ITS region – mycolab.ai

Characterization and Virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) Isolates from Ecologically Distinct Soils Against Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

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This study identified five native fungal strains (Metarhizium anisopliae) from Taiwanese soils that can kill the tobacco caterpillar pest (Spodoptera litura). The most effective strain, PT-01, showed strong ability to infect and kill caterpillar larvae, particularly at early life stages. The research demonstrates that these fungi could be developed into environmentally-friendly pest control alternatives to chemical pesticides, protecting crops while maintaining ecosystem health.

First molecular confirmation of Lasiodiplodia theobromae causing grapevine trunk disease in southern Egypt

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Researchers in Egypt identified a fungus called Lasiodiplodia theobromae as the cause of a serious disease affecting grapevines in the southern region. Using both microscopic examination and genetic analysis, they confirmed the fungus causes dark streaking in grape vine trunks, leading to branch death and decline. When they tested the fungus on grape tissues in the laboratory, it successfully infected all tested samples, showing it is a highly virulent pathogen. The findings suggest farmers need to use disease-resistant grape varieties and implement management strategies to prevent losses.

Ascoidea xinghuacunensis sp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast species from Xinghuacun Fenjiu old workshop, Shanxi province of China

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Scientists discovered a new type of yeast called Ascoidea xinghuacunensis from a traditional Chinese liquor-making workshop in Shanxi province. This yeast is special because it can tolerate higher temperatures (37°C) than other known yeasts of its type. The discovery is significant because it marks the first time this yeast genus has been found in China and the first time it has been identified in a liquor production environment.

Molecular identification of yeast communities isolated from nail specimens by PCR-RFLP and PCR-FSP methods

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This study developed and compared two molecular methods to accurately identify different yeast species that cause nail infections. Researchers tested 269 patient samples and found that both PCR-RFLP and PCR-FSP methods were effective, with PCR-FSP being better at identifying rare yeast species. These methods help doctors identify the exact type of yeast causing infection, which is important for selecting the right antifungal medication for treatment.

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 develop in white truffle forests, comparing an established productive forest with a nearby expanding area in Tuscany, Italy. Using DNA sequencing techniques, they tracked fungi and bacteria over two years and found that the expanding area had more diverse microbial communities while the established forest showed more stable, ectomycorrhizal-dominated communities. The white truffle fungus showed unique associations with specific bacterial types, particularly species that may enhance plant growth and nutrient acquisition. These findings suggest that proper forest management practices like selective vegetation cutting can support truffle production by creating favorable conditions for beneficial microbial communities.

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 examines how microbial communities develop in white truffle forests over two years, comparing an established productive area with an adjacent newly expanding habitat. Researchers found that young expanding truffle areas have more diverse and dynamic microbial communities, while established forests show more stable but sensitive communities. The study identified specific bacteria that associate with truffle growth, providing insights into how forest management can help expand valuable white truffle habitats.

Comparative Analysis of the Mycobiomes of Two Terrestrial Isopods, Armadillidium vulgare and Spherillo obscurus

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This study compared the fungal communities living on two species of pill bugs found on Korean islands. Researchers discovered that one species, Spherillo obscurus, harbors a much more diverse and varied fungal community than the other species, Armadillidium vulgare, which is dominated by a single fungal genus. Interestingly, the type of isopod species was far more important in determining which fungi lived on them than the geographic location where they were found.

20 years of bibliometric data illustrates a lack of concordance between journal impact factor and fungal species discovery in systematic mycology

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This study analyzed 20 years of data on how many new fungal species were discovered in different scientific journals. The researchers found that journals with high impact factors (which are often considered more prestigious) did not discover more new fungal species than journals with low or no impact factors. In fact, many important new fungal discoveries were published in less prestigious journals. This suggests that using impact factor as the main way to evaluate mycologists’ research quality is misleading and that hiring committees and funding agencies should look at actual research contributions instead.

Targeted long-read sequencing analysis and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Sporothrix schenckii isolates from Thailand

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Researchers in Thailand studied a fungal infection called sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii, which infects both cats and humans. Using advanced DNA sequencing technology from Oxford Nanopore, they identified and classified 26 fungal samples and tested how well common antifungal medications worked against them. They found that calmodulin gene sequencing was better than the standard ITS test for identifying the fungus species, and that about one-third of the samples showed reduced sensitivity to the main treatment drug, itraconazole.

Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton benhamiae in a sea lion. First report

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A 13-year-old sea lion in a marine park developed ringworm-like skin lesions caused by a fungus called Trichophyton benhamiae, marking the first time this fungus has been identified in this species. Scientists identified the fungus using DNA testing and found it was resistant to common antifungal drugs, so they treated it with a combination of oral medication (terbinafine), topical ozonized oil, and a liver-protecting supplement. After three months of treatment, the sea lion’s skin healed completely.

Research Keyword: ITS region