2024
Exploring fungal diversity and their ecological roles in the coastal waters of Ramakrishna Beach, Visakhapatnam, India
Mayuri Chopra, Swarnaprava Behera, Loganathan Jagadeesan, Vivek Rachuri, Belle Damodara Shenoy
MycoAsia 2024/01. [Article Link]
Abstract: The coastal waters of Ramakrishna Beach, Visakhapatnam, India, present a unique ecosystem for exploring fungal diversity and ecological roles, yet have been underexplored in mycological studies. This study utilizes amplicon sequencing targeting the fungal ITS region from environmental DNA to fill this knowledge gap. Our findings reveal a predominant presence of Ascomycota, with Candida and Aspergillus being the most abundant genera. Notably, Candida tropicalis emerged as the most prevalent species, followed by Candida hyderabadensis and Aspergillus penicillioides. This study not only contributes new fungal records for the marine environments of Visakhapatnam but also offers insights into the ecological functions of these fungi, as interpreted from the FUNGuild database. By highlighting the abundance, diversity, and potential ecological impacts of fungi in the coastal waters of Ramakrishna Beach, this research provides valuable insights into coastal ecosystem dynamics and the contributions of fungal communities to marine biodiversity.
Plain Language Summary: This study explores the under-researched fungal diversity in the coastal waters of Visakhapatnam’s Ramakrishna Beach. Using modern DNA sequencing on water samples, researchers created a snapshot of the local fungal community. The findings show a dominance of fungi from the group Ascomycota, with the genera Candida and Aspergillus being most abundant. Specifically, Candida tropicalis was the most common species found. This work provides crucial new fungal records for our local marine environment and offers insights into the ecological roles these fungi play, highlighting the rich biodiversity hidden in our coastal waters.
Myxomycetes of Subantarctic Macquarie Island
Stephenson SL
MycoAsia 2024/02. [Article Link]
Abstract: An expedition to subantarctic Macquarie Island was carried out during the period of late January to early May of 1995 with the objective of documenting myxomycete biodiversity. Collecting on the island yielded 412 field collections, with another 14 collections were obtained with the use of the moist chamber culture technique. A total of twenty-six species representing 13 genera was recorded. This is the largest set of data yet available on the myxomycetes associated with any high-latitude area of the Southern Hemisphere. Prior to the expedition, only a single species was known from Macquarie Island. The purpose of this paper is to describe this expedition from the viewpoint of the author.
Plain Language Summary: In 1995, a scientific expedition to the remote subantarctic Macquarie Island set out to discover its slime molds (myxomycetes). Before this trip, only a single species was known from the island. The researchers were incredibly successful, making hundreds of collections and ultimately identifying 26 different species. This dramatically increased the known biodiversity for the region. This paper provides a firsthand account of that groundbreaking expedition, which created the largest-ever dataset of slime molds for any high-latitude location in the Southern Hemisphere, turning a biological blank spot on the map into a documented ecosystem.
Fungal conservation through a private initiative: the Mushroom Research Centre (MRC) in Thailand
Carlos Rojas, Steven L. Stephenson
MycoAsia 2024/03. [Article Link]
Abstract: The conservation of fungi is an integral part of ecosystem conservation. The Mushroom Research Centre’s strategic approach to fungal conservation offers valuable insights. Located in northern Thailand, this institution has emerged as a research and training hub for mycologists across Asia, providing them with practical knowledge and skills. Its influence has not been limited to the region, making it a compelling case study for the potential impact of private conservation initiatives.
Plain Language Summary: Conserving fungi is essential for protecting entire ecosystems. The Mushroom Research Centre in northern Thailand provides a powerful example of how to do this effectively. This private institution has become a key hub for training fungus experts (mycologists) from all over Asia, equipping them with practical skills. Its influence now reaches beyond the region, showcasing how dedicated, private initiatives can play a crucial role in global conservation efforts. The Centre’s success offers valuable lessons for protecting the planet’s vital fungal biodiversity and the natural environments that depend on it.
Notes on the ecological distribution of the myxomycete Arcyria globosa
Steven L. Stephenson, Adam W. Rollins, Thida Win Ko Ko, Randy G. Darrah
MycoAsia 2024/04. [Article Link]
Abstract: Prior to the virtual elimination of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) from the forests of eastern North America by the chestnut blight fungus, Arcyria globosa was commonly found on old chestnut burs that had fallen to the ground. The association of this myxomycete with chestnut burs was not absolute, but occurrences on other substrates appear to have been rare. During field collecting carried out in a forest in northern Thailand, it was noticed that old fallen cupules (burs) of Castanopsis indica often had scattered fruiting bodies of A. globosa present. Castanea and Castanopsis belong to the same family (Fagaceae) and produce spiky cupules that are rather similar morphologically. As such, A. globosa appears to display a particular affinity for the cupules of Castanopsis in the same manner as it does for Castanea. The basis for this seemingly remarkable ecological distribution is not known.
Plain Language Summary: A slime mold, Arcyria globosa, was once common on the spiky burs of American chestnut trees before a blight wiped the trees out. Recently, researchers made a fascinating discovery in Thailand: the same slime mold thriving on the nearly identical spiky burs of a related tree species, Castanopsis indica. This suggests the slime mold has a very specific preference for this type of spiky, woody habitat. While the connection is clear, the exact reason for this unique ecological partnership across different continents remains a complete mystery to scientists.
Assemblage of aquatic hyphomycetes and their colonization of leaf litter in a tropical lateritic cave stream
Nekkarekadu Ramya, Kodandoor Sharathchandra, Kandikere Ramaiah Sridhar
MycoAsia 2024/05. [Article Link]
Abstract: Investigations on occurrence of aquatic hyphomycetes in lateritic cave streams in India are meager. This study examined the assemblage, diversity and leaf litter colonization of aquatic hyphomycetes in a cave stream in southwest India. Physicochemical features of water samples, the occurrence of conidia in water, foam, colonization of aquatic hyphomycetes in naturally submerged leaf litter and introduced sterile leaf discs (banyan and cashew) were assessed during the post-monsoon season. Naturally submerged leaves were found to possess the highest species richness compared to water, foam and introduced leaf discs. The Shannon diversity was also the highest in naturally submerged leaf litter than other samples. Among the five samples assessed, three aquatic hyphomycetes, Anguillospora longissima, Flagellospora curvula and Lunulospora curvula were common in the top five species. Helicomyces collegatus, Lunulospora cymbiformis, Phalangispora bharathensis, Synnematophora constricta, Tetracladium marchalianum and Trisulcosporium acerinum are new records for southwest India. This study provides valuable insights on the occurrence and capability of colonization of leaf litter by aquatic hyphomycetes in artificial cave streams.
Plain Language Summary: This study investigated fungi, known as aquatic hyphomycetes, in a cave stream in southwest India—an area with little previous research. Scientists analyzed water, foam, and decaying leaves to understand the fungal community. They found the greatest variety of fungal species on naturally submerged leaves. Among the many species identified, three were most common across all sample types. The research also discovered six fungal species that were previously unknown in this region. This work provides new insights into the diversity of fungi in cave streams and their vital role in breaking down leaf litter.