Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) plays crucial roles in terrestrial ecosystems. This study employed high-throughput sequencing to analyze the structure and diversity, ecological distribution patterns, and relationships with soil factors of AM fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil and roots of Allium ramosum at different elevations on Chunkun Mountain in North China. In total, 1 431 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) belonging to 95 AM fungal virtual taxa (VTs) encompassing 7 families and 8 genera were obtained from rhizosphere soil and root samples. Among these, the genus Ambispora was exclusively detected in the rhizosphere soil. The genus with the highest relative abundance was Glomus, and Claroideoglomus was the next. Altitude significantly influenced the diversity of AM fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil and roots of A. ramosum. The Chao1 indices for both roots and rhizosphere soil, together with the root Shannon index, peaked in the middle altitude range, whereas the Shannon index of rhizosphere soil reached its highest value in the high-altitude range. The AM fungal alpha diversity index in the rhizosphere soil was significantly higher than that in the roots (P<0.05), suggesting that roots exhibit selectivity towards symbiotic AM fungi. The results of the redundancy analysis (RDA) and the Monte Carlo permutation test indicated that soil organic carbon is a key driving factor for the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil and roots of A. ramosum (P<0.001). Total phosphorus also had highly significant influence on the AM fungal community in rhizosphere soil (P<0.001). This study provides reference for the further development and utilization of A. ramosum.

Coprinellus micaceus, the most common species of coprinoid fungi with extremely abundant resources, having potential in enhancing seed germination of medicinal orchid Cremastra appendiculata was investigated. Fruiting bodies of Co. micaceus were collected from the wild, and the hyphae were isolated from inner side of hollow stipe. Hyphal tip purification method was used to obtain multiple strains, and the two strains first obtained were named as S-1 and S-2 for subsequent experiments. S-1 was co-cultivated with Cr. appendiculata seeds on oat media to observe seed germination. Acid fuchsin staining was used to observe the morphology of protocorms formed on oat media and the hyphal colonization, and ITS sequencing of S-1 was performed. Spawn of S-2 was fragmented and mixed into potting soil, and covered with soil to induce fruiting bodies, while seeds of Cr. appendiculata were sown to simulate field inoculation. Endogenous strain were isolated from the protocorms, yielding S-3, and ITS sequencing of S-3 was performed. Additionally, dried and ground mycelial fragments of Co. micaceus were added to oat media to test whether the fungus could still promote seed germination under sterile conditions. The results showed that the fruiting body morphology and ITS sequences of both S-1 and S-3 matched those of Co. micaceus. Co. micaceus enhanced seed germination in both oat media and soil substrates. Acid fuchsin staining revealed that protocorms could digest invasive hyphae. Moreover, the mycelial powder of Co. micaceus in sterile oat media could also promote the germination of Cr. appendiculata seeds. This study demonstrates that Co. micaceus possesses potential to support the conservation and cultivation of Cr. appendiculata.

Qiyunshan National Nature Reserve, situated in eastern and southern China's biogeographical regions, exhibits unique geography and diverse vegetation, indicating high potential fungal diversity. To elucidate macrofungal species composition, geographical floristic diversity, and ecological functions of macrofungi in this region, comprehensive field surveys and specimen collections were conducted from 2022 to 2024 using line transect methodology and random sampling. Specimens were identified via integrated morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis. A total of 302 macrofungal species was recorded and classified into 8 classes, 22 orders, 68 families, and 145 genera within the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Species richness analysis revealed that seven families (e.g., Boletaceae, Polyporaceae, and Russulaceae) were dominant, accounting for 43.71% of total identified species, and 13 dominant genera (e.g., Russula, Entoloma, and Inocybe) comprised 33.77% of the total species. Ecological and economic functional assessment showed 59 species were putatively edible (19.54%), 39 putatively medicinal (12.91%), 45 poisonous (14.90%), and 98 mycorrhizal (32.45%). Genus-level geographical funga composition analysis revealed nine distribution patterns, of which cosmopolitan elements predominated (53.10%), followed by north temperate (17.24%) and pantropical (13.79%) elements, corroborating the regionally transitional character of mycobiota. Based on the “Redlist of China's Biodiversity—Macrofungi” and relevant IUCN criteria, one vulnerable (VU) and one near threatened (NT) species were recognised. Besides, 11 species were endemic to China, highlighting the significant conservation values of the region. This study provides critical data for targeted conservation and sustainable utilization of the fungal resources of the region.

The C₂H₂ zinc finger transcription factor AZF1 in fungi has multiple biological functions such as regulating growth and development, secondary metabolism synthesis, and pathogenicity, however, the functions of this homologous protein in Aspergillus flavus is still unclear. Homology comparison revealed that the protein encoded by AFLA_054800 shares 50% homology with the AZF1 protein in Trichoderma reesei, and it was named AflAZF1. This study found that the colony size of the AflAZF1 gene deletion strain (ΔAflAZF1) was not significantly different from that of the wild type, but the conidiation was significantly reduced, and the sclerotia could not form. The production of aflatoxin AFB₁ in the ΔAflAZF1 strain was significantly increased. When glucose, arabinose, mannose, sucrose, and xylose were used as carbon sources, the conidiation ability of the ΔAflAZF1 strain was significantly decreased, but it was significantly increased in lactose and glycerol. Additionally, under pH 5 and pH 11 conditions, the number of conidia in the ΔAflAZF1 strain was significantly lower than that in the wild type. The results indicate that AflAZF1 not only regulates conidiation and sclerotial formation and AFB₁ biosynthesis, but also modulates the utilization of different carbon sources and adaptation to extreme pH conditions by affecting conidiation ability. This discovery not only reveals the key role of AflAZF1 in the growth and development and toxin synthesis of A. flavus, but also provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of A. flavus contamination and the development of new biological control strategies.

Species of Cantharellus are world-renowned edible fungi, capable of forming symbiotic relationships with various plants, including Pinaceae, Fagaceae, and Betulaceae. The genus is mainly characterized by its veined, ridged, or smooth hymenophore and is a crucial taxonomic group in the phylogenetic study of macrofungi. In China, 83 names of Cantharellus species have been recorded, but some of them are inaccurate. Based on extensive specimen collections and comprehensive literature review, combined with morphological observations and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of nrLSU, tef1, rpb2 and SSU, 35 species of Cantharellus present in China are confirmed, and 35 previously reported names are determined to be incorrect and excluded, in addition, 13 species with uncertain distributions are discussed in this study. A geographical distribution map of Cantharellus species in China is presented. This paper provides an important foundation for accurately understanding the species diversity and geographical distribution of Cantharellus in China.

Nine wild Morchella strains collected from pine forest post-fire area in Yajiang County, Sichuan Province were identified and domesticated. Based on morphological observation and DNA sequence analysis, the tested strains were identified as Morchella eximia. On PDA medium, strain 6278 showed the fastest mycelial growth and formed the most quantity of sclerotia; mycelial growth of YJ082186 was the slowest, and 6288 did not form sclerotia. Under the current cultivation mode, 6751-1 had the highest yield (1.33 kg/m²), and 6288 was next in yield (1.31 kg/m²). Among the nine strains, 6288 showed the best commercial traits, while YJ082176 has the highest density of fruiting, and the basidioma average size of 6283 was the largest. This study laid a foundation for the screening and breeding of M. eximia cultivars.

A Coprinellus saccharinus strain was isolated from mycelia on deciduous leaf humus in Nanshan Park (Qinglong County, Hebei, China). Four factors of biological characteristics were investigated. Fruiting bodies of this species were successfully cultivated. The scavenging capacities of both mycelium and fruiting body ethanol extracts against ABTS⁺·and·OH were also evaluated. The results indicated that the optimum carbon source for C. saccharinus strain were sucrose and soluble starch; the optimum nitrogen source was KNO₃; the suitable pH range was 7-9, and the highest mycelial growth rate was observed at 25 ℃. Domestication experiment showed that bottleful mycelial colonization time required 20-25 d at (20±1) ℃; primordium differentiation demanded temperature difference of 2-4 ℃, relative air humidity at 70%-80%, photoperoid of 12 h/d 800-1000 lx under scattered light, and a duration of 10-15 d. Mature fruiting bodies can be harvested after continued cultivation for 2-3 d. The antioxidant activities of C. saccharinus ethanol extracts from mycelia and cultivated fruiting bodies increased gradually as additive amount raising. Scavenging rates against both ABTS⁺· and ·OH peaked at an additive volume of 200 μL. Scavenging rates of ethanol extract of cultivated fruiting bodies reached 97.93% and 67.22%, respectively, significantly higher than those of mycelia (64.73% and 24.74%). Both mycelium and cultivated fruiting body ethanol extracts exhibited stronger scavenging capacity against ABTS⁺· than ·OH. Scavenging rate differentials were 39.99% and 30.71%, respectively. These findings provided a practical basis for further investigations into cultivation techniques, physiological activities, pharmacological effects, and other utilizations of C. saccharinus.

Cultivation of the wild Inocutis levis isolated from Populus euphratica in Xiaoguai Town in Karamay of Xinjiang was carried out. It was found that using starch and yeast extract as carbon and nitrogen sources, with the addition of KH₂PO₄ as inorganic salt, the fungus grew well under pH 9 and 35 ℃ conditions. During liquid cultivation, polysaccharide, polyphenol, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase, scavenging abilities for free radicals, and ferric reducing antioxidant power of the fungus were determined. The results provide basic data for the protection, evaluation, development, and utilization of this wild medicinal fungus resources in the future.

Inonotus obliquus is a medicinal and edible fungus traditionally used for treating diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hepatitis, and related disorders. In this study, by use of solvent extraction and chromatographic techniques (reversed-phase silica gel, normal-phase silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20), eight compounds were isolated from I. obliquus. Based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data, these compounds were identified as gallic acid (1), syringic acid (2), caffeic acid (3), 4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-buten-2-one (4), inotodiol (5), cortinellin (6), lanosterol (7), and peroxide ergosterol (8). Anti-allergic activity assays demonstrated that inotodiol (5) significantly inhibited mast cell degranulation at concentrations of 4.96, 9.92, and 15.50 μmol/L, with inhibition rates of 51.03%, 30.53%, and 23.07%, respectively, indicating potent anti-allergic efficacy. Notably, inotodiol (5) exhibited unobserved cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 15.50 μmol/L, highlighting its potential as a candidate for novel anti-allergic drug development.

Edible and medicinal fungi are very rich in China. With the continuous deepening research on their species diversity and phylogeny, their species name and taxonomic status are continuously updated. Some species previously reported in China have found to be not existent in China. Some species have proved to be complex species or cryptic species. Previously, the edible and medicinal fungi in China were usually reported in the form of species checklist, and their taxonomic status and species composition were not clearly demonstrated. This article updates the checklist of edible and medicinal fungi in China in the form of species cataloging, with demonstration of their taxonomic status, based on the latest research results. A total of 1 495 species is recorded, belonging to 2 phyla, 10 classes, 29 orders, 115 families, and 353 genera. Among them, 1 013 species are edible, 744 medicinal and 262 simultaneously edible and medicinal. Of which, 33.1% of the species are previously unreported or taxonomically revised. It was found that edible fungi were dominated by species of Agaricales (44%), Russulales (16%) and Boletales (13%) of the Agaricomycetes, as well as Pezizales (6%) of the Pezizomycetes; medicinal fungi were dominated by species of Agaricales (35%), Polyporales (19%), Hymenochaetales (11%), Russulales (7%) and Boletales (7%) of the Agaricomycetes and Hypocreales (6%) of the Sordariomycetes.

Database/Dataset Profile