The lectotype and epitype of proposed in previous studies failed to meet the requirements of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants. Here, we propose a valid lectotype and epitype for this species that meet the requirements of the Code.

(≡ ), known as the mulberry rust which is an anamorphic rust fungus forming only aecidioid uredinia, were found on in Ibaraki and Saitama Prefectures, Japan. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using the combined dataset of sequences from 28S and 18S of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene and Cytochrome-c-oxidase subunit 3 of the mitochondrial DNA revealed that this anamorphic rust fungus was a member of the clade composed of the genus . Therefore, a new combination, is proposed for this species. Additionally, a new combination, for is proposed by phylogenetic evidence.

A novel species of earthstar from China, is described. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA (nrLSU), and subunit 6 of ATP synthase () regions showed that the species belongs to subsect. in sect. . The sequences of the new taxon formed a sister group to . and . . This species was mainly characterized by scattered or clustered basidiomata (1.9-2.2 cm in width × 2.3-2.5 cm in height), small to medium-sized saccate exoperidium (1.9-4.3 cm diam. when expanded), smooth endoperidial bodies (1.2-2.7 cm diam.), and globose to subglobose basidiospores (3.7-4.1 μm diam.), surface with short columnar warts. The species can also be distinguished by ITS, nrLSU, and sequences. The new species was described in detail and can provide a reference for the investigation of macrofungi resources in Shanxi Province, China.

We investigated factors affecting the community composition of lignicolous myxomycetes in dead wood with white and brown rot through summer and autumn surveys in a subalpine forest in Central Japan. In both seasons, wood had decayed to a softer state under brown rot than under white rot. The pH of wood with white rot was nearly neutral, while wood with brown rot was weakly acidic. Wood pH was lower in summer than in autumn. Forty-two myxomycetes taxa in 19 genera were identified in 302 fruiting-body colonies; white rot yielded 31 taxa and brown rot 24 taxa. Species diversity was higher on wood with white rot than on wood with brown rot. The effect of wood hardness on species composition depended on season. Several species exhibited a preference for one of the rot types. The substrate conditions associated with brown rot limit myxomycetes species diversity.

The present study introduces a novel fungus, , which was identified in the southwestern region of China. The new species is characterized by a pileus that ranges in color from light orange-red to orange-red; the pileus has a wrinkled surface and is accompanied by a persistent annulus that is membranous and floccose-scaly. Above the annulus, the color transitions from white to yellowish brown. This proposal is substantiated through analyses encompassing both morphological characteristics and phylogenetic relationships. The phylogenetic position of the newly discovered species has been further corroborated through comprehensive maximum likelihood and Bayesian sequence analyses of the ITS + nrLSU DNA regions. Additionally, the technical description of is enhanced by detailed illustrations and comparative studies with species that are closely related.

sp. nov. is described from decaying wood submerged in a freshwater stream in Taiwan. The phylogenetic relationship of species was sought among representative taxa from related fungal lineages, namely the and in the , and various other ordinal groups in the Eurotiomycetes, by comparing the concatenated ITS and LSU sequences of their nuc rDNA. The novel species from Taiwan clustered with within the besides other ordinal groups in the . Morphologically, is comparable with and in having long-cylindrical first-formed conidia and fusiform subsequent conidia with paler end cells, however, they differ in conidial dimensions. With the addition of this novel taxon, now comprises seven species. A synopsis of these species and a composite illustration of their conidial morphology are given to ease identification.

Most fungi form zygospores as sexual reproductive structures. When two colonies of compatible strains meet, zygospores are formed in the area where the colonies meet. The structure and development of zygospores have been studied for a long time by light microscopy and electron microscopy. This study is the first time-lapse report on the dynamic movements of sexual and asexual reproductive processes by live imaging in (, ). Our live imaging analysis indicated the formation of zygospores begin immediately after two aerial hyphae contact whether at the tip or middle of the hyphae. The early-stage zygospores elongated from the contact site with a rate of 1.2-1.7 µm/s and reach < 200 µm in 2-3 h. Following maturation of zygospores, from progametangia to gametangia and maturation stage, took a few hours, in total 5 to 6 h after the first contact of two hyphae. When a zygospore was formed near the tip of hypha in contact with the partner hypha, the hyphal growth ceased. When zygospore was formed behind the tip of the hypha, the hyphal growth continued without slowing down. This study provides quantitative spatio-temporal information on the dynamics of zygospore formation.

The degree of specificity between fully myco-heterotrophic (MH) orchids and mycorrhizal fungi is regarded as high, but some species undergo a mycobiont shift as they transition from juvenile to adult plant. We investigated morphological and physiological aspects of the interaction between the fully MH and its four known mycobionts to elucidate developmental consequences of variable, life-stage-dependent specificity. Of five randomly sampled germinated seeds co-cultured with each mycobiont, sp. '' colonized all, and colonized one, and subsp. colonized none. Whereas 16.2% of aseptically germinated seeds exhibited onward growth when co-cultured with , just 1.5-2.6% did so with the other species. Even so, colonized and formed internal rhizomorphs within rhizomes established with , suggesting that this mycobiont can replace and potentially can oust the latter. We infer that the orchid can associate with and mycobionts throughout its life, but that enhances early growth. However, because has a higher wood-rotting capacity than , rapid resource exhaustion may cause nutrient supply shortages. We hypothesize that secondary colonization by or species triggers displacement and that this mycobiont shift sustains orchid growth for longer.

Fungal bioluminescence is mystifying humans since ancient times. Nevertheless, the biosynthetic pathway behind this phenomenon was only very recently resolved. Fungal bioluminescence occurs in five distantly related linages ( lineage, lineage, mycenoid lineage, Lucentipes lineage and lineage) of the basidiomycete order . Recent research suggests fungal bioluminescence has emerged 160 million years ago in the most common ancestor of the mycenoid and marasmioid clade and is maintained since then. Surprisingly, in the mycenoid linage, primarily represented by the genus , most species are considered non-luminescent, implying that many mycenoid species have lost their bioluminescent ability. Here, we report evidence for bioluminescence in and show that the genome of this species is fully equipped with the genes associated with fungal bioluminescence. is a long-known species frequently reported from Europe and Japan, which was considered non-luminescent until now. The low light emission intensity and the restriction of the luminescence to the vegetative mycelium and the base of the basidiome may be reasons why bioluminescence was not perceived earlier. We assume there might be other known species whose luminescent properties are not yet discovered, and that therefore the number of bioluminescent species is currently underestimated.

is an edible ectomycorrhizal mushroom that forms a symbiotic association with Pinaceae trees by constructing a large extraradical mycelial area (called a shiro) in the soil. The detection of this fungal mycelium in the soil is crucial for estimating the success of outplanted mycorrhizal seedlings inoculated with under experimental conditions. Although several -specific DNA markers have been reported for efficient detection in the field, no comparative study has been conducted to assess their effectiveness. In the present study, we targeted the nuclear ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer 2 (IGS2) region for the detection of . The newly designed TmSP-I-2F/TmSP-I-2R primer pair, which targets a partial IGS2 sequence (543 bp), effectively detected from pine root and soil samples via PCR assay, outperforming other -specific primers. In combination with a PCR system targeting LTR DNA markers that were previously developed, a PCR system with the TmSP-I-2F/TmSP-I-2R primer pair set can expedite investigations of the dynamics of genets in mycorrhizas and shiro.

(, ) is described as a novel species from Yunnan Province, southwestern China. It is morphologically recognised by a small basidiocarp with orange-yellow to orange-red scales on the pileus and stipe, white lamellae, orange-red to bright red basal mycelia, subglobose to broadly ellipsoid basidiospores with dense warts and short or long ridges. Phylogenetically analyses of DNA sequences from part of the 28S gene combined with the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region also confirm that forms an independent lineage within subgenus section . A comprehensive description, color photographs of fresh basidiomata, line-drawings of microstructures and comparisons with morphologically similar species are provided in this paper.

Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage produced by fermenting steamed rice and (a culture of on steamed rice) with sake yeast, a strain of Sake yeast strains are important for maintaining product quality and process efficiency. In this study, a strain from Muramatsu Park, Gosen City, Niigata Prefecture was isolated using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. The yeast strain was cultured using the mass spore-cell/cell-cell mating method with a sake yeast haploid. The resultant hybrid yeast strain, HG-3-F2, exhibited superior efficiency in alcoholic fermentation compared with the HG-3 strain. Our findings support the applicability of these original and mating strains in sake brewing.

tree canker is a major disease of in Japan. The pathogen was described as in 1916 by Hemmi and Miyabe. However, its current taxonomic status and phylogenetic position are uncertain. In this study, we reviewed the protologue of this species and rediscovered the syntypes maintained at the Hokkaido University Museum (SAPA). From these specimens, a lectotype was selected. The molecular phylogenetic position of this species was examined with newly collected samples. Based on the result of phylogeny and morphology, an epitype of this species was designated and transferred to the genus .

We evaluated the inclusion of a cryptic species in a Japanese population. We sampled specimens under various vegetation and climate conditions, and then conducted phylogenetic analyses on sequences from seven loci. The specimens showed two distinct groups, except when the ITS phylogeny was considered. These two phylogroups showed different distributions: subalpine-cool temperate and temperate-subtropical areas. Although these two phylogroups overlapped in terms of basidiospore size, the latter tended to exhibit smaller basidiospores. In addition, only the former showed mycelial growth on nutrient agar. Based on these phylo-morpho-ecophysiological characteristics, we separated the specimens labeled with the name into two species. As the lectotype of showed similarity to the former by DNA analysis, the latter was described as a new species, namely . Based on the geographic patterns of the two species, may have invaded the natural habit of because of global warming.

This study investigates the phylogeny and taxonomy of -like fungi (, ) found in association with bamboo in Japan. Four new genera, (including three new species, i.e., , , and ), monotypic () and (), and (two new species, and ), and one known genus, (one new species, ) are recognized and described. These five genera were found to constitute a distinct monophyletic lineage based on molecular phylogenetic analyses utilizing sequences of ITS and LSU nrDNA, , and α sequences. A new family, , is proposed to accommodate these bambusicolous -like fungi. The identification of this lineage contributes to our understanding of the evolutionary relationships and classification of these bambusicolous fungi. It suggests that these five genera share a unique evolutionary history and possess shared morphological and ecological characteristics.

leaf spot on hemp has re-emerged with increasing hemp cultivation worldwide. In Japan, , initially recorded as the causal pathogen in Japan, was studied with morphology based on the current criteria and detailed molecular phylogenetic analyses using seven gene loci. The robust phylogenetic data and morphology of examined specimens unveiled the existence of a new species of the genus causing leaf spot disease on .

An endophytic fungus, sp. NG-25, produces a set of structurally related polyketides including cercosporamide, phomodione, and usnic acid, among which, cercosporamide has been reported to have strong antifungal and anticancer activities. In this study, sp. NG-25 was grown in seven growth media to determine the optimal culture condition conducive for cercosporamide production. Cercosporamide production peaked on the eighteenth day of incubation in beef peptone dextrose (BPD) broth media. The cercosporamide titer reached to an average of 77.5 µg/mL in BPD. Paper disk diffusion assay revealed that culture filtrate containing cercosporamide as a major constituent inhibited the growth of taxonomically diverse plant pathogens, including ascomycetous, basidiomycetous, and oomycete fungi. Cercosporamide exhibited strong antifungal activities against two pepper anthracnose pathogens, and with EC values of 3.8 and 7.0 µg/mL, respectively. This study suggests the potential application of cercosporamide as an effective antifungal agent in controlling anthracnose in pepper.

(≡ ) is an entomopathogenic fungus that hosts lepidopteran insect larvae. Oosporein, produced by , is a red secondary metabolite that is also produced by other entomopathogens and is known to contribute to entomopathogenic activity. In this study, a homologous region of the oosporein biosynthesis gene cluster ( cluster) was found from the genome sequence of strain NBRC 103832. Within the cluster, a putative transcription factor gene was deleted by homologous recombination. The deletion strain () did not produce oosporein. Real-time qPCR analysis showed that the expression of all genes was either lost or greatly reduced compared to the wild type strain (WT). Infection assay using silkworms showed that the virulence of the strain was not different from that of the WT strain. We compared the expression levels of antimicrobial peptide genes in silkworm infected with these strains, and found that the increased expression of the gene in WT was not observed in the strain, suggesting that the immune response of the silkworm was altered.

Viruses are genetic elements that parasitize self-replicating cells. Therefore, organisms parasitized by viruses are not limited to animals and plants but also include microorganisms. Among these, viruses that parasitize fungi are known as mycoviruses. Mycoviruses with an RNA genome persistently replicate inside fungal cells and coevolve with their host cells, similar to a cellular organelle. Within host cells, mycoviruses can modulate various fungal characteristics and activities, including pathogenicity and the production of enzymes and secondary metabolites. In this review, we provide an overview of the mycovirus research field as introduction to fungal researchers. Recognition of all genetic elements in fungi aids towards better understanding and control of fungi, and makes fungi a significant model system for studying microorganisms containing multiple genetic elements.

Myxomycete distribution along urban-rural gradients remains to be studied in detail. The ancient plant has been mainly planted in urban parks and green areas in Japan, and it provides new habitats for myxomycetes on its growing tree bark. Here, we examined myxomycetes on bark along urbanization gradients, estimated by land-use coverage types. Survey sites were selected at 20 locations in western Japan, where the bark was sampled from 10 trees at each site. The bark samples were cultured in 10 Petri dishes per tree using the moist chamber technique. Myxomycete fruiting colonies occurred in 71% of cultures, and 44 species were identified across surveys. occurred at all sites, with the next most abundant species being and . Twenty-two myxomycete communities ordinated using non-metric multidimensional scaling showed a significant negative correlation with building coverage and bark pH, increasing along the first axis. Relative abundances of and positively correlated with increasing building coverage. Overall, urbanization causes alternation of the myxomycete community structure without diversity loss, and intermediate urbanization diversified species diversity on tree bark.

In this study, white jelly mushrooms that were collected in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, were identified as by phylogenetic analysis of the rDNA-ITS region. Fluorescent microscopic analysis using 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining to visualize the nuclei in each cell revealed that basidiospores isolated from the fruiting body were monokaryotic. Furthermore, monokaryotic yeasts were germinated from these basidiospores and the resulting crossed mycelium was dikaryotic and bore clamp cells, suggesting a heterothallic lifecycle for this species. Crossing between compatible yeast strains, such as TUFC 101924 and TUFC 101925, that were isolated from the same fruiting body, successfully induced development of the filamentous stage bearing clamp connections after 7 d of incubation on Kagome vegetable juice agar medium. Mating compatibility tests employing 15 basidiospore isolates revealed that this fungus possess a bipolar mating system. The results indicated that is a heterothallic and bipolar mushroom.