Volume 8 - 2025 - issue 2

1. Profiling antifungal metabolites of Trichoderma atroviride by GC-MS for in vitro biocontrol of Fusarium graminearum and Rhizoctonia solani

Authors: Madani Gargari M, Rahnama K, Shahiri Tabarestani M.

Recieved: 30 October 2025, Accepted: 08 April 2025, Published: 31 July 2025

The antifungal compounds of Trichoderma fungi hold significant potential for eco-friendly biological control of pathogenic fungi, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides. The present study aimed to identify secondary metabolites (SMs) of T. atroviride 6022 using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and evaluate their antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum and Rhizoctonia solani. A total of 372 different SMs were identified. Compounds with molecular weights between 100 and 300 g/mol constituted 87.90% of SMs. Simple hydrocarbons and organo-oxygens comprised 76.11% and 15.59% of SMs, respectively. The remaining 8.3% belonged to organo-sulfur, organo-boron, organo-chlorine, organo-nitrogen, organo-bromine, organo-silicon, organo-phosphorus, and organo-fluorine compounds. Gliotoxin, Gliovirin, Peptaibolin, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Dibutyl phthalate, Eicosane, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, Naphthalene, Nerolidol, Phenanthrene, Styrene, Tetradecane, Toluene, 10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, benzophenone, cyclopentadecane, heneicosane, indane, and naphtho[2,1-b]thiophene were identified as antifungal SMs of T. atroviride 6022. A 30% concentration of the T. atroviride extract inhibited the growth of F. graminearum and R. solani by 77.78% and 81.25%, respectively. Therefore, SMs play a crucial role in the antifungal properties of T. atroviride. Additionally, the similarity of SMs between genetically similar Trichoderma spp. is possible, and the ecological niche is an important factor in the diversity of SMs within the same fungal species.

Keywords: Biological control – Organic compounds – Plant diseases – Head blight – Sheath blight

2. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the plant chemistry of Sulla aculeolata spp. in Mediterranean semi-arid environments

Authors: M’saouar R, El Yemlahi A, Laglaoui A, Bakkali M, Arakrak A.

Recieved: 06 October 2025, Accepted: 13 May 2025, Published: 09 September 2025

This study is the first to investigate the mycorrhizal associations of Sulla (Sulla aculeolata) growing wild in the semi-arid region of northeastern Morocco. The physicochemical properties of the soil and the chemical composition of the plants were analyzed at two different sampling sites (Ras El-ma and Bni Chiker). Spores were extracted from the rhizosphere, counted, and identified. The most probable number (MPN) approach was used to assess the indigenous soil mycorrhizal potential. Field surveys revealed that the plant biomass was 6512.5 kg DM/hectare at Ras El-ma and 2000 kg DM/hectare at Bni Chiker. Sulla aculeolata from Ras El-ma had a significantly higher organic matter content (86.89%) and a lower ash content (13.11%) compared to the Bni Chiker (73.15% and 26.85%, respectively). Chemical composition analysis showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in crude protein content between the two sites. Similarly, the assessment of macronutrients revealed no differences in N, P, Mg, and S between the sites. Conversely, S. aculeolata from Ras El-ma had a higher K content (1.75%) and a lower Na concentration (0.22%), whereas plants from Bni Chiker exhibited the highest levels of Ca (4.67%) and Na (0.6%). The fungal spore density ranged between 1123 and 2300 spores per 100 g of soil, with spores predominantly belonging to the genus Glomus. The indigenous mycorrhizal potential of the soil was high, reaching 6400 propagules per kg. Root analysis revealed endomycorrhizal structures, including arbuscules, vesicles, and hyphae. The mycorrhizal frequency ranged between 88.89% and 92.22%, while mycorrhizal intensity and arbuscular intensity reached 26.2% and 39.52%, respectively. Selecting and utilizing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) present in the rhizosphere could enhance the production of vigorous Sulla plants, supporting their preservation and domestication in Mediterranean semi-arid pastures while improving forage productivity.

Keywords: Sulla aculeolata – endomycorrhizae – biomass forage – chemical composition, semi- -arid climate.

3. Poisonous mushrooms of Northeast India: Toxicity, health risks and ethnobotanical insights

Authors: Parasar BJ, Nath RK, Dutta AK, Agarwala N

Recieved: 30 September 2024, Accepted: 04 July 2025, Published: 16 September 2025

Mushroom poisoning poses a significant threat due to the human consumption of wild, poisonous mushrooms endowed with harmful toxins. The ethnic communities in Northeast India frequently encounter adverse effects from consuming poisonous mushrooms, often due to a lack of taxonomic expertise. Many wild mushroom species, such as Agaricus xanthodermus, Amanita phalloides, A. virosa, Chlorophyllum molybdites, Gyromitra infula, Inocybe geophylla, and Russula nobilis, are recorded from the region, which are poisonous for human consumption. These mushrooms contain toxic compounds that cause cytotoxic, myotoxic, metabolic, neurotoxic, gastrointestinal disorders, and other adverse reactions. Hence, the poisonous mushrooms of the region should be scientifically explored to identify and distinguish them from the edible ones. This review documents the reported poisonous mushroom species of Northeast India and provides insight into the occurrence of cases of mushroom poisoning in the region.

Keywords: Ethnic communities – mushroom poisoning – toxins – wild edible mushrooms

4. Molecular identity and cultural variability of Athelia rolfsii TMSR-001 and its relative pathogenicity to tomato genotypes

Authors: Dimayacyac DA, Aguilar CH, Balendres MA. 2025

Recieved: 29 May 2025, Accepted: 13 August 2025, Published: 24 September 2025

Athelia rolfsii (syn. Sclerotium rolfsii), is a destructive soilborne fungal pathogen that causes massive yield losses and plant mortality in tropical countries. In this study, we characterized a Philippine isolate of Athelia rolfsii (TMSR-001) that causes southern blight in tomatoes and evaluated the response of 20 tomato genotypes to southern blight in screen house trials. Athelia rolfsii TMSR-001 was pathogenic to tomato, and its optimal radial growth was recorded in the V8 juice agar medium and oatmeal agar (OA) medium with a 90.00 mm colony growth three days post-incubation (dpi). Sclerotial masses were observed on media, where A. rolfsii (TMSR-001) had poor and moderate mycelial density. The highest number of sclerotial masses was observed in Quarter Strength Potato Dextrose Agar and V8 medium. All tomato genotypes were susceptible to A. rolfsii infection. However, disease severity (% DS) varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among the tested tomato genotypes. The USDA 358811 and Marimax showed relatively low susceptibility to the pathogen (DS of 51.85%). The PH 8679 and Cherry were the most susceptible genotypes, with DS of 94.46% and 92.59%, respectively. This study identified Athelia rolfsii TMSR-001 as a tomato southern blight pathogen. The fungus exhibited variable responses to culture media, highlighting the significant role of nutrition in the growth and survival of A. rolfsii. Further selection of disease-resistant tomatoes is warranted. To our knowledge, this is the first screening study conducted on tomato plants in response to the infection of A. rolfsii in the Philippines.

Keywords: Solanum lycopersicon – Sclerotium rolfsii – sclerotial bodies – tomato disease

5. Comprehensive In Vitro Evaluation of the Biocontrol Potential of Trichoderma virens Against Selected Phytopathogenic Fungi: Integration of Interaction Dynamics and Best-Fit Mathematical Modeling

Authors: Munasinghe J, Poornima VA, Dissanayake T, Kannangara S, Undugoda L, Thambugala KM

Recieved: 22 April 2025, Accepted: 15 September 2025, Published: 26 September 2025

In the context of plant disease management, biocontrol is often used as an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. The genus Trichoderma is known for its ability to suppress various plant diseases caused by pathogenic fungi through antagonism, competition, and induced resistance. This research attempt was to evaluate the mechanisms employed by Trichoderma virens isolate (KP985643.1) in controlling three plant pathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Lasiodiplodia theobromae) under in vitro conditions, along with the selection of the best-fitting mathematical models for their interactions. The biocontrol potential of T. virens against the selected plant pathogenic fungi was evaluated using the dual culture method. Further biocontrol mechanism was identified using the analysis of volatile and non-volatile compounds and the hyphal growth patterns. In addition to that the results of the dual culture method were used to analyse the best-fitting growth models for each pathogenic fungus separately for two conditions which were in the absence of T. virens and in the presence of T. virens. These mathematical models of microbial growth serve as powerful tools for predicting the future performance of fungal biocontrol agents in managing plant diseases under diverse environmental conditions. Such predictive capabilities are crucial for optimizing field applications, improving consistency in biocontrol outcomes, and supporting the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly plant disease management strategies in agricultural systems. Results of the dual culture experiment demonstrated a significant growth control of L. theobromae and F. oxysporum and a moderate growth control of C. gloeosporioides by T. virens. Considering the growth models, the best fitted models were given by Gompertz, Exponential, and Exponential, respectively, for C. gloeosporioides, F. oxysporum, and L. theobromae in the absent condition of T. virens. In the present condition of T. virens, the best-fitted models were given by Brody, Exponential, and Brody respectively for L. theobromae, C. gloeosporioides, and F. oxysporum. The increase in volatile production was not uniform across all pathogens. For instance, the highest VOC production showed against F. oxysporum, suggesting that T. virens may be more efficient at preventing F. oxysporum from producing volatile compounds. Among many VOCs, ethanol and 6-Pentyl-2H-6-Pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one production were the highest when T. virens controlled the growth of F. oxysporum. However, non-volatile compounds produced by T. virens significantly controlled the growth of L. theobromae, with a moderate inhibition of F. oxysporum. It was further observed the ability of T. virens to inhibit the growth of L. theobromae through the production of coiling structures. Results of the present study clearly indicated the potential of T. virens in controlling the tested phytopathogenic fungi by employing a combination of mechanisms including the production of volatile and non-volatile compounds and hyphal interactions.

Keywords: Biocontrol – Coefficient of determination – Dual culture – Mathematical growth models –Non-volatile – Trichoderma virens – Volatile

6. Lignocellulosic bioconversion by an optimized enzymatic cocktail from Irpex lacteus

Authors: Giorgio EM, Díaz GV, Saparrat MCN, Zapata PD

Recieved: 10 October 2024, Accepted: 11 September 2025, Published: 02 October 2025

Lignocellulosic residues generated by the agro-forestry industry are low-cost renewable biomass, rich in cellulose, and can be valorized by converting it into second-generation bioethanol. This work aimed to convert the rice straw, pine, and eucalyptus sawdust into fermentable sugars by applying an enzymatic cocktail from Irpex lacteus LBM 034 optimized for enhancing cellulase levels. The most influential medium compounds in the production of the fungal cellulolytic enzymes were identified by a Plackett Burman design. The most significant compounds were xylan, carboxymethyl-cellulose, and peptone. The physical conditions for fungal incubation were optimized using response surface methodology, with 32 °C and pH 5.5 without agitation identified as the optimal conditions. Under these conditions, the level of endo-β-1,4-glucanases in the cocktail was 2.6 times higher than the original. The optimized fungal cocktail was then applied to hydrolyze the polysaccharides of NaOH-pre-treated rice straw, pine, and eucalyptus sawdust into fermentable sugars. The use of this enzymatic cocktail enabled efficient hydrolysis of rice straw, yielding in 27.19% and 38.18% of hemicellulose and cellulose conversion, respectively. This bioconversion of cellulose and hemicellulose of renewable biomass into fermentable sugars represents a cost-effective bioprocess for applications such as the production of lignocellulosic bioethanol.

Keywords: cellulose – cellulases – endo-β-1,4-glucanase – fermentable sugars – hemicellulose – Plackett-Burman design – response surface methodology – saccharification

7. A new Ernakulamia (Pleosporales, Tetraplosphaeriaceae) species found on palm in Brazil

Authors: Barreto GG, Lima LMS, Gusmão LFP

Recieved: 14 July 2024, Accepted: 10 October 2025, Published: 28 October 2025

During a survey of microfungi on decaying leaves of Syagrus coronata (licuri palm), a species related to the Tetraplosphaeriaceae was found on this native palm from northeast Brazil. Tetraplosphaeriaceae comprises ten genera and the hyphomycetous asexual morph is characterized by the production of appendages on the conidial body. The new isolate also has the same morphological features on the conidial body, related to genus Ernakulamia. A comprehensive morphological and phylogenetic analysis revealed that this specimen represents an undescribed taxon within the genus Ernakulamia. Combined phylogenetic analyses (ITS-LSU-SSU-RPB2) positioned this Ernakulamia strain in a well-supported lineage basal to the Ernakulamia clade.

Keywords: Ascomycota – Brazilian fungi – Molecular phylogeny – Novel taxon – Taxonomy

8. A novel non-haired Hyaloscyphaceae species, Isthmosporiella glabra sp. nov., in Yunnan Province, China

Authors: Li CJY, Zhao Q, Hyde KD, Yu FM, Chethana KWT, Eungwanichayapant PD.

Recieved: 26 February 2025, Accepted: 30 September 2025, Published: 13 November 2025

During a survey of discomycetes in Yunnan, China, one saprobic species of Isthmosporiella was discovered on decayed wood. It is characterized by tiny glabrous and subsessile apothecia, semi-transparent grayish-yellow (fresh) to dark yellow (dried) discs, textura globulosa to angularis cells at the medullary excipulum, textura epidermoidea cells at the ectal excipulum, and multi-branched, septate paraphyses, clavate asci with trapezoidal apices, and ovoid-navicular ascospores. Isthmosporiella glabra is introduced as a new species based on the examination of morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the combined LSU-ITS dataset. Furthermore, this marks the first sexual morph and the geographic record of Isthmosporiella in China. A comprehensive description, illustration, and phylogenetic analysis are provided here to support its classification.

Keywords: 1 new species – Helotiales – one new taxon – phylogeny – sexual morph – taxonomy

9. A global checklist of mushrooms (Basidiomycota) in biomaterials and the challenges and opportunities of mycelium-based biomaterials

Authors: Khyaju S, Hyde KD, Khongphinitbunjong K, Duangphet S, Luangharn T

Recieved: 31 May 2025, Accepted: 28 October 2025, Published: 03 December 2025

Mushroom mycelium-based biomaterials (MMBs) are innovative, environment-friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable alternatives to plastic- and foam-based products. MMBs are popular due to their biodegradability, low carbon footprint, and alignment with the principles of the circular economy. MMBs are developed using the mycelium of suitable mushroom species and lignocellulosic substrates, derived from agricultural and forest byproducts. Research on several mushroom species is increasing, and the choice of species plays a pivotal role in determining the mechanical and overall characteristics of the end products. This review is the first compiled report of all mushroom species within Basidiomycota utilized in MMBs production. The mushroom genera used in its development have also been presented according to hyphal system type. This paper is based on all the relevant published and available articles till 2024. Additionally, it highlights key challenges in developing MMBs and explores potential solutions.

Keywords: fungal application – hyphal system – mushroom species – renewable – sustainable material

10. Assessment of pleurotoid mushrooms (Agaricales) diversity in community forests across Thailand

Authors: Phonemany M, Sysouphanthong P, Thongklang N.

Recieved: 13 December 2024, Accepted: 19 September 2025, Published: 11 December 2025

Pleurotoid mushrooms are widely recognized for their edibility; however, their diversity is underrepresented in Thailand. This highlights the need for a fundamental understanding of the distribution, diversity, and morphological characteristics of pleurotoid mushrooms to address the challenges related to their identification and utilization. From 2019 to 2023, we conducted a survey and diversity analysis of pleurotoid mushrooms across 19 community forests in eight provinces. A total of 650 collections were made during the rainy seasons, with 250 specimens identified as belonging to 70 species from 13 genera and 10 families. The most diverse species identified were Hohenbuehelia tristis (H' of 2.33), Schizophyllum commune (H' of 2.20), Hohenbeuhelia sp. 3 (H' of 2.10), Campanella sp. 1 (H' of 1.94), and Crepidotus sp. 10 (H' of 1.94). The sites with the highest species diversity were Pa Deng village (H' of 3.34), Pox Kaeo village (H' of 3.05), Huay Kaeo village (H' of 2.91), Tha Pha village (H' of 2.73), Pa Ngae village (H' of 2. 68). The most frequently occurrence species were Hohenbuehelia tristis (10.44%), Crepidotus sp. 10 (5.62%), Crepidotus sp. 15 (5.22%), Campanella sp. 1 (4.41%), and Crepidotus thailandicus (4.01%). The family Pleurotaceae exhibited the highest diversity, represented by the genera Hohenbueheria, Pleurotus, and Resupinatus. The most species-rich genus was Crepidotus (30 species), followed by Hohenbuehelia (8 species), Pleurotus (7 species), Panus (6 species), and Clitopilus (4 species). This study contributes to a deeper understanding of pleurotoid mushrooms in Thailand and may support sustainable resource use and safe utilization of local fungal biodiversity by community members.

Keywords: basidiomata – distribution – microfungi – morphology – Pleurotaceae – Southeast Asia

Recent Papers

Volume 9 - 2026 issue 1

1. Enhanced Production of Ligninolytic Enzymes by Mangrove Fungal Endophytes Co-cultured with Pathogenic and Beneficial Fungi
Bitacura JG, dela Cruz TEE (2026)