ectomycorrhizal fungi – Page 4

Large-scale phylogenomic insights into the evolution of the Hymenochaetales

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This study examined the evolutionary history of over 1,200 species of wood-decomposing and disease-causing fungi called Hymenochaetales using genetic analysis of 171 fungal genomes. The researchers found that these fungi likely originated in temperate regions of Asia during the age of dinosaurs and gradually spread worldwide, changing their physical forms as they diversified. The research provides important insights into how major groups of fungi evolved and adapted over millions of years.

The Expanding Truffle Environment: A Study of the Microbial Dynamics in the Old Productive Site and the New Tuber magnatum Picco Habitat

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Researchers studied how microbial communities (fungi and bacteria) develop in expanding white truffle forests compared to established productive forests in Tuscany, Italy. Over two years, they found that new forest areas have more diverse and unstable microbial communities with rapid colonization by various fungi, while older forests show more stable communities dominated by truffle-associated fungi. The study reveals how forest management practices, like selective cutting, influence the balance between fungi that break down plant material and those that form beneficial relationships with tree roots, suggesting that understanding these microbial dynamics is key to successfully expanding truffle cultivation.

The Expanding Truffle Environment: A Study of the Microbial Dynamics in the Old Productive Site and the New Tuber magnatum Picco Habitat

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This study examined the microbial communities in white truffle forests in Italy, comparing an established productive forest with a nearby expanding area. Researchers found that the expanding area had more diverse fungal communities with opportunistic species like Mortierella, while the mature forest had a more stable community dominated by ectomycorrhizal fungi. The study identified specific bacteria like Sphingomonas that showed positive associations with white truffles, suggesting these microbes may play important roles in truffle development and could help guide future cultivation efforts.

Evaluating the effectiveness of Pisolithus tinctorius in enhancing the Eucalyptus’ resistance to salt stress

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Scientists isolated a beneficial fungus called Pisolithus tinctorius that can help eucalyptus trees survive in salty soil. When seedlings were treated with this fungus, they grew much better and were more resistant to salt stress compared to untreated plants. This discovery could help restore salt-damaged lands and make eucalyptus plantations more productive in challenging environments.

Mycelial communities associated with Ostrya carpinifolia, Quercus pubescens and Pinus nigra in a patchy Sub-Mediterranean Karst woodland

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This research studied how fungi living in soil connect to different tree roots in a rocky Mediterranean forest in Slovenia. Scientists found that different tree species have their own preferred fungal partners, though some fungi work with multiple trees. The fungi with longer connections through soil were more common under pine trees, while fungi with shorter reach were more common under oak and hornbeam trees.

LC/MS- and GC/MS-based metabolomic profiling to determine changes in flavor quality and bioactive components of Phlebopus portentosus under low-temperature storage

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This research examines what happens to black bolete mushrooms when stored in the refrigerator. Scientists used advanced chemical analysis to track how the mushroom’s flavor and nutritional compounds change over a two-week period. They discovered that an earthy smell compound called geosmin builds up during storage, which affects how the mushroom tastes. The findings suggest that cold storage alone is not ideal, and better preservation methods need to be developed.

Large-scale phylogenomic insights into the evolution of the Hymenochaetales

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Scientists studied the evolutionary history of a large group of wood-decaying fungi called Hymenochaetales using genetic information from 171 different fungal species. They discovered that these fungi likely originated in temperate regions of Asia around 167 million years ago and gradually spread worldwide. The research reveals how these fungi changed shape and form over millions of years and shows they are still diversifying today.

An experimental approach to study foraging memory in ectomycorrhizal mycelium

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Researchers tested whether mushroom fungi can remember where they found food by exposing fungal cultures to pea nutrients and then transferring them to fresh medium to see if they would grow toward where the food had been. The fungi did not show this memory behavior, but the study revealed that chemical compounds from the peas influenced fungal growth patterns. This work provides valuable tools and insights for studying how fungi perceive and respond to their environment, emphasizing the importance of publishing negative results to advance scientific understanding.

Newly Designed Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Probes Reveal Previously Unknown Endophytic Abilities of Tuber magnatum in Herbaceous Plants

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Scientists discovered that Italian white truffles (Tuber magnatum) can live inside the roots of common herbaceous plants like sedges, not just the oak and poplar trees where they are typically found. Using special fluorescent probes and advanced microscopy, researchers confirmed the presence of active truffle threads inside these plants, particularly in spring. This discovery challenges our understanding of how truffles interact with their environment and may explain why truffle cultivation has been difficult, suggesting they employ more diverse survival strategies than previously thought.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus collinitus (Suillaceae, Boletales)

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Scientists have successfully sequenced the complete genetic code of a mushroom species called Suillus collinitus, which forms important partnerships with pine trees. This mushroom’s mitochondrial genome is about 77,700 base pairs long and contains genes necessary for cellular energy production. The study reveals that this species belongs to the Boletales group of fungi and provides valuable genetic information that can help researchers better understand fungal evolution and relationships.

Research Keyword: ectomycorrhizal fungi