Asian Journal of Mycology

Effects of caffeic acid and hispidin on the light emission intensity of mycelia and luminescent systems of the Neonothopanus nambi and Armillaria borealis basidiomycetes

2026-05-19T20:53:26+07:00

The past decade has seen major advances in research of fungal bioluminescence; however, some biochemical aspects of this phenomenon remain insufficiently understood and need to be studied more thoroughly. In fungi, caffeic acid is a precursor to hispidin, and hispidin, in turn, is a precursor to fungal luciferin. The aim of this work was to study the effects of caffeic acid and hispidin on the intensity of fungal bioluminescence in vivo and in vitro. In vivo experiments demonstrated that caffeic acid stimulates luminescence of mycelia in the basidiomycetes Neonothopanus nambi and Armillaria borealis, increasing the intensity of light emission by at least one order of magnitude. The rapid increase in the level of luminescence in mycelia upon the addition of caffeic acid suggests that this compound interacts with extracellular fungal enzymes, which are located on the surface or within the surface structures of the basidiomycete cell wall. It is hypothesized that the activation of fungal luminescence in vivo may be caused by the oxidation of caffeic acid by ligninolytic oxidases of basidiomycetes (peroxidases, in particular), resulting in the generation of visible light quanta. In contrast, the in vivo study showed that the addition of hispidin, a known precursor of luciferin in the light emission reaction in higher fungi, did not change the level of light emission in N. nambi and A. borealis mycelia. In vitro experiments demonstrated that caffeic acid did not affect the intensity of light emission in the enzymatic luminescent systems extracted from N. nambi and A. borealis mycelia in the presence of NADPH, and considerably inhibited NADPH-hispidin-activated light emission in these systems. Results obtained in the current study give new insights into the mechanisms of light emission in higher fungi and suggest that generation of visible light quanta in basidiomycetes can occur via different biochemical pathways, involving various enzymes and substrates.

Emerging Sources of Glycosaminoglycans: Can Fungi Be the New Alternative?

2026-02-24T18:01:45+07:00

Glycosaminoglycans are polysaccharides, widely studied for their medicinal properties such as anticoagulant, antitumor and immunomodulatory as well as for their applications in cosmetic products. Although GAGs have traditionally been sourced from animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and marine organisms, evidence suggests that some fungi can also produce GAGs or GAG-like compounds, expanding the potential resources. Given the high market value of GAGs and their wide industrial applications, the limited supply from current sources is insufficient to meet global demand including non-animal, vegetarian or vegan products. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrence, structural diversity, and health benefits of both animal and fungal GAGs. It examines their potential uses in medicine, nutraceuticals, and biotechnology, while highlighting market trends, future prospects, and research gaps. By highlighting the role of fungi as renewable and versatile GAG producers, this work offers a new perspective on sustainable alternatives to traditional animal-based production systems.

Cultivation of Trametes versicolor on supplemented agro-forestry wastes and characterization of growth parameters and evaluation of antioxidant activity

2026-02-24T18:24:50+07:00

Trametes versicolor (turkey tail) is one of the wild medicinal mushrooms, and the most important of all medicinal mushrooms. No attempt had been made in Iran to cultivate this precious mushroom. T. versicolor was collected from the Hyrcanian forest area in the north of Iran. Sawdust 90% + Wheat Bran 10% substrate formulation showed better results in terms of spawn run period, Primordial initiation, total cultivation period, and days for the first harvest, which recorded values of 21.7±1, 24.3±1, 39.7±2, and 29.7±4, respectively. However, better yield performance and biological efficiency were recorded in Sawdust 70% + Wheat Bran 30% substrate formulation (S10) with values of 159±4 g/kg and 45.5±1%, respectively. The substrate moisture content was 65%, and the relative humidity and temperature in the fruiting body room were maintained at 80-90% and 24±1, respectively. The results showed that the highest values of TPC (total phenolic content) and TFC (total flavonoid content) among fruiting bodies harvested from 13 various substrates were recorded in S10, with values of 78±1 and 14.76±2 mg QE/g DW, respectively. Subsequently, the highest DPPH free radical scavenging (antioxidant activity) was recorded in the same medium, with an IC50 of 24.28±1 µg/mL. These findings demonstrate significant potential for using local waste for the production of medicinal mushrooms, as well as for T. versicolor extract as a natural source of antioxidant(s) and/or radical scavengers, which could eventually be used as medicinal compounds or food supplements in the treatment of diseases.

Substrate formulation and cultivation trials of Laetiporus sulphureus from tropical northern Thailand

2026-02-26T18:19:05+07:00

Laetiporus sulphureus is a globally distributed polypore fungus valued for its culinary, medicinal, and biotechnological applications. Despite its economic potential, this species remains notably under-domesticated, and almost no cultivation protocols exist for tropical regions. In northern Thailand, L. sulphureus is rare and seasonal, and is harvested exclusively from the wild, highlighting the need for reliable cultivation methods. This study provides the first systematic assessment of substrate suitability for Thai strains of L. sulphureus using both hardwood logs (mango, para rubber, and castanopsis) and para-rubber sawdust across 12 substrate formulations. Two strains (MFLUCC 12-0546 and MFLUCC 12-0547) were successfully propagated on sorghum grains, producing highquality spawn. Log cultivation resulted in limited and transient colonization in Castanopsis, with no fruiting after six months. In contrast, sawdust-bag cultivation revealed clear substrate-dependent performance: formulas F11 and F12 supported rapid and complete colonization and induced primordia formation, whereas nutrient-poor formulas (F1–F5) failed to support growth. Although mature fruiting bodies were not obtained, this study identifies the first substrate formulations capable of initiating reproductive development, including primordia formation, in Thai L. sulphureus strains and it provides quantitative baseline data on colonization behavior under tropical conditions. These findings highlight the species’ sensitivity to substrate composition, nutrient balance, and environmental triggers such as temperature and humidity. The study establishes foundational parameters for future optimization and represents a critical step toward domestication of L. sulphureus in Southeast Asia, with potential long-term benefits for local mushroom production and commercial diversification.

Identification of foliose lichens and antibacterial screening of Parmotrema neopustulatum collected from communal forest in Shilan, La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines

2026-05-19T19:37:36+07:00

Lichens are symbiotic organisms composed of a mycobiont and a photobiont of either algae or cyanobacteria. Despite the reported 1,262 lichen species in the Philippines, the biodiversity and bioactivity of lichens in some areas of the Philippines remained understudied. In this study, we collected foliose lichens from a communal forest in Shilan, La Trinidad Benguet, Philippines, and subjected them to morphological and chemical analysis. A total of 19 lichen species were identified belonging to six genera, including Bulbothrix, Crocodia, Heterodermia, Hypotrachyna, Parmotrema, and Relicina. Specifically, Parmotrema neopustulatum, the most collected lichen thalli by mass, was extracted using ethyl acetate and was evaluated for its antibacterial properties against ESKAPE pathogens via paper-disk diffusion assay. The crude extract exhibited inhibitory activity against Enterobacter aerogenes, with a 13 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI). It also inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (18 mm ZOI), Klebsiella pneumoniae (21 mm ZOI), Acinetobacter baumannii (17 mm ZOI), and Enterococcus faecalis (16 mm ZOI). Based on ThinLayer Chromatography (TLC), the extract contained aldehydes, alkaloids, cardenolides, essential oils, indoles, and sugars. This study addresses research gaps in Philippine lichenology, confirms the diversity of understudied foliose lichen species in some regions of the country such as La Trinidad, Benguet, and affirms that lichens are a potential source of bioactive secondary metabolites.

The recycling potential of various local lignocellulosic residues for the cultivation of Pleurotus nebrodensis (Inzenga) Quél.

2026-05-19T17:02:25+07:00

Various lignocellulosic waste products, generated from agricultural harvesting, present significant environmental challenges in terms of their use and disposal. The cultivation of mushrooms offers a cost−effective biotechnological method to recycle these lignocellulosic residues. This study aimed to assess the suitability of local lignocellulosic residues for the cultivation of P. nebrodensis, a relatively new species in mushroom cultivation. The study measured several parameters: spawn colonization periods (15.7−17.0 days), initiation of the first primordia (38.7−41.3 days), total harvest periods (77.3−83.3 days), and total yields (6.7−10.5 g/100 g) for P. nebrodensis grown on bean pods (BP), a mixture of bean pods and chickpea pods (BP−CP, 1:1), and a mixture of bean pods and wheat straw (BP−WS, 1:1). While there were no statistically significant differences in the first primordia initiation period, first harvest period, total harvest period, or second yield, significant differences were observed in spawn colonization period, first yield, second primordia initiation period, and total yields. These findings suggest that exploring less costly and more readily available alternative substrates, such as BP, CP, and WS wastes, could be advantageous for P. nebrodensis production. In conclusion, there is a need for further research on the cultivation of P. nebrodensis using various agricultural wastes, given its emerging status among cultivated mushrooms.

Additions to Memnoniella Species (Stachybotryaceae) Associated with Bidens pilosa and Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) in Northern Thailand and Their Potential Antibacterial Properties

2026-05-19T16:42:23+07:00

Memnoniella species were isolated from Bidens pilosa and Chromolaena odorata in northern Thailand. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of the combined dataset of ITS, tef1-α, rpb2 and tub2 were conducted to confirm their taxonomic placement within Memnoniella. Updated phylogenetic analyses, together with detailed descriptions, and illustrations of the isolates are also presented. Based on the morphology and multi-gene phylogeny, Memnoniella chromolaenae, M. oblongispora, and M. longistipitata are synonymized under M. levispora. Additionally, we introduced M. asteracearum (MFLUCC 25-0166) as a new species and reported a new host record of M. levispora. This study also provides preliminarily evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Memnoniella species against three bacterial pathogens: Bacillus subtilis (TISTR 1248), Staphylococcus aureus (TISTR Y4b), and Escherichia coli (TISTR 527), revealing the strongest activity observed against B. subtilis (TISTR 1248). In addition, our study contributes to expand the understanding of weed-associated saprobic fungal diversity by documenting Memnoniella species on Bidens pilosa and Chromolaena odorata.

Antagonistic Activities of Fungal Endophytes from Rhizophora mucronata Lamk. against Fusarium oxysporum Under Altered Nutrient Levels

2026-05-19T16:15:43+07:00

Mangrove ecosystems harbor diverse fungal endophytes that are increasingly recognized as sources of bioactive metabolites with potential applications in sustainable agriculture. However, their antagonistic roles against phytopathogens under variable environmental conditions remain poorly understood. This study investigated the antagonistic activities of 16 fungal endophytes isolated from the mangrove Rhizophora mucronata against the fungal phytopathogen Fusarium oxysporum. These mangrove fungal endophytes, representing the genera Pestalotiopsis, Neopestalotiopsis, and Pseudopestalotiopsis, were isolated from both disturbed and undisturbed mangrove ecosystems and evaluated for antifungal activities using a dual culture assay. Our results revealed diverse antagonistic interactions, with Types C (inhibition upon contact) and E (mutual inhibition with subsequent overgrowth) being the most frequently observed, occurring in 9 of the 16 mangrove fungal endophytic isolates. Interaction Types B (mutual inhibition upon contact or at a distance) and D (mutual inhibition between fungi at a distance with clear zones larger than 2 mm) were also observed among the tested mangrove fungal endophytic isolates. The percent inhibition of F. oxysporum by the mangrove fungal endophytes ranged from 68% to 86%, with Pseudopestalotiopsis sp. isolated from undisturbed sites displaying the highest antagonism. We further examined these interactions under altered phosphate and zinc concentrations in the growth medium. Low phosphate levels enhanced fungal inhibition, promoting Type C interactions, whereas elevated phosphate concentrations reduced antagonism, shifting interactions toward Type E. Modifications to zinc concentration produced more consistent inhibitory effects, with interactions primarily classified as Types C and E. These findings suggest that environmental factors, particularly mineral availability, play a critical role in shaping the antagonistic potential of mangrove fungal endophytes against phytopathogens, underscoring their promise as sustainable biocontrol agents.

Mycelial growth and basidiocarp production of edible mushrooms on coconut waste-based substrates

2026-02-11T14:17:11+07:00

Edible mushrooms are primarily cultivated for culinary purposes using agricultural waste. However, in some areas, these materials may not be readily available. This study explores the potential of coconut wastes as a substrate for mycelial growth and basidiocarp production in edible mushrooms. Coconut water from young and mature coconuts was used to assess mycelial growth performance, while coconut pulp was tested for its efficiency as a spawning material. For fruiting body production, varying formulations of rice straw and coconut coir dust were evaluated to identify the most suitable substrate for optimal productivity. Results revealed that Cyclocybe cylindracea, Pleurotus djamor, Pleurotus florida, and Pleurotus sajor-caju preferred mature coconut water gelatin. The mycelial growth of P. florida was optimal in media with a pH of 5–6, whereas the other species exhibited a broader pH tolerance. Coconut pulp demonstrated a comparable mycelial diameter to rice seeds as a spawning material. All the mushrooms favored substrates with a higher proportion of rice straw, as evidenced by a shorter incubation period and primordia initiation, larger cap sizes, and higher yields and biological efficiency. These findings highlight the efficiency of coconut wastes as viable alternative substrates for mushroom cultivation, demonstrating that optimal fruiting body production can be achieved with the appropriate substrate ratio.

A checklist of myxomycetes from Kazakhstan

2026-01-12T18:02:09+07:00

This paper presents an annotated checklist of myxomycetes recorded from Kazakhstan, comprising 193 species accepted according to the current taxonomy. The checklist synthesizes data from a comprehensive evaluation of 26 relevant publications; species mentioned in these sources were treated as records unless explicitly referencing primary data of another study. Among the major vegetation zones, mountain coniferous forests where most diverse (115 taxa recorded), followed by forest steppe (87), semidesert (71), extra zonal forests in steppe (69), steppe (49), desert (48), and open mountain (25) biomes. Decaying wood was the most frequently reported substrate (157 records), closely followed by plant litter (155). Bark of living trees and shrubs (99) was also important, while living mosses (24) and dung (28) supported fewer, yet often highly specialized, species. Field surveys yielded 109 species, but an additional 48 species were detected via the moist chamber culture technique. Only 36 species were recovered at least once by both methods. These findings demonstrate that field surveys and moist chamber cultures complement each other, recovering distinct species assemblages. The latter method proved to be essential for detecting minute species, particularly those inhabiting desert environments.

Indian Myxomycetes: A comprehensive review and future prospects

2025-12-08T12:23:26+07:00

Myxomycetes, commonly called slime molds or plasmodial slime molds, are a unique group of protists combining features of both protozoans and fungi. Nearly 535 species have been recorded from India, reflecting its remarkable diversity for this group of organisms. Although earlier reviews have largely emphasized taxonomy, comparatively little focus has been placed on ecological, cultural, and applied aspects of myxomycetes. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive synthesis of Indian contributions, integrating taxonomic, ecological, experimental, and applied perspectives, and highlights emerging research directions and future prospects in the field.

Trends on Biocontrol Potential of Metarhizium: A Bibliometric Analysis

2026-01-03T08:12:33+07:00

Metarhizium is widely recognized as an entomopathogenic fungus with a natural ability to control insects and pests. It has the dual ability to act as a biopesticide and a significant plant growth promoter. This bibliometric analysis was conducted to study global research trends on Metarhizium biocontrol from 2001 to 2024, based on the 772 publications indexed in the Scopus database. VOSviewer and the R Bibliometrix package have been used to examine publication trends, citation patterns, influential authors, journals, institutions, and international collaborations. The results show consistent research productivity with an annual growth rate of 7.6%, which has significantly increased after 2015. The analysis revealed that the highly cited studies are focused on host-pathogen interactions, comparative genomics, and ecological safety of Metarhizium species. Countries like China, Brazil, and the United States are the global centers, while India, Spain, and Kenya are the emerging contributors to the Metarhizium biocontrol research. In recent years, the research themes have evolved from taxonomy and pathogenicity studies (2001–2005) to molecular biology, applied pest management for integrated pest management strategies. The analysis reveals strong global progress, however, gaps remain at the stages of formulation stability, field-level trials under diverse climatic conditions, and non-target ecological safety. The integration of advanced genomics with formulation technology and improving international collaborations are vital to enhancing the practical use of Metarhizium species for eco-friendly biocontrol. This study presents the first comprehensive bibliometric mapping of biocontrol research using Metarhizium species over a 24-year period, providing valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to inform future innovations in biological pest control.

Developing a modified mycological culture medium for Malassezia furfur by supplementing sabouraud dextrose agar with extracted lipid oil from egg yolk

2025-12-13T06:08:49+07:00

Malassezia furfur (M. furfur) is a lipophilic yeast that is associated with a variety of superficial and systemic dermatological conditions, including pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic eczema. Though it’s a clinically important etiological agent, in vitro research has been insufficient due to a lack of convenient culture media to isolate and subculture the organism. This study was aimed at developing a modified mycological culture medium for M. furfur by supplementing sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) with extracted lipid oil from egg yolk. Malassezia furfur was isolated from Pityriasis versicolor patients attending Teaching Hospital Jaffna, in SDA with ghee (10%) media, and its presence was confirmed using microscopic, macroscopic, and biochemical examinations. Egg yolk oil was extracted by the solvent extraction method. SDA culture plates with different volumes of egg yolk oil (2x, x, x/2, x/4, x/8, and x/16; x refers to egg yolk oil extracted from one egg yolk) were streaked with confirmed colonies of M. furfur and incubated at 32 °C. Additionally, the optimal growth temperature and the impact of additives such as Na₂HPO₄, NaCl, and MgSO₄ were evaluated. Growth level (5-point scale), isolation, and isolated colony size (mm) were taken on the 3^rd and 5^th days of incubation. Furthermore, the growth of M. furfur in the modified culture medium, incorporating all optimized conditions, was assessed and compared with traditional agar formulations like SDA and SDA supplemented with ghee. The isolated colony size was reported as the mean and standard deviation (SD), and the data were subjected to examination by analysis of variance (ANOVA) (P<0.05) followed by Tukey’s test (α = 0.05) by using software, SPSS Statistics version 21.0. The volume of oil extracted from one egg yolk and the yield in percentage of oil were 2 mL and 33.33 % respectively. Among the tested concentrations of egg yolk lipid oil, the x/8 was selected as the minimal volume required for optimal growth of M. furfur. The organism exhibited optimal growth at 32 °C. Furthermore, supplementation with Na₂HPO₄, NaCl, and MgSO₄ significantly enhanced growth. In the comparative study, the modified culture medium demonstrated better performance compared to the other existing culture media.

AJOM new records and collections of fungi: 201–250

2026-01-29T14:07:16+07:00

This article is the fourth in the Asian Journal of Mycology Notes series, enabling researchers to report 50 new fungal collections, including fungus-host and fungus-taxa. Herewith, we report the distribution of taxa in two phyla (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota), four classes (Dothideomycetes, Leotiomycetes, Sordariomycetes, and Agaricomycetes), 18 orders, and 30 families. The present study provides descriptions and illustrations for six new species (Amniculicola yunnanensis, Melanographium reniforme, Mucispora yunnanensis, Neomassaria yunnanensis, Neoarthrinium bambusae, and Tryblidiopsis xizangensis), 19 new records, 19 new host records, and five new host and geographical records. This article aims to enhance knowledge of novel fungi, their host occurrence, and geography reports. Comprehensive descriptions, illustrations, and multi-gene phylogenetic trees show the placements of the described taxa. Additionally, a platform for disseminating data on fungal collections, including new sequence data, could support future studies. This study aims to expand knowledge on fungal taxa, their host occurrences, and geographical distribution. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses are provided to clarify taxonomic placements.

Enhanced Production of Ligninolytic Enzymes by Mangrove Fungal Endophytes Co-cultured with Pathogenic and Beneficial Fungi

2026-01-29T12:43:56+07:00

Mangrove ecosystems host diverse fungal endophytes with potential ligninolytic activity, yet their functional roles under competitive stress remain underexplored. This study assessed 30 mangrove-derived fungal endophytes (MFE) for their ability to produce key ligninolytic enzymes — laccase (Lac), manganese peroxidase (MnP), and lignin peroxidase (LiP) — in single- and dualculture with the pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum and beneficial Trichoderma afroharzianum. Enzyme production was evaluated using qualitative colorimetric assays and quantified through potency index (PI), a measure of enzyme efficiency relative to colony growth. Initial screening revealed that enzyme production was species-specific, with only one isolate, Schizophyllum commune RmLE-P12, producing all three enzymes. Notably, Nigrospora and Penicillium isolates exhibited strong Lac and MnP activity, respectively, and with high PI values designating them as hyper-ligninolytic strains. Under co-culture conditions, enzyme expression and growth rates varied. Some MFE showed enhanced enzyme production in response to competition or antagonistic interaction, while others exhibited reduced or suppressed activity. Interaction assays identified six types of fungal interactions, with growth halts near contact (Type C) and challenge species overgrowth (Type E) being most prevalent. Antagonism indices indicated that T. afroharzianum exerted a stronger inhibitory effect than F. oxysporum. This comprehensive analysis highlights the species-dependent ligninolytic capabilities of MFE and reveals dynamic enzyme regulation under biotic stress.