molecular characterization

Molecular characterization of most cultivated Pleurotus species in sub-western region Nigeria with development of cost effective cultivation protocol on palm oil waste

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This study identified the types of oyster mushrooms being grown by farmers in Nigeria and found that most were being misidentified by their appearance alone. Researchers used DNA testing to correctly identify two main species: P. ostreatus and P. pulmonarius. They also discovered that using palm oil waste mixed with rice bran as growing substrate produced better yields and lower costs than traditional sawdust methods, making commercial mushroom farming more economically viable for farmers.

Screening and identifying natural products with SARS-CoV-2 infection inhibitory activity from medicinal fungi

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Researchers screened 167 extracts from 36 medicinal fungi to find natural compounds that could fight COVID-19. They discovered that certain fungi, particularly Inonotus obliquus and Pholiota adiposa, contain polysaccharides that effectively block the virus from infecting cells. These natural compounds showed promise as potential safe alternatives for developing new COVID-19 treatments and may have applications against other viral diseases.

Isolation and Identification of Postharvest Rot Pathogens in Citrus × tangelo and Their Potential Inhibition with Acidic Electrolyzed Water

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Tangelo fruits suffer from fungal rot during storage caused primarily by two fungi: Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus sydowii. Researchers tested acidic electrolyzed water (AEW), a safe and environmentally friendly treatment, and found it effectively kills these fungi by damaging their cell membranes and causing them to leak their contents. This treatment could replace harmful chemical fungicides while keeping tangelo fruits fresh and safe for consumers.

Novel acid trehalase belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 37 from Pleurotus sp.: cloning, expression and characterization

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Scientists discovered a new enzyme in Pleurotus mushrooms that breaks down trehalose, a special sugar that mushrooms use for growth and survival. This enzyme is unusual because it works in acidic conditions and belongs to a family of enzymes (GH37) that was previously thought only to contain neutral trehalases. The researchers cloned and produced this enzyme in laboratory yeast, then tested its properties to understand how it functions. This discovery helps explain how mushrooms manage their sugar metabolism during growth and decay.

Cloning and Expression Analysis of Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase Gene in the Mycelium and Fruit Body of the Edible Mushroom Flammulina velutipes

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Scientists cloned and studied a gene called PAL in the winter mushroom (Flammulina velutipes), which produces trans-cinnamic acid from phenylalanine. They found that this gene is activated differently depending on the nutrient environment and mushroom developmental stage. The gene is particularly active in the mushroom’s stem during growth, suggesting it helps produce beneficial compounds during mushroom development.

Editorial: Fungal virulence

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Fungal infections are becoming more dangerous and common worldwide, especially as climate change warms the planet. Scientists are studying how fungi develop the ability to cause disease, focusing on features like their stickiness to human tissues and ability to form protective biofilms. Recent research shows that specific proteins and growth conditions affect how dangerous different fungi are and how our immune system responds to them. Understanding these mechanisms could help doctors develop better treatments and vaccines against fungal infections.

Two new species and a new host record of Hyphomycetes associated with decaying wood in Yunnan Province, China

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Scientists discovered two new types of fungi living on decaying wood in streams and lakes in Yunnan Province, China. These fungi, named Ellisembia yuxiense and Sporidesmium ailaoshanense, were identified using both microscopic examination and DNA analysis. The researchers also found that another fungus species, Sporidesmium tropicale, can grow on pine trees, which is a new host record for this species.

Isolation, Identification, and In Vitro Fungicide Screening of the Pathogen Associated with Pear Dry Blight

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Pear dry blight is a serious fungal disease affecting pear orchards in China. Researchers identified the fungus Diaporthe fukushii as the cause and tested various fungicides to find the most effective treatments. The study found that thiophanate-methyl and difenoconazole mixed with propiconazole work best, while some other fungicides are less effective. The research provides farmers with evidence-based strategies to manage this devastating disease.

Chlorencoelia (Leotiomycetes, Helotiales, Cenangiaceae) in New Zealand

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Researchers discovered that fungi previously thought to be just two species found in New Zealand are actually three distinct species. By examining the fungi’s DNA and microscopic features, scientists identified two species new to science: Chlorencoelia australis and Chlorencoelia northlandica, plus another species originally described from Tasmania. This research shows that many fungi species thought to be widespread are actually multiple different species that look similar but are genetically distinct.

Diversity and pathogenicity of pestalotioid fungi infecting Camellia oleifera in China

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Tea oil plants in China’s Sichuan Province are being infected by three types of fungi that cause serious diseases like leaf spots and blighting. Researchers identified a new fungal species and found that two previously known species can also infect tea oil plants. All three fungi were tested for their ability to cause disease, and they successfully infected tea oil plant leaves under laboratory conditions.

Research Keyword: molecular characterization