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High-Throughput Sequencing Uncovers Fungal Community Succession During Morchella sextelata Development

Summary

Scientists studied how fungal communities in soil change as morel mushrooms grow through different stages. They found that while beneficial fungi that break down organic matter are always present, dangerous disease-causing fungi increase significantly during the fruiting stage when mushrooms are ready to harvest. Understanding these changes helps farmers better manage soil and prevent diseases to get better harvests.

Background

Morchella sextelata is a valuable edible and medicinal fungus with unique nutritional properties. Artificial cultivation technology remains immature with issues including unstable yield and disease management challenges. Soil microbial communities play crucial roles in mushroom growth and development.

Objective

This study investigated the correlation between soil fungal communities and the growth and development of Morchella sextelata across different cultivation stages. The goal was to analyze fungal community structure, diversity, and functional roles to optimize cultivation techniques and disease prevention strategies.

Results

Fungal diversity was highest in bare soil and significantly decreased after planting. Ascomycota dominated throughout all stages with dynamic abundance changes. At the genus level, Morchella dominated in LS and LC stages (43.48% and 41.61%), while Paecilomyces dominated in LY stage (27.12%). Pathogenic fungi increased significantly from 0.06% in LS to 41.41% in LC stage.

Conclusion

The study revealed stage-specific changes in soil fungal communities during Morchella sextelata cultivation, with increased pathogenic fungi during fruiting stages indicating higher disease risk. Saprotrophic fungi predominated throughout cultivation, while pathotrophs gradually increased. These findings provide insights for optimizing cultivation techniques and implementing targeted disease prevention strategies.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11050364, PMID: 40422698
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