Aspergillus Niger Van Tieghem Research Articles

Rapid and quantitative detection of Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem using loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay

AbstractPeanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) crown rot and root rot are common diseases caused by Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem. Early and accurate detection of A. niger is key to disease management. In this study, the design of two to five sets of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) primers was based on the EglA, GOD, Tub, NRPS, Tan, CbhA, and CbhB genes of A. niger. Of these, primer set GOD-91 was selected for optimization of the three-factor LAMP system: the Bst DNA polymerase concentration, the concentration ratio of the inner and outer primers, and the concentration of Mg2+. In addition, the optimized LAMP reaction system for A. niger detection was validated for specificity, sensitivity, and on-site feasibility. The specificity test showed that A. niger could be specifically detected with the proposed method without cross-amplification of other pathogenic fungi DNA. Moreover, based on the sensitivity test, the lowest detection limit of this reaction system was 5.1 × 10−7 ng/µL pAN01 plasmid DNA, after which a standard curve was generated for the quantitative detection of A. niger. The LAMP method was further applied for field sample assessment before and after A. niger infection, successfully detecting A. niger presence in the samples collected in the field. This study yielded a sensitive, specific, and reproducible LAMP system that can be used to assess on-site samples within 45 min. It is an effective approach for the rapid and quantitative detection of A. niger.

Physiological and Biochemical Alterations during the Germination of Aspergillus Niger Conidia

The provided analytical data pertains to the germination of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem spores, focusing on various components measured by dry weight. These components include sugars, organic acids, amino acids, proteins, and lipids. Additionally, indicators of spore activity, such as respiration and permeability changes, were assessed. It is noteworthy that A. niger spores do not initiate germination utilizing their internal reserves. The introduction of glucose triggers heightened oxygen consumption and an increase in the overall concentration of organic acids. The initial 3-hour germination period is characterized by an augmentation in protein synthesis, along with a reduction in free amino acid concentration, which suggests the synthesis of proteins to facilitate germination. Furthermore, changes in permeability are observed to influence the release of various substances from the germinating spores. Significant alterations occur in the concentration of free sterols and the sterol-to-lipid ratio in germinating A. niger spores. During the early stages of germination, there is extensive degradation of phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and their lyso-derivatives. However, these phospholipids are subsequently resynthesized in the later stages of germination. Regarding nonpolar lipids in A. niger spores, they consist primarily of hydrocarbons, triglycerides, fatty acids, sterol esters, and free sterols. Notably, the content of free sterols increases while the content of hydrocarbons decreases during the germination process in A. niger spores.

Sustainable Cultivation of Ascomycete Fungi on Wheat Bran for Hydrolytic Enzyme Production

Abstract To increase its product sustainability portfolio the detergent and personal care industry seeks bio-based alternatives to chemical performance additives in their products. Currently, enzymatic systems for these applications are mainly obtained from genetically modified organisms (GMO). However, these GMO products cannot be included in eco-certified household care formulations. Hence, this study evaluates alternative non-GMO enzymes systems that could be sustainable performance additives. Seven strain variants of Ceratocystis paradoxa and one strain of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem were cultivated in different liquid media with 3 % glucose (0.3 L cultivation volume, 120 rpm, 28 °C, pH 5.5, 336 hours). Specifically, the enzymatic activities were assessed initially qualitatively via 24 chromogenically labeled sugar polymer-substrates targeting various cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic activities. Quantitative assessment via spectrophotometric based on the same set of chromogenic substrates, was limited to cellulose, xylan, mannan, starch, galactan, rhamnogalacturonan and casein substrates. Using these assays, the C. paradoxa strains showed dominant cellulase, xylanase, amylase and galactanase activities, while the A. niger strain showed amylase and protease activities among other minor hydrolytic enzyme activities. To evaluate the efficiency of the respective hydrolase enzyme systems were concentrated and applied in the hydrolysis of wheat bran. Wheat bran a cereal milling by-product, which is available at low cost in high quantities, provides an ecologically and economically relevant carbon source for fungal cultivation. Hence, the ability of the new enzyme systems to liberate fermentable sugars was identified as a measure of efficiency. The best performing enzyme systems were identified in terms of total sugar released.

Identification and virulence screening of fungal and bacterial entomophathogens of the edible long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from Uganda

Natural enemies are major challenges in laboratory rearing of grasshoppers, but the identity and virulence of these towards the edible long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens (Serville) is scarcely known. In this study, fungi and bacteria were isolated from R. differens collected from Mbarara, Masaka, Hoima, Kampala and Kabale districts in Uganda in 2018, cultured on standard microbial media, identified using molecular techniques and screened for virulence against the insect in laboratory bioassays. Fourteen and nine species of fungi and bacteria were isolated from R. differens, respectively, with the number of isolates varying based on collection site. The most prevalent entomopathogenic fungal species were Aspergillus flavus Link (27.3%), Fusarium equiseti (Corda) (24.2%), Mucor fragilis Fresen (12.1%), Clonostachys rosea (Link) (6.0%) and Aspergillus tamarii Kita (6.0%); whereas the most prevalent bacterial isolates were Serratia marcescens Bizio (38.1%), Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) (14.3%) and Enterobacter cloacae (Jordan) (14.3%). Nine of the fungal species namely Clavispora lusitaniae Rodrigues de Miranda, Lichtheimia corymbifera (Cohn), Trichoderma koningii Oudem, F. equiseti, M. fragilis, Aspergillus niger van Tieghem, Epicoccum sorghinum (Saccardo), C. rosea, Penicillium commune Charles Thom; and five bacterial species (Proteus penneri Hickman, S. marcescens, B. thuringiensis, Staphylococcus sciuri Kloos and Enterococcus faecalis (Andrewes and Horder)) were ~5–7-fold and ~4–5-fold, more lethal to third instars of R. differens than untreated controls, respectively. This study is the first to report C. lusitaniae, Exserohilum mcginnis Padhye and Ajello, E. sorghinum, P. penneri and E. cloacae as insect pathogens. The results suggest a need to quarantine field collected R. differens before introducing them into the insectary, as well as performing antimicrobial practices during rearing of the insect to prevent entomopathogen-based mortality.

Bio-efficacy of Antagonists and its Culture Filtrates against Black Mould Rot [Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem] of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Background: Black mould rot of garlic caused by Aspergillus niger, is the most destructive disease in storage as well as in field conditions. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate bio-efficacy of antagonists and culture filtrates of Trichoderma spp., against black mould rot of garlic. Methods: For eco-friendly and effective management of black mold rot of garlic, eight antagonist and culture filtrates of six Trichoderma spp. were selected and screened by dual culture and poisoned food technique. Result: Among all the antagonistic fungus and bacteria, Trichoderma asperellum and its cultural filtrate were found effective.

Comprehensive Structural and Functional Characterization of a Seed γ-thionin as a Potent Bioactive Molecule Against Fungal Pathogens and Insect Pests.

Fungi and insect pests ruin stored crop grain, which results in millions of dollars of damage, presenting an ongoing challenge for farmers in addition to diminishing the safety of stored food. A wide-range defensive system against pathogens is needed to reduce or even eliminate the dependence of the crop yield upon the use of pesticides. Plant defensins (γ-thionins) are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are a component of the host defense system. They are known to interact with cell membranes to exhibit antifungal and insecticidal activity. They exhibit a broad range of activities against fungi and insects and are effective at low concentrations. Thionins act on membranes, greatly reducing the development of pathogen resistance. The aim of this study is to investigate a bioactive molecule that acts against fungal pathogens and stored grain insect pests. γ-thionin protein was extracted from Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata f. alba (white cabbage) seed powder in phosphate buffer (100 mM, pH 7.0) and was identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF. The crude extract was subjected to 70% ammonium sulfate saturation followed by gel filtration chromatography. The disc diffusion assay along with a microtiter bioassay was used to determine the antifungal activity of the protein against phytopathogenic fungi. The insecticidal efficacy was evaluated by feeding insect pests with food contaminated with the purified protein. Additionally, an in silico molecular structure prediction study of the protein was performed using Auto Dock Vina for molecular docking of the protein with either fungal membrane moieties or α-amylase from Tenebrio molitor L. MD simulations of protein-ligand complexes were conducted using Schrodinger's Desmond module. γ-Thionin (BoT) was purified from white cabbage seeds and showed 100% homology with thionin (Brassica oleracea L. var. viridis) and 80% homology with defensin-like protein 1 (Raphanus sativus L.), respectively. BoT significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem and Aspergillus flavus Link at a concentration of 2 μM. Similarly, 0.12 μM BoT treatment resulted in significant mortality of Tribolium castaneum Herbst and Sitophilus oryzae L. Molecular docking and MD simulation of BoT confirmed the strong binding affinity with fungal membrane moieties (phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and phosphatidic acid), which causes disruption of the cell membrane and leakage of the cellular contents, leading to cell death. BoT blocked the active site of α-amylase, and as a result of the inactivation of this gut enzyme, the digestive systems of insects were disturbed, resulting in their deaths. This study revealed that γ-thionin is a good antifungal and insecticidal agent that could be used as an alternate to fungicides and insecticides.

Biochemical Changes During Solid State Fermentation of Wheat Crop Residues by Aspergillus flavus Link and Aspergillus niger van Tieghem

In the present investigation authors assessed the biochemical modifications during solid-state fermentation of various ingredients of post harvested wheat crop leftovers by the application of Aspergillus flavus Link and Aspergillus niger van Tieghem. The post harvested wheat crop residues samples, including internodes, leaves, chaff, and straw, were assembled from a natural field and subjected to different decomposition stages for 40 and 60 days. The collected samples were allowed for biochemical modifications and results compared with undecomposed initial samples. The fungi A. flavus caused maximum decomposition of leaves, followed by straw chaff and internodes. The contribution of different fractions to the loss is fat and waxes, followed by simple sugars, amino acids, peptides, minerals, etc., during the first 40 days. In the next 20 days, the decomposition rate increased in wheat leaves, chaff, and straw with peak decomposition or loss of hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, and pectin. The fungi A. niger caused a primary loss in weight of leaves during the first 40 days and followed mixed straw, chaff, and internodes during in vitro investigation. The loss in dry weight of internodes at successful experimentation and treatment of 40 days for the decomposition was recorded significantly because of the hemicellulose and cellulose components decomposition. However, pectin decomposition contributed to a reasonable extent to the loss of dry weight than other trace fractions. The components like leaves, chaff, and straw showed the same trends in biochemical changes as well. The partial decomposition of lignin was recorded during this period of investigation. The significance of useful facts was uncovered by performing suitable descriptive and inferential statistics. This study has a socio-economic relevance to managing the agricultural residues as a valuable natural resource for green and sustainable Agri-Farming.

Poly(lactic acid)/Zinc/Alginate Complex Material: Preparation and Antimicrobial Properties

The aim of this study was to investigate an antimicrobial and degradable composite material consisting of melt-blown poly(lactic acid) nonwoven fabrics, alginate, and zinc. This paper describes the method of preparation and the characterization of the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of the new fibrous composite material. The procedure consists of fabrication of nonwoven fabric and two steps of dip-coating modification: (1) impregnation of nonwoven samples in the solution of alginic sodium salt and (2) immersion in a solution of zinc (II) chloride. The characterization and analysis of new material included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), specific surface area (SSA), and total/average pore volume (BET). The polylactide/alginate/Zn fibrous composite were subjected to microbial activity tests against colonies of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial strains, and the following fungal strains: Aspergillus niger van Tieghem and Chaetomium globosum. These results lay a technical foundation for the development and potential application of new composite as an antibacterial/antifungal material in biomedical areas.

ВЛИЯНИЕ МИКРООРГАНИЗМОВ НА ФИЗИКО-МЕХАНИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА БЕТОНА

The article considers the change in the physical and mechanical characteristics of cement stone made of the CEM I 42,5 N Portland cement in the process of bacterial and fungal corrosion for 6 months in the air and moisture conditions. It is established that the density of concrete during microbiological corrosion increases under constant moistening of the sample. However, after drying, a decrease in the density of concrete is recorded by 10 % under the influence of Bacillus subtilis bacteria and by 14 % under the influence of black mold. The degree of influence of microorganisms on the amount of water absorption of cement stone is established experimentally. Bacteria increases water absorption by 7 %, black mold increases water absorption by 10 %. Within 6 months, water absorption increased from 21 to 24,5 % for bacterial corrosion in indoor conditions, and from 24 to 29 % for fungal corrosion. When exposed to capillary moisture for 6 months, the water absorption of concrete increased to 30,4 % under the influence of Bacillus subtilis bacteria and to 37,3% under the influence of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem fungi. An increase in the water absorption of concrete is associated with an increase in porosity due to biodegradation. Under room conditions of exposure to bacteria, the porosity increases from 14,1 to 15,3 %, and from 14,3 to 17,9 % after exposure to black mold. With constant moistening, the porosity of cement concrete increases to 19,1 and 25,6 % with bacterial and fungal corrosion, respectively. The loss of compressive strength of cement stone is 13 % under the influence of bacteria and 15 % under the influence of fungi in the air for 6 months. In case of microbiological corrosion of concrete under conditions of constant wetting, the strength decreases by about 35 % in 6 months

Endophytic fungi confirmed as entomopathogens of the new invasive pest, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), infesting maize in South Sumatra, Indonesia

BackgroundThe fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a new invasive pest in Indonesia causing financial losses. S. frugiperda larvae hide in the leaf midrib all day. To overcome the hidden larvae, pathogenic endophytic fungi are needed. The objective of this research was to molecularly identify the endophytic fungal species from South Sumatra and determine the most pathogenic species against S. frugiperda larvae. Endophytic fungal identification was based on morphological and molecular characteristics. The molecular identification was based on gene sequential analysis of Intergenic Transcribed Spacer (ITS) 1 and ITS 4. Bioassay of the endophytic fungal species was treated against the 2nd larval instar of S. frugiperda.ResultThe results of molecular identification revealed endophytic fungal species consisted of Chaetomium sp. (GaTpeOi, JgTjPr, PiCrPga, and CaCjPga isolates), Aspergillus niger (L.) Van Tieghem (PsgTjPr, JgByU, and JaBuBys), Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (JgSPK, JaGiP, JaSpkPGA(2), JgCrJr, and JaTpOi (1) isolates), Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boed. (JaGiPRB, CMTJP, JaMsBys, JaSpkPga(3), and JgTgSr isolates), Aspergillus flavus Link. (JgPWSR isolate), Penicillium citrinum Thom F 1539 (JaTpOi(2) isolate), and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin (CaTpPGA isolate). All fungal isolates were deposited in the GenBank. The endophytic fungal species of B. bassiana (JgSPK isolate) caused up to (22.67%) mortality, C. lunata (JaSpkPga(3) isolate) caused (17.33%) mortality, and M. anisopliae (CaTpPga isolate) caused (8%) mortality of the pest’s larvae. First report of B. bassiana and C. lunata isolated from maize (Zea mays L.), while M. anisopliae was isolated from red chili (Capsicum annuum L.) as entomopathogenic endophytic fungi against S. frugiperda larvae in Indonesia.ConclusionThe endophytic fungi species of B. bassiana, C. lunata, and M. anisopliae had potentials as entomopathogens of S. frugiperda.

ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ СТРУКТУРНО-ФАЗОВОГО СОСТАВА ЦЕМЕНТНОГО БЕТОНА ПРИ МИКРОБИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ КОРРОЗИИ

The article considers the change in the structural and phase composition of cement stone made of Portland cement of the CEM I 42.5 N brand in the process of bacterial and fungal corrosion during 6 months when humidified. The X-ray images of cement stone show peaks that characterize the non-hydrated components of Portland cement alite, belite, tricalcium aluminate, four-calcium aluminoferrite and gypsum. By the method of X-ray phase analysis, it is found that during microbiological corrosion, the content of all phases of cement stone decreases. The aspergillus niger van Tieghem fungi have a stronger effect on the structural and phase composition of cement stone. Fungal microorganisms destroy the crystalline phases and absorb amorphous phases – calcium hydrosilicates C-S-H (I) and C-S-H (II) and tobermorite. When bacteria Bacillus subtilis affects the cement stone, the content of the calcite phase increases, which is a product of corrosion, while the action of black mold reduces the intensity of CaCO3 peaks. A decrease in the content of low-base calcium hydrosilicates and ettringite, as well as other crystalline phases, leads to a decrease in the compressive strength of the cement stone. During 6 months of microbiological corrosion of cement concrete under conditions of constant wetting, the compressive strength decreases by about 35 %.

Biodestruction of Buildings and Constructions and Improvement of Their Longevity and Environmental Friendliness at the Basis of Application of Bio-Resistant Materials

The article discusses the problem of negative biological effects in buildings and structures. The analysis of microflora released from damaged objects is given. Risk groups for the development of diseases caused by microbial biodestructors that are potentially dangerous to humans are given. The biodegradation of residential and public buildings causes a decrease in the level of people’s health, and their disability occurs due to the deterioration of the urban environment. Microbes contained in building structures, in finishing and protective materials, can settle on the skin, enter the bloodstream through the lungs, and also with food into the human body. A number of pathologies that are difficult to cure and life-threatening have arisen recently due to a sharp drop in human immune reactivity.The object of the study was cement composites, which include port-lance cement, a mixing fluid, a filler, a fine aggregate, and additionally silicon organic compounds. The hypothesis is that the latter in the form of aryl - (aryloxy) silanes, due to their hydrolysis in a humid environment, can become potent biocidal components.During the research, generally accepted physical-mechanical and biological methods were used. To assess biostability, samples of cement composites were infected with a test by microorganisms from the following set of mycelial fungi: Aspergillus niger van Tieghem, Aspergillus terreus Thom, Aspergillus oryzae (Ahlburg) Cohn, Chaetomium globosum Kunze, Paecilomyces varioti Bainierulicomillumium Penicillium peniciumium Penicomium Thiumllium Penicillium peniciumium, Trichoderma viride Pers. ex Fr.Tests have shown that silicon organic additives contribute to a significant increase in the biostability and strength of cement composites. Studies have revealed the presence of a correlation of the fungus resistance of building composites with the addition of silanes and their hydraulic activity.

Protein Enhancement of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) Peels with Single-or Co-Inoculation of Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem and Trichoderma viride Pers Ex Fr. Under Solid-State Fermentation

This study assessed the protein enrichment of sterilized and non-sterilised yam peels substrates fermented for 21 days at 25°C with mono- and co-cultures of Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma viride. Yam substrates were harvested at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days intervals for protein content and other chemical composition analyses. Results showed an overall percentage increase in protein contents of sterilised yam peels by 71.80% for A. niger, 58.03% for T. viride, and 80.60% for co-culture of A. niger and T. viride. Protein contents in non-sterilised yam peels increased by 113.30%, 95.00%, and 96.45% for A. niger, T. viride and co-culture of the test fungi, respectively. The significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher protein contents of the fermented, non-sterilised yam peels suggest possible successional microbial colonization of the substrate, and their combined, cumulative contributions to protein enhancement, unlike the sterilised yam peels. Ash content significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased in both sterilised and non-sterilised yam peels. These findings underscore the fact that, through fungal bioprocessing, protein contents of yam peels can be significantly enriched for value-addition. The practical implications of the findings are discussed

APROVECHAMIENTO DE SUBPRODUCTOS CÍTRICOS: FERMENTACIÓN DE LA CORTEZA DE NARANJA POR ASPERGILLUS NIGER VAN TIEGHEM, 1867

Se evaluó el aprovechamiento de los subproductos cítricos mediante la fermentación de la corteza de naranja por medio de Aspergillus niger van Tieghem, 1867, el que fue obtenido por inoculación en placa Petri, a temperatura de 35°C y a un pH de 4,3. Se utilizó como substrato la corteza de naranja triturada, parcialmente deshidratada, extendida en bandejas, secada en bandejas de cartón y sin pretratamiento térmico, añadiéndole, únicamente, componentes y nutrientes minerales, y se cultivó a A. niger a diferentes temperaturas de fermentación entre 8°C y 40°C. Al culminar el proceso fermentativo de la corteza de naranja pretratada se obtuvieron porcentajes máximos de transformación de nitrógeno mineral a nitrógeno orgánico de 34,5 %, para un valor de la integral térmica entre 0°C y 320°C por día, obteniendo para un kg de materia seca, 6,6 % de proteína para 600 g de producto (pienso) con 18 % de proteína. Finalmente, se correlacionó la variación del pH del sustrato en función de la integral térmica del cultivo; el rendimiento de la transformación del nitrógeno mineral a orgánico en función de la integral térmica del cultivo y la evolución del contenido de nitrógeno orgánico del sustrato de naranja fermentado por el A. niger frente a la integral térmica. Los resultados muestran altos coeficientes de correlación. Se concluye que es posible aprovechar los subproductos cítricos mediante la fermentación de la corteza de naranja por A. niger.

First Report of Soft Rot Caused by Aspergillus niger sensu lato on Mother-in-law's Tongue in China.

"Mother-in-law's tongue" (MLT) [Dracaena trifasciata (Prain) Mabb. (syn. Sansevieria trifasciata Prain.)], also known as "Saint George's sword", "snake plant", "tiger's tail orchid", etc., is an evergreen perennial ornamental plant grown worldwide. In September 2016, severe soft rot occurred on the leaves of MLT in a flower market in Nanyang city (32º56´N, 112º32´E), Henan province, China with 25% disease incidence (n=100). Water-soaked spots initially appeared on the leaf margin, enlarged rapidly, and became soft rot under excessively watered conditions. A blight zone was visualized at the margin of a developing lesion in backlit conditions. Severely affected leaves folded down from the lesions. Lesion expansion stopped under dry conditions. Grey or dark brown mycelia were frequently seen on the lesions. Tissue pieces (4×4 mm2) at the margin of lesions were cut out, treated with 75% ethanol for 10 s, followed by 70 s in 0.1% HgCl2, rinsed eight times with sterile water, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Pure Aspergillus cultures were obtained from the surface-disinfected lesions after 4 days of incubation at 26°C. Two single-spore-derived isolates (An-1 and An-2) were randomly selected and used for morphological and molecular identifications as well as pathogenicity tests. The isolates formed round dark brown colonies with a large number of conidia after 5 days of incubation on PDA at 28°C. Conidia were subsphaeroidal or oblate, unicellular, dark brown, 2.9-4.2(3.5) × 1.9-3.4(2.7) μm in size (n=100), developed from a two-series of strigmata born on a conidial head, with ridge or stab-shaped prominences. For pathogenicity tests, the two isolates were separately grown on oatmeal agar and incubated at 30°C for 6 days. Mycelial plugs (5 mm diam.) were inoculated on the scalpel incision X-shaped wounds of surface-disinfected leaves of MLT. The inoculated leaves were kept on a two-layer of wet napkin in a steel basin covered with a plastic film. Soft rot symptoms developed from the wounds 6 days after incubation, similar to those observed on naturally affected leaves. The An-1- and An-2-inoculated unwounded leaves remained symptomless during the pathogenicity tests. Fungal cultures with the same phenotypes as the inocula were consistently reisolated from the lesions of the leaves inoculated by each of the two isolates, verifying the isolates as the causal agent of the disease based on Koch's postulates. Both β-tubulin gene and rDNA-ITS (internal transcribed spacer) sequences of the two isolates were separately amplified and sequenced. Sequences were submitted to GenBank with accession numbers MN259522 and MN259523 for the β-tubulin gene sequences, and accession numbers MN227322 and MN227324 for the rDNA-ITS sequences of An-1 and An-2, respectively. Both An-1 and An-2 were clustered with members of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem in the phylogenetic tree of rDNA-ITS, clearly separated from other Aspergillus spp. In the phylogenetic tree of β-tublin gene, both An-1 and An-2 formed a subclade inside a large clade consisting of members of A. niger in strict sense. Based on the molecular and morphological results, both An-1 and An-2 clearly separated from other Aspergillus spp. and can be considered as A. niger sensu lato. Foliar diseases of MLT are known to be caused by a few fungal species such as Chaetomella spp. (Li et al. 2014) and Colletotrichum sansevieriae (Nakamura et al. 2006). This is the first report of A. niger sensu lato causing soft rot on MLT in China.

Seed-borne pathogenic fungi on some soybean varieties

Abstract. Soesanto L, Hartono ARR, Mugiastuti E, Widarta H. 2020. Seed-borne pathogenic fungi on some soybean varieties. Biodiversitas 21: 4010-4015. The present study was conducted to detect and identify seed-borne pathogenic fungi in some soybean varieties and their effect on seed germination. Experiment was performed in a completely random design with eight treatments and four replicates. Eight soybean varieties i.e., Malabar, Kaba, Dering, Detam I, Sinabung, Dena, Gepak Kuning, and Slamet were selected for the investigation. Seed borne fungi were isolated using blotter test and agar plate techniques. The variables observed were morphological/cultural characteristics, microscopic features of fungi, and percentage of seed germination. A total of eight fungi namely Aspergillus flavus Link, Aspergillus niger van Tieghem, Cladosporium oxysporum Berk. & M.A. Curtis, Colletotrichum dematium (Pers. et Fr.) Grove f.sp. truncate (Schw.) Arx, Curvularia pallescens Boedijn, Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., Melanospora zamiae Corda, and Nigrospora sp. Mason were isolated from different varieties of soybean seeds. The highest seed germination was found to be 80.5% in Daring and Detam I varieties, respectively, and the lowest 53% was recorded in Dena variety.

Fermentative Production of Naringinase from Aspergillus niger van Tieghem MTCC 2425 Using Citrus Wastes: Process Optimization, Partial Purification, and Characterization.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of naringin by the action of naringinase is one of the standard practices adopted in the citrus fruit juice industry for debittering. In the present study, a submerged fermentation condition was optimized for producing naringinase from Aspergillus niger van Tieghem MTCC 2425. As per Placket-Burman design, pH (3-5), incubation temperature (26-30°C), and inducer concentration (12-18g·L-1) were the most important factors influencing the naringinase production. Naringin from citrus waste was used as an inducer. A rotatable central composite design was employed on these three variables and the numerical optimization predicted that fermentation at 29.8°C, pH4.7, and inducer concentration of 14.9gL-1 would yield a maximum naringinase activity of 545.2IUg-1. During partial purification, ion exchange chromatography led to a 9.92-fold increase in enzyme activity resulting a specific activity of 5460IUg-1 with an activity recovery of 17%. As reflected by SDS-PAGE profile, the partially purified naringinase showed the molecular weight bands of 10-20, 65, and 80kDa, respectively. The purified form of enzyme showed optimum stability at pH5 and 50°C. The naringinase activity was completely retained up to 150days when stored at 4°C.

CULTURAL PROPERTIES OF FUNGI OF THE FAMILY MUCORACEAE, THE GENUS ASPERGILLUS AS CAUSATIVE AGENTS OF ZOOANTHROPONOSIS

At present, in Ukraine there is a growing prevalence of fungal infections, including aspergillosis and mucormycosis, against HIV / AIDS, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma and cancerous diseases [11]. The literature available presents scanty data on which of the most commonly used nutrient media provide the highest biosynthetic activity for the fungi of the family Mucoraceae, the genus Aspergillus. The aim of this study was to investigate the cultural properties of the studied isolates of fungi on different nutrient media. The following field fungi isolates were studied: Mucor ramosissimus Samutsevitsch, Rhizopus spp., Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius, Aspergillus niger van Tieghem, Aspergillus flavus Link. The following nutrient media were used: the Plout medium, the Grigoraki medium, the Czapek agar, the Sabouraud agar, the wort-agar, the Van Eterson medium, the Sabouraud-dextrose broth, the honey medium. The concentration of fungi spores per 1 cm3 of inoculum was assessed on the basis of standard methods using a Goryaev's chamber. The evaluation of the intensity of spore formation on different nutrient media was carried out by standard techniques and assessed in CFU/ cm2 [30]. The most intense growth of micromycetes of the Mucor and Aspergillus genera is found on media containing sucrose, dextrose, maltose, glucose, dextrin, glycerol or plant components (the Sabouraud agar, the Czapek agar, the wort agar, the Grigoraki medium, and the Plout medium).

Assessment of lead tolerance in gamma exposed Aspergillus niger van Tieghem & Penicillium cyclopium Westling

Purpose: Present study deals with the role of gamma irradiation in modulating lead (Pb) tolerance of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem. and Penicillium cyclopium Westling.Materials and methods: After being exposed to gamma absorbed doses those fungal strains were subjected to heavy metal uptake efficacies and anti-oxidative study. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra and Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) studies were also evaluated.Result: Gamma exposed A. niger & P. cyclopium showed enhanced growth in terms of colony forming unit (CFU) and more Pb uptake efficacies compared to their un-irradiated counterparts. FTIR spectra illustrated the involvement of functional groups in Pb biosorption. SEM photographs revealed the structural deformities in both the fungal strains after being exposed to Pb and gamma. Upregulated anti-oxidative defense system (super oxide dismutase, catalase, total glutathione) in gamma exposed fungal groups are accountable for enhanced Pb tolerance and removal than that of their un-irradiated counterparts.Conclusion: The outcomes of this study exhibit a light towards a new step of heavy metal bioremediation.

Resistance of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) after treatment with caffeine and thermal modification against Aspergillus niger

Various natural products are potentially suitable for wood protection, particularly against fungi attack. Caffeine is a well-known compound of natural origin, commercially and economically available, which could facilitate its future use for wood protection. This work investigated the antifungal resistance of the sapwood of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) treated with a water solution of caffeine and then thermally modified. The samples after impregnation were thermally modified at different temperatures selected on the basis of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of caffeine. The paper presents preliminary results of resistance of treated pinewood towards Aspergillus niger van Tieghem (ATCC 6275). The treated samples were subjected to both a leaching procedure and to the artificial aging procedure imitating natural weather conditions. Thermal modification of wood treated with caffeine improved the fungistatic properties of samples after artificial aging. It occurred through partial elimination of caffeine leaching from the wood structure.