Leaf-blight disease caused by the Fusarium oxysporum is an emerging problem in Dendrobium chrysotoxum production in China. Symptoms of leaf blight were observed on seedlings of D. chrysotoxum cultivated in a nursery in Ruili City, Yunnan Province, China. In this study, we isolated the Fusarium sp. associated with leaf-blight disease of D. chrysotoxum from the diseased seedlings. A pathogenicity test was performed to fulfill Koch’s postulates to confirm the pathogenicity of isolated strains and identified using morphological and molecular techniques. The results revealed that all four isolated Fusarium sp. isolates (DHRL-01~04) produced typical blight symptoms followed by marginal necrosis of leaves on the D. chrysotoxum plants. On the PDA medium, the fungal colony appeared as a white to purplish color with cottony mycelium growth. Microconidia are oval-shaped, whereas macroconidia are sickle-shaped, tapering at both ends with 2–4 septations. The phylogenetic trees were construed based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor (EF-1α), and RNA polymerase subunit genes RPB1 and RPB2 genes, respectively, and blasted against the NCBI database for species confirmation. Based on the NCBI database’s blast results, the isolates showed that more than 99% identify with Fusarium oxysporum. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the identification of Fusarium oxysporum as the causal agent of Dendrobium chrysotoxum leaf blight in Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological and molecular characteristics.

Based on an integrated taxonomic approach combining multi-locus phylogenetic analysis and morphological characterization, we formally describe and illustrate two new entomopathogenic fungal species from China, Pleurocordyceps longiphialis and Samsoniella aggestitenuipes . Phylogenetic analyses of a six-locus dataset (ITS, nr SSU, nr LSU, tef1-α , rpb1 , and rpb2 ) strongly support the distinct phylogenetic positions of the two new species within their respective genera. Morphologically, P. longiphialis , isolated from a Scarabaeoidea larva, possesses notably elongated α-phialides (9.5–101 µm) and dimorphic conidia. In addition, S. aggestitenuipes , obtained from a lepidopteran pupa, displays synnemata with powdery conidial masses and phialides measuring 6–28 µm. This study also reviews the host ranges and geographic distributions of Pleurocordyceps and Samsoniella . Pleurocordyceps species are known to infect insects in Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera, and also parasitize fungi such as Elaphomyces , Ophiocordyceps , Paraisaria , and Perennicordyceps . Samsoniella species have been reported from Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Arachnida. Geographically, Pleurocordyceps occurs in Asia (China, Japan, and Thailand) and South America (Ecuador), while Samsoniella is distributed across East Asia (China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam), Europe (UK and Ireland), and South America (Argentina).

Verticillium-like fungi within the Sordariomycetes hold significant ecological and economic importance, especially in biocontrol. This study describes two novel species, Leptobacillium gasaense and Ovicillium yunnanense, and provides DNA sequence data and identification keys for the genera Leptobacillium and Ovicillium. The genus Muscodor, known for its considerable biotechnological value, comprises endophytes characterized by sterile mycelia that produce antibiotic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Historically, the classification of Muscodor has relied on culture characteristics, VOC chemical profiles, and molecular phylogenetic analyses. However, culture characteristics and VOC profiles lack a definitive diagnostic value. Although asexual morphological traits are crucial for genus-level classification, no conidiogenous structures have been observed in Muscodor. Here, we report the asexual morphological characteristics of Muscodor and describe M. coffeanus as a new record in China, supported by both its asexual morphology and molecular phylogenetic evidence.

Fungi produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites, including mycotoxins, antibiotics, and bioactive compounds, which have significant implications for human health and agriculture. These metabolites are synthesized through specialized biosynthetic pathways, which are often organized into gene clusters. Terpenoids, polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, and hybrid compounds are primary categories of secondary metabolites, each with distinct biological roles. For example, terpenoids, such as deoxynivalenol and helvolic acid, polyketides, such as aflatoxins and lovastatin, and non-ribosomal peptides, such as penicillin G, have diverse applications, including as pharmaceuticals and biocontrol agents. Fungal metabolites also play a crucial role in microbial communication and agricultural pest control. Volatile metabolites released by fungi, including Fusarium and Trichoderma species, can inhibit plant pathogens and promote plant growth, thereby offering potential biocontrol strategies. Furthermore, entomopathogenic fungi produce secondary metabolites with insecticidal properties that facilitate their pathogenicity, including enzymes, toxins, and bioactive compounds. These metabolites have emerged as potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides in sustainable agricultural practices. A growing understanding of fungal secondary metabolites and their applications can contribute to advancements in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and pest management.

Tomicus yunnanensis Kirkendall and Faccoli, a native bark beetle species and key pest of Pinus yunnanensis Franch. in southwestern China, relies on host-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for host selection. To unravel these mechanisms, we collected VOCs from P. yunnanensis trunks across four infestation stages (healthy, early-infested, weakened, near-dead) using dynamic headspace sampling. Chemical profiling via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 51 terpenoids, with α-pinene as the most abundant component. VOC profiles differed markedly between healthy and early-infested trees, while gradual shifts in compound diversity and abundance occurred from the weakened to near-dead stages. Bioactive compounds were screened using gas chromatography–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and a Y-tube olfactometer. Electrophysiological responses in T. yunnanensis were triggered by α-pinene, β-pinene, 3-carene, 2-thujene, and 4-allylanisole. Behavioral tests revealed that α-pinene, 3-carene, and 2-thujene acted as attractants, whereas β-pinene and 4-allylanisole functioned as repellents. These results indicate that infestation-induced VOC dynamics guide beetle behavior, with attractants likely promoting host colonization during early infestation and repellents signaling deteriorating host suitability in later stages. By mapping these chemical interactions, our study identifies potential plant-derived semiochemicals for targeted pest management. Integrating these compounds with pheromones could enhance the monitoring and control strategies for T. yunnanensis, offering ecologically sustainable solutions for pine ecosystems.

Green space is not always equitably located in cities, and the attractiveness of green space varies, leaving some residents with easy access to high-quality parks and others with little or no access or access to under-maintained parks. To remedy these inequities, this study identified attractive and well-utilized recreational green spaces and developed a model to measure the likelihood of using these recreational green spaces (PSG). The goal was to reduce the travel time and cost of walking or using public transportation to get to green spaces and to design all green spaces to be attractive. The data come from the perspective of the city’s public transportation system and residents’ personal choices. First, the attractiveness of recreational green spaces was calculated from big data on the geolocation of cell phones, measuring the level of provision of recreational green spaces and the trip rates of urban residents. After that, the travel cost to reach recreational green space in residential areas was calculated according to residents’ travel habits. Finally, the probability of all recreational green spaces in the city being used was calculated by combining the population size of residential areas. Taking Pu’er City in China as an example, the attractiveness and utilization rates of recreational green spaces were calculated by PSG, and the results of the study showed that the probability of residents choosing to use the recreational green spaces that are closer to the residential area, with a larger population capacity, and with a higher attractiveness is the highest. The results of the study help promote equitable access to health and socialization opportunities for individuals and communities, thereby promoting environmental justice to help mitigate and respond to climate change.