fungal diversity – Page 7

The power of citizen science to advance fungal conservation

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Fungi are incredibly diverse organisms with important ecological roles, but most remain poorly studied and unprotected. Citizen science projects, which engage the general public in scientific research, are proving to be powerful tools for collecting fungal data across large geographic areas and long time periods. By training volunteers to identify and document fungi, projects on platforms like iNaturalist have gathered millions of observations that help scientists understand where fungi live, how common they are, and which species need protection.

Insights into microbiome-triterpenoid correlation in Poria cocos via comparative analysis of sclerotial and soil microenvironments

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This study explores how the medicinal mushroom Poria cocos creates its own special microbial environment inside its sclerotium (the part used in medicine). Researchers found that the mushroom selectively enriches certain bacteria and fungi while maintaining lower overall microbial diversity compared to surrounding soil. The study reveals that specific microbes like Burkholderia and Scytalidium are positively associated with the production of pachymic acid, the mushroom’s key medicinal compound with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties.

Diverse, Cryptic, and Undescribed: Club and Coral Fungi in a Temperate Australian Forest

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Researchers surveyed mushroom-like fungi called club and coral fungi in a small Australian forest and used DNA testing to identify the species. They found that about 89% of the fungi they discovered were either new species or not yet recorded in scientific databases. This shows that even in a small area, there are many fungal species we have not yet discovered or properly studied.

First DNA Barcoding Survey in Bulgaria Unveiled Huge Diversity of Yeasts in Insects

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Researchers conducted the first comprehensive survey of yeasts living in insect guts across Bulgarian national parks. Using DNA analysis, they discovered over 100 yeast strains, nearly half of which were previously unknown to science. The study reveals that insects are natural homes to diverse yeast species and serve as vectors for spreading yeasts in nature, some of which can cause human infections. This research highlights how much remains to be discovered about microorganisms in less-studied regions of the world.

Taxonomic Study of Sixteen Unrecorded and Five New Species of Hypocreales from the Korean Marine Environment

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Researchers in South Korea discovered 21 previously unknown species of fungi living in marine environments like ocean sediments and seaweed. They identified 5 completely new species and 16 species that had never been recorded in Korea before. These fungi belong to a group called Hypocreales that can be found in various ocean habitats and may have potential uses in medicine and agriculture.

Mycobiome of low maintenance iconic landscape plant boxwood under repeated treatments of contact and systemic fungicides

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This study examined how different fungicide treatments affect the beneficial and harmful fungi living on boxwood plants. Researchers found that repeated applications of chlorothalonil-based fungicides reduced many beneficial fungi while having minimal effect on harmful pathogens, and that fungi became less sensitive to the same fungicide over time. The findings suggest that choosing the right fungicide and application method is important for maintaining plant health and preventing fungicide resistance.

Diversity of Fungal Genera Associated with Shot-Hole Disease in Cherry Blossoms Across Korea

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Cherry blossom trees in Korea are commonly affected by shot-hole disease, which causes holes in leaves and reduces flowering. Researchers found that four different fungi cause this disease, not just one as previously thought: Alternaria, Diaporthe, Epicoccum, and Botryosphaeria. The types of fungi vary by region and between urban and rural areas, suggesting different management strategies may be needed in different locations.

Morphological and molecular identification of endophytic fungi from roots of epiphyte orchid Aerides odorata Lour in Sabah

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Scientists studied fungi living inside the roots of a rare fragrant orchid called Aerides odorata. Using advanced microscopy and DNA analysis, they identified seven different types of fungi that help the orchid absorb nutrients and grow. These fungi form special structures called pelotons inside the plant’s root cells. This research helps scientists understand how to better grow and protect endangered orchids.

Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China

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Scientists discovered three new species of Talaromyces fungi in soil samples from China. These fungi are important because they can break down plant material for industrial use and produce compounds with medical value, though some related species can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems. The researchers identified these new species by studying their physical characteristics and comparing their DNA sequences to known species.

The influence of car traffic on airborne fungal diversity in Tianjin, China

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This study examined how car traffic affects fungal spores in the air in Tianjin, China. Researchers found that during rush hours when traffic was heaviest, there were more fungal spores in the air, particularly species that cause allergies and respiratory problems like asthma. The findings suggest that reducing car traffic could help improve air quality and reduce health risks from airborne fungal exposure in cities.

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