Fungal taxonomy research, and specifically the study of macro and micro morphological characteristics, requires precise temperature control. This is because variation in temperature can affect macrofungal microstructures. Understanding the appropriate temperature range for drying macrofungal fruitbodies is crucial to ensure consistent reports between studies. In this study, three macrofungal species, viz. Agaricus bisporus, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus, were selected to compare basidiospore sizes in dried and fresh macrofungal fruitbodies. All three were dehydrated within 24 h of harvesting at five different temperatures: 30 °C, 35 °C, 40 °C, 45 °C, and 50 °C, with dehydration lasting 48 h. We measured a total of 1000 basidiospores at each temperature for each species. A linear regression model was used to monitor the relationship between drying temperature and the length, width, and Q value of the basidiospores. We found that drying temperature was negatively related, while Q value was positively related to basidiospore length and width. Analysis of variance shows significant changes in basidiospore size among different drying temperatures. Our data indicate that the optimal method for drying macrofungal fruitbodies is to use a temperature of 30 °C for 48 h and subsequently preserve the specimens with silica gel. Standardizing drying temperature is crucial for the study of macrofungi as basidiospore size is used as a discriminative taxonomic characteristic in macrofungal identification.

For centuries, Ganoderma has been used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries to prevent and treat various diseases. Numerous publications are stating that Ganoderma species have a variety of beneficial medicinal properties, and investigations on different metabolic regulations of Ganoderma species, extracts or isolated compounds have been performed both in vitro and in vivo. However, it has frequently been questioned whether Ganoderma is simply a dietary supplement for health or just a useful “medication” for restorative purposes. More than 600 chemical compounds including alkaloids, meroterpenoids, nucleobases, nucleosides, polysaccharides, proteins, steroids and triterpenes were extracted and identified from Ganoderma, with triterpenes serving as the primary components. In recent years, Ganoderma triterpenes and other small molecular constituents have aroused the interest of chemists and pharmacologists. Meanwhile, considering the significance of the triterpene constituents in the development of new drugs, this review describes 495 compounds from 25 Ganoderma species published between 1984 and 2022, commenting on their source, biosynthetic pathway, identification, biological activities and biosynthesis, together with applications of advanced analytical techniques to the characterization of Ganoderma triterpenoids.

The coevolution of mycorrhizae with plants represents a major evolutionary adaptation to the land environment. As a bioinoculant, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a beneficial role in sustainable agriculture by symbiotically associating with many crop plants. In this review, we primarily focus on the nutritional and non-nutritional functionality of AMF in soil and plant productivity. AMF maintain soil quality and health via three aspects: soil structure, plant physiology, and ecological interactions. These lead plants to increase their functionality, further growth, and productivity. The formation of soil aggregates via glomalin production maintains the soil structure. Physiologically, AMF change nutrient acquisition and thereby increase soil fertility and productivity. Biotic (pathogens and weed plants) and abiotic (salinity, drought, extreme temperature, soil pH, and heavy metals) stress alleviation is also achieved via altering a plant’s physiological status. By serving as a biocontrol agent, AMF negatively interact with plant pathogens. As a result of beneficial interactions with other rhizosphere microorganisms and above-ground organisms, AMF induce a synergistic effect on plant performance. Moreover, they are also involved in land restoration and seedling establishment. The collective effect of all these functions positively influences overall plant performance and productivity.

The complex and diverse phenomenon of fungal bioluminescence has captured human curiosity. Nevertheless, in the field of studies, there are not many attempts made particularly to reveal the new species of these interesting fungi. This study comprehensively reviews the diversity, distribution, evolution, bioluminescence mechanisms, ecological roles, and potential applications of these fungi. Most importantly, we also present an updated list of the reported bioluminescent fungi (122) so far identified from five distinct evolutionary lineages worldwide—Armillaria, Eoscyphella, Lucentipes, Mycenoid, and Omphalotus—mainly in tropical and subtropical areas. Bioluminescent fungi are descended from the last common ancestor of the Mycenoid and the Marasmioid clades of Agaricales, which have been maintained for at least 160 million years of evolution. We underscore the potential for future research to understand the ecological role of bioluminescent fungi, inspiring hope and optimism for the future of this field.

Seven species of bioluminescent mushrooms belonging to seven genera have been described in the tropical rainforests of China. This study contributes the eighth species, found growing on decaying bamboo in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG). Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and ribosomal large subunit (LSU) gene regions placed the species within the genus Favolaschia. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, micro and macro photographs, and a phylogenetic tree showing the placement of the new species are provided. This is the second report of bioluminescent Favolaschia in China.