New fungal species described in recent open‑access journals

The latest open‑access journal entries in MycoKeys present several newly described fungi. In one study, six new species were identified within the Cunninghamellaceae family, including five new Absidia species—A. guangxiensis, A. heilongjiangensis, A. hubeiensis, A. longisporangiophora, and A. myceliosa—as well as a new Gongronella globospora species from China ¹.net]. These findings expand knowledge of early-diverging fungi and highlight their potential biotechnological applications such as biofuel production, where some Absidia strains can degrade plant biomass efficiently ¹.net].

Another paper describes a monotypic genus, Drechslerosporium cornellii gen. et sp. nov., isolated from decaying litter at Cornell Plantations in Ithaca, New York. The genus is placed in Basidiobolaceae based on multilocus phylogenetic analysis and displays unique conidial discharge traits that may inform future research into metabolic pathways or ecological roles useful for bioremediation or sustainable agriculture ¹.net].

Finally, researchers collected fungal isolates from wetlands in Jiangxi Province, China, associated with Arundo donax. They reported two saprobic species, Lentimurispora arundinis and Stachylidium arundinis, which contribute to nutrient cycling by decomposing plant material. Understanding these associates offers insights into plant–microbe interactions that could help manage A. donax populations, optimize crop yields, and address invasive weed control challenges ¹.net].

Readers interested in practical foraging updates should consult recent field guides or local mycological societies.