Culturable Fungi Research Articles

Insect-derived bacteria as biocontrol tool and a potent suppressor of plant pathogenic fungi in tomato cultivation

Sustainable agriculture is increasingly emphasized, focusing on microorganisms' role in maintaining soil fertility and inhibiting plant pathogens. Seeking novel sources of plant-beneficial bacteria, our study explores insects due to their established associations with plants and bacteria. The insect gut, hosting various bacteria, may hold microbes protecting against fungal infections, particularly plant pathogens. Traditional sources of plant growth-promoting bacteria are the rhizosphere and host plant tissues; however, insects serve as diverse bacterial reservoirs in the environment. This study aimed to identify insect-gut-derived bacteria with antifungal properties and cellulase enzyme production, predicting high plant tissue colonization abilities. Cellulase, crucial for breaking down cellulose, is essential for both industry and the environment. We sought to assess the potential of these bacteria as biocontrol agents against plant pathogenic fungi, with a focus on tomato plants. Bacterial isolates from insect bodies, including Lactococcus lactis, Pantoea ananatis, and Serratia liquefaciens, exhibited robust antifungal properties and cellulase activity. In vitro tests and glasshouse tests, confirmed their ability to inhibit the growth of plant-pathogenic fungi, indicating potential for biological control. Moreover, selected strains demonstrated high cellulase enzyme activity, vital for nutrient competition and rapid colonization of plant surfaces. The study introduces insect-gut-derived bacteria as promising biocontrol agents against plant pathogenic fungi. The identified strains, capable of inhibiting fungal growth and producing cellulase, offer sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides for protecting tomato plants. The findings advance agricultural practices by harnessing insect-associated bacteria, contributing to eco-friendly and efficient pest management strategies in modern agriculture.

First Record of Zygothrica Wiedemann, 1830 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Species Infesting Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) on a Log Farm in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil

ABSTRACTWe document the first observation of a severe shiitake mushroom infestation by several native Neotropical Zygothrica species (Drosophilidae, Diptera) under natural conditions. This infestation occurred in an agroforestry model, a medium‐scale, log‐based shiitake mushroom production culture. The mushroom farm is located in the Campo Largo municipality in the state of Paraná, Brazil, within the Atlantic Forest Biome. Adult flies, both males and females, were collected in December 2023. This study represents the first collection of Zygothrica parapoeyi Burla, 1956, Z. hypandriata Burla, 1956, Z. ptilialis Burla, 1956 and Z. paraptilialis Burla, 1956 from shiitake log culture. This record underscores the importance of field studies on macroscopic fungal infestations in Brazilian forests, particularly those within agroforestry systems, and their potential economic impacts. In this context, we also propose some preliminary preventive management actions.

Diversity of cultivable endophytic fungi in a decumbent subshrub endemic of the Brazilian tropical savanna.

The diversity of cultivable endophytic fungi in native subshrubs of the Brazilian Cerrado is largely unknown. This study investigated the cultivable endophytic mycobiome of stems, leaves, and flowers of Peltaea polymorpha (Malvaceae). In total, 208 endophytic fungi were isolated, 95 from stems, 65 from leaves, and 48 from flowers. The isolates were classified as ascomycetes belonging to three classes, eight orders, ten families, 12 genera, and 31 species. Diaporthe, Nigrospora, and Colletotrichum were the dominant genera in the three analyzed organs. The richness estimators suggested that the number of species might be slightly higher than observed. The highest values for the Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were observed in stems. Beta diversity showed overlapping of fungal communities in different organs, with a high rate of sharing of taxa. Furthermore, the dominant primary fungal lifestyles were plant pathogens and saprobes. Our findings show that the cultivable endophytic fungal community of P. polymorpha is species-rich and that communities in different organs share genera and species.

Microbial Indoor Air Quality Within Greenhouses and Polytunnels Is Crucial for Sustainable Horticulture (Malopolska Province, Poland Conditions)

Sustainable horticulture is crucially based on the greenhouse production of vegetables under controlled conditions. In this study, we wanted to learn how cultivated plants may impact indoor air quality and whether the workers can be exposed to bioaerosols in a similar way in these settings. The study objective was to test the hypothesis that the microbial concentrations, distribution of bioaerosol particle sizes, and composition of the airborne microbiome are specific to greenhouses, polytunnels, and open-air sites. The air samples were collected to assess the concentration of total culturable bacteria (TCB), fungi, actinomycetes, and β-haemolytic bacteria and for the identification of bacterial and fungal strains. Higher concentrations of TCB and fungi were found in the greenhouse (log 3.71 and 3.49 cfu m−3, respectively) than in polytunnels (log 2.60–2.48 and 2.51–2.31 cfu m−3, respectively) during the vegetation of cucumbers. These airborne microbes were represented by a significant contribution of the respirable fraction with a distinct contribution of fine particles in size below 4.7 µm. Cultivation of cucumbers resulted in the higher emission of airborne microorganisms in contrast with growing herbs such as oregano and basil. In total, 35 different bacteria and 12 fungal species, including pathogenic or allergenic agents, were identified within the studied sites. The workers can be exposed to increased concentrations of TCB and fungi in the greenhouse during the plant vegetation. It might be recommended to properly manage greenhouses and polytunnels, dispose of dust sources, and maintain appropriate ventilation to sustain relevant air quality.

Performance of co-composting Pholiota nameko spent mushroom substrate and pig manure at different proportions: Chemical properties and humification process

Co-composting is the controlled aerobic degradation of organics, using more than one feedstock. By combining the spent mushroom substrate of Pholiota nameko (SMS) and pig manure (PM), the benefits of each could be used to optimize the composting process and the final product. This study introduced a comprehensive evaluation strategy aimed at identifying the optimal co-composting ratio for these two substrates. A 120-day composting trial was conducted, blending SMS and PM in various ratios to evaluate the benefits of co-composting SMS-PM. The results indicated that dissolved organic matter (DOM) in SMS-derived compost primarily originated from plants, whereas PM-derived compost predominantly consisted of microbial metabolic products, and co-composting combined both sources. An increase in aromaticity and humification degree of DOM occurred during the composting process itself rather than being derived from autochthonous origin. Carbohydrates like phenols and alcohols broke down during composting, and microbes utilized polysaccharides as an energy source for humus formation. As co-composting progressed, the treatments with varying mass ratios of SMS to PM, including 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, and 3:7 were observed to result in a decline in aliphatic hydroxylated chains alongside an enhancement in aromaticity within the compost. Additionally, there was a conversion from organic carbon (C) to carboxyl C within humic acid (HA) due to oxidation and dehydrogenation processes that facilitated the formation of stable nitrogen-containing compounds characterized by condensed aromatic structures. Following thorough evaluation, it was determined that optimal composting efficacy occurred at a mass ratio of SMS to PM equal to 6:4. Post-compost analysis revealed increases in nutrient content; specifically, germination index (GI) value reached 132.7%, while organic matter content attained 45.3%. Conversely, electrical conductivity (EC), C contents of water-soluble substances and humin (Cwss and CHu) decreased by approximately 11.8%, 73.4%, and 29.8% respectively; meanwhile, C contents of humic-extracted acid and HA (CHE and CHA), along with degree of polymerization (DP), increased by 17.3%, 20.3% and 9.9% respectively. The proposed co-compost formula not only facilitated simultaneous recycling of both SMS and PM waste but also transformed them into high-quality organic fertilizers suitable for soil enrichment—effectively addressing challenges faced by both edible fungi cultivation and livestock industries while augmenting organic fertilizer sources for Black land protection.

Optimized Cultivation of Stropharia rugosoannulata Using Winter Jujube Wastes and Safety Risk Assessment of the Cultivated Mushrooms

Substantial agricultural waste, including winter jujube residues, pits, and sawdust, is generated during the planting and processing of winter jujubes. To recycle these wastes, they were used to cultivate Stropharia rugosoannulata. The nutrient composition, mineral elements, 179 pesticide residues, and heavy metals in the wastes and S. rugosoannulata were tested. Cultivating the liquid spawn of S. rugosoannulata with 40 g/L winter jujube residue as a substitute for glucose significantly increased the mycelial pellets’ biomass by 136%, resulting in more uniform pellets. Secondary strains of S. rugosoannulata were cultured using winter jujube pits, showing no significant difference in mycelial growth rate and vigor compared to the control (CK) across additive levels of 10%–30%. The fruit bodies of S. rugosoannulata cultivated with winter jujube sawdust exhibited no detectable pesticide residues and a lower heavy metal content than the allowable limits, with a protein content of 36.7 g/100 g. Additionally, the mineral element potassium surpassed sodium by over 200 times, rendering it a potassium-rich, low-sodium food source. Utilizing winter jujube wastes for S. rugosoannulata cultivation effectively repurposed these wastes through sustainable recycling. This approach not only reduces cultivation costs but also yields safe and nutritious edible fungal products.

PEMANFAATAN SERBUK GERGAJI PADA PERT(UMBUHAN DAN PRODUKTIFITAS JAMUR TIRAM PUTIH (Pleurotus ostreatus) DI DESA TU’INDRAO KECAMATAN AMANDRAYA KABUPATEN NIAS SELATAN

The research objectives are know how to make white oyster mushroom white by using powder wood saw utilizing powder chainsaw at seedlings plants oyster mushrooms, to determine growth and productivity oyster mushroom white Research method this is by method descriptive with a qualitative approach, describe, analyze phenomena on the object of research. This type of research is powder utilization chainswa wood to growth and productivity mushroom oysters white in Tu'indrao village, Amandraya findings research i.e, making media mushroom by preparing 100 kg powder and mixed with other ingredients, utilitazion powder chainsaw with the inoculation stage f2 mushroom spawn number ±1-2 spatula, growth and productivity mushroom oysters 1-2 days after inoculation to grow fruit, 3-5 days harvest mushroom, yield 5 kg per 1 harvest and ready to be utilized by the community as a vegetable. Research from conclusion this is utilizing media powder chainsaw wood for mold growth oysters is, before the media is mixed it should be powder chainsaw composted and sterilized especially first to makes the texture softer my suggestions in research this is, this research is expected to be an alternative to develop other research that related with cultivation mushroom oysters white (Pleurotus ostreatus) by using powder chainsaw wood. For students, as source knowledge in carrying out learning activities at eyes taxonomy lecture plants level low in program study education biology.

Manipulation in root-associated microbiome via carbon nanosol for plant growth improvements

BackgroundModulating the microbiome with nanomaterials has been proposed to improve plant growth, and reduce reliance on external inputs. Carbon Nanosol (CNS) was attracted for its potential to improve plant productivity. However, the mechanism between CNS and rhizosphere microorganisms remained largely elusive.ResultsHere, we tried to systematically explore the effects of CNS (600 and 1200 mg/L by concentration) on tobacco growth, soil physical properties, and root-associated microbiome. The influence of CNS on soil physicochemical properties and plant growth was significant and dose-dependent, leading to a 28.82% increase in biomass accumulation by 600 mg/L CNS. Comparison between the CNS-treated and control plants revealed significant differences in microbiome composition, including 1148 distinct ASVs (923 bacteria and 225 fungi), microbiome interactions, and metabolic function of root-associated microbiomes. Fungal and bacterial communities had different response patterns for CNS treatment, with phased and dose-dependent effects, with the most significant changes in microbial community structure observed at 1200 mg/L after 10 days of treatment. Microbial networks of CNS-treated plants had more nodes and edges, higher connectivity, and more hub microorganisms than those of control plants. Compared with control, CNS significantly elevated abundances of various bacterial biomarkers (such as Sphingomonas and Burkholderia) and fungi biomarkers (including Penicillium, Myceliophthora, and Talaromyces), which were potential plant-beneficial organisms. Functional prediction based on metagenomic data demonstrated pathways related to nutrient cycling being greatly enriched under CNS treatment. Furthermore, 391 culturable bacteria and 44 culturable fungi were isolated from soil and root samples. Among them, six bacteria and two fungi strains enriched upon CNS treatment were validated to have plant growth promotion effect, and two fungi (Cladosporium spp. and Talaromyces spp.) played their roles by mediating volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To some extent, the driving and shaping of the microbiome by CNS contributed to its impact on plant growth and development.ConclusionOur results revealed the key role of root-associated microbiota in mediating the interaction between CNS and plants, thus providing valuable insights and strategies for harnessing CNS to enhance plant growth.Graphical

Antimicrobial-producing microorganisms in fungus-farming ants: a critical review on insights into a natural biological defense with biotechnological potential

Abstract The main function of symbiotic actinobacterias in fungus-farming ants (Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Attini) is to protect the cultivated fungus against the pathogenic fungus Escovopsis spp. The microorganisms with the highest antimicrobial potential are actinobacterias, specifically Pseudonocardia and Streptomyces. These actinobacterias have demonstrated greater aggressiveness against the pathogen compared to other free-living actinobacterias, suggesting a selective process for strains with greater effectiveness in controlling the mycoparasite. Hypotheses explaining the coevolution between attinis and actinobacterias suggest that Pseudonocardia is a specialist symbiont that has coevolved with attinis, while Streptomyces is a mutualist recurrently adopted from the environment. In addition to actinobacterias, other microbial groups such as yeasts and bacteria with antimicrobial potential have been reported. The diversity of biomolecules synthesized by attini microsymbionts suggests that the microbiota of these insects could be an underexplored source of biotechnological resources with potential for combating agricultural and clinical diseases. This review addresses the antimicrobial potential of the microbiome associated with fungus-farming ants, and also analyzes aspects of coevolution, eco-physiological roles, and the diversity of microorganisms with antimicrobial potential.

Antioxidant Potential and Chemical Evaluation of Extracts from Endophytic Fungus Lasiodiplodia sp.

Antioxidants are compounds that can eliminate free radicals and are known to prevent cell damage and health disorders, in turn, improving the quality of life of human beings. This study aims to evaluate the presence of antioxidants in ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts from Lasiodiplodia endophyte, which was previously isolated and cultivated by our research group, given its ability to produce a variety of metabolites with different chemical and biological properties. The antioxidant activities were determined using ABTS+⋅, DPPH and FRAP. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were evaluated, as well as the NMR metabolomics of extracts. All extracts showed promising antioxidant activity, and optimal results were achieved between the sixth and eleventh days of fungus cultivation. Furthermore, one of the extracts showed no in vivo toxicity against Galleria mellonella for all tested concentrations. The 1H-NMR spectra showed that there are two distinct groups of molecules present in EtOAc extracts obtained from Lasiodiplodia cultivation, and the data corroborate the results concerning antioxidant activity for TPC and TFC. This suggests that it is possible to monitor the chemical profile of fungal extracts using NMR, and to correlate compounds within days of fungus cultivation, along with their antioxidant activities.

Diseminasi dan Akselerasi Percepatan Produksi Jamur Tiram Melalui Studi Kasus Mesin Press Baglog Otomatis di UD Zaida Jamur Tiram

The program for implementing this activity aims to accelerate the production of oyster mushrooms at UD Zaida Oyster Mushrooms through dissemination and implementation of an automatic baglog press machine. This activity was carried out in collaboration between a team from the university and UD Zaida, integrating modern technology into traditional production processes. Through a series of training and workshops, implementation partners can operate machines effectively and understand optimal production management. The results of this activity show a significant increase in production capacity, where UD Zaida was able to increase oyster mushroom production output and reduce production waste. This program has also succeeded in increasing the skills and knowledge of workers, while providing a positive impact on the local economy through increasing income and employment opportunities. The dissemination of automatic baglog press machines has proven to be a sustainable solution that drives efficiency and productivity in the mushroom farming sector. This implementation activity recommends expanding the use of this technology to other regions as an effort to support the growth of the oyster mushroom industry at the national level.

Plant-based chitosan for the development of biodegradable packaging materials

Plant-derived materials and edible films have developed as viable substitutes for standard packaging materials, enabling sustainable and ecologically acceptable alternatives. Chitosan, a cationic carbohydrate polymer derived from animal or marine sources, as well as from agricultural waste such as mushrooms or various fungi possesses excellent properties such as film formation, mechanical strength, non-toxicity, biodegradability, edibility, UV-blocking ability, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial functionality, justifying its potential as packaging/coating material for fresh agricultural products. Chitosan is obtained through the deacetylation of chitin. The quantity of waste generated in a mushroom farm varies from 5–20 % of the total yielding quantity. Filamentous fungi's cellular structure, which is rich in chitin, provides a convenient method for chitin extraction. Fungal-derived chitosan offers the advantage of controllable physicochemical characteristics, including degree of deacetylation and molecular weight, compared to chitosan obtained from crustaceans. This versatility makes fungal chitosan suitable for various utilizations in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical management. It can be utilised for different purposes in these fields. This review primarily emphasizes the extraction of chitin from mushrooms and various fungal sources, comparing different extraction methods and chitosan-based materials fabrication techniques. Additionally, it discusses the crucial characteristics of chitosan that make it convenient for high value-added functions in the food industry. To sum up, plant-based chitosan films have the potential to completely transform the packaging sector by providing environmentally friendly substitutes for traditional materials. Accepting these advances will help build a more resilient and sustainable earth, encourage the circular economy, and reduce the amount of plastic trash produced.

Diversity and Anti-Infectious Components of Cultivable Rhizosphere Fungi Derived from Three Species of Astragalus Plants in Northwestern Yunnan, China.

Astragalus, a group of legume plants, has a pronounced rhizosphere effect. Many species of Astragalus with limited resource reserves are distributed in the high-altitude area of northern Yunnan, China. Although some of these plants have high medicinal value, the recognition of them is still at a low level. The aim of this research is to explore the species diversity of cultivable rhizofungi derived from Astragalus acaulis, A. forrestii and A. ernestii growing in a special high-cold environment of northwest Yunnan and discover anti-infective components from these fungi. A total of 93 fungal strains belonging to 38 species in 18 genera were isolated and identified. Antibacterial and antimalarial screening yielded 10 target strains. Among them, the ethyl acetate crude extract of the fermented substrate of the rhizofungus Aspergillus calidoustus AA12 derived from the plant A. acaulis showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and the best antimalarial activity. Further chemical investigation led to the first discovery of seven compounds from the species A. calidoustus, including sesterterpine 6-epi-ophiobolin G; three sesquiterpenes, penicisochroman A, pergillin and 7-methyl-2-(1-methylethylethlidene)-furo [3,2-H]isoquinoline-3-one; and three polyketides, trypacidin, 1,2-seco-trypacidin and questin. Among them, the compound 6-epi-ophiobolin G exhibited moderate to strong antibacterial activity against six Gram-positive pathogens with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 25 to 6.25 μg/mL and a prominent inhibitory effect on the biofilm of Streptococcus agalactiae at an MIC value of 3.125 μg/mL. This compound also displayed potent antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum strains 3D7 and chloroquine-resistant Dd2 at the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 3.319 and 4.340 µmol/L at 72 h, respectively. This study contributed to our understanding of the cultivable rhizofungi from characteristic Astragalus plants in special high-cold environments and further increased the library of fungi available for natural anti-infectious product screening.

Xerophilic Aspergillaceae Dominate the Communities of Culturable Fungi in the Mound Nests of the Western Thatching Ant (Formica obscuripes).

The nests of mound-building ants are unexplored reservoirs of fungal diversity. A previous assessment of this diversity in the nests of Formica ulkei suggested that water availability may be a determinant of the composition of this mycota. To investigate this question, we recovered 3594 isolates of filamentous Ascomycota from the nests of Formica obscuripes and adjacent, non-nest sites, employing Dichloran Rose Bengal agar (DRBA), Dichloran Rose Bengal agar containing glycerol (DRBAG), and malt extract agar containing sucrose (MEA20S). Higher numbers of fungi were isolated from the tops of mounds than from within mounds and non-mound sites. Mound nest soils were dominated by members of the family Aspergillaceae, and up to 50% of the colonies isolated on DRBAG belonged to the genus Aspergillus. Pseudogymnoascus pannorum and species of Talaromyces were also present in higher numbers in mound soils. Species of Penicillium were more abundant in non-nest soils, where they accounted for over 66% of isolates on DRBA. All Aspergillaceae assessed for xerotolerance on a medium augmented with glycerol or sucrose were xerophilic. These results, and our observation that the nests of F. obscuripes are low-water environments, indicate that water availability influences the structure of the fungal communities in these animal-modified habitats.

The genome sequence of the cultivated mushroom, Agaricus bisporus (J.E.Lange) Imbach

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Agaricus bisporus (the cultivated mushroom; Basidiomycota; Agaricomycetes; Agaricales; Agaricaceae). The genome sequence spans 30.30 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 133.12 kilobases in length.

Microbiological Quality Assessment of Some Commercially Available Breads.

Bread is a staple, energy-rich food for people of all ages, so quality is important to consumers. In our region, most of the commercially available bread, whether packaged or unpackaged, is produced by local bakeries, so monitoring microbial levels and the types of microbes present on bread can help to draw attention to protect the final product. It can also help to ensure the food safety, quality, and shelf life of bread. The freshly baked product is microbiologically sterile. Post-process contamination affects the microbial load of bread. In this study, the microbial load of 30 different commercial bread crumbs and crusts was determined. The different types of bread with different compositions were analyzed for total viable bacteria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, aerobic and anaerobic spore-forming bacteria, and culturable microscopic fungi. The K-means clustering algorithm was used to cluster the different types of bread based on the number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the total viable bacterial count for bread crusts and crumbs. The bacterial count of bread varied between 10.00 ± 0.00-395.00 ± 52.4 CFU/g for bread crusts and 10.00 ± 0.0-310.67 ± 94 CFU/g for bread crumbs. The results of 16S rDNA sequence analysis showed that the most frequently occurring bacterial species belonged to the genus Bacillus, but species of the genus Staphylococcus were also present. Chryseobacterium spp. predominated on multigrain bread, Marinilactobacillus spp. on rustic potato bread, and Staphylococcus warneri on sliced brown potato bread. The results contribute to a better understanding of the microbial dynamics in locally produced breads from the Eastern Carpathians of Transylvania, with the aim of improving food safety, quality control, and consumer protection.

Diversity, distribution and phytotoxic and anti-Trypanosoma activities of cultivable fungi associated with Magellan sub-Antarctic strait and Maritime Antarctic macroalgae.

We isolated and characterized the community of cultivable fungi associated with marine macroalgae present in the Magellan sub-Antarctic straits and the South Shetland Islands, Maritime Antarctica, and evaluated their production of bioactive metabolites. A total of 201 filamentous fungal isolates were obtained. The genera Antarctomyces, Pseudogymnoascus, Microdochium, Trichoderma, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Neoascochyta, Entomortierella and Linnemannia were associated with Antarctic macroalgae, with Neoascochyta paspali being the most abundant taxon. In contrast, 12 taxa representing Cadophora, Microdochium, Penicillium, Pseudogymnoascus were associated with macroalgae from the Magellan sub-Antarctic, with Penicillium dominating the assemblages. The diversity indices of the fungal communities associated with macroalgae in the two regions were similar. Among 177 fungal extracts assessed for metabolite production, 31 (17.5%) showed strong phytotoxicactivity and 17 (9.6%) showed anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity. Penicillium showed the highest phytotoxic and anti-Trypanosoma activity values. The detection of taxa in common between the polar and cold temperate zones reinforces the need for further investigations of the distribution of species in these distinct ecoregions. The detection of bioactive extracts produced particularly by Penicillium representatives reinforces the potential to obtain active molecules that can be explored as natural products or as sources of bioactive compounds with application in agriculture and biomedicine.

Cultivation of a Wild Strain of Wood Ear Auricularia cornea from Brazil.

Auricularia cornea has become one of the most important cultivated mushrooms worldwide. Although not remarkably flavorful, Auricularia species are very versatile and rehydrate easily after drying, adding a unique and pleasing texture to the dishes. In this study, we collected, identified, and domesticated a wild strain of A. cornea from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. The wild strain was evaluated for mycelial growth at different temperatures and substrates, biological efficiency, and nutritional composition. The temperature that best favored the A. cornea mycelium growth was 30°C, and the substrate was sterile Eucalyptus sawdust. The highest biological efficiency value obtained was 106.90 ± 13.28%. Nutritional analysis showed that the produced wood ears contained 71.02% carbohydrates, 19.63% crude fiber, 11.59% crude protein, 10.19% crude fat, and 4.24% ash on dry matter basis. For the mineral content profile, the elements K and P were the most abundant. This is the first report on cultivation of a wild strain of A. cornea from Brazil.

Cultivation and Characterization of Oyster Mushroom and Its Application as Confectionaries

This study represents the cultivation of oyster mushrooms at room temperature, preparation of mushroom powder and ready-to-eat cookies from the combination of cocoa powder and mushroom powder with long shelf life. Nowadays, people are facing difficulties in meeting their daily nutritional needs through ready-to-eat foods, prompting the exploration of white oyster mushrooms as an ingredient for making cookies, potentially serving as an emergency food product. Mushroom farming is gaining popularity day by day. The mushrooms have lots of potential to be used in the diet for taking advantage of the nutraceutical properties of bioactive compounds due to lower fat and higher protein substance. The drift is absent from the canned item toward new and dried mushroom sales. Oyster mushrooms are popular due to their nutritional, medicinal, and potential commercial value. They can be cultivated using agro-waste raw materials such as rice straw and wheat straw. We prepare mushroom cookies that provide protein, carbohydrates, fat, and crude fiber. A wide selection of shapes and sizes, high digestibility, high energy value, relatively low production costs, convenience, and long shelf life contribute to their popularity.

Reassessing the Diversity of the Arthropod-Pathogenic Genus Pandora Batko (Entomophthoromycotina; Erynioideae)

The fungal order Entomophthorales occurs worldwide, with most species infecting arthropods as pathogens. Species in this order can cause epizootics and change the behavior of infected hosts. Molecular data are available only for 20% of the known species, and distributions of species are seldom summarized. Significant diversity of hosts, poor molecular data availability, and poor resolution of the phylogenetic relationships within this fungal order suggest that the diversity of these fungi is not sufficiently described. The subfamily Erynioideae includes 111 arthropod pathogens, divided among six genera, with the genus Pandora being one of the most diverse genera. Sequences of 18S, 28S, and ITS for two species are used to place these Pandora species in a phylogenic tree of the subfamily; this tree also supports our synonymy of the genus Furia with Pandora. Among the two species specifically covered in this paper, Pandora gloeospora was observed during epizootics occurring in mushroom flies (Diptera: Sciaridae) on Agaricus bisporus cultures in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland (US) mushroom farms and also in Florida on Pleurotus sp. Outside the US, P. gloeospora was found infecting several Nematocera (Diptera) in Europe (France) and Asia (China). Pandora sylvestris n. sp. was collected during epizootics occurring in larvae of hickory tussock moths, Lophocampa caryae (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), in hardwood forests in Michigan and Vermont.