Macadamia‑Associated Fungi Yield Five New Species and Lignocellulolytic Enzymes

Researchers collected 18 fungal taxa associated with macadamia wood in China and Thailand and described five new species—Dothiorella lignicola, Lasiodiplodia macadamiae, Palmiascoma macadamiae, Xylochrysis macadamiae, and Xylochrysis yunnanensis—using morphological observation and multilocus phylogenetic analyses.¹.net]

The study also recorded thirteen additional saprobic species belonging to nine genera that had not previously been reported on macadamia. These include well‑known genera such as Trichoderma and Phialophora, now documented on macadamia hosts for the first time.¹.net]

In addition to taxonomic work, the authors evaluated twenty representative isolates for enzyme production relevant to biomass conversion. Four enzymes—xylanase, cellulase, laccase, and manganese peroxidase—were assayed under controlled conditions. Xylanase activity was detected most frequently among all samples, suggesting a strong potential for breaking down hemicellulose components of plant cell walls.¹.net]

Hyphal structures were characterized by septate hyphae with clamp connections typical of Ascomycota.¹.net]

Expert commentary notes that these findings expand knowledge about fungi associated with macadamia—a globally important nut crop—and highlight their industrial relevance. The lignocellulolytic enzymes identified could be harnessed for biofuel production or waste‑management processes. Moreover, understanding beneficial fungal relationships may improve sustainable agriculture practices on macadamia plantations by promoting natural decomposition pathways.¹.net]

The author list includes Xian Zhang, Samantha C. Karunarathna, Saowaluck Tibpromma, Chanokned Senwanna, Jaturong Kumla, Tian-Ye Du, Abdallah M. Elgorban, Alanoud T. Alfagham, Faten Zubair Filimban, Dong-Qin Dai, and Nakarin Suwannarach. Their work was published in MycoKeys volume 141 (pages 217‑281) under DOI 10.3897/mycokeys.141.209886.¹.net]