This study is based on three terrestrial saprobic fungi associated with Aquilaria in Guangdong and Yunnan provinces in China. All isolated species matched with generic concepts of Melomastia. Detailed morphological characteristics and combined multigene phylogeny of LSU, SSU, and TEF revealed that the new isolates represent two new species (Melomastia guangdongensis and M. yunnanensis), and one new host and geographical record (M. sinensis). Melomastia guangdongensis is distinct from the phylogenetically closest species in having semi-immersed to immersed, globose to subglobose ascomata, and two strata of the peridium. Melomastia yunnanensis differs from the phylogenetically closest species in having immersed ascomata, conical ostiolar canals, and branched pseudoparaphyses. The discovery of these two new species and one new record collected expands the number of saprobic species associated with Aquilaria from 28 to 31. Descriptions, photo plates, and phylogenetic analyses of taxa are provided.

Saprobic fungi are known for their critical role in decomposition and nutrient cycling. The study of saprobic fungi is equally important, as it helps in understanding their ecological roles and identifying their hidden diversity. This study focused on saprobic fungi on Aquilaria, which is poorly studied compared to economically important hosts like coffee, tea, and rubber. Our rigorous process led to the collection of two new terrestrial saprobic fungi from the Guangdong and Yunnan provinces in China. After extensive phylogenetic analyses and detailed comparison of morphological characteristics, the two collections were identified as two new species belonging to Pleosporales, Ascomycota. Aquilariomyces maomingensissp. nov. was isolated from Aquilaria sinensis in Guangdong Province, while Mangifericomes aquilariaesp. nov. was isolated from Aquilaria sp. in Yunnan Province. Full descriptions, photo plates, and phylogenetic analyses (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses based on LSU, ITS, SSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 gene combinations) of the new species are provided, along with a comprehensive list of saprobic fungi associated with Aquilaria spp.

Spider-pathogenic fungi are predominantly found in Cordycipitaceae, with only rare occurrences in Ophiocordycipitaceae. Among the Ophiocordycipitaceae, Ophiocordyceps is the largest genus and is known for its ecological adaptability and broad host range and potential applications in sustainable pest management. Ophiocordyceps species thrive in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in southwestern China, a biodiversity hotspot and key region for conservation of fungal diversity. During a survey in Southwest China, a new species, Ophiocordyceps linyphiidarum was identified. This species is distinguished from other Ophiocordyceps species by its specific spider host (Linyphiidae), and unique morphological characteristics, including longer polyblastic phialides and polymorphic, non-velutinous conidia. Phylogenetic analyses based on combined datasets of SSU, LSU, ITS, tef-1α, rpb1, and rpb2 further support its distinctiveness from related species. The discovery of O. linyphiidarum contributes to our understanding of ecosystem dynamics, supports climate-resilient biological control strategies, and emphasizes the value of exploring fungi as part of nature-based solutions for sustainable production and ecosystem health. The new species is formally described, illustrated, and compared with morphologically similar taxa.

Upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) is precious genetic resource containing some valuable alleles not common in modern germplasm. In this study, genetic diversity and population structure of 98 upland rice varieties from northern part of Thailand were examined using nine simple sequence repeat markers. Number of alleles detected by the above primers was 50 with a minimum and maximum frequency of 2 to 10 alleles per locus, respectively. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.375 to 0.714 with an average of 0.605 for the primers RM164 and RM1, respectively. Dendrogram cluster analysis of the SSR data distinctly classified all genotypes into three major groups (I, II and III), which corresponded to their places of collection. Population structure divided these genotypes into two distinct subpopulations. Subpopulation 1 consisted of upland rice varieties that collected from Chiang Rai province while the majority of subpopulation 2 were collected from Phayao and Phitsanulok provinces. Analysis of molecular variance revealed 68% variance among two subpopulations and 32% variance within subpopulations, suggesting a high genetic differentiation between the two subpopulations. The huge genetic variability of upland rice in northern part of Thailand can be used to complement the gene pool of modern genotypes in rice breeding program.