Omoanghe S. Isikhuemhen

Understanding variability in truffle fruiting patterns is critical for improving productivity. A cultivated Tuber lyonii pecan orchard comprising 9-year-old trees in sections A - D and 4-year-old trees in Section E was investigated to determine whether orchard age, soil microbial communities, and soil physicochemical properties were associated with spatial variation in truffle abundance. Soil cores were collected from ten trees per Section and an outlier site ( n = 60). T. lyonii DNA was quantified using species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR), microbial communities were characterized using ITS and 16 S rRNA genes, and soil physicochemical properties were analyzed. Quantitative PCR revealed that T. lyonii DNA abundance was highest in Section E (1.95 × 10⁴ ± 3.91 × 10 ³ ng g⁻¹ soil), low in sections A-D (3.60 × 10⁻¹ ± 0.18, 5.30 × 10³ ± 1.60 × 10³, 1.14 × 10⁴ ± 4.72 × 10⁴ and 1.05 × 10⁴ ± 1.54 × 10³ ng g⁻¹ soil, respectively) and absent in outlier. Fungal communities were dominated by Mortierellomycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota, while T. lyonii accounted for 92.2% of detected Tuber sequences. Proteobacteria (Pseudomonadota), Acidobacteriota, and Actinobacteriota dominated bacterial communities. Beta-diversity analyses revealed differences in microbial community composition among sections. Soil pH and organic matter did not differ across the orchard, whereas cation exchange capacity (CEC) was significantly lower in Section E than in sections A-D. These findings demonstrate spatial heterogeneity in T. lyonii abundance and microbial community composition and suggest that orchard age and localized soil conditions may be associated with n T. lyonii distribution.

The use of wheat bran (WB) as a supplement in mushroom cultivation presents economic and sustainability concerns due to its competition with human food and livestock feed. This reliance increases production costs and limits accessibility for small‐scale growers. To address these challenges, this study explores oak leaves (OK), a readily available seasonal waste as a potential alternative. Pleurotus ostreatus was cultivated on corn stover supplemented with WB, OK, or a combination (WBOK) at seven concentrations (0%–15%). Substrates were sterilized, inoculated, incubated at 25°C, and fruited at 20 ± 2°C. Nutritional analyses were conducted on fruit bodies from the highest‐yielding treatments. Substrate colonization varied significantly ( p < 0.05), ranging from 10 to 19 days, with OK 2.5% and 5% achieving the fastest colonization (10 days). Pinning initiation also differed ( p < 0.001), with WBOK 2.5% pinning at 36 days, earlier than WB 15% (38 days) and OK 15% (49 days). Biological Efficiency (BE) peaked at 110% in WBOK 2.5%, followed by OK 2.5% (107%) and WB 12.5% (102%). Nutritional analysis revealed that WBOK 2.5% fruit bodies had the highest protein (35.0%) and phosphorus (1300 mg/100 g), while OK 2.5% also improved protein and mineral content relative to the control. These findings demonstrate that low levels of supplementation with oak leaves alone or in combination with WB can support high yields and enhance the nutritional profile of P. ostreatus . Mushrooms are considered a superfood due to their high protein, vitamins and minerals and their low energy content. Low levels of substrate supplementation with a common forest waste substantially enhanced the dietary quality of P. ostreatus . Therefore, OK supplementation offers a cost‐effective, sustainable alternative to WB, promoting waste valorization and reducing dependence on food‐competitive resources.

Our study employed Pleurotus ostreatus, P. djamor, and Trametes versicolor (white rot fungi = WRF) in the process of solid-state fermentation (SSF) to convert sorghum grains into myceliated sorghum (MS). The MS was then used for in vitro studies to assess changes in nutrient content compared to untreated sorghum (control). The results demonstrated a significant (p < 0.001) increase in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of MS. Specifically, CP and ash values saw a remarkable increase from 68 to 330% and 40 to 190% in MS, respectively. Additionally, NDF and ADF degradability values increased significantly (p < 0.001) by 81.5% and 56.2% in P. djamor-treated MS at 24 h post-incubation. The treatment × time interaction was also significant (p < 0.001) for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. T. versicolor MS exhibited the highest total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and propionate production. The use of WRF in the SSF process led to a significant improvement in the nutritional value of sorghum. Despite the varying effects of different WRF on the nutritional parameters in MS, they show potential for enhancing the feed value of sorghum in animal feed.

The restriction on the use of antibiotics in poultry has led to an increase in the use of natural products that could serve as alternatives to antibiotics. Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that exhibit antifungal, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. Hence, they are being tested, revealing as performance-enhancing natural feed additives for livestock. This review focused on the role of different species of mushrooms commonly used in poultry on the performance, immunomodulatory actions, cholesterolemic properties, and meat quality of poultry birds. Different studies reviewed show that mushrooms could positively impact poultry production, improve growth performance, modulate immune response, exert tissue antioxidant activity, influence intestinal morphology, enhance gut microbiome, and improve lipid profile. The variations in their efficacy could be attributed to the variations in physicochemical properties of different species and dosage levels applied in the experiments. However, the use of mushrooms as a natural product supplement is in its infancy, and more basic, pilot and large-scale research is required to make it a viable approach for improving immune responses in the poultry industry.

Authors would like to correct an error in the GC conditions for VFA analysis

The present study evaluated varying inclusion levels (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) derived from Pleurotus ostreatus, ensiled for 0, 21, 42, and 64 d, using an in vitro batch culture technique. The study employed a 6 × 4 factorial design with six inclusion levels and four ensiling durations. The batch culture was conducted over 24 h across two runs. Gas production (GP), greenhouse gases (GHG) production, nutrient degradability, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were measured. Significant interactions (P < 0.01) between ensiling duration and diet were observed for the concentrations of different nutrients and GHG production. SMS levels in diets increased (P < 0.001) dry matter (DM), neutral (NDF), and acid (ADF) detergent fiber concentrations but decreased crude protein (CP) and cellulose levels. Ensiling period decreased (P < 0.001) DM, NDF, acid-detergent lignin (ADL), and hemicellulose concentrations but increased non-structural carbohydrates (P < 0.05). Diets with higher SMS levels had lower (P < 0.001) GP, methane (CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) production, together with increased degradability of DM, NDF, ADF, and ADL. Conversely, extending ensiling increased CH₄ and CO₂ production, degradability of DM, and proportions of acetate and propionate but decreased NDF and ADF degradability. Total VFA and butyrate were highest (P < 0.05) in the diet with 50% SMS inclusion. In conclusion, SMS can replace up to 50% of corn silage in the diets of beef and non-lactating dairy cows; however, extending the ensiling duration is not recommended.

The diversity of Lycoperdaceae in Israel was studied. Molecular phylogenetic relationships within the family, and genus Lycoperdon in particular, were inferred using original ITS rDNA sequences of 58 samples belonging to 25 species from Israel and six other countries, together with 66 sequences stored in the GenBank database. The current molecular phylogenetic study recovered the family Lycoperdaceae as a monophyletic group, which was supported in both maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses. The clades corresponding to the genera Apioperdon, Bovista, Calvatia, Disciseda, and Lycoperdon were revealed. The taxonomic structure of the named genera was partially resolved. Within the genus Lycoperdon, some species received significant statistical support; however, their relationships, as well as the problem of the genus monophyly, mostly remained questionable. As a result of a thorough literature survey, extensive sample collection, and studies of the material stored in the Herbarium of the Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa (HAI, Israel), fifteen species representing five genera were found in the territory of Israel. Six species, namely Apioperdon pyriforme, Bovista aestivalis, Calvatia candida, Lycoperdon decipiens, L. niveum, and L. perlatum, are new additions to the diversity of Lycoperdaceae in Israel. Detailed macro- and micromorphological descriptions, ecology, geography, and critical notes, together with light microscopy photos and SEM micrographs, are provided. In-depth discussion on some taxonomically challenging species is presented.

The current study aimed to optimize and improve the feeding value of Pleurotus ostreatus-fermented corn stover by evaluating the effects of five solid-state fermentation times and three in vitro fermentation periods on the chemical composition, dry matter disappearance (DMD), microbial mass and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production of treated and untreated corn stover. The study utilized a 3 × 5 factorial design, with eight replicates per treatment. Dry matter, crude protein (CP), ash and non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) contents increased quadratically (p < 0.05) with increases in the solid-state fermentation time. Increases of 44.4–59.1%, 20.6–78.6% and 40.5–121% were noted for the CP, ash and NFC contents, respectively. Organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and hemicellulose contents decreased quadratically (p < 0.05) across the treatments. Similar trends were noted for DM and fiber disappearance in the treatments. The total gas production and in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) increased quadratically, while microbial mass and in vitro apparent DMD increased in a linear manner. The total VFA, propionate and butyrate contents increased linearly. Both the acetate content and the A:P ratio decreased in a linear manner. The results show that the rumen fermentation pathway favors the production of propionate, with increases in propionate production of 7.46 and 8.30% after 2 and 4 wk, respectively. The study showed that a 2 wk period of solid-state fermentation is sufficient to provide a bio-transformed cow–calf feed resource from P. ostreatus-treated corn stover.

Improvement in the nutritive value of corn stover after solid-state fermentation with Pleurotus ostreatus is reported. Two ruminally cannulated dairy cows were used in an in vitro study arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial design with four replicates using P. ostreatus-treated corn stover. The increase in crude protein (58.5%) and ash (25.8%) contents of the treated stover were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the control. Results suggest a potential increase in in vitro microbial protein synthesis due to a consistent increase (p < 0.001) in microbial mass yield (106–681%), irrespective of the incubation time. The fiber components of the corn stover, except lignin, were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), and the non-fiber carbohydrates were increased by 118% in the treated samples. There was a significant (p < 0.001) increase in both in vitro dry matter disappearance (40.9–240%) and total VFA (5.85–11.2%). Treatment and time interaction was significant (p < 0.001) for propionate production (9.37–14.0%), indicating that the propionate rumen fermentation pathway was preferred. Acetate concentration was reduced (1.76–4.01%), which also resulted in a 7.09–11.42% decrease in the A:P ratio. Overall, results showed that P. ostreatus improved the nutritive value of corn stover by increasing its energetic values, crude protein, microbial mass, and total volatile fatty acid concentrations.

The North Carolina hemp industry has fallen short of its projected success despite its potential economic benefits and opportunities for farmers. The floral hemp sector specifically has been struggling due to excessive production and decreasing prices. The objective of the research was to examine the experiences and obstacles faced by early adopters and stakeholders of the hemp industry in NC. Through structured focus group discussions and interviews, data were collected and analyzed to gain insight into the industry’s direction. The results revealed that many floral hemp farmers have abandoned the crop because of financial setbacks, leading to a reduced interest in cultivation compared to five years prior. The floral hemp industry’s rapid growth and decline have tempered farmers’ expectations of the crop’s potential. The findings will provide a foundation for further research into NC’s hemp production and economy, enabling the provision of necessary information and extension services for profitable hemp farming in the state.