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Your Daily Dispatch from the Fungal Frontier.

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Research

Peer-reviewed papers, preprints, and academic mycology.

Journal of Fungi (MDPI)

JoF, Vol. 12, Pages 386: Unveiling Species Diversity Within Early-Diverging Fungi from China XIV: Five New Species of Mucorales

Researchers identified five new Mucorales species from soil samples in China's Guangdong and Anhui provinces. The species—two Cunninghamella and three Mucor—were characterized using morphological traits and molecular phylogenetics across multiple gene sequences. The discoveries bring the total accepted species count to 49 for Cunninghamella and 163 for Mucor.

Fungal Biology (Elsevier)

Biodiversity, phylogeny, thermotolerance and biocontrol traits of novel Trichoderma isolates from Brazil’s Caatinga biome

Researchers isolated and characterized novel Trichoderma species from Brazil's Caatinga biome, evaluating their biodiversity, phylogenetic relationships, thermotolerance, and potential as biocontrol agents. The study examined traits relevant to agricultural applications in the region's climate conditions.

Journal of Fungi (MDPI)

JoF, Vol. 12, Pages 381: Investigating the Genetic and Molecular Basis of Melanin and Edible Quality in Auricularia cornea

Researchers analyzed 138 strains of Auricularia cornea to map genetic and molecular links between melanin content and texture qualities like hardness and chewiness. Genome-wide association analysis identified thousands of SNP loci and 39 genes related to food quality, including lacquer enzyme and tyrosinase genes that regulate melanin synthesis while influencing cell wall structure and eating properties.

Journal of Fungi (MDPI)

JoF, Vol. 12, Pages 382: Non-Target Effects of Trichoderma Spore Suspensions and Secondary Metabolites on Phytoseiid Predatory Mites

A study of two Trichoderma species found that their spore suspensions and secondary metabolites had minimal impact on egg hatchability in three predatory mite species used for pest control, but caused moderate to elevated adult mortality over six days, with secondary metabolites producing greater effects. Researchers recommend evaluating Trichoderma product compatibility with beneficial mites before integrated pest management use.

Fungal Biology (Elsevier)

Phosphorus availability influences potassium chemistries in the ectomycorrhizal fungi Pisolithus tinctorius and Paxillus ammoniavirescens

A study found that phosphorus availability affects how two ectomycorrhizal fungi species regulate potassium chemistry. The research examined *Pisolithus tinctorius* and *Paxillus ammoniavirescens*, comparing their potassium-related processes under varying phosphorus conditions. Results suggest nutrient interactions play a role in how these fungi manage mineral chemistry.

Fungal Biology (Elsevier)

DSE-like fungal endophytes of Jurassic gymnosperms from Poland

Researchers identified dark septate endophyte-like fungi colonizing gymnosperm fossils from the Jurassic period in Poland. The findings, published in Fungal Biology, suggest that fungal endophytism in plant tissues dates back at least to the Jurassic era. The study examined preserved fungal structures within ancient plant material to characterize these early symbiotic relationships.

Fungal Biology (Elsevier)

Analysis of the lignin-degrading mechanism of Acrophialophora curvata and optimization of the conditions for its straw degradation

Researchers examined how *Acrophialophora curvata* breaks down lignin and identified optimal conditions for the fungus to degrade straw. The study, published in *Fungal Biology* in June 2026, was conducted by Lu, Zhang, Qu, and colleagues. The work characterizes both the mechanism of lignin degradation and practical parameters for enhancing straw decomposition by this fungal species.

Fungal Biology (Elsevier)

Comparative analysis of morphology, physiology, biochemistry and virulence in microsclerotia-derived and aerial conidia of Metarhizium brunneum

Researchers compared microsclerotia-derived and aerial conidia of *Metarhizium brunneum*, an entomopathogenic fungus, across morphological, physiological, biochemical, and virulence characteristics. The study was published in Fungal Biology in June 2026 by Romero-Conde and colleagues.

Fungal Biology (Elsevier)

Assessing the antifungal resistance of synthesized tannic acid-modified silver nanoparticles against Aspergillus niger isogenic mutants

Researchers synthesized silver nanoparticles modified with tannic acid and tested their antifungal effectiveness against different *Aspergillus niger* mutant strains. The study, published in *Fungal Biology*, examined how these nanoparticles perform against fungal resistance mechanisms. Results indicate varying susceptibility across the tested mutant isolates.

Fungal Biology (Elsevier)

Rediscovery of “Gloeocystis-Halbflechte” after 84 years revealed an independent lineage of ascomycetes harboured in gelatinous algal biofilms

Researchers rediscovered a fungal species not documented in 84 years, finding it represents an independent lineage of ascomycetes living within gelatinous algal biofilms. The work was published in Fungal Biology in June 2026 by a Japanese research team led by Takato Moriyama. The findings expand understanding of fungal diversity in algal associations.

Fungal Biology (Elsevier)

Exploring the biotechnological potential of Candida boidinii XM02G: High xylitol production efficiency and high tolerance to inhibitory compounds

Researchers studied the yeast *Candida boidinii* XM02G for its ability to produce xylitol, a sugar alcohol with industrial applications. The strain demonstrated high xylitol production efficiency and tolerance to inhibitory compounds that typically interfere with fermentation processes. The findings suggest potential biotechnological applications for this organism in xylitol manufacturing.