Introduction of two novel species of Hymenopellis (Agaricales, Physalacriaceae) from Thailand

Hymenopellis is the most diverse genus in the group of oudemansielloid/xeruloid taxa (Physalacriaceae). This genus has a worldwide distribution with records mostly from Europe and America. Asian taxa are least represented. In this paper on Hymenopellis from Thailand, two novel species are introduced, and a Hymenopellis collection affine to H. orientalis is described. Macro and micromorphological characters are described. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were performed on combined ITS and nrLSU regions to confirm taxonomical placement and infer the phylogenetic affinities of the studied species. Hymenopellis straminea sp. nov. is straw-yellow, with medium-sized basidiomata, abundant and diverse in form cheilocystidia, few, narrowly lageniform to fusiform pleurocystidia, and clamp connections at the lower part of the stipe. Hymenopellis utriformis sp. nov. has mostly utriform pleurocystidia and 2-spored basidia. In the inferred phylogenies, the new species from this study formed distinct clades well supported by bootstrap proportions and posterior probabilities. The studied specimen affine to H. orientalis produced 2-spored basidia whereas published descriptions of other specimens mention 4-spored basidia. Moreover, the genetic distance between ITS sequences of this specimen and that of a Hymenopellis orientalis specimen from GenBank was 1.30–2.57%. Therefore, the conspecificity of our specimen with H. orientalis is uncertain, and additional specimens are needed to fully confirm its identity

Three New Species of <i>Cystolepiota</i> from Laos and Thailand

Cystolepiota Singer is rarely studied in Southeast Asia; here, we survey and describe three new species of Cystolepiota from tropical Laos and Thailand. Cystolepiota pyramidalis is related to C. fumosifolia (Murrill) Vellinga and C. pseudofumosifolia M.L. Xu & R.L. Zhao, but it is distinguished by pale to pastel yellow lamellae. Second, Cystolepiota thailandica differs from other members in the genus by the greyish-orange granulose or powdery pileus and stipe covering made up of globose to subglobose and sphaeropedunculate elements. Furthermore, Cystolepiota rhodella is characterized by the pink-violet granulose covering of the pileus and stipe and white lamellae with distinctly violet edges. Each species is provided with a full description of the morphological characters, photos in situ, line drawings of the microcharacters, discussion of related and similar species, and molecular data

Additions to Hohenbuehelia (Basidiomycota, Pleurotaceae): two new species and notes on H. tristis from northern Thailand

Two new species and a first geographical record of Hohenbuehelia are described from Thailand. Macroscopic and microscopic descriptions with photoplates, as well as a multigene phylogeny are provided. Hohenbuehelia flabelliformis sp. nov. is recognised by large flabelliform basidiomata, densely villose yellowish-white pileus with white hairs near the point of attachment, basidiospores that mostly are ellipsoid in front view and phaseoliform in side view, the absence of cheilocystidia, and a trichoderm pileipellis. Hohenbuehelia lageniformis sp. nov. is characterised by fleshy basidiomata, velutinous pileus with whitish hairs near the point of attachment and the margin, elsewhere pale greyish-yellow and with only sparse white hairs, pale brown to light brown and mucilaginous context, subglobose basidiospores, lageniform cheilocystidia, an ixotrichoderm pileipellis, and the absence of pileoleptocystidia. Hohenbuehelia tristis is characterised by small creamy-white, spathuliform basidiomata that are larger than the type subspecies, minutely pubescent pileus with tiny greyish hairs that disappear when mature, leaving the surface glutinous, faintly translucent and shiny, ellipsoid to sub-ellipsoid basidiospores, lecythiform to sublageniform cheilocystidia, and an ixotrichoderm pileipellis. Hohenbuehelia tristis is recorded for Thailand for the first time. Based on the polymorphism observed in part of the nrLSU gene, the presence of two divergent lineages within H. tristis is discussed

Description of Lepiotaceous Fungal Species of the Genera <i>Chlorophyllum</i>, <i>Clarkeinda</i>, <i>Macrolepiota</i>, <i>Pseudolepiota</i>, and <i>Xanthagaricus</i>, from Laos and Thailand

In our ongoing research on lepiotaceous taxa (Agaricaceae s.l.) in Laos and northern Thailand, we focus here on Chlorophyllum, Clarkeinda, Macrolepiota, Pseudolepiota, and Xanthagaricus. Collections were obtained from various habitats, including agricultural habitats, grasslands, and rainforests. A total of 12 taxa were examined and investigated. Of these 12, two are new for science; viz. Xanthagaricus purpureosquamulosus with brownish-grey to violet-brown squamules on a pale-violet to violet background; it shares the pileus color with X. caeruleus and X. ianthinus, but differs in other characters; and Macrolepiota excelsa, rather similar to M. procera but related to M. detersa. Two species, Pseudolepiotazangmui and Xanthagaricus necopinatus are recorded for the first time in Thailand. Four species of Chlorophyllum and a total of four species of Macrolepiota were found, viz., C. demangei and C. hortense with white basidiospores, C. molybdites and C. globosum with green basidiospores, M. detersa, M. dolichaula, the new M. excelsa, and M. velosa. Another rather common striking species is Clarkeinda trachodes, with yellow-green basidiospores. Each species is described in detail, with color photographs and line drawings. Phylogenetic analyses based on internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) region, the large subunit nuclear ribosomal (nrLSU) DNA and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) genes provide evidence for the placement of the species covered

Evidence for further non-coding RNA genes in the fungal rDNA region

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes play important, but incompletely understood, roles in various cellular processes, notably translation and gene regulation. A recent report on the detection of the ncRNA Signal Recognition Particle gene in the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region of several species of three genera of ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetes prompted a more thorough bioinformatics search for additional ncRNA genes in the full fungal ribosomal operon. This study reports on the detection of three ncRNA genes hitherto not known from the fungal ribosomal region: nuclear RNase P RNA, RNase MRP RNA, and a possible snoRNA U14 in a total of five species of Auricularia and Inocybe. We verified their presence through resequencing of independent specimens. Two completed Auricularia genomes were found to lack these ncRNAs elsewhere than in the ribosomal operon, suggesting that these are functional genes. It seems clear that ncRNA genes play a larger role in fungal ribosomal genetics than hitherto thought

Taxonomy, Diversity and Cultivation of the Oudemansielloid/Xeruloid Taxa Hymenopellis, Mucidula, Oudemansiella, and Xerula with Respect to Their Bioactivities: A Review

The oudemansielloid/xeruloid taxa Hymenopellis, Mucidula, Oudemansiella, and Xerula are genera of Basidiomycota that constitute an important resource of bioactive compounds. Numerous studies have shown antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and other bioactivities of their extracts. The bioactive principles can be divided into two major groups: (a) hydrophilic polysaccharides with relatively high molecular weights and (b) low molecular medium polar secondary metabolites, such as the antifungal strobilurins. In this review, we summarize the state of the art on biodiversity, cultivation of the fungi and bioactivities of their secondary metabolites and discuss future applications. Although the strobilurins are well-documented, with commercial applications as agrochemical fungicides, there are also other known compounds from this group that have not yet been well-studied. Polysaccharides, dihydro-citrinone phenol A acid, scalusamides, and acetylenic lactones such as xerulin, also have potential applications in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and medicinal market and should be further explored. Further studies are recommended to isolate high quality bioactive compounds and fully understand their modes of action. Given that only few species of oudemansielloid/xeruloid mushrooms have been explored for their production of secondary metabolites, these taxa represent unexplored sources of potentially useful and novel bioactive metabolites

Hydnotrya oblongispora L. Li & S. H. Li, sp. nov.

&lt;p&gt;Hydnotrya oblongispora L. Li &amp; S.H. Li, sp. nov.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Plate 1&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Diagnosis.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; Differs from other species in the genus &lt;i&gt;Hydnotrya&lt;/i&gt; by its nearly single-chambered ascomata and long ellipsoidal ascospores.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Etymology.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;oblongispora, refers to the long ellipsoidal ascospores.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Holotype.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; China, Yunnan, Lijiang (26&deg;37.00'N, 99&deg;42.00'E), alt. 3737 m, in the forest of &lt;i&gt;Abies forrestii&lt;/i&gt; Coltm.-Rog, 12 August 2020, Lin Li, BMDLU L20069.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Description.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;i&gt;Ascomata&lt;/i&gt; irregularly globose, 1.0-2.5 cm in diameter when fresh, smooth, sometimes gently folded inward, surface light khaki (4C5) to reddish brown (8D8); nearly single-chambered with a primary apical opening up to 0.2-0.8 cm in diameter, sometimes the opening is just an almost closed seam, white fluffy inside cavity. Elastic and crisp. No special smell was noticed.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;i&gt;Peridium&lt;/i&gt; two-layered, 280-340 &micro;m thick, outer layer 80-100 &micro;m thick, composed of light brown (6D8) ellipsoidal or irregular cells, with a red brown (6E8) pigment deposited on the outermost cells; inner layer, 200-240 &micro;m thick, consists of hyaline interwoven hyphae. Gleba chamber hollow, lined with a milky white (4B2) hymenium, hymenial surface fluffy. &lt;i&gt;Asci&lt;/i&gt; cylindrical, 102.5-138.5 &times; 13.0-25.5 &micro;m, 8-spored, thin-walled, narrowed into a long stalk (20-35 &mu;m) at the base, without croziers, arranged in a palisade. &lt;i&gt;Ascospore&lt;/i&gt; strictly uniseriate, long ellipsoidal, (20.0-) 26.5-39.0 &times; (9.5-) 11.0-21.5 &mu;m, Q = 2.0 &plusmn; 0.03, hyaline when immature, golden yellow (5B7) when mature, with a thickened exosporium, surface pitted. &lt;i&gt;Paraphyses&lt;/i&gt; hyaline, straight stick shape, 2.5-5 &micro;m in diam, septate, exceeding the asci by 60-70 &micro;m.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Ecology and distribution.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; Hypogeous, solitary, or in groups in soil, under &lt;i&gt;A. forrestii&lt;/i&gt; mixed with shrubs of &lt;i&gt;Rhododendron&lt;/i&gt; spp., fruiting from late summer to early autumn. Known only from Yunnan Province, China.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Additional specimens examined.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; China, Yunnan Province, Lijiang, Jiuhe, (26&deg;38.00'N, 99&deg;42.00'E), alt. 3946 m, in the forest of &lt;i&gt;A. forrestii&lt;/i&gt;, 12.Aug.2020, Lin Li (BMDLU L20067. GenBank: ITS = OM232075, LSU = ON982626); same locality, 19.Sept.2021, Lin Li (BMDLU L21217. GenBank: ITS = OM232084, LSU = ON982625).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Notes.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;i&gt;H. oblongispora&lt;/i&gt; is characterized by its mostly simple-chambered ascomata and golden yellow long-ellipsoid ascospores, especially with pitted surfaces, which differ from all other species of &lt;i&gt;Hydnotrya.&lt;/i&gt; Molecular analysis also shows that &lt;i&gt;H. oblongispora&lt;/i&gt; is distinct from other &lt;i&gt;Hydnotrya&lt;/i&gt; species, although it is closely related to &lt;i&gt;H. michaelis&lt;/i&gt;. However, &lt;i&gt;H. michaelis&lt;/i&gt; has convoluted, lobed ascomata and broadly ellipsoid spores with warty ascospores, which differ from this new species.&lt;/p&gt;Published as part of &lt;i&gt;Li, Lin, Wan, Shan-Ping, Wang, Yun, Thongklang, Naritsada, Tang, Song-Ming, Luo, Zong-Long &amp; Li, Shu-Hong, 2023, New species of Hydnotrya (Ascomycota, Pezizomycetes) from southwestern China with notes on morphological characteristics of 17 species of Hydnotrya, pp. 49-67 in MycoKeys 100&lt;/i&gt; on page 49, DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.100.10670

Taxonomy, Diversity and Cultivation of the Oudemansielloid/Xeruloid Taxa Hymenopellis, Mucidula, Oudemansiella, and Xerula and with Respect to Their Bioactivities: A Review.

The oudemansielloid/xeruloid taxa Hymenopellis, Mucidula, Oudemansiella, and Xerula are genera of Basidiomycota that constitute an important resource of bioactive compounds. Numerous studies have shown antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and other bioactivities of their extracts. The bioactive principles can be divided into two major groups: (a) hydrophilic polysaccharides with relatively high molecular weights and (b) low molecular medium polar secondary metabolites, such as the antifungal strobilurins. In this review, we summarize the state of the art on biodiversity, cultivation of the fungi and bioactivities of their secondary metabolites and discuss future applications. Although the strobilurins are well-documented, with commercial applications as agrochemical fungicides, there are also other known compounds from this group that have not yet been well-studied. Polysaccharides, dihydro-citrinone phenol A acid, scalusamides, and acetylenic lactones such as xerulin, also have potential applications in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and medicinal market and should be further explored. Further studies are recommended to isolate high quality bioactive compounds and fully understand their modes of action. Given that only few species of oudemansielloid/xeruloid mushrooms have been explored for their production of secondary metabolites, these taxa represent unexplored sources of potentially useful and novel bioactive metabolites

Macrofungi as a Nutraceutical Source: Promising Bioactive Compounds and Market Value

International audienceMacrofungi production and economic value have been increasing globally. The demand for macrofungi has expanded rapidly owing to their popularity among consumers, pleasant taste, and unique flavors. The presence of high quality proteins, polysaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, triterpene sterols, and secondary metabolites makes macrofungi an important commodity. Macrofungi are well known for their ability to protect from or cure various health problems, such as immunodeficiency, cancer, inflammation, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity. Many studies have demonstrated their medicinal properties, supported by both in vivo and in vitro experimental studies, as well as clinical trials. Numerous bioactive compounds isolated from mushrooms, such as polysaccharides, proteins, fats, phenolic compounds, and vitamins, possess strong bioactivities. Consequently, they can be considered as an important source of nutraceuticals. Numerous edible mushrooms have been studied for their bioactivities, but only a few species have made it to the market. Many species remain to be explored. The converging trends and popularity of eastern herbal medicines, natural/organic food product preference, gut-healthy products, and positive outlook towards sports nutrition are supporting the growth in the medicinal mushroom market. The consumption of medicinal mushrooms as functional food or dietary supplement is expected to markedly increase in the future. The global medicinal mushroom market size is projected to increase by USD 13.88 billion from 2018 to 2022. The global market values of promising bioactive compounds, such as lentinan and lovastatin, are also expected to rise. With such a market growth, mushroom nutraceuticals hold to be very promising in the years to come

Morel Production Associated with Soil Nitrogen-Fixing and Nitrifying Microorganisms

True morels (Morchella, Pezizales) cultivated in soil are subject to complex influences from soil microbial communities. To explore the characteristics of soil microbial communities on morel cultivation, and evaluate whether these microbes are related to morel production, we collected 23 soil samples from four counties in Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces, China. Based on ITS and 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing, the alpha diversity analysis indicated that the biodiversity of morel cultivation soil showed a downward trend compared with the bare soil. The results also showed that there were no significant differences in soil microbial communities between OC (bare soil) and OO (after one-year suspension of sowing). This means that, after about one year of stopping sowing, the component and structure of soil that once cultivated morel would be restored. In co-occurrence networks, some noteworthy bacterial microbes involved in nitrogen fixation and nitrification have been identified in soils with high morel yields, such as Arthrobacter, Bradyhizobium, Devosia, Pseudarthrobacter, Pseudolabrys, and Nitrospira. In contrast, in soils with low or no morel yield, some pathogenic fungi accounted for a high proportion, including Gibberella, Microidium, Penicillium, Sarocladium, Streptomyces, and Trichoderma. This study provided valuable information for the isolation and culturing of some beneficial microbes for morel cultivation in further study and, potentially, to harness the power of the microbiome to improve morel production and health