Zhujiangyuan Nature Reserve, located in Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China, is reported with high fauna and floral diversity, while the fungal diversity of the region is poorly documented. During the summer season in 2023, decaying wood-inhabiting microfungi were collected from different microhabitats. The novel species were identified based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses (based on combined datasets of ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 regions). Two species belong to Dothideomycetes (viz., Spegazzinia zhujiangyuanensissp. nov. and Phaeoseptum zhujiangyuanensesp. nov. in Pleosporales) while the other one resides in Sordariomycetes (Synnemasporella faniisp. nov. in Diaporthales). The results are in conformity with the earlier studies that predicted higher fungal diversity in this region.

Biochars were produced from long-root Eichhornia crassipes at four temperatures: 200, 300, 400 and 500°C, referred to as LEC200, LEC300, LEC400 and LEC500, respectively. The sorption ability of lead, zinc, copper and cadmium from aqueous solutions by four kinds of biochars was investigated. All the biochars had lower values of CEC and higher values of pH. LEC500 was the best one to bind toxic metals which can be reflected in the results of SEM, BET and elemental analyser. It was also found that alkyl, carboxyl, phosphate and cyano groups in the biochars can play a role in binding metals. In addition, the sorption processes of four metals by the biochars in different metal concentration were all excellently represented by the pseudo-second-order model with all correlation coefficients R ² > 0.95. And the sorption processes of four metals in different temperatures could be described satisfactorily by the Langmuir isotherms. According to calculated results by the Langmuir equation, the maximum removal capacities of Pb(II), Zn(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) at 298 K were 39.09 mg g ⁻¹ , 45.40 mg g ⁻¹ , 48.20 mg g ⁻¹ and 44.04 mg g ⁻¹ , respectively. The positive value of the Δ H ⁰ confirmed the adsorption process was endothermic and the negative value of Δ G ⁰ confirmed the adsorption process was spontaneous. The sorption capacities were compared with several other lignocellulosic materials which implied the potential of long-root Eichhornia crassipes waste as an economic and excellent biosorbent for eliminating metal ions from contaminated waters.

Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) is the most cultured and popular coffee bean in today’s world. Yunnan Province is well known as China’s largest arabica coffee cultivation region. Fungi represent an important group of microorganisms associated with coffee, profoundly influencing its yield and quality. In this study, twelve fungal collections growing on dead and decaying twigs of coffee were collected and isolated to systematically document microfungi associated with coffee plants in Yunnan Province. Ten novel species, each representing a unique family within Pleosporales, were identified and introduced, based on comprehensive morphological analyses and multigene phylogenetic studies. The ten new species belong to the families Bambusicolaceae, Didymellaceae, Didymosphaeriaceae, Longiostiolaceae, Lophiostomataceae, Massarinaceae, Neomassariaceae, Occultibambusaceae, Roussoellaceae and Thyridariaceae with each family containing one new species. Macro- and micro-characteristics, descriptions and phylogenetic trees indicating the placement of the new taxa are provided. In addition, pairwise homoplasy index (PHI) test results and morphological comparisons between the new species and closely-related taxa are given. This study also establishes a comprehensive global inventory of saprobic fungi associated with coffee, which is intended to help researchers and professionals worldwide with practical information. This research enhances the understanding of coffee-associated fungal diversity in China and underscores the importance of introducing new saprobic fungal taxa related to coffee.

Morphological comparisons and multi locus phylogenetic analyses (base on the combined genes of ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tub) demonstrated that three new saprobic taxa isolated from bamboo belong to Cainiaceae. These taxa comprise a novel genus Paramphibambusa (P. bambusicolasp. nov.) and two new species, Arecophila xishuangbannaensis and A. zhaotongensis. The three new taxa belong to Cainiaceae (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes) a poorly studied family, which now comprises eight genera. Paramphibambusa can be distinguished from other Cainiaceae genera in having ascomata with a neck and ascospores lacking longitudinal striation, germ slits or germ pores. The two new Arecophila species clustered in a clade with Arecophila sp. and A. bambusae. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and an updated phylogenetic tree are provided for the new taxa.

Red soil regions commonly experience land degradation and low nutrient availability. Excessive fertilizer use in recent years has intensified these challenges, necessitating scientifically informed fertilization strategies to ensure agricultural sustainability. To identify optimal fertilization strategies for maize cultivation in Yunnan’s red soil regions, this study conducted field experiments involving partial substitution of nitrogen fertilizer with organic manure to determine whether this approach improves soil health and boosts maize yield. Four treatments were compared in a randomized complete block design over one growing season: no fertilization (NF), soil testing and formula fertilization (STF), 15% organic fertilizer (swine manure) replacing nitrogen fertilizer (OF15), and 30% organic fertilizer replacing nitrogen fertilizer (OF30). The results indicated that substituting organic fertilizer for nitrogen fertilizer reduced soil acidification while increasing total phosphorus (TP) and available phosphorus (AP), thereby enhancing soil physicochemical properties. Maize grown under OF30 exhibited improved agronomic traits including plant height, stem diameter, ear height, and ear length. Additionally, the partial replacement of synthetic fertilizer with organic fertilizer notably increased maize yield and the weight of 100 grains, but there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between OF15 and OF30. Moreover, the OF30 treatment generated the highest economic return of 25,981.73 CNY·ha⁻¹. Correlation and principal component analyses revealed that substituting organic fertilizer for nitrogen fertilizer notably influenced total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), and yield, with maize yield positively correlated with TP and AP content. This study presents evidence that replacing 30% of nitrogen fertilizer with organic fertilizer is a viable strategy to enhance soil health, maize productivity, and profitability in Yunnan’s red soil regions, providing a crucial scientific foundation to support sustainable agricultural development in the region.

Bumblebees, the most important wild pollinators in both agricultural and natural ecosystems, are declining worldwide. The global decline of bumblebees may threaten biodiversity, pollination services, and, ultimately, agricultural productivity. Several factors, including pesticide usage, climate change, habitat loss, and species invasion, have been documented in the decline of bumblebee species, but recent studies have revealed the dominating role of pathogens and parasites over any of these causes. Unfortunately, there is a lack of a full understanding of the role of pathogens and parasites in the decline of bumblebee species. The current study provides a comprehensive review of how pathogens and parasites contribute to the decline of bumblebee species. The study also explores the prevalence of each pathogen and parasite within bumblebee populations. Furthermore, we address the synergistic effects of pathogens and other stressors, such as pesticides, climatic effects, and habitat loss, on bumblebee populations. To summarize, we propose possible conservation and management strategies to preserve the critical role of bumblebees in pollination services and thus to support ecosystem and agricultural health.