights into the interactions between morel mycelium and soil microorganisms, elucidating the reasons for morel cultivation failure and suggesting strategies for optimizing morel cultivation. Full article

Helvella leucopus, an endangered wild edible fungus, is renowned for its distinct health benefits and nutritional profile, with notable differences in the bioactive and nutritional properties between its cap and stipe. To investigate the molecular basis of these tissue-specific variations, we conducted integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Metabolomic profiling showed that the cap is particularly rich in bioactive compounds, including sterols and alkaloids, while the stipe is abundant in essential nutrients, such as glycerophospholipids and amino acids. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a higher expression of genes involved in sterol biosynthesis (ERG1, ERG3, ERG6) and energy metabolism (PGK1, ENO1, PYK1) in the cap, suggesting a more active metabolic profile in this tissue. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted tissue-specific metabolic pathways, including riboflavin metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, as key contributors to the unique functional properties of the cap and stipe. A detailed biosynthetic pathway network further illustrated how these pathways contribute to the production of crucial bioactive and nutritional compounds, such as sterols, alkaloids, linoleic acid derivatives, glycerophospholipids, and amino acids, in each tissue. These findings provide significant insights into the molecular mechanisms behind the health-promoting properties of the cap and the nutritional richness of the stipe, offering a theoretical foundation for utilizing H. leucopus in functional food development and broadening our understanding of bioactive and nutritional distribution in edible fungi. Full article

The use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistance, posing significant challenges in the prevention, control, and treatment of microbial diseases, while threatening public health, the environment, and food safety. In this study, the antibiotic resistance phenotypes and genotypes of 56 endophytic bacteria isolates from three species of wild edible fungi in Yunnan were analyzed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and PCR amplification. The results revealed that all isolates were sensitive to ofloxacin, but resistance was observed against 17 other antibiotics. Specifically, 55, 53, and 51 isolates exhibited resistance to amoxicillin, penicillin, and vancomycin, respectively. Antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) detection indicated that the sulfonamide sul1 gene had the highest detection rate (53.57%). Excluding the ARG that was not detected, the lowest detection rates were the sulfonamide sul2 and sul3 genes, both at 1.79%. Among six tetracycline resistance genes, only tetK and tetM were detected. For β-lactam antibiotics, blaTEM, blaVIM, and blaSHV genes were present, while blaOXA was absent. In aminoglycoside resistance genes, aadB was not detected, while detection rates for aac(3′)-IIa, acrB, and aadA1 were 3.57%, 1.79%, and 37.5%, respectively. The chloramphenicol Cat gene was detected at a rate of 14.29%, whereas floR was absent. For polypeptide resistance, VanC was detected at 3.57%, with EmgrB not detected. All three quinolone genes were detected, with detection rates of 8.92% for GyrA, 39.29% for GyrB, and 37.5% for ParC. Through phylogenetic analysis, 12 isolates that are closely related to ten common foodborne pathogenic bacteria were further selected for whole-genome sequencing and assembly. Gene annotations revealed that each isolate contained more than 15 ARGs and over 30 virulence factors. Notably, the detection rate of antibiotic resistance phenotypes was higher than that of genotypes, highlighting the importance of studying phenotypic antibiotic resistance that lacks identifiable ARGs. This study enriches the research on endophytes in wild edible fungi and provides new data for microbial ecology and antibiotic resistance research. It also offers critical insights for monitoring microbial antibiotic resistance in wild edible fungi and potentially other food sources, contributing to more effective strategies for ecological protection, sustainable agricultural development, and public health security. Full article

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a secondary metabolite produced by fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium, known to contaminate various food substrates. Its toxic effects include direct nephrotoxicity, as well as observed teratogenic, immunogenic, and carcinogenic effects. Climate change may contribute to increased humidity and temperature, favouring fungal growth and, consequently, OTA spreading. Recent increases in wild boar populations, along with their omnivorous nature and their varied diet, define them as environmental bioindicators for contaminants like mycotoxins. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of OTA in kidney, liver, and muscle tissue samples from 74 wild boars that were hunted in different areas of Avellino, Campania region, between 2021 and 2022. Tissue samples underwent extraction, purification, and analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a fluorescence detector. Results revealed OTA presence in 35.1% of tested wild boars. The highest OTA concentration was observed in the kidney and liver, with less in the muscle, indicating the presence of this mycotoxin in the wild boars and their surrounding environment. Consequently, there is a need to formulate rules for edible wildlife products. These findings emphasize the significant risk of OTA contamination in wild boar tissues, suggesting their potential as reliable environmental markers for mycotoxin prevalence and as a toxicological concern for human health. Full article

Flammulina filiformis is one of the widely produced edible fungi worldwide. It is rich in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-protein amino acid with important physiological functions in humans. To investigate the functions of key genes in the GABA metabolic pathway of F. filiformis, we isolated the monokaryon Fv-HL23-1 from the factory-cultivated F. filiformis strain Fv-HL23 and then sequenced and assembled the genome using the PacBio Sequel and Illumina NovaSeq sequencing platforms. The results showed that the genome comprised 140 scaffolds with a total length of 40.96 Mb, a GC content of 49.62%, an N50 of 917,125 bp, and 14,256 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the whole genome revealed a close evolutionary relationship of Fv-HL23-1 with Armillaria mellea, Lentinula edodes, and Schizophyllum commune. A total of 589 carbohydrate-active enzymes were identified in the genome of Fv-HL23-1, suggesting its strong lignocellulose degradation ability, and 108 CYP450 gene family members were identified, suggesting important functions such as resistance to stress, secondary metabolite synthesis, and growth and development. The F. filiformis proteins glutamate decarboxylase 1 (Ff-GAD1) and glutamate decarboxylase 2 (Ff-GAD2), which may be responsible for GABA synthesis, were identified by protein alignment. Molecular docking analysis showed that Ff-GAD2 may have better catalytic activity than Ff-GAD1. To verify the function of Ff-gad2, its heterologous expression in the mycelia of the mononuclear Hypsizigus marmoreus was analyzed. Compared with wild type, the GABA content of mycelia was increased by 85.40–283.90%, the growth rate was increased by 9.39 ± 2.35%, and the fresh weight was increased by 18.44 ± 7.57%. Ff-GAD2 may play a catalytic role in GABA synthesis. In addition, the expression of the full-length Ff-gad2 gene was increased by 7.96 ± 1.39 times compared with the exon expression level in H. marmoreus mycelia, suggesting that the intron may contribute to the heterologous expression of Ff-GAD2. Based on whole-genome sequencing, we analyzed the enzyme system related to the important life activities of F. filiformis, focusing on the function of Ff-GAD, a key enzyme in the GABA synthesis pathway. The results lay a foundation for elucidating the GABA metabolism pathway of edible fungi and developing targeted breeding strategies for GABA-producing edible fungi. Full article