Asian Journal of Mycology

A sustainable strategy for mass production of endophytic Trichoderma virens 159c and assessment of biological control properties via in vitro and in vivo assays

Pei Lee Angel Lee — 2026-08-18

Trichoderma has been used as a biological control agent against plant pathogens and has since become a research focus for alternative chemical fertilizers. However, the use of potato dextrose agar as a carrier of Trichoderma for mass production is less suitable for field application due to its short shelf life and high cost. Therefore, this research attempts to utilize agricultural waste from oil palm to generate a high number of good-quality T. virens 159c spores and to evaluate its antagonistic activity against Ganoderma boninense which causes basal stem rot disease in the oil palm. The formulation, optimized with palm kernel cake and palm pressed fibre supplemented with nitrogen and carbon sources, presented a significant 2.6-fold increase in total count of spores produced compared to the individual substrate. Enzyme analysis showed that the formulation produced higher levels of lytic and degrading enzymes, especially chitinase, which increased almost 3-fold compared to culturing only on PPF. Disease severity index (DSI) of oil palm seedlings using visual inspection and cross-section of the bole was evaluated for each treatment. The results showed that the plants inoculated with the T. virens 159c formulation had the lowest DSI, exhibiting only 18.3% visual DSI and 17.4% bole DSI, which was 37.3 % and 37.1 % significantly lower compared to the control respectively. The present findings showed that the development of a sustainable Trichoderma formulation producing good-quality spores as a potential prophylactic treatment to slow down disease development in the oil palm caused by G. boninense.

Submerged Culture Optimization and Bioactivity Profiling of the Philippine Wild Hairy Sawgill Mushroom (Lentinus strigosus)

Rich Milton Dulay — 2026-08-30

Mushrooms are widely recognized for their nutritional value and diverse therapeutic properties, making them promising sources of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to optimize submerged culture conditions for Lentinus strigosus, a wild Philippine macrofungus, and evaluate the bioactivities of its mycelial extract. Among the tested culture media, coconut water significantly enhanced mycelial biomass production, with optimal growth achieved at pH 6–7, 30°C, and 150 rpm agitation. The ethanol extract of the mycelia was subjected to enzyme-based assays to assess its anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and antioxidant potentials. Results showed that the ethanolic extract at 10 µg/mL exhibited inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase (5.84%), acetylcholinesterase (2.45%), and cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) (20.11%). No COX-2 inhibition was observed, suggesting a selective anti-inflammatory potential. At 1000 µg/mL, the extract showed 29.77% of antioxidant activity. Toxicity assessments revealed LC₅₀ values of 42.49 µg/mL in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo toxicity testing and 16.83 µg/mL in the brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality assay, indicating dose-dependent embryotoxic, teratogenic, and cytotoxic effects, particularly at higher extract concentrations. Overall, the results suggest that L. strigosus exhibits anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activities, as well as cytotoxicity, highlighting its potential as a source of cytotoxic agents for future pharmacological investigations.

Toxicity assay of Tenebrio molitor test larvae inoculated with entomopathogenic fungi singly and in consortium

Fariz Kustiawan Alfarisy — 2026-09-04

The increasing concern over pesticide residues and their negative impact on food safety, environmental health, and human well-being has encouraged the exploration of biological alternatives such as entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) for pest control. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of single and consortium entomopathogenic fungi of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae to Tenebrio molitor larvae as test organisms. Fungal isolates were cultured, prepared at specific spore densities, and applied through topical methods under controlled laboratory conditions. A randomized complete design (RCD) was used with five treatments, including negative control (aquades), positive control (synthetic pesticide, Profenofos 2 mL L^-1), single isolates of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae, and a consortium of both species fungi. Larval mortality and infection symptoms were observed daily, with Lethal Time (LT₅₀) determined through probit analysis. The results indicated that B. bassiana achieved the highest toxicity with LT₅₀ of 4.5 days, comparable to the synthetic pesticide control, while M. anisopliae required 7.8 days and the consortium 6.4 days to reach 50% mortality. Microscopic observations confirmed fungal colonization, mummification, and hyphal proliferation on infected test larvae. Statistical analysis showed significant differences among treatments (P < 0.05), with B. bassiana out performing M. anisopliae, although consortium effects were not superior to single isolates. These findings suggest that B. bassiana, individually or in combination, is a promising candidate for biopesticide development as part of sustainable pest management strategies.

Nutritional composition, bioactive polysaccharides, and biological activities of Russula griseocarnosa: A comprehensive review

Le Van Nhat Hoai — 2026-08-07

This review summarizes the existing studies on Russula griseocarnosa, a rare edible mushroom, with the aim of evaluating its nutritional composition and biological activities. The results showed that the mushroom contains high levels of protein, bioactive polysaccharides, essential amino acids, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids and is rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids, and ergosterol. The extracted polysaccharides (PRG, PRG1-1) exhibited strong antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, and anticancer activity, mainly through apoptosis and enhanced ROS production in cancer cells. Compared with many other edible mushrooms, R. griseocarnosa has advantages in nutritional quality and biological function potential. This review shows that the mushroom has high value in the development of functional foods and natural medicines, but is still limited by the lack of in vivo studies, extract standardization, and long-term safety evaluation. Future research should focus on sustainable cultivation, polysaccharide standardization, and clinical trials to fully exploit the potential of this mushroom.

Optimization of basidiospore germination and morphogenesis of Pleurotus ostreatus and Oudemansiella canarii

Kristine Grace D. Waing — 2026-08-03

Mushrooms are valued globally for their nutritional, medicinal, and ecological significance. Beyond their rich content of vitamins, proteins, and minerals, these macroscopic fungi are vital decomposers, playing a critical role in nutrient cycling and even influencing rainfall in forest ecosystems through their spores. This study investigated the optimal conditions for basidiospore germination. It documents the comprehensive developmental stages of two economically important edible mushroom species, Pleurotus ostreatus (CLSU strain), and Oudemansiella canarii (OCNu strain), aiming to enhance cultivation practices and deepen our understanding of their life cycles. Basidiospores were collected from mature fruiting bodies and suspended in sterile distilled water. The study evaluated the influence of various broth media (coconut water, corn grit, potato sucrose, potato dextrose), pH levels (4-8), illumination conditions (lighted, dark, alternating light/dark), and temperatures (refrigerated, air-conditioned, room temperature) on spore germination. Results showed that coconut water was the most suitable culture medium for both mushrooms. For O. canarii, optimal germination occurred at pH 6, while P. ostreatus favored pH 7; both were incubated under alternating light/dark conditions at room temperature (33–35 °C). The developmental processes from basidiospore to mature basidiocarp were photo-documented, revealing distinct vegetative (swelling, germ tube formation, elongation, septation, branching, and mycelial thickening) and reproductive stages (primordia, pinhead, stipe elongation, and pileus expansion). Understanding these optimal conditions and developmental stages is crucial for developing effective, sustainable cultural management practices that maximize mushroom biomass production and improve the quality and yield of P. ostreatus and O. canarii in cultivation.

Bioactive potential of Auricularia cornea: Cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and beta-glucan content of mycelium and fruiting bodies

Naritsada Thongklang — 2026-07-28

Auricularia cornea, an underexplored species within the medicinal Auricularia genus, was investigated for its bioactive potential, including cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and β-glucan content, promoting good health and well-being through natural nutraceuticals. This study compared three A. cornea isolates (MFLUCC 23-0084, MFLUCC 18-0346, and MFLUCC 18-0347) with commercial Auricularia spp. to evaluate their therapeutic and functional food applications. The methanolic extracts of mycelium were analyzed for free radical scavenging (DPPH assay), cytotoxicity against lung cancer cells (A549) and normal cells (Raw 264.7). β-Glucan content from fruiting bodies was also quantified by exploring sustainable fungal cultivation for high-value bioactive compounds. The results revealed strain-specific bioactivity: MFLUCC 23-0084 exhibited the highest antioxidant (IC₅₀ 5,530 ± 1,039 µg/mL), while MFLUCC 18-0346 showed low cytotoxicity against A549 cells (IC₅₀ 367.27 μg/mL). β-Glucan content varied significantly, with lab-cultivated isolates (12.14–13.22%) yielding less than A. auricula (18.86–24.94%). Low cytotoxicity to normal cells (IC₅₀ >500 μg/mL) and moderate bioactivity suggest A. cornea’s suitability for functional foods, though strain optimization or extraction enhancements may be needed to rival leading species. This study positions A. cornea as a candidate for further development in sustainable nutraceuticals, through antioxidant applications and evaluating cultivation practices for enhanced β-glucan production.

Aqueous extract and proteolytic hydrolysates from oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) and its bioactivities

Pattana Kakumyan — 2026-07-17

Pleurotus species are edible fungi that are extensively cultivated and consumed worldwide. Their fruiting bodies contain polysaccharides and proteins. Protein hydrolysates from oyster mushrooms, Pleurotus pulmonarius, were prepared using Alcalase® in this study. The isolated protein hydrolysates were filtered to produce fractions of molecular weights of less than 3 kDa and greater than 3 kDa. Following separation by ultrafiltration spin columns, the two fractions were utilized to assess antioxidant and anti-α-glucosidase activities, as well as cell viability in a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (SW480 cells). The effective concentration that scavenged 50% (IC50) of 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazl (DPPH) radicals exhibited a distinct pattern between the crude extract and protein fractions. The protein hydrolysate with a molecular weight exceeding 3 kDa showed the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity, whereas the crude extract protein fraction exhibited the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity. The crude extract protein demonstrated the highest inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase (62.48 ± 1.52%). Additionally, this study assessed cell viabilities in a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (SW480 cells). The results indicated that the crude extract protein markedly reduced the viability of the SW480 cell lines, as determined by the MTT assay. These findings indicate that crude extract and protein hydrolysates derived from the fruiting bodies of P. pulmonarius have numerous advantageous properties and may serve as a functional food ingredient.

Coniambigua diorygmatis and Distopyrenis graphidis: Two novel lichenicolous fungi on Graphidaceae from India

Pushpi Singh — 2026-07-13

Two new lichenicolous fungi, Coniambigua diorygmatis and Distopyrenis graphidis, are described from India. Coniambigua diorygmatis is characterized by the black sporodochia producing dark brown, ellipsoidal, non-septate conidia and was found on the thallus of Diorygma junghuhnii, whereas D. graphidis is distinguished by perithecioid ascomata with an apical ostiole, 1-sepate, brown ascospores on Graphis stenotera.

Utilization of indigenous agricultural waste materials as biofilters in contaminated water

Goldyn Anne Aquino-Comisario — 2026-07-10

Bioremediation using spent Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sp.) substrate (Pleurotus SMS), wood chips, and charcoal offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to water treatment. However, further study is needed to determine its application in Isabela province due to differences in the composition of mushroom spent substrate in the Philippines compared to those in other countries. Hence, this study was conducted to develop a prototype water treatment system integrated with different agricultural waste materials to treat heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As), and Escherichia coli contamination in water. A prototype water treatment system with separate compartments for Pleurotus SMS (200 g), wood chips (70 g), and charcoal (180 g) as biosorbents was developed. Separate biofilter experiments for Cd and As, and E. coli were performed at various flow rates (1 mL/min, 5 mL/min, and 10 mL/min) and sampling times, and the percent removal and bacterial concentration were calculated. The water treatment system with mushroom spent substrate registered the highest efficiency at the slowest flow rate of 1 mL/min (i.e. 97% for Cd and 95% for As). However, of the two heavy metals, As significantly registered a higher percent removal than Cd, even at faster flow rates, suggesting that the filter had a greater affinity towards As than Cd. The decrease in E. coli levels from 154 CFU/mL to an average of 15 CFU/mL over 48 hours of filtration indicates that biofiltration could be a feasible substitute for conventional membrane-based methods. The fabricated water treatment system based on oyster mushroom spent substrate is effective for the removal of pathogens as well as Cd and As from contaminated water. These findings can be used as a basis for a sustainable solution for treating heavy metals from industrial wastewater and simultaneously solving the waste issue in mushroom farms.