Your Weekly Dose of Mycology Research
In Silene latifolia, genetic analysis reveals high costs of resistance to the fungal pathogen Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae during juvenile stages. This study demonstrates that these costs hinder the evolution of increased juvenile resistance, thus explaining persistent juvenile susceptibility. The findings underscore the importance of age-specific resistance and fitness in disease dynamics across plant lifetimes.
Nystatin is an antifungal antibiotic, and pillar[5]arene is a macrocyclic compound known for forming host-guest interactions. The study highlights a novel nanocarrier system combining self-assembled nystatin and pillar[5]arene with a terpene moiety, demonstrating enhanced antifungal efficacy against Candida species clinical isolates. This approach suggests a promising advance in antifungal therapies.
This study critiques the use of terms like "basal" or "early diverging fungi" to describe lineages outside Dikarya, arguing they misrepresent evolutionary realities. All fungi have evolved equally since a common ancestor. The authors urge using precise taxonomic names, such as Mucoromycota, to respect and accurately highlight these lesser-studied lineages.
In the context of mycology, fungicides such as azoxystrobin target pathogenic fungi, and amphipod shredders like G. fossarum play a role in leaf litter decomposition. This study reveals that the combined stressors of azoxystrobin and wastewater effluent adversely impact G. fossarum. Interestingly, the amphipod shredder enhances the reproductive capacity of leaf-associated fungal communities.