Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is an important enteric alphacoronavirus primarily affecting canids. Here, we detected canine coronavirus RNA in a captive 9-year-old Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) in China. The complete viral genome was obtained using metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Phylogenetic and recombination analyses were then performed to investigate its evolutionary relationship with canine and feline coronaviruses. The identified CCoV strain clustered within established canine coronavirus lineages and showed sequence evidence of recombination involving coronavirus strains previously reported in other carnivore species. Although the detection of viral RNA alone does not establish a causal relationship between CCoV infection and disease outcome, this study provides molecular evidence that Amur tigers are susceptible to canine coronavirus infection. These findings expand the known host range of CCoV and contribute to understanding the evolution and cross-species transmission potential of coronaviruses among carnivores.

Myxomycetes (true slime molds) are amoebozoan protists involved in decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Recent molecular studies have led to major taxonomic revisions in Physaraceae, including the establishment of the genus Nannengaella for highly calcified species previously placed in Physarum. To refine the taxonomy and distribution of Nannengaella in China, we used an integrative approach combining multilocus phylogenetics and morphological examination. A total of 149 specimens from 14 provinces and autonomous regions in China were studied, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted using five loci: nSSU, EF-1α, mtSSU, α-tubulin, and COI. Results confirmed that Nannengaella is a distinct and monophyletic lineage within Physaraceae. One new species, Nannengaella luteotestacea, is described as a well-supported lineage in the genus, and three former Physarum species (N. herbatica, N. cremilutea, N. conglomerata) are recombined into Nannengaella based on molecular and morphological evidence. New distribution records in China are provided for several species: N. herbatica from Jilin Province, N. cremilutea from Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, and Henan Provinces, and N. conglomerata, N. contexta, N. sulphurea, and N. leucopus from Sichuan Province. Detailed morphological descriptions, voucher information, ecological notes, and an identification key are also presented. These findings improve the taxonomic framework of Nannengaella and enhance understanding of its diversity and biogeographic distribution in China.

Polysaccharides (GLPs) were extracted from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lingzhi using an optimised water-extraction and alcohol-precipitation method. Two homogeneous fractions (GLP1 and GLP2) were purified, and their molecular weights, monosaccharide compositions, and antioxidant activities were characterised via high-performance liquid gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and ion chromatography. GPC analysis determined the molecular weights of GLP1 and GLP2 to be 4.352 × 104 Da and 2.261 × 104 Da, respectively. Both fractions were primarily composed of glucose, along with mannose, rhamnose, arabinose, fucose, galactose, xylose, and glucuronic acid, albeit with varying molar ratios. Notably, the crude polysaccharide fraction exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to the purified fractions, achieving DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging rates of 71.5% and 80.0% at concentrations of 2.5 mg/mL and 3.5 mg/mL, respectively. These findings establish a foundation for the development of GLPs in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

With escalating challenges in agricultural waste disposal, efficient waste utilization technologies are crucial for sustainable development. By innovatively employing deer manure and corn straw, this study systematically elucidated the dynamic substrate transformation patterns during mushroom cultivation, converting waste into edible products. Comparing corn straw-deer manure versus corn straw-chicken manure substrates for Agaricus bisporus cultivation showed similar yields (21.82 vs. 23.18 kg/m2), but deer manure substrate produced mushrooms with superior agronomic traits, including higher individual mushroom weight, cap weight, and ratio of cap diameter to stipe length. Deer manure substrate significantly enhanced methionine content 3-fold (0.06 vs. 0.02 g/100 g) and improved cysteine levels. During cultivation, carbon content decreased from 45.60 % to 26.49 %, and nitrogen content increased from 1.49 % to 2.52 %. Cellulase (2.05 U/g) and laccase (8.96 U/g) reached their peak activities during the primordia formation stage, while xylanase exhibited its highest activity (16.38 U/g) during the mycelium growth stage. Microbial community analysis revealed distinct succession patterns, with deer manure substrate demonstrating superior Actinomycetota enrichment (79.33 % vs. 47.19 %) and enhanced cellulolytic bacterial abundance. A graded value-added strategy was established by analyzing the lignocellulosic composition and morphological changes in corn straw during A. bisporus cultivation using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and quantitative biochemical analysis. Optimal applications were determined: products from the first and second turning stages (cellulose>30 %, hemicellulose>20 %, lignin <= 16 %) for bioethanol production, products from the end of composting phases I and II (cellulose>18 %) for mushroom cultivation substrates, and products from the end of the first, second, and third flushes (cellulose<30 %, hemicellulose<11 %, lignin<16 %) for organic fertilizer production, maximizing resource potential of the corn straw-deer manure composite system.

Didymosphaeriaceae is an important family within Pleosporales, widely distributed globally as saprophytes, pathogens and endophytes on plants, possessing potential for agricultural and medicinal applications. Due to the environmental risks posed by chemical pesticides, plant-associated microorganisms have become an important resource for developing eco-friendly biopesticides. During a study of Didymosphaeriaceae fungi with woody litter from northeast China, decaying wood tissue samples were collected and examined. Through morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis (ITS, SSU, LSU, tef1-α and rpb2), we described two novel species, Chromolaenicola crataegicola and Paraphaeosphaeria fulva and preliminarily assessed the antibacterial and antifungal activities of their secondary metabolites. This research further enriches the diversity of plant-associated ascomycetes in northeast China and highlights their potential strains for the development of biopesticides.

This study focused on Ganoderma mycelium as the experimental subject and conducted a systematic investigation into the effects of varying the addition ratio of biomass charcoal in the cultivation substrate. The objective was to thoroughly evaluate how differences in biochar proportions influence the growth and developmental characteristics of Ganoderma mycelium. Throughout the experimental process, several critical growth and physiological parameters were monitored and analyzed, including the mycelial growth rate, water retention capacity of the substrate, extracellular enzyme activity (TP, POD, SOD, CAT), as well as the levels of soluble sugar and protein within the mycelium. After a series of experiments, the results showed that biochar addition significantly enhanced mycelial growth rate (p < 0.05) and extracellular enzyme activities while decreasing protein levels. Furthermore, the group with 20 g of biochar addition significantly enhanced the extracellular enzyme activity (p < 0.05), thereby improving the ability of the mycelium to decompose and utilize the nutrients in the substrate. In conclusion, appropriately adjusting the addition of biochar has a significant impact on regulating the growth and physiological metabolism of the Ganoderma lucidum mycelium. These research results provide a scientific basis for optimizing cultivation techniques to increase the yield and quality of Ganoderma lingzhi.

This study investigated the effects of different Effective Microorganism (EM) inoculation concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%) on the co-composting of Auricularia heimuer residue with chicken manure and the subsequent growth of maize. The aim was to enhance composting efficiency and promote maize productivity. Results showed that EM addition, particularly at medium concentrations, significantly accelerated the composting process by shortening the heating phase and prolonging the thermophilic period, with the 10% treatment reaching >50 °C by day 2. The 5–10% EM treatments markedly promoted the degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose, and enhanced key enzyme activities (e.g., cellulase and hemicellulase) during composting and maize growth stages. Regarding soil nutrients, the 5% EM treatment led to the most balanced increases in total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK) contents, with rises of 58.7%, 47.8%, and 130.4%, respectively, during the seedling stage. For maize yield, this treatment enhanced total grain weight, hundred-grain weight, and root activity by 25.7%, 30.9%, and 53.2%, respectively, while also increasing dry matter and root weight. Redundancy and correlation analyses indicated strong positive relationships among root activity, soil TN, cellulase activity, and final yield. In conclusion, EM inoculation at 5–10% optimizes the composting process, improves substrate quality and nutrient supply, and promotes maize root development and yield, with 5% EM offering the most comprehensive benefits. This study provides a practical approach for agricultural waste recycling and sustainable maize cultivation.

Hydnellum is an ectomycorrhizal fungus with important ecological and medicinal value. However, the species diversity of Hydnellum in China remains poorly understood. To deepen the understanding of the diversity of Hydnellum species in China, this study, based on a combination of morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nrLSU) regions, identified and described four new species: H. aureoluteum sp. nov., H. aureotomentosum sp. nov., H. fuscozonatum sp. nov., and H. pileospinosum sp. nov. For each new species, we provided detailed morphological descriptions, hand-drawn illustrations, and comparisons with closely related taxa. In addition, this study systematically compiled key morphological characteristics and ecological distribution data for all known Hydnellum species in China and constructed a dichotomous identification key. This work provides an important basis for taxonomic research on the genus Hydnellum and enhances our understanding of its ecological distribution patterns in China.

Hydnum (Hydnaceae, Cantharellales), one of the edible ectomycorrhizal fungi, is characterized by a spine-bearing hymenophore. It is widely distributed in temperate regions and forms stable symbiotic relationships with Fagaceae and Pinaceae. During a survey of macrofungi in the Dabie Mountains region of China, ten specimens of Hydnum were collected. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis using three genetic markers (ITS + nrLSU + tef1-α), three new species (H. luteoalbum, H. albodentum, and H. albotomentosum) were identified and described, and two species newly recorded from the Dabie Mountains (H. berkeleyanum and H. pallidomarginatum) were reported. H. luteoalbum is distinguished by a white pileus covered with white tomentum, dagger-shaped or sword-like spines, and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores. H. albodentum is characterized by a pale brown pileus and subelliptical basidiospores (8.0–8.5 × 6.0–7.0 μm; av. Q = 1.17). H. albotomentosum features smaller basidiocarps, extremely short spines (0.5–2 mm), and globose to subglobose basidiospores. This study enriches the known taxonomic diversity of Hydnum and provides a dichotomous key to the species of Hydnum in China to facilitate species identification.

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer has long been used as a valuable medicinal herb with a wide range of pharmacological effects. Due to the scarcity of wild ginseng resources, cultivated ginseng, (including field-grown ginseng and forest-grown ginseng) gradually becomes the primary source for market supply. Ginseng age is considered an important indicator, as it directly affects the medicinal, nutritional, and economic value of ginseng, leading to considerable price fluctuations among ginseng of different ages. In this study, we obtained a total of 5986 differentially expressed genes based on the transcriptome data from forest-grown ginseng samples of different ages. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes were involved in various biological processes and pathways, particularly those related to plant growth and development, photosynthesis, and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Expression trend analysis was used to classify the differentially expressed genes into nine clusters with distinct expression patterns. Twelve candidate genes were identified by constructing interaction networks of genes within two clusters that exhibited linear expression trends with age. Further correlation analysis and tissue-specific expression profiling led to the identification of four age-related characteristic genes. A linear equation for predicting the age of forest-grown ginseng was established based on the expression levels of four age-related characteristic genes in samples of different ages, and it was found that the equation could estimate forest-grown ginseng age within a certain error range. These age-related characteristic genes are shown to possess potential and applicability as molecular markers. A preliminary method for age determination at the molecular level is proposed, which provides theoretical and data support for the production and quality control of forest-grown ginseng.

This study systematically evaluated substrate-dependent variations in yield, nutritional composition, mineral profiles, taste-active compounds, electronic tongue profile, and metabolome of A. bisporus cultivated on corn stover-based substrates (CM1, CM2, CM3) and wheat straw-based substrate (WM4). Corn stover-based substrates supported the cultivation of A. bisporus, yielding 20.56–25.63 kg/m2, comparable to WM4 (24.23 kg/m2). Biological efficiency of the corn stover treatments ranged from 80.32% to 88.58%; CM1 and CM2 were comparable to WM4 (91.35%), whereas CM3 showed a significantly lower biological efficiency than WM4 (p < 0.05). Crude protein and mineral elements (Cu, Fe, Zn) were substantially higher in mushrooms from corn stover-based substrates, whereas crude polysaccharide content was greater in WM4. Taste profile analysis revealed that corn stover-based substrates elevated umami and sweet amino acids alongside 5′-GMP and 5′-UMP, leading to enhanced equivalent umami concentration (EUC) and umami perception by the electronic tongue, while WM4 supported higher 5′-AMP accumulation. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis (CM3 vs. WM4) identified 3997 metabolic features. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these substrate-dependent metabolic alterations were primarily driven by pathways such as the biosynthesis of amino acids, nucleotide metabolism, and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, underlying the metabolic adaptation of A. bisporus. These findings provide new insights into the compositional characteristics and quality formation of A. bisporus cultivated on corn stover-based substrates.

To optimize the continuous reflux extraction process of triterpenes from Ganoderma lingzhi using an orthogonal test and to lay a foundation for its industrial application, an orthogonal experiment was carried out for optimization. The optimal conditions were obtained and verified. The continuous reflux extraction technology for triterpenes from G. lingzhi was optimized. The vanillin-glacial acetic acid method was used to determine the content of triterpenes in G. lingzhi. The optimal process parameters were as follows: an ethanol concentration of 80%, an extraction time of 1.5 hr, and a solid-liquid ratio of 1:26. The average extraction yield was 2.412%, with a relative standard deviation of 1.079%. Taking the inhibition rate of α-glucosidase activity as the index of evaluating hypoglycemic activity, G. lingzhi triterpene has a significant effect on hypoglycemic activity. The optimized triterpene reflux extraction process for G. lingzhi is feasible and stable, providing a scientific reference for the extraction of effective components from G. lingzhi in subsequent stages. The red text indicates deleted content, and the yellow text indicates added content. In order to optimize the continuous reflux extraction process of triterpenes from G. lingzhi through orthogonal testing and to establish a foundation for its industrial application, an orthogonal experiment was conducted for optimization purposes. The optimal conditions were determined and validated. Subsequently, the continuous reflux extraction technique for triterpenes from G. lingzhi was optimized. The vanillin-glacial acetic acid method determined triterpene content. Optimal parameters were: ethanol concentration of 80%, extraction time of 1.5 h, and solid-liquid ratio of 1:26, with an average extraction yield of 2.412% (RSD = 1.079%). Using α-glucosidase activity inhibition rate as an index, G. lingzhi triterpenes showed significant hypoglycemic activity. The optimized extraction process is feasible and stable, offering a scientific reference for subsequent extraction of G. lingzhi's effective components.

BACKGROUND:Auricularia cornea 'Yumuer' is a highly nutritious and economically valuable mushroom crop, widely favored by consumers. However, bacterial browning disease poses a significant threat to its yield and quality. This study aimed to identify the causal agent of browning, clarify its environmental determinants, and evaluate effective chemical control measures. RESULTS:This study reports a novel bacterial disease affecting wood ear mushrooms. The pathogenic strain DB1028 was isolated from the browning tissues of symptomatic fruiting bodies, and its pathogenicity was confirmed by fulfilling Koch's postulates. Morphological characteristics, physiological and biochemical properties, and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses identified the pathogen as Pseudomonas canadensis Epidemics were driven by high temperature (greater than 28 °C) and humidity (greater than 90%), causing 100% incidence rate and a severe disease index. Among the tested antibiotics, streptomycin exhibited high efficacy with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 4.53 μg/mL, indicating its potential for safe and effective control. CONCLUSION:This study is the first to definitively identify the causal agent of bacterial browning disease in Auricularia cornea 'Yumuer', elucidate its environmentally dependent pathogenic pattern, and propose effective chemical control strategies. These findings provide a theoretical foundation and offer novel insights for the prevention and management of bacterial diseases in gelatinous edible fungi. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pluteus is a genus of wood-rot fungi with considerable ecological importance in forest ecosystems. Within this genus, section Hispidoderma is distinctively characterized by a specific combination of pileipellis structures (trichoderm, hymeniderm, or trichohymeniderm) and non-metuloid hymenial cystidia, which together provide key morphological basis for section delimitation. In this study, we combined genetic data from three gene regions (large subunit ribosomal RNA [LSU], internal transcribed spacer [ITS], and translation elongation factor 1-alpha [tef1]) to construct the major phylogenetic framework of section Hispidoderma. Our analysis revealed three primary clades (/plautus clade, /leoninus clade, /umbrosus clade) and one lineage (/pantherinus lineage). We subsequently identified several important morphological features and correlated them with phylogenetic relationships to reveal shared characteristics among species within each evolutionary clade. Building on this framework, we constructed phylogenetic trees using three datasets (ITS, tef1 and a combined ITS+tef1) to analyze the phylogenetic structure and species relationships within each clade and lineage. By comprehensively integrating morphology, phylogenetic data, substrate preferences, and species distribution, we identified 18 species: nine new species (P. albivillus, P. baishanzuen sis, P. costatus, P. hinnuleus, P. jilinensis, P. piceicola, P. spaniophyllus, P. tenuipileus, and P. ultraputripiceae), one new record for China (P. ussuriensis), seven previously known species (P. granularis, P. leoninus, P. longistriatus, P. umbrosus, P. umbrosoides, P. vari abilicolor, and P. velutinus), and one species of uncertain taxonomic affinity (P. aff. se mibulbosus). This study provides detailed documentation, including line drawings and color photographs of the 18 identified species, along with phylogenetic analyses of their evolutionary relationships. Additionally, we present a thorough identification key for the 25 species of sect. Hispidoderma found in China. By clarifying the delineation of clades and species boundaries within sect. Hispidoderma, this work significantly advances our understanding of the taxonomy of this ecologically important fungal group.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common contaminant in canine diets that can cause significant damage to metabolic organs with prolonged exposure. Dihydromyricetin (DMY), a flavonoid compound abundant in Ampelopsis grossedentata, is widely used in functional foods due to its diverse biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which DMY alleviates AFB1-induced damage in MDCK cells. Four experimental groups were established: a control group with culture medium only (CON group), a group treated with 5 μg/mL AFB1 (AFB1 group), and two treatment groups treated with 5 μg/mL AFB1 combined with either 25 mmol/L or 50 mmol/L DMY—concentrations with more robust and stable protective effects than 100 mmol/L DMY, as confirmed by experimental screening. The results showed that AFB1 significantly reduced MDCK cell viability at concentrations of 5–30 μg/mL (p < 0.01), while DMY at 25–100 mmol/L markedly improved cell viability (p < 0.01). AFB1 treatment led to a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels, along with a reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities (p < 0.01). 25 mmol/L and 50 mmol/L DMY treatment reversed these effects, decreasing ROS, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels while increasing SOD and CAT activities (p < 0.01). Furthermore, 25 mmol/L and 50 mmol/L DMY improved mitochondrial membrane potential (p < 0.01), counteracting AFB1’s inhibitory effects on autophagy-related proteins by promoting p-AMPK and Beclin-1 expression while inhibiting p-mTOR, p53, and p62 expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, DMY mitigates AFB1-induced damage in MDCK cells by enhancing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant defenses and promoting autophagy, providing a theoretical foundation for future treatment strategies for canine kidney damage.

Pluteus is a genus of wood-rot fungi with considerable ecological importance in forest ecosystems. Within this genus, section Hispidoderma is distinctively characterized by a specific combination of pileipellis structures (trichoderm, hymeniderm, or trichohymeniderm) and non-metuloid hymenial cystidia, which together provide key morphological basis for section delimitation. In this study, we combined genetic data from three gene regions (large subunit ribosomal RNA [LSU], internal transcribed spacer [ITS], and translation elongation factor 1-alpha [tef1]) to construct the major phylogenetic framework of section Hispidoderma. Our analysis revealed three primary clades (/plautus clade, /leoninus clade, /umbrosus clade) and one lineage (/pantherinus lineage). We subsequently identified several important morphological features and correlated them with phylogenetic relationships to reveal shared characteristics among species within each evolutionary clade. Building on this framework, we constructed phylogenetic trees using three datasets (ITS, tef1 and a combined ITS+tef1) to analyze the phylogenetic structure and species relationships within each clade and lineage. By comprehensively integrating morphology, phylogenetic data, substrate preferences, and species distribution, we identified 18 species: nine new species (P. albivillus, P. baishanzuensis, P. costatus, P. hinnuleus, P. jilinensis, P. piceicola, P. spaniophyllus, P. tenuipileus, and P. ultraputripiceae), one new record for China (P. ussuriensis), seven previously known species (P. granularis, P. leoninus, P. longistriatus, P. umbrosus, P. umbrosoides, P. variabilicolor, and P. velutinus), and one species of uncertain taxonomic affinity (P. aff. semibulbosus). This study provides detailed documentation, including line drawings and color photographs of the 18 identified species, along with phylogenetic analyses of their evolutionary relationships. Additionally, we present a thorough identification key for the 25 species of sect. Hispidoderma found in China. By clarifying the delineation of clades and species boundaries within sect. Hispidoderma, this work significantly advances our understanding of the taxonomy of this ecologically important fungal group.

Edible mushrooms have gained global popularity due to their nutritional value, medicinal properties, bioactive compounds and industrial applications. Despite their long-standing roles in ecology, nutrition, and traditional medicine, their additional functions in cultivation, breeding, and classification processes are still in their infancy due to technological constraints. The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies has transformed the cultivation process of mushrooms, genetic breeding, and classification methods. However, the analysis of the application of AI in the mushroom production cycle is currently scattered and unorganized. This comprehensive review explores the application of AI technologies in mushroom cultivation, breeding, and classification. Four databases (Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, and PubMed) and one search engine (Google Scholar) were used to perform a thorough review of the literature on the utility of AI in various aspects of the mushroom production cycle, including intelligent environmental control, disease detection, yield prediction, germplasm characterization, genotype–phenotype integration, genome editing, gene mining, multi-omics, automatic species identification and grading. In order to fully realize the potential of these edge-cutting AI technologies in transforming mushroom breeding, classification, and cultivation, this review addresses challenges and future perspectives while calling for interdisciplinary approaches and multimodal fusion.

To screen high-quality strains and comprehensively exploit the superior traits of Xianggu or shiitake and their related species, a collection of strains from various locations was utilized. After the activation of these strains, genomic DNA was extracted, followed by inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR)-PCR, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplification, and sequence identification. The ISSR molecular marker was used to detect the polymorphism of 21 shiitake mushroom strains with 19 primers at the molecular level. ISSR analysis further verified the genetic diversity of the 21 germplasm strains. Specifically, the correlation coefficient r was determined to be 0.86399, the average number of alleles (Na) was 1.7158, the average effective number of alleles (Ne) was 1.4529, the average Nei's genetic diversity index was 0.2632, and the mean Shannon's information index was 0.3916. The genetic similarity coefficients of the 21 strains ranged from 0.4000 to 0.9417. The similarity coefficient between 73.04% of the strains was less than 0.7, indicating that there were large genetic differences between the strains. Through ISSR primer amplification, band pattern analysis, cluster analysis, assessment of the genetic similarity coefficient and genetic distance, and the establishment of DNA fingerprints, it was demonstrated that the 21 strains possessed rich genetic diversity. The findings indicated that the ISSR technique could serve as a valuable tool to assist breeding, significantly reducing the workload, and enhancing work efficiency, thereby making substantial contributions to the identification and breeding of shiitake mushroom strains.

Pleosporales, the largest order within Ascomycota, is globally distributed and exhibits remarkable host diversity. Fagaceae, a plant family of significant ecological importance in the Northern Hemisphere, harbors a wide array of fungal species. During an investigation of pleosporalean fungi associated with woody litter from Fagaceae plants, dead wood samples with fungal fruiting bodies were collected in Henan and Jiangxi provinces, China. In this study, we describe two novel species, Pseudothyridariella fagacearum and Phaeoseptum biyangense, and report a new host record for Byssosphaeria siamensis. These taxa are formally characterized using an integrative taxonomic approach, which combines detailed morphological characterization with maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic analyses of multi-locus sequence data (ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2, and tef1-α). The newly designated species can be morphologically distinguished from other members of the respective genera based on the size of the asci and ascospores. This comprehensive study enhances our understanding of microfungi associated with Fagaceae, contributing to the knowledge of China’s biodiversity.

The cultivation of Agaricus bisporus using corn straw as substrates effectively utilizes agricultural waste resources. This study analyzed the physicochemical properties and microbial succession of compost and casing substrates during A. bisporus cultivation with corn straw (wetting, thermophilic, pasteurization, spawning, casing, pinning, and harvesting). Microbiota underwent rapid succession during the wetting and thermophilic stages (78.2 degrees C). After pasteurization (56.0 degrees C), the wax layer-degrading microorganisms and mesophilic microorganisms were replaced by thermophilic lignocellulose-degrading microorganisms, Thermopolyspora, Thermomyces, and Mycothermus, forming a stable microbial community that can nourish and stimulate mushroom growth. These taxa decreased, and Chelatococcus increased during spawn run (25.0 degrees C). Following the casing process (21.0 degrees C), the microbial community composition changed significantly in compost, with Geobacillus becoming the dominant genus. Mushroom growth-promoting bacteria (MGPBs) Bradyrhizobium and Pseudomonas were key genera in the casing. Network analyses showed that organic materials were degraded mainly through microbial synergistic effect. Stochastic processes shaped the bacterial and fungal community assembly at all stages. The most crucial contributor influencing the succession of the bacterial and fungal communities in compost was the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. In the casing layer, carbon and nitrogen were the key drivers of bacterial and fungal community succession, respectively. These findings provide a better understanding of microbial dynamics in corn straw-based mushroom cultivation systems, and they are valuable for optimizing environmentally friendly cultivation techniques that can generate ecological and health benefits.