Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB) is a major agricultural threat worldwide, historically attributed to several races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). The updated taxonomic scheme tends to group these races of Foc into distinct species. In addition to the F. oxysporum species complex (FOSC), a few species within the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) have occasionally been reported on bananas. In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, FWB has been reported across North and South Kivu. This study aims to assess the diversity of Fusarium locally associated with FWB through morphological, phylogenetic, and pathogenic characterization. Seventy Fusarium strains were isolated from pseudostems showing infection of vascular tissues. Morphological characterization was performed on synthetic low-nutrient agar, potato dextrose agar, and carnation leaf agar. Pathogenicity was assessed on Cavendish and Gros-Michel in greenhouse conditions. Molecular phylogenetic relationships were inferred based on DNA sequence data from partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha and the second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase. To confirm species identity, partial calmodulin and beta-tubulin gene regions were also sequenced for some strains. Of the 70 Fusarium strains analyzed, 31 belonged to the FOSC, including 28 strains identified as F. tardichlamydosporum and one strain (F141) identified as F. duoseptatum, both previously recognized as Foc Race 1. Two additional FOSC strains (F93 and F146) formed a distinct clade, separate from the newly defined Foc species. No isolate was identified as F. odoratissimum (Foc TR4). Thirty-five strains were classified as F. joanfreemaniae, a member of the F. fujikuroi species complex. In addition, F. solani, F. andiyazi, and F. incarnatum have been reported. Fusarium tardichlamydosporum and F. duoseptatum strains induced symptoms under all tested conditions. Inversely, F. joanfreemaniae caused symptoms on Gros Michel and Cavendish only under stressed, injured roots, indicating a weak or opportunistic role. This highlights a multi-species disease complex with implications for resistance-based management.

This study is a part of the revision of Phylloporia (Hymenochaetaceae, Basidiomycota) in tropical Africa. On the basis of morphological, ecological, and multilocus phylogenetic data, four new species are described, originating from the East African coastal forest phytochorion, at Arabuko Sokoke National Park, Kenya. Phylloporia arabukoana forms small, mostly applanate to shortly triquetrous basidiomes, emerging in multiple, dense clusters of 10-20 pilei each, dispersed along living trunks of Bourreria petiolaris (Boraginaceae). This species is phylogenetically related to P. afropectinata and P. beninensis. Phylloporia pulchella forms small (up to 10 mm diam), mainly circular, dorsifixed, applanate basidiomes, emerging from living small twigs in the upper foliage of Heinsia crinita cf. subsp. parviflora, a shrubby to small-stemmed Rubiaceae of the understory compartment. The species has neither morphological nor phylogenetic relatives so far in tropical Africa or elsewhere. Phylloporia sokokeana is described based on stipitate, pleuropodal basidiomes emerging from soil. It is related, morphologically, ecologically, and phylogenetically, to P. mutabilis, known from southern, coastal Benin. Phylloporia thecacoris forms soft, spongy, and dimidiate to amplectens basidiomes on living stems of small, bushy Phyllanthaceae, Thecacoris spathulifolia. It is morphologically comparable to P. littoralis, known from the western edge of the Guineo-Congolian forest but, from a phylogenetic perspective, has no relatives to date. A key to the Phylloporia species currently reported from tropical Africa is presented.

Lignosus dimiticus is a stipitate, poroid fungus (Basidiomycota, Polyporales) only reported twice from the Democratic Republic of Congo so far. Its systematic position in the typically trimitic genus Lignosus was questionable but did not find a satisfying outcome in recent literature, and no DNA sequence was available either. A recent finding of this species in the Central African Republic could be revised, compared to type collections, and sequenced for ITS and LSU rDNA markers. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that L. dimiticus formed a basal lineage in the Fibroporiaceae (Polyporales). A comparison with specimens of Fibroporia spp. and Pseudofibroporia citrinella, representants of the only two other genera in the family, based on molecular, morphological, and biogeographical features, led to the introduction of a new genus Microporellopsis, and to the new combination M. dimitica to accommodate this species. The characteristics of M. dimitica and relationships between Fibroporia, Microporellopsis gen. nov., and Pseudofibroporia are discussed and illustrated.

Petroleum-contaminated soils are a major environmental concern worldwide. In Ecuador, extensive oil spills in the Amazon have led to widespread hydrocarbon pollution, threatening ecosystems and posing health risks to nearby communities. Conventional remediation techniques are resource-intensive and may render soil unsuitable for future use. In contrast, mycoremediation—using fungi to degrade toxic contaminants—offers a sustainable alternative. White-rot fungi, known for their ligninolytic enzyme systems such as laccases and peroxidases, are capable of degrading a wide range of organic pollutants, including petroleum hydrocarbons. This study assessed the enzymatic activity of 16 fungal strains from the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota isolated in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Plate-based screening and quantitative laccase activity assays confirmed positive enzymatic activity in all strains. The five strains with the highest enzymatic activity were Ganoderma cf. parvulum QCAM7791, Trametes menziesii QCAM7783, Trametes menziesii QCAM7788, Trametes menziesii QCAM7790, and Trametes meyenii QCAM7785, which were selected for a 60-day soil microcosm experiment under controlled laboratory conditions. These strains removed over 96% of total petroleum hydrocarbons from contaminated soil, demonstrating high biodegradation efficiency. These results highlight the promise of native fungal strains as bioremediation agents for petroleum-contaminated soils. Further studies should focus on evaluating their performance under field conditions and their potential integration into large-scale remediation strategies.

This article is the 18th contribution to the Fungal Diversity Notes series, in which we document 98 taxa across two phyla, eight classes, 21 orders, 46 families, and 59 genera. The represent samples of taxa were collected from a diverse range of regions, including Australia, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, China, Czechia, India, Japan, Madagascar, Mexico, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Togo, USA, Uzbekistan and Venezuela. Among these, we introduce one new genus, 59 new species, 13 new combinations, one new name and 24 new records, along with information on their hosts and geographic distributions. The newly introduced genus is Fusicastoreum, and the newly described species include: Acrogenospora guangxiensis, Agaricus longistipitatus, A. sunanensis, Anthosulcatispora sichuanensis, Anthracoidea siccatae, Bjerkandera meridionalis, Camarophyllopsis brunnea, Candolleomyces analalavaensis, C. kely, C. macrosporus, Ceriporia yunnanensis, Choiromyces mongolicus, Colletotrichum duohuaense, Coprinus variicolor, Cystoderma alticola, C. microspore, C. yadongense, Cytospora lhaluensis, Diaporthe amberina, D. mangiferae, Elsinoe fuzhouensis, Epicocum maxima, Fulvifomes shailashikhara, Fusarium tuberculatum, Fusicastoreum arenarium, F. occidentale, F. pisiglareum, F. trappei, Gyalidea lluxitensis, Gymnopilus rimopileus, Hohenbuehelia triloba, Hymenagaricus ruber, Hypholoma darjeelingensis, Laccaria guizhouensis, Lactifluus aureoelephanti, L. croceivillus, Leucoagaricus ankarafantsikaensis, L. rutilus, Micropsalliota squamulosa, M. vinacea, Neomyrmecridium triseptatum, Niesslia wurfbainiae, Nigropunctata conspicosa, Ophiocordyceps jilinensis, Oxydothis dehongensis, Panaeolus ranwuensis, Pestalotiopsis buxicola, Pleurocordyceps puerensis, Pseudocercospora cunninghamia, Psilocybe zhushanensis, Remotididymella tachibana, Russula gaoligongensis, R. guilinensis, R. pseudovirescens, Sarocladium solani, Septoriella saviya-ramazanovaii, Seriascoma oblonga, Talaromyces pseudorugulosus and Tricholosporum madagascariense. Additionally, species newly transferred from Psilocybe include Deconica caespitosa, D. californica, D. goniospora, D. josecastilloi, D. latispora, D. novozoncuantlensis, D. oregonensis, D. venezuelana and D. vialis. Russula afroscrobiculata is newly transferred from Lactarius afroscrobiculatus, and Puccinia hamamelidis, P. hydrangeicola, P. philadelphi are newly transferred from Aecidium. Furthermore, the new name Puccinia shojiana is proposed as a replacement for Aecidium akebiae. The 24 new records of hosts and geographical distributions include: Agaricus pallidobrunneus, Bovista cretacea, Candolleomyces subsingeri, Clitopilus chichawatniensis, Collybiopsis gibbosa, C. subumbilicata, Curvularia geniculate, Cystoderma japonicum, Cytospora diatrypelloidea, C. schulzeri, Elsinoe leucospermi, Fulvifomes aurantiacus, Laccaria macrobasidia, Menisporopsis pandanicola, M. pirozynskii, Multifurca pseudofurcata, Musicillium elettariae, Myrmecridium pulvericola, Ophiocordyceps asiana, O. campes, Phellinus resupinatus, Phylloporia afrospathulata, Tropicoporus linteus and Typhula incarnate. All taxa are supported by both morphological and phylogenetic analyses.

Ganoderma curtisii, a potential medicinal species due to the presence of various lucidenic acids, was originally described from the southeastern United States. Controversy subsequently developed as it became clear that this was not a single species but a complex. In the present study, 39 collections from the G. curtisii complex, including 30 collections originating from four different states of Mexico and type specimens were analyzed from a phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological point of view. The phylogenetic relationships within the G. curtisii complex were analyzed using sequence data from ITS, tef1, rpb1, and rpb2 regions. A total of six clades were resolved within the G. curtisii complex, that corresponds to G. curtisii, G. myanmarense, G. ravenelii, G. sichuanense, Ganoderma sp. from Costa Rica, and a clade comprising several collections previously named G. curtisii from Mexico, described here as Ganoderma mexicurtisii sp. nov. Furthermore, G. meredithiae is confirmed as a synonym of G. curtisii.

Ganodermacurtisii, a potential medicinal species due to the presence of various lucidenic acids, was originally described from the southeastern United States. Controversy subsequently developed as it became clear that this was not a single species but a complex. In the present study, 39 collections from the G.curtisii complex, including 30 collections originating from four different states of Mexico and type specimens were analyzed from a phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological point of view. The phylogenetic relationships within the G.curtisii complex were analyzed using sequence data from ITS, tef1, rpb1, and rpb2 regions. A total of six clades were resolved within the G.curtisii complex, that corresponds to G.curtisii, G.myanmarense, G.ravenelii, G.sichuanense, Ganoderma sp. from Costa Rica, and a clade comprising several collections previously named G.curtisii from Mexico, described here as Ganodermamexicurtisii sp. nov. Furthermore, G.meredithiae is confirmed as a synonym of G.curtisii.

Ips is a genus of bark beetles found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, many of which are highly destructive to coniferous forests and plantations. Fungal symbionts, especially ophiostomatoid fungi, have contributed to the success of Ips bark beetles. Recently, climate change accelerated tree mortality caused by bark beetles and their fungal symbionts. However, the knowledge of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Ips bark beetles is inadequate in China. Therefore, this study investigated the ophiostomatoid fungal communities associated with different Ips bark beetles from various coniferous forest areas of China. A total of 14,512 ophiostomatoid fungal strains were isolated from 1265 vigorous adult beetles and 826 fresh galleries belonging to 11 Ips species infesting 16 coniferous tree species, including pines, spruces, and larches, from 42 sampling sites in nine provinces or autonomous regions in northeast, northwest and southwest China. Based on a combination of morphological features and phylogenetic analysis, 71 taxa belonging to eight genera were identified (Ceratocystiopsis, Graphilbum, Grosmannia, Leptographium, Masuyamyces, and Ophiostoma in Ophiostomatales; Endoconidiophora and Graphium in Microascales), of which 38 species were described as new. Comparing patterns of fungal assemblages indicated that fungal symbionts genetically co-differentiated with their vectors. Host trees possibly reinforce the coarse species-specific association between ophiostomatoid fungi and Ips bark beetles. This study further demonstrates the high diversity of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Ips bark beetles and provides insights into their symbiotic associations.

Ips bark beetles are a genus of borer pests spanning throughout the Northern Hemisphere, many of which are conifer-killers and extremely destructive to forests and plantations. Fungal symbionts, especially ophiostomatoid fungi, have contributed to the success of Ips bark beetles. Recently, climate change has a multiplier effect, accelerating the tree mortality caused by bark beetle and fungal symbionts. However, few ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Ips bark beetles have been reported in China. This study aimed to investigate the ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Ipsbark beetles from China and deduce the patterns of ophiostomatoid fungal assemblages on Ips. In this study, 14,512 strains of the ophiostomatoid fungi were isolated from 1,265 vigorous adult beetles and 826 fresh galleries belong to eleven Ips species infesting 16 coniferous trees (including pines, spruces and larches) from 48 sampling sites in nine provinces or autonomous regions located in northeast, northwest and southwest China. Based on morphological features and phylogenetic analysis, 71 taxa belonging to eight genera were accurately identified (Ceratocystiopsis, Graphilbum,Grosmannia, Leptographium, Masuyamyces and Ophiostomain Ophiostomatales; Endoconidiophora and Graphium in Microascales), of which 38 new species were described in this paper. By comparing patterns of fungal assemblages, we found that the fungi showed a tendency to genetically co-differentiate with their vectors, and speculated that the host tree reinforces the coarse species-specific association between ophiostomatoid fungi and Ips bark beetles. This work further demonstrated the high diversity of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Ipsbark beetles, and provided insight into their symbiotic associations.

Three novel derivatives of microporenic acid, microporenic acids H-J, were identified from submerged cultures of a Lentinus species obtained from a basidiome collected during a field trip in the tropical rainforest in Western Kenya. Their structures were elucidated via HR-ESIMS spectra and 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic analyses, as well as by comparison with known derivatives. Applying biofilm assays based on crystal violet staining and confocal microscopy, two of these compounds, microporenic acids H and I, demonstrated the ability to inhibit biofilm formation of the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Thereby, they were effective in a concentration range that did not affect planktonic growth. Additionally, microporenic acid I enhanced the anti-biofilm activity of the antibiotics vancomycin and gentamicin when used in combination. This opens up possibilities for the use of these compounds in combination therapy to prevent the formation of S. aureus biofilms.

Basidiomycota is one of the major phyla in the fungal tree of life. The outline of Basidiomycota provides essential taxonomic information for researchers and workers in mycology. In this study, we present a time-framed phylogenomic tree with 487 species of Basidiomycota from 127 families, 47 orders, 14 classes and four subphyla; we update the outline of Basidiomycota based on the phylogenomic relationships and the taxonomic studies since 2019; and we provide notes for each order and discuss the history, defining characteristics, evolution, justification of orders, problems, significance, and plates. Our phylogenomic analysis suggests that the subphyla diverged in a time range of 443–490 Myr (million years), classes in a time range of 312–412 Myr, and orders in a time range of 102–361 Myr. Families diverged in a time range of 50–289 Myr, 76–224 Myr, and 62–156 Myr in Agaricomycotina, Pucciniomycotina, and Ustilaginomycotina, respectively. Based on the phylogenomic relationships and divergence times, we propose a new suborder Mycenineae in Agaricales to accommodate Mycenaceae. In the current outline of Basidiomycota, there are four subphyla, 20 classes, 77 orders, 297 families, and 2134 genera accepted. When building a robust taxonomy of Basidiomycota in the genomic era, the generation of molecular phylogenetic data has become relatively easier. Finding phenotypical characters, especially those that can be applied for identification and classification, however, has become increasingly challenging.

The tropical African Laetiporus species are revised, based on morphological, ecological, distribution, and phylogenetic data. Laetiporus discolor, originally described from insular Mauritius, is accepted for the species spanning over the African eastern mountain ranges. Laetiporus oboensis and Laetiporus tenuiculus are described as new from the African equatorial insular S & atilde;o Tom & eacute;, based on phylogenetic, morphological, and distribution data. Laetiporus oboensis is characterized by compound basidiomes, with densely imbricated pilei in pale orange tint, a lobed margin, 3-4 pores/mm, and basidiospores averaging 4.8 x 3.7 mu m. Laetiporus tenuiculus has mostly solitary, small, thin basidiomes, with pale flesh to pale orange pileus, an incised margin, 4-5 pores/mm, and basidiospores averaging 5.4 x 4.2 mu m. A fourth species, known from two isolates from Ethiopian highlands, but for which voucher specimens were not available for description, is uncertain. These four species form an African endemic lineage, whose distribution is Afromountainous.

The genus Sporendonema (Gymnoascaceae, Onygenales) was introduced in 1827 with the type species S. casei for a red mould on cheese. Cheese is a consistent niche for this species. Sphaerosporium equinum is another species classified in Gymnoascaceae and has also been reported from cheese. Recently, other habitats have been reported for both Sporendonema casei and Sphaerosporium equinum. The present study aimed to investigate the taxonomy of Sporendonema and Sphaerosporium, as well as a close neighbour, Arachniotus. Two strains of Hormiscium aurantiacum, another related cheese-associated species were also included in the analyses. Strains were evaluated in terms of macro- and micromorphology, physiology including salt tolerance, growth rate at different temperatures, casein degradation, cellulase activity, lipolytic activity, and multi-locus phylogeny with sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region, the D1-D2 region of the large subunit and partial β-tubulin locus sequences. The results showed that the analysed species were congeneric, and the generic names Arachniotus and Sphaerosporium should be reduced to the synonymy of Sporendonema. Therefore, four new combinations as well as one lectotype and one epitype were designated in Sporendonema. Two strains attributed to Sphaerosporium equinum from substrates other than cheese were found to be phylogenetically and morphologically deviant and were introduced as a new species named Sporendonema isthmoides.

Fomes weberianus Bres. Henn. ex Sacc. is currently the basionym of two very distinct polypores (Basidiomycota), Ganoderma weberianum (Polyporales) and Phylloporia weberiana (Hymenochaetales). This fact has led to almost fifty years of taxonomic confusion. Fomes weberianus was first lectotypified by Steyaert, who accepted the species as G. weberianum. However, studies of Weber’s original material in B, duplicate material in S, the protologue, and early interpretations of the name have shown that Steyaert’s choice conflicts with the protologue and early interpretations, and that his interpretation as a species of Ganoderma is erroneous. A new lectotype was designated and the species was re-described under the correct interpretation Phylloporia weberiana.

New meroterpenoids bis-heimiomycins A-D (1-4) and heimiomycins D and E (5 and 6) were isolated from solid rice cultures of Heimiomyces sp., while new calamene-type sesquiterpenoids heimiocalamene A (7) and B (8) were isolated from shake cultures, respectively. Structures of the metabolites were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR in addition to HRESIMS data. While relative configurations were assigned by ROESY data, absolute configurations were derived from the structurally related, previously described calamenes, which we herein name heimiocalamenes C-E (9-11). A plausible biosynthetic pathway was proposed for 1-6, with a radical reaction connecting their central para-benzoquinone building block to calamene-sesquiterpenoids. Based on the assumption of a common biosynthesis, we reviewed the structure of the known nitrogen-containing derivative 11, calling the validity of the originally proposed structure into question. Subsequently, the structure of 11 was revised by analysis of HMBC and ROESY NMR data. Only heimiomycin D (5) displayed cytotoxic effects against cell line KB3.1.

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a serious public health problem that needs new antibacterial compounds for control. Fungi, including resupinated fungi, are a potential source to discover new bioactive compounds efficient again to bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The inhibitory capacity against the bacterial species was statistically evaluated. All the species (basidiomata and strains) were molecularly characterized with the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 barcoding marker. The strains Ceraceomyces sp., Fuscoporia sp., Gloeocystidiellum sp., Oliveonia sp., Phanerochaete sp., and Xenasmatella sp. correspond to resupinate Basidiomycetes, and only the strain Hypocrea sp. is an Ascomycete, suggesting contamination to the basidiome of Tulasnella sp. According to the antagonistic test, only the Gloeocystidiellum sp. strain had antibacterial activity against the bacterial species Escherichia coli of clinical interest. Statistically, Gloeocystidiellum sp. was significantly (<0.001) active against two E. coli pathotypes (O157:H7 and ATCC 25922). Contrarily, the antibacterial activity of fungi against other pathotypes of E. coli and other strains such as Serratia sp. was not significant. The antibacterial activity between 48 and 72 h increased according to the measurement of the inhibition halos. Because of this antibacterial activity, Gloeocystidiellum sp. was taxonomically studied in deep combined morphological and molecular characterization (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2; partial LSU D1/D2 of nrDNA). A new species Gloeocystidiellum lojanense, a resupinate and corticioid fungus from a tropical montane rainforest of southern Ecuador, with antibacterial potential against E. coli, is proposed to the science.

Chemical exploration of solid-state cultures of the polypore Fomitopsis carnea afforded two new C31 lanostane-type triterpenoid glycosides, forpiniosides B (1) and C (2) together with two known derivatives, namely 3-epipachymic acid (3) and (3α,25S)-3-O-malonyl-23-oxolanost-8,24(31)-dien-26-oic acid (4). The structures of the isolated compounds were established based on HRESIMS and extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments. All the isolated compounds were assessed for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Among the tested compounds, forpinioside B (1) exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis at MIC values comparable to gentamycin and oxytetracycline (positive controls), respectively.