metabarcoding – mycolab.ai

Mechanisms and impacts of Agaricus urinascens fairy rings on plant diversity and microbial communities in a montane Mediterranean grassland

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Fairy rings created by the mushroom Agaricus urinascens dramatically transform Mediterranean grasslands. These fungal rings create zones of dead plants and altered soil conditions, killing vegetation and reducing plant species diversity by 40% at the fungal front. The fungi coat their mycelium with calcium oxalate crystals and create water-repellent soil conditions that essentially drown plants by preventing water absorption, ultimately favoring fast-growing grasses over diverse wildflower communities.

From seagrass roots to saline soils: discovery of two new genera in Lulworthiales (Sordariomycetes) from osmotically stressed habitats

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Scientists discovered two completely new types of fungi living in unusual salty environments. One fungus was found living inside seagrass roots near Mauritius, while the other was discovered in salt-affected soils in the Czech Republic. Using DNA analysis and microscopy, researchers confirmed these are entirely new species that belong to a group of fungi specially adapted to salty environments. This discovery shows that these salt-loving fungi are more widespread and diverse than previously thought.

Metabarcoding Unveils Seasonal Soil Microbiota Shifts and Their Influence on Boletus edulis and Boletus reticulatus Mycelium in Quercus robur Stands

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This research studied how soil bacteria and fungi change across fall months in oak forests in Spain and how these changes relate to the growth of valuable edible mushrooms (Boletus species). Scientists used DNA analysis to identify thousands of different microorganisms in the soil. They found that September had the most diverse microbial communities, October showed a decline, and November saw partial recovery. Importantly, Boletus mycelium showed different patterns of growth depending on the month and was associated with specific beneficial bacteria and fungi.

The Role of Community Science in DNA-Based Biodiversity Monitoring

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Scientists and the general public are working together to monitor biodiversity using DNA-based methods. These collaborations allow researchers to collect data across wider geographic areas and longer time periods than traditional monitoring alone. Community participants, especially hobby experts and nature enthusiasts, help collect samples and contribute to building the genetic reference databases needed to identify species. Recognition and training of volunteers enhances both data quality and participant satisfaction.

Pomegranate Woody Mycobiota Associated with Wood Decay

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Pomegranate trees in Italy are suffering from a wood disease that causes cankers and browning of the wood, leading to plant death and crop loss. Researchers identified multiple fungal species responsible for this disease, with Neofusicoccum parvum and Diaporthe species being the main culprits. Cold winter temperatures appear to weaken trees, making them susceptible to these fungal infections. Using advanced DNA analysis along with traditional methods, scientists confirmed which fungi cause the most damage and how the disease develops.

Diversity and Ecology of Fungi from Underexplored and Extreme Environments

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This editorial introduces a special issue on fungi that survive in harsh environments like deserts, salty water, polar regions, and polluted sites. Scientists are discovering that these remarkable fungi can help clean up contaminated soil, support plant growth under stress, and may have pharmaceutical uses. The research brings together classical mycology with modern genetic techniques to unlock the untapped potential of these extreme-environment fungi.

Fungal Assemblages in Northern Elms—Impacts of Host Identity and Health, Growth Environment, and Presence of Dutch Elm Disease

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This study examined the different fungi living in elm tree shoots to understand why some elm species are more resistant to Dutch elm disease than others. Researchers found that healthy elms host fewer fungal species compared to diseased trees, and that fungal communities differ significantly between elm species and urban versus rural locations. Importantly, a fungus called Sphaeropsis ulmicola appears to be a significant emerging threat to elms in northern Europe, separate from the classic Dutch elm disease pathogen.

Airborne Fungal Spore Diversity Assessment Using Culture-Dependent and Metabarcoding Approaches in Bat-Inhabited Natural and Anthropogenic Roosts in Portugal

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Researchers studied fungal diversity in bat caves across Portugal using two methods: growing fungi in labs and analyzing DNA from air samples. They found over 280 different types of fungi, with some being common decomposers and others potentially harmful to human health. The study revealed that bat activity and human visits significantly influence which fungi live in caves, highlighting the importance of protecting these unique underground ecosystems.

Detection of Pestalotiopsis abbreviata sp. nov., the Causal Agent of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Blight on Camellia japonica Based on Metagenomic Analysis

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Researchers discovered a new fungal species called Pestalotiopsis abbreviata that causes leaf disease on Camellia japonica, an ornamental tree popular in Korea. Instead of using traditional time-consuming laboratory methods, they used advanced genetic sequencing (metagenomic analysis) to quickly identify the fungus among hundreds of other microbes living on the tree leaves. This new approach is faster and more accurate than old methods, making it easier to monitor and manage plant diseases in the future.

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.

Research Keyword: metabarcoding