Nattapol Kraisitudomsook

Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.; Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.; Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States of America.; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

11 publications 2019 – 2026 ORCID

What does Nattapol Kraisitudomsook research?

Nattapol Kraisitudomsook studies fungi, particularly large mushrooms, in a significant nature preserve in Florida. Over nearly a decade, he and his team collected and identified more than 546 species of fungi, revealing a much richer fungal diversity than expected. The study highlights that this single site may contain between 900 and 1,200 species of fungi, which is crucial since fungi play a vital role in forest ecosystems by helping trees absorb nutrients and decomposing dead organic material.

Key findings

  • Identified over 546 species of macrofungi at the Ordway-Swisher Biological Station.
  • Estimated the total number of fungal species at the site to be between 900 and 1,200.
  • Demonstrated that the number of fungal species at this site surpasses the count of vertebrate animals and plants.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Kraisitudomsook study fungi?
Yes, he focuses specifically on the biodiversity of fungi, especially mushrooms, in Florida's ecosystems.
What is the significance of his work on fungi?
His research is important for understanding the ecological roles of fungi, particularly how they support forest health by aiding in nutrient absorption and decomposition.
How many species of fungi have been identified by Dr. Kraisitudomsook?
He has identified over 546 species of fungi at the Ordway-Swisher Biological Station.
Why is studying fungal diversity important?
Studying fungal diversity is crucial because fungi are essential to ecosystem functions, yet they remain less understood compared to plants and animals.

Publications in plain English

Pathogens on fire: a scoping review of smoke-borne pathogen ecology in the One Health framework.

2026

PeerJ

Adhikari A, Kraisitudomsook N, Bonfantine KL, Lampman P, Fox S +4 more

Plain English
This research looked at how smoke from wildland fires can carry harmful germs, including bacteria and fungi, which may travel long distances and affect the health of humans, animals, and plants. The study found that wildland fire smoke contains a variety of microbes and highlighted that while some of these germs can survive in smoke, there's not enough data on how likely they are to cause illness. It emphasizes the need for better monitoring of these pathogens during wildfires to protect health. Who this helps: This helps patients, farmers, and public health officials who need to be aware of potential health risks from wildfire smoke.

PubMed

Exploring Fungal Abundance and WHO Fungal Priority Pathogens in Agricultural Fields: A One Health Perspective in Northeast Thailand.

2025

Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Lakmuang C, Ibrahim SNMM, Kaewjon T, Kraisitudomsook N, Somboonna N +3 more

Plain English
This study looked at harmful fungi in agricultural fields in northeast Thailand to understand their impact on human health. Researchers found a variety of these pathogens in crops like rice, cassava, rubber trees, and sugarcane, with the highest levels found in sugarcane fields in Chaiyaphum province. This is important because some of these fungi have high fatality rates, so monitoring them can help protect farmers and communities from health risks. Who this helps: This helps farmers and communities by raising awareness about the risks posed by harmful fungi in their crops.

PubMed

Think globally, barcode locally: nine years of macrofungi sampling reveals extensive biodiversity at the ordway-swisher biological station, a subtropical site in Florida.

2025

Fungal biology

Caiafa MV, Kaminsky L, Healy R, Sheffer LP, Willis CB +26 more

Plain English
Researchers spent nine years cataloging mushrooms and other large fungi at a Florida nature preserve, identifying over 546 species and estimating the actual total is probably between 900 and 1,200 species—meaning there are more fungal species at this one site than there are vertebrate animals or plants. They used DNA testing to precisely identify each specimen and created a reference collection for future research. This matters because fungi are essential to forest ecosystems (they help trees absorb nutrients and break down dead material), yet scientists know far less about fungal diversity than they do about plants and animals, making this comprehensive catalog a crucial foundation for understanding and protecting Florida's ecosystems.

PubMed

On the origin of bird's nest fungi: Phylogenomic analyses of fungi in the Nidulariaceae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota).

2024

Molecular phylogenetics and evolution

Kraisitudomsook N, Ahrendt S, Riley R, LaButti K, Lipzen A +6 more

Plain English
This study looked at bird's nest fungi, which are mushroom-like fungi known for their unique nest shape. Researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of these fungi, along with related species, to better understand their evolution and how they fit into the larger group of mushrooms. They found that bird's nest fungi likely share a common ancestor with other types of fungi and have undergone multiple changes in their physical traits over time, though some of these findings are not yet definitive. Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers studying fungal evolution and biodiversity.

PubMed

Disaster Plant Pathology: Smart Solutions for Threats to Global Plant Health from Natural and Human-Driven Disasters.

2024

Phytopathology

Etherton BA, Choudhury RA, Alcalá Briseño RI, Mouafo-Tchinda RA, Plex Sulá AI +14 more

Plain English
This research looked at how disasters, both natural and caused by humans, affect plant diseases and food security. The study found that disasters can worsen plant health in two main ways: by causing immediate damage, like spreading diseases during floods or wars, and by disrupting supply chains, making it harder to get food supplies. Key recommendations include improving global cooperation and creating better systems to quickly replace lost seeds and manage risks. Who this helps: This benefits farmers, food producers, and anyone reliant on a stable food supply.

PubMed

Phylogenetic and taxonomic updates of, with an emphasis on.

2024

Mycology

Wang GS, Cai Q, Hao YJ, Bau T, Chen ZH +4 more

Plain English
This study looked at the relationships between different groups of a plant order, identifying eight suborders and clarifying where certain species fit within these categories. By analyzing DNA sequences from 38 genomes, the researchers found that two new suborders need to be recognized due to distinct evolutionary lineages. They also reported 17 species from China, including six that are newly identified, and explored how these species prefer their growing conditions. Who this helps: This research benefits botanists and plant taxonomists who need clear classifications for studying species diversity and ecology.

PubMed

Revising the taxonomic placement ofwithin the Laetiporaceae.

2023

Mycologia

Paez CA, Kraisitudomsook N, Smith JA, Loyd AL, Lindner DL +1 more

Plain English
This study examined a common type of fungus that decays wood from oak trees in the southeastern U.S. The researchers found that this fungus is not correctly classified in its previous category and should be placed in a new category based on its physical features and genetic information. They detailed specific differences between this fungus and similar species, which helps clarify its classification in the fungal family tree. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists working on fungal classification and ecology.

PubMed

The Use of Synthetic Microbial Communities to Improve Plant Health.

2023

Phytopathology

Martins SJ, Pasche J, Silva HAO, Selten G, Savastano N +6 more

Plain English
This research paper looks at how synthetic groups of bacteria, called synthetic microbial communities (SynComs), can help improve the health of plants. Researchers found that by carefully selecting the right bacterial species, they can create communities that better support plants under stress, though challenges remain, such as ensuring these communities stay stable over time. This is important because healthier plants can lead to better yields and crop resilience. Who this helps: This helps farmers and agricultural scientists looking to enhance plant growth and resilience.

PubMed

Molecular systematics and taxonomic overview of the bird's nest fungi (Nidulariaceae).

2021

Fungal biology

Kraisitudomsook N, Healy RA, Smith ME

Plain English
This study examined bird's nest fungi, a little-known group of fungi that grow on wood or animal waste. Researchers discovered around 200 species within this group, but found many of their classifications were incorrect, indicating that our understanding of these fungi needs updating. For example, two specific types, Cyathus and Crucibulum, were shown to be distinct from one another, while other genera were found to be more complicated than previously thought. Who this helps: This research is beneficial for mycologists and scientists studying biodiversity, as well as those interested in fungus identification and classification.

PubMed

Resurrecting the genus: Systematic study of fungi in the generaand() with the description of three new South American species.

2020

Persoonia

Kraisitudomsook N, Healy RA, Pfister DH, Truong C, Nouhra E +4 more

Plain English
This study examined fungi from South America that had been overlooked in previous research. The researchers discovered three new species and found that these species are not closely related to others previously thought to be part of the same group. They concluded that a new family is needed to categorize these unique fungi, which likely originated when South America and Australia were part of the same landmass around 67 million years ago. Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers studying fungal diversity and evolution, particularly in Southern Hemisphere regions.

PubMed

Systematic study of truffles in the genus, with the description of two new species from Patagonia.

2019

Mycologia

Kraisitudomsook N, Healy RA, Mujic AB, Pfister DH, Nouhra ER +1 more

Plain English
This study looked at a type of fungus called truffles that grow in specific forests in Patagonia, South America, and found two new species that had not been identified before. The researchers also created a family tree to understand how these truffles are related to others in their group. This discovery is important because it adds to our knowledge of biodiversity and helps scientists understand the ecological roles of these fungi. Who this helps: This benefits scientists studying fungi and ecosystems, as well as potentially impacting the culinary world where truffles are valued.

PubMed

Publication data sourced from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.