Stropharia rugosoannulata is an important edible mushroom in China, but green mold disease has caused significant production and economic losses. In this study, two new pathogens Trichoderma strophariensis and T. viridistromatis were identified as the causal agents of this disease. During October-November 2023, six strains of the fungal pathogen were isolated from infected fruiting bodies of S. rugosoannulata and identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), the second largest RNA polymerase II subunit (rpb2) and the partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) region. The representative isolates of the pathogenic green mold Trichoderma species were used to perform a pathogenicity test with spore suspensions, resulting in symptoms similar to those observed in the cultivated field. The same pathogens were successfully re-isolated, thereby fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, culture characteristics, and comparisons with morphologically similar and closely related species are provided.

A new species of Trogia (Marasmiaceae, Basidiomycota) is described from West Bengal, India. Analysis of the molecular sequence (nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region) data suggests that T. benghalesis is phylogenetically distinct from its closely related species. Comprehensive description based on macro- and microscopic characters, photographs and comparisons with morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are provided.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a globally important energy and food crop that is becoming increasingly integral to food security and the environment. However, its production is significantly hampered by various fungal phytopathogens that affect its yield and quality. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the major fungal phytopathogens affecting sorghum, their impact, current management strategies, and potential future directions. The major diseases covered include anthracnose, grain mold complex, charcoal rot, downy mildew, and rust, with an emphasis on their pathogenesis, symptomatology, and overall economic, social, and environmental impacts. From the initial use of fungicides to the shift to biocontrol, crop rotation, intercropping, and modern tactics of breeding resistant cultivars against mentioned diseases are discussed. In addition, this review explores the future of disease management, with a particular focus on the role of technology, including digital agriculture, predictive modeling, remote sensing, and IoT devices, in early warning, detection, and disease management. It also provide key policy recommendations to support farmers and advance research on disease management, thus emphasizing the need for increased investment in research, strengthening extension services, facilitating access to necessary inputs, and implementing effective regulatory policies. The review concluded that although fungal phytopathogens pose significant challenges, a combined effort of technology, research, innovative disease management, and effective policies can significantly mitigate these issues, enhance the resilience of sorghum production to facilitate global food security issues.

Plastic, a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, has become a global necessity, with annual production exceeding 300 million tons. However, the accumulation of synthetic polymers in our environment poses a pressing global challenge. To address this urgent issue, fungi have emerged as potential agents for plastic degradation. In our previous manuscript, ‘A Review of the Fungi That Degrade Plastic’, we explored the taxonomic placement of plastic-degrading fungi across three main phyla: Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota. In this review, we built upon that foundation and aimed to further explore the taxonomic relationships of these fungi in a comprehensive and detailed manner, leaving no stone unturned. Moreover, we linked metabolic activity and enzyme production of plastic-degrading fungi to their taxonomy and summarized a phylogenetic tree and a detailed table on enzyme production of plastic-degrading fungi presented here. Microbial enzymes are key players in polymer degradation, operating intra-cellularly and extra-cellularly. Fungi, one of the well-studied groups of microbes with respect to plastic degradation, are at the forefront of addressing the global issue of plastic accumulation. Their unique ability to hydrolyze synthetic plastic polymers and produce a wide range of specific enzymes is a testament to their potential. In this review, we gather and synthesize information concerning the metabolic pathways of fungi involved in the degradation of plastics. The manuscript explores the diverse range of specific enzymes that fungi can produce for plastic degradation and the major pathways of plastic metabolism. We provide a listing of 14 fungal enzymes (Esterase, Cutinase, Laccase, Peroxidases, Manganese peroxidase, Lignin peroxidase, Oxidoreductases, Urease, Protease, Lipase, Polyesterase, Dehydrogenase, Serine hydrolase, and PETase) involved in pathways for plastic degradation alongside the relevant fungi known to produce these enzymes. Furthermore, we integrate the fungi’s enzyme-producing capabilities with their taxonomy and phylogeny. Taxonomic and phylogenetic investigations have pinpointed three primary fungal classes (Eurotiomycetes, Sordariomycetes (Ascomycota), and Agaricomycetes (Basidiomycota)) as significant plastic degraders that produce the vital enzymes mentioned earlier. This paper provides a foundational resource for recognizing fungal involvement in the biodegradation of synthetic polymers. It will ultimately advance fungal biotechnology efforts to address the global issue of plastic accumulation in natural environments.

Nine Pezizomycotina strains were isolated from rotten dead branches and leaves collected from Guizhou Province. To obtain their accurate taxonomic placement, we provided the morphological characteristics of conidiophore cells and conidia. Phylogenetic relationships, based on ITS, rpb2, SSU, LSU and tub2 gene sequences, confirmed our strains represented three novel species, Peglionia falcata, Neoascochyta pseudofusiformis and Neomicrosphaeropsis cylindrica. Peglionia falcata produced falcate conidia and Neoa. pseudofusiformis generated fusiform conidia, while Neom. cylindrica possessed cylindrical conidia. The phylogenetic results also supported them as novel taxa. All the new species in the present study were found as saprophytic on forest litter with high rainfall, which suggest they may have a certain effect on nutrient decomposition and redistribution in forest ecosystems. Thus, it opened a way for further research on related ecological roles and their application production.

Russula, a genus of Basidiomycetes with considerable taxonomic diversity, holds significant potential in both traditional and modern medicinal practices. This comprehensive review explores the bioactive compounds identified in various Russula species, detailing their characterization, structural elucidation, and classification. The medicinal properties of these fungi are examined, with a focus on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, supported by both historical usage and contemporary preclinical pharmacological research. The review also highlights emerging biotechnological applications including environmental remediation, antimicrobial agents, and functional food development. Safety and toxicological considerations are evaluated to provide a balanced perspective on the medicinal use of Russula. The review concludes by summarizing the key findings and emphasizing the importance of Russula in both traditional medicine and future clinically validated innovations.