Fungal Species:  Botryosphaeria dothidea

Ambrosia gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and their microbial symbionts as a neglected model of fungus-farming evolution

Ambrosia gall midges are tiny insects that grow plants into special structures called galls where they farm fungi as food. These midges and their fungal partners have evolved a remarkable relationship where the fungi provide nutrition and protection while the midges help the fungi spread to new plants. This system offers scientists an excellent opportunity to study how insects and fungi can evolve together and influence each other’s evolution, with potential implications for understanding how new insect species form.

Read More »

Chemical Constituents and Antimicrobial Activity of a Ganoderma lucidum Aqueous Ammonia Extract

This research explored how extracts from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum could be used to protect oak trees from harmful plant diseases. The scientists found that when combined with chitosan, the mushroom extract effectively controlled plant pathogens that threaten oak forests. This natural solution could provide an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides a sustainable way to protect valuable oak forests and ecosystems • Offers an organic alternative to synthetic fungicides in agriculture • Demonstrates new uses for traditional medicinal mushrooms • Supports environmental conservation efforts • Could help preserve dehesa ecosystems which are important for agriculture and biodiversity

Read More »
Scroll to Top