Cladosporium Fungi Research Articles

On the Origins of Symbiotic Fungi in Carmine Cochineals and Their Function in the Digestion of Plant Polysaccharides.

The cochineal insect Dactylopius coccus Costa (Hemiptera) has cultural and economic value because it produces carminic acid that is used commercially. In this study, distinct fungi were cultured from dissected tissue and identified as Penicillium, Coniochaeta, Arthrinium, Cladosporium, Microascus, Aspergillus, and Periconia. Fungi were microscopically observed inside cochineals in the gut, fat body, and ovaries. Since cochineals spend their lives attached to cactus leaves and use the sap as feed, they can obtain fungi from cacti plants. Indeed, we obtained Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium fungi from cacti that were identical to those inside cochineals, supporting their plant origin. Fungi could be responsible for the degrading activities in the insect guts, since cellulase, pectinase, and amylase enzymatic activities in insect guts decreased in fungicide-treated cochineals. Our findings set the basis for the further study of the interactions between insects, fungi, and their host plants.

Развитие микобиоты ягод крыжовника при хранении

Berries are a source of biologically active substances in human diet. Gooseberries have attractive sensory properties and high nutritional value. However, modern science knows little about micromycetic contamination of gooseberry. The research objective was to define the mycobiota composition of Ribes uva-crispa L. varieties during storage. The study featured the mycobiota of gooseberry varieties Senator and Rozoviy 2. The berries were harvested on the test field of the Siberian Federal Scientific Center of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. They were stored for 18 days at 18 ± 2 and 4 ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 90–95%. The authors used standard research methods to identify the mycobiota and attribute them to nine genera by morphological structure: Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Cryptococcus, and anaerobic yeast. The frequency of occurrence varied from 20 to 100%. Micromycetes of the genus Fusarium were present only in the Senator sample, which also demonstrated a 100% occurrence of Penicillium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium. In the sample of Rozoviy 2, Penicillium and Cladosporium occurred in 80%. The Senator sample was twice as low in micromycetes as the Rozoviy 2 berries: 558 vs. 945, respectively. The Senator berries grew in micromycetes due to the Cladosporium fungi while Rozoviy 2 owed its micromycetic increase to Penicillium. Both varieties showed no signs of ascomycetes known as a powdery mildew agent. During storage, the growth of yeast and yeast-like fungi depended on the variety of berries while the growth of mycelial fungi depended on the variety and storage temperature. The data obtained expand the scope of scientific knowledge about the generic composition of gooseberry mycobiota, which may help to select correct anti-spoilage measures.

Sealing and unsealing effect of filamentous fungi in CEM I cement mortars with polycarboxylic admixture.

Biodeterioration may take place due to the influence of microorganisms, leading to the deterioration or destruction of materials. This process involves distinct mechanisms of material breakdown, such as mechanical damage, decomposition, corrosion induced by microorganisms, and fouling caused by living organisms. Research and literature data on biological corrosion of polymer-modified cement materials (polycarboxylate resin) are ambiguous and even contradictory. Samples, 20x20x160 mm in size, made of cement-polymer mortar with 5% polycarboxylate resin were prepared for the test, with 6 specimens for each determination. The study determined the level of contamination of the material, using the culture method and COD, after 18 months of exposure to Penicillium and Cladosporium fungi. In addition to this, bulk moisture content, water absorption, flexural strength and internal structure were determined using a scanning microscope and EDS analysis was carried out. The beneficial role of polymers has been demonstrated, e.g. by sealing the structure of cement-polymer materials. However, there is also an increased development of biocorrosion associated with organic material as a food source, especially for molds that colonize materials in favorable conditions. The test results showed that there was a strong growth of mold fungi on the material and the mass humidity was high. However, the strength increased slightly, and after further exposure to a corrosive environment it decreased again.

Cladosporium fungi isolated from Bali Dog’s skin

Cladosporium fungi isolated from Bali Dog’s skin

New viruses of Cladosporium sp. expand considerably the taxonomic structure of Gammapartitivirus genus.

Despite the fact that Cladosporium sp. are ubiquitous fungi, their viromes have been little studied. By analysing a collection of Cladosporium fungi, two new partitiviruses named Cladosporium cladosporioides partitivirus 1 (CcPV1) and Cladosporium cladosporioides partitivirus 2 (CcPV2) co-infecting a strain of Cladosporium cladosporioides were identified. Their complete genome consists of two monocistronic dsRNA segments (RNA1 and RNA2) with a high percentage of pairwise identity on 5' and 3' end. The RNA directed RNA polymerase (RdRp) of both viruses and the capsid protein (CP) of CcPV1 display the classic characteristics required for their assignment to the Gammapartitivirus genus. In contrast, CcPV2 RNA2 encodes for a 41 KDa CP that is unusually smaller when aligned to CPs of other viruses classified in this genus. The structural role of this protein is confirmed by electrophoresis on acrylamide gel of purified viral particles. Despite the low percentage of identity between the capsid proteins of CcPV1 and CcPV2, their three-dimensional structures predicted by AlphaFold2 show strong similarities and confirm functional proximity. Fifteen similar viral sequences of unknown function were annotated using the CcPV2 CP sequence. The phylogeny of the CP was highly consistent with the phylogeny of their corresponding RdRp, supporting the organization of Gammapartitiviruses into three distinct clades despite stretching the current demarcation criteria. It is proposed that a new subgenus be created within the genus Gammapartitivirus for this new group.

Identification and characterization of Cladosporium species associated with tea plants (Camellia sinensis) in China

AbstractThe tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is widely cultivated worldwide as one of the most popular non‐alcoholic beverage crops. Cladosporium, the dominant endophytic genus of leaves, possesses a variety of biotransformation and metabolic abilities to promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites. However, Cladosporium species in tea leaves remain unexplored. In this study, a total of 79 Cladosporium isolates were obtained from the leaves of several tea varieties in China. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis and morphological characteristics revealed six known species, namely, C. angulosum, C. anthropophilum, C. halotolerans, C. perangustum, C. tenuissimum and C. xanthochromaticum, and one novel species named C. camelliae. C. angulosum was the most dominant species, and the other six species were newly recorded in tea plants. Pathogenicity tests showed no obvious symptoms of disease in tea leaves caused by 13 representative strains of these seven Cladosporium species. Subsequently, three frequently used fungicides were tested, including chlorothalonil, pyraclostrobin and thiophanate‐methyl. The EC50 values against C. tenuissimum were 19.14, 0.548 and 3.796 μg/mL, respectively. Based on these EC50 values, the inhibition effects of the three fungicides on six strains from six species (C. angulosum, C. anthropophilum, C. camelliae, C. perangustum, C. tenuissimum and C. xanthochromaticum) were further compared. Pyraclostrobin had the strongest inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of Cladosporium, followed by thiophanate‐methyl, and chlorothalonil showed the weakest inhibitory effect. The results provide a basis for understanding endophytic Cladosporium fungi in tea leaves.

Chemical Constituents of the Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus Cladosporium oxysporum 170103 and Their Antibacterial Effects.

The Cladosporium fungi, one of the largest genera of dematiaceous hyphomycetes, could produce various bioactive secondary metabolites. From the AcOEt-soluble extract of Cladosporium oxysporum 170103, three new secopatulolides (1-3) and thirteen known compounds (4-16) were obtained. Their structures were established by detailed analysis of the NMR and HR-ESI-MS data. All sixteen compounds were tested for antibacterial activity against Vibrio parahemolyticus, ergosterol (10) presented moderate effect with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 32 μM. It can destruct the membrane integrity of Vibrio parahemolyticus to change the cell shape.

Two Cladosporium Fungi with Opposite Functions to the Chinese White Wax Scale Insect Have Different Genome Characters.

Insects encounter infection of microorganisms, and they also harbor endosymbiosis to participate in nutrition providing and act as a defender against pathogens. We previously found the Chinese white wax scale insect, Ericerus pela, was infected and killed by Cladosporium sp. (pathogen). We also found it harbored Cladosporium sp. (endogensis). In this study, we cultured these two Cladosporium fungi and sequenced their genome. The results showed Cladosporium sp. (endogensis) has a larger genome size and more genes than Cladosporium sp. (pathogen). Pan-genome analysis showed Cladosporium sp. (endogensis)-specific genes enriched in pathways related to nutrition production, such as amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and energy metabolism. These pathways were absent in that of Cladosporium sp. (pathogen). Gene Ontology analysis showed Cladosporium sp. (pathogen)-specific genes enriched in the biosynthesis of asperfuranone, emericellamide, and fumagillin. These terms were not found in that of Cladosporium sp. (endogensis). Pathogen Host Interactions analysis found Cladosporium sp. (endogensis) had more genes related to loss of pathogenicity and reduced virulence than Cladosporium sp. (pathogen). Cytotoxicity assay indicated Cladosporium sp. (pathogen) had cytotoxicity, while Cladosporium sp. (endogensis) had no cytotoxicity. These characters reflect the adaptation of endosymbiosis to host-restricted lifestyle and the invader of the entomopathogen to the host.

The contamination of Fabaceae plants with fungi and mycotoxins

This study aimed to assess the contamination of Fabaceae plants with fungi and mycotoxins, which have a negative effect on the health of consumers of plant products. Quantitative PCR was used to analyse the DNA of Alternaria, Cladosporium and Fusarium fungi in 69 plant samples harvested from four Russian regions in 2015. Additionally, mycotoxins were analysed using ELISA. Cladosporium fungi DNA was found in all the analysed samples; the occurrence of Alternaria and Fusarium DNA was 84% and 51%, respectively. Mycotoxin alternariol was detected in 100% and emodin in 90% of the samples. The occurrence of deoxynivalenol, diacetoxyscirpenol and T-2/HT-2 mycotoxins was 32%, 42% and 41%, respectively. Plant species had no significant effect on the Alternaria, Cladosporium and Fusarium DNA content of the samples; however, the alternariol, emodin, deoxynivalenol and diacetoxyscirpenol contents differed significantly between plant species. The geographical origin had a statistically significant effect on the Alternaria and Fusarium DNA contents, likely due to differences in weather conditions.

Analysis of contamination of annual and perennial Leguminosae grasses with fungi using quantitative PCR

Significant components of feed are Leguminosae plants, which are often infected with phytopathogenic fungi. The method of quantitative PCR was used for analysis of the content of DNA of Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Fusarium fungi in 77 samples of 13 legume species harvested in 2015 in 5 regions of the European part of Russia. It has been established that the species of the legumes, the structure of their stems, the place and month of collection of samples effected on the quantity of fungal DNA in plants significantly. The samples Melilotus spp. accumulated the highest amounts of Alternaria DNA in comparison with other legumes. The samples of Lathyrus spp. and Trifolium spp. were the most contaminated with Cladosporium DNA. The highest amounts of Tri-Fusarium DNA were found in plants of Lathyrus spp. The prolongation of vegetation time of plants led to the increasing of contamination of the plants with Tri-Fusarium and Cladosporium fungi. The content of Alternaria DNA did not depend on the month of collection. The plants with the creeping stems contained on average 3 times more Cladosporium DNA than the plants with the erect stems. Perennial legumes contained an average of 11 times more Tri-Fusarium DNA, in compare with annual plants. The amount of Tri-Fusarium DNA in non-melliferous plants was 12 times higher than in melliferous grasses. The strong relationship between the contents of Alternaria DNA and Cladosporium DNA was revealed in all samples of legumes (r= +0.31, p <0.05).

Response of wild Avena species to fungal infection of grain

Sixty-six accessions belonging to Avena species (A. atlantica, A. canariensis, A. clauda, A. damascena, A. hirtula, A. longiglumis, A. wiestii, A. agadiriana, A. barbata, A. vaviloviana, A. insularis, A. magna, A. murphyi, A. fatua, A. ludoviciana, A. occidentalis, A. sterilis, A. sativa, and A. byzantina) obtained from the N. I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) were tested for the infection of grain by Alternaria and Cladosporium at the genus level and by a group of trichothecene-producing Fusarium fungi. Real-time PCR was performed to quantify fungal abundance and ELISA was performed for mycotoxin analysis in grain. The average amounts of all tested fungi in tetraploid Avena species were higher than those in diploid and hexaploid species. Low amounts of deoxynivalenol (DON) were detected in seven hexaploid genotypes (A. sterilis, A. byzantina, A. sativa, and A. fatua) and one diploid genotype (A. wiestii). The relationship between some morphological traits (1000-grain weight, percent of husk, trichome density, and plant height) of Avena species and grain infection by fungi and mycotoxins was investigated. Alternaria and Cladosporium fungi could not penetrate the husk. A highly negative correlation of the amounts of their DNA with the proportions of husk in grain as well as with trichome density was found. In contrast, a significant positive correlation between the amount of Fusarium DNA and these traits was found. A strong negative correlation between plant height and DNA of the analyzed fungi was found. The oats least infected by Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Fusarium fungi and containing low amounts of DON were accessions of the hexaploids A. byzantina, A. fatua, A. sativa, A. sterilis, and the diploid A. wiestii.

Alternaria and Cladosporium calendar of Western Thrace: Relationship with allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Alternaria and Cladosporium are the most important outdoor moulds. The aim of this study was to present fungal spore monitoring data, investigate the relationship of fungal counts with climate conditions, and to explore the clinical significance of Alternaria and Cladosporium species monitoring in allergic rhinitis (AR). Analytic observational study. A 7-day volumetric trap was used to collect circulating Alternaria and Cladosporium fungi. Sixty-nine AR patients were studied and recorded their symptoms by Total 5 Symptoms Score (T5SS). Sensitization prevalence to fungi species was detected by skin prick tests. Monitoring data were correlated to climate conditions and patients symptoms score. Alternaria and Cladosporium were detected throughout the calendar year in ranges of 0 to 217 spores/m(3) and 6.5 to 1,600 spores/m(3) per day, respectively. Highest daily concentrations of both fungi were detected during the summer (73.9 ± 34.4 spores/m(3) for Alternaria and 595.8 ± 288.0 spores/m(3) for Cladosporium) and lowest during the winter (2.4 ± 3.0 spores/m(3) for Alternaria and 24.3 ± 15.7 spores/m(3) for Cladosporium). Both were positively correlated to mean daily temperature and negatively to relative humidity (all P < 0.001). Clinically, a strong significant correlation between T5SS and airborne fungi levels, both for Alternaria (r = 0.822, P = 0.001) and Cladosporium (r = 0.787, P = 0.002) species was observed. We found Cladosporium to be the most frequently detected airborne mould, whereas Alternaria was the most prevalent with regard to sensitization rate. Patients' symptoms score was significantly correlated to spore concentrations. Both fungi were clearly affected by climate factors, such as temperature and relative humidity. These findings are important in AR management. N/A.

Potential role of Alternaria and Cladosporium species in canine lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis

To evaluate the possible role of Alternaria and Cladosporium species in the pathogenesis of canine lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis by comparing the amount of specific fungal DNA in nasal mucosal biopsies between dogs without nasal neoplasia and those with lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis or nasal neoplasia. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays detecting DNA from Alternaria and Cladosporium fungi were applied to nasal mucosal biopsies collected from dogs with lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (n = 8), dogs with nasal neoplasia (n = 10) and control animals (n = 10). A copy number for each sample was calculated using a standard curve of known copy number and differences amongst groups were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis tests. No significant difference was found between the groups. Low levels of Alternaria DNA (10-100 copies/PCR) were detected in one sample; very low levels of DNA (<10 copies/qPCR) were detected in 6 samples, and 21 samples were negative. Low levels of Cladosporium DNA were detected in 2 samples; very low levels of DNA in 18; and 8 were negative. Results of this study reveal that Alternaria and Cladosporium species are part of the canine nasal flora, and that these fungi are probably not involved in the pathogenesis of lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis.

Survival of dormant organisms after long-term exposure to the space environment

The RF SRC—Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, developed Biorisk hardware to study the effects of long-term exposure of dormant forms of various organisms to outer space and used it to complete a series of experiments on the Russian Module (RM) of the International Space Station (ISS). The experiments were performed using prokaryotes ( Bacillus bacteria) and eukaryotes ( Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium fungi), as well as spores, dormant forms of higher plants, insects, lower crustaceans, and vertebrates. The biological samples were housed in two containers that were exposed to outer space for 13 or 18 months. The results of the 18-month experiment showed that, in spite of harsher temperature than in the first study, most specimens remained viable. These experiments provided evidence that not only bacterial and fungal spores but also dormant forms of organisms that reached higher levels of evolutionary development had the capability to survive a long-term exposure to outer space. This observation suggests that they can be transferred on outer walls of space platforms during interplanetary missions.

Description of the Larva of &lt;I&gt;Loberus impressus&lt;/I&gt; (Coleoptera: Languriidae: Xenoscelinae) with Notes on its Natural History

The larva of Loberus impressus LeConte is described based on adult-associated and reared specimens collected from corollas and seed pods of Iris hexagona on the gulf coast of Louisiana. The larva of L. impressus is similar to larvae of Zavaljus brunneus (Gyllenhal) Hapalips prolixus Sharp, Pharaxonotha spp., and Bolerus angulosus (Arrow), the other described larvae within the Xenoscelinae. Larval characters typical for the Loberini that are found in L. impressus include arrangement of integumental granules into rows, frayed and aciculate setae borne on spiny tubercles, and urogomphi spiny or tuberculate and recurved. The tarsungular setae of L. impressus and B. angulosus are single, in contrast to the dual setae present in other described larvae of Languriidae. Larva and adults of L. impressus were common in dried corollas and seed pods of I. hexagona that had begun to split open or had been invaded by Crematogaster ants. Fusarium and Cladosporium fungi were potential sources of food for L. impressus and other fungivorous beetles in the iris seed pods and on corollas.