Mycosphere Essay 11: Fungi of Pycnoporus: Morphological and molecular identification, worldwide distribution and biotechnological potential

Fungi of the Pycnoporus are efficient degraders of lignocellulosic materials, so they are classified as white-rot fungi. A distinctive feature is its color ranging from orange to bright red, attributed to cinnabarin, cinnabarinic acid and tramesanguin mainly, compounds to which have been attributed some biological activities. This review updates the reports on morphological characteristics, the distribution of species of Pycnoporus, and the advantages of molecular techniques in species identification. Furthermore, the potential biotechnological applications of these fungi are mentioned with a focus on insecticidal and antibacterial activities. In addition, the production of hydrolytic enzymes including cellulases, hemicellulases, pectinases are discussed as well as phenoloxidases such as laccases and their participation in the degradation of agro-industrial waste.