Common Fungi Research Articles

Comparative study between Moringa peregrina plant extracts and a standard antibiotic against Candida albicans

Candida albicans is a common fungus that can infect people, especially those who have compromised immune systems. In the face of declining efficacy of conventional antibiotics for treating fungus infections, natural plant-based remedies are gaining popularity. Moringa peregrina has long been used for its medicinal benefits, particularly for healing fungus infections. M. peregrina extracts were evaluated for their antifungal activity against C. albicans in vitro. A comparison was made between the antifungal susceptibility of plant extracts and the antifungal susceptibility of a common antifungal drug (amphotericin B). The ethanolic extract of M. peregrina had the strongest antifungal activity against C. albicans with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.50 mg/ml. In a similar way to the MICs of common antibiotics such as Amphotericin B, M. peregrina's antifungal properties have been attributed to flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. As a natural antifungal agent, M. peregrina may be useful in treating C. albicans infections. More research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of M. peregrina in human clinical trials. Considering the information currently available, M. peregrina is recommended as a potential natural antifungal agent for the treatment of C. albicans infections. In order to determine the optimal dosage, method of administration, and potential adverse effects of M. peregrina as an antifungal agent, more research is still needed.

Morpho-pathological and genomics-based identification of the Aspergillus species infecting pomegranate with nano- driven solution

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is the dominant fruit for the tropical and sub-tropical area that belongs to the family Punicsceae. It has been cultivated throughout the world and drier parts of southern Asia. Good source of carbohydrates and minerals. Among post-harvest fungal pathogens attacked on pomegranate, Aspergillus niger is common store fungus that causes black mold disease. It mainly attacks in the flowering stage and early fruit developing during rainy seasons without any external symptoms. Disease samples were collected from different local markets of Faisalabad. Infection of fungus was done from the infected part of the pomegranate using artificial media. The fungus was identified on a morphological basis then Koch postulates were followed to confirm pathogenicity. The proved pathogen was determined by molecular characterization. DNA extraction and PCR have done of fungus. Antifungal potential of silver nanoparticles against Aspergillus niger were performed in three different concentration 50ppm, 100ppm and 150 ppm and compared with control The data were collected on the 3rd, 5th and 7th day of the fungal growth in which the 150ppm concentration was very affected than other concentrations. Keywords: Pomegranate, postharvest disease Aspergillus niger, nanoparticles.

Development of Specific Primers for Fusarium oxysporum Formae Speciales rapae and matthiolae with an Integrated Multiplex PCR for Distinguishing Four Formae Speciales on Brassicaceae.

There are four formae speciales of Fusarium oxysporum responsible for causing yellows of Brassicaceae. Because of crossbreeding among crops, the host ranges of these formae speciales often overlap, making pathogen identification a challenging task. Among these formae speciales, F. oxysporum f. sp. rapae and F. oxysporum f. sp. matthiolae still lack specific primers for pathogen identification. To address this problem, we targeted the secreted in xylem (SIX) genes, known as specific effectors of pathogenic F. oxysporum, for primer design. Through sequence comparison with other formae speciales, we successfully designed specific primers for F. oxysporum f. sp. rapae and F. oxysporum f. sp. matthiolae on SIX14 and SIX9, respectively. Both primer pairs exhibited high specificity in detecting F. oxysporum f. sp. rapae or F. oxysporum f. sp. matthiolae, distinguishing them from 20 nontarget formae speciales of F. oxysporum, five species of phytopathogenic Fusarium, and four other common pathogenic fungi affecting cruciferous plants. Moreover, the effectiveness of these specific primers was validated by detecting the pathogens in infected plants. To further enhance the identification process of the four formae speciales, we combined the two newly designed specific primer pairs with two previously published primer pairs, enabling the establishment of a multiplex PCR method that can accurately distinguish all four formae speciales of F. oxysporum responsible for causing yellows in cruciferous plants in a single reaction.

First record of Fusarium brachygibbosum as a causal agent of seed decay and damping-off disease on cotton in Iraq and Control using some bioagents

The results of the isolation and identification of pathogens accompanying the symptomatic seeds and seedlings of cotton showed that the most common fungus was Fusarium brachygibbosum. Molecular identification of the studied fungus was performed using the universal primers: the results of the genetic analysis revealed the identities of the fungus as follows: a 100% identity for F. brachygibbosum that was deposited at the GenBank under accession number ON738702.1. This fungus has shown high pathogenicity against cotton seeds and seedlings by severely reducing their Germination and growth and treating cotton seeds with the biological factors of Trichoderma spp. It revealed a high efficiency in reducing disease incidence and increasing cotton germination percentage. Trichoderma viride showed the highest ability to increase seed germination to 94.44%. In comparison, the lowest ability reached 77.77 % in Trichoderma pseudokoningii and Trichoderma reesei—the results of extracting toxins from the filters of Trichoderma spp. The study's use of trichodermin and Gliotoxin showed the presence of trichodermin and Gliotoxin in large quantities. The percentage of toxin inhibition was significant against the growth of pathogenic fungi. The highest percentage of inhibition was 86.1% for the isolate Trichoderma koningiopsis, and the lowest percentage was 66.65% for the isolate Trichoderma reesei. As for the effect of isolates of resistant fungus on the Pathogen in the field, the highest germination rate was 100%, and the inhibition rate was 0.00% when using the biological preparation prepared from the isolates (T. viride, T. pseudokoningii, T. koningiopsis and T. reesei). Keywords: Fusarium brachygibbosum; Trichoderma spp.; Trichodermin; gliotoxin; Biological control.

Mycological profile of subcutaneous skin biopsy samples in suspected subcutaneous mycosis, Are we missing some fungi? A tertiary care hospital based study

Subcutaneous mycosis includes a heterogeneous group of fungal infections that develop at the site of transcutaneous trauma. A rise in surviving population of individuals with co-morbidities together with lapses in infection control practices especially in rural India has led to emergence of myriad species of fungi causing such infections in recent years. This poses a diagnostic challenge to the clinicians. We therefore felt a need to study the mycological profile of subcutaneous tissue biopsies suspected of fungal etiology in our hospital setup. This was a Retrospective cross-sectional observational study conducted for a period of 4 years from Jan 2015 to Jan 2019 in the Department of microbiology, Government medical College Srinagar. A total of 148 specimens of subcutaneous tissue biopsies of patients suspected of localized fungal Infection were processed by microscopy and culture for fungi. Among a total of 148 subcutaneous tissue biopsy samples 76 (51%) were positive for fungi on KOH and culture. Mycological profile revealed that majority of fungi were Dermatophytes (n=22; 29%) and Yeasts (n=21; 28%). Third most common causative fungi isolated were Chromoblastomycetes (n=8; 11%), Phaeohyphomycetes (n=8;11%) and Aspergilli (n=8;11 %) comprising, A.fumigatus (n=11) and A.terreus (n=03), followed by Hyalohypomycetes (n=4;5%), sporotrichosis (n=3;4%) and Zygomycetes (n=4 ;5.3%). : Dermatophytes and yeasts are emerging subcutaneous fungal infections. Active surveillance for all types of fungal infections should be done at all levels to address knowledge gaps that exist in etiology, pathogenesis and manifestations of fungal diseases of skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Prevalence of dermatophytosis and Malassezia infection in dogs and cats in Thonglor Bangkok Pet Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Malassezia yeasts are occasional human and animal skin organisms that commensally act as pathogens, while dermatophytes are common fungi in many clinics and hospitals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dermatophytosis and Malassezia infections in dogs and cats, and the effect of treatments. The study was carried out from December 2022 to May 2023 in Thonglor Bangkok Pet Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Total 208 cases visited the hospital, in which 32 cases of otitis and 53 dermatitis were recorded. Sterile cotton swabs were used to collect the aural samples from 32 cases, then observed under the microscope to detect the presence and population of Malassezia yeasts. In 53 dermatitis cases, adhesive tape impressions (ATI) methods and fungal culture were used to identify the species of dermatophytes and Malassezia dermatitis. The results showed that Malassezia was isolated from 24 cases, including 23 Malassezia otitis and 1 Malassezia dermatitis. However, there was only one positive case with dermatophyte by two methods.Therefore, dermatophytosis could not be concluded due to the small number of positive cases. Meanwhile, Malassezia infection occurred mainly in dogs rather than cats at every age, and the infected rates were found more in exotic animals than in domestic animals and usually in males than females. The effect of treatments illustrated the significant improvement in Malassezia otitis by using Epiotic solution combined with Oridemyl ear drop. Moreover, great improvement was evident in dermatophytosis therapy with Itraconazole.

Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny Reveal Five New Species of Laccaria (Hydnangiaceae, Agaricales) from Southern China.

The genus Laccaria is a type of cosmopolitan and ecologically important fungal group. Members can form ectomycorrhizal associations with numerous trees, and some species are common edible fungi in local markets. Although some new species from China are recently published, the species diversity of Laccaria is still unclear in China. In this study, some samples of Laccaria were collected from southern China, and morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses based on the multilocus dataset of ITS-LSU-tef1-rpb2 confirmed five new species. Laccaria miniata, L. nanlingensis and L. neovinaceoavellanea were collected from subtropical broad-leaved forests, and L. rufobrunnea and L. umbilicata were collected from subtropical mixed forests of southwest China. Full descriptions, illustrations, comparisons with similar species and phylogenetic analysis are provided.

MUCOR MYCOSIS AND OTHER FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN COVID-19 PATIENTS DURING SECOND WAVE OF PANDEMIC AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objectives: In India, there has been a sudden Surge in Mucor mycosis cases during second wave of COVID-19, made the Government of India declare it as a notifiable disease. In this background, we did a study to know the fungal etiology of the suspected Mucor mycosis cases and to know the positivity rate of Mucor mycosis in COVID-19 patients during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In a retrospective study, we examined different samples from 112 Covid-19 positive, in-patients with suspected Mucor mycosis. A history of risk factors was taken. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount was done for all samples followed by culture on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar. Results: 81.25% of total cases were from 31 to 60 years of age group. Diabetes mellitus, steroid therapy, and Intensive care unit admissions were the risk factors observed. Fungal filaments were observed in 37 samples in KOH mount (33%) and culture was positive in 45 samples (40.17%). Mixed infection was seen in two cases (4.44%). The most common fungus isolated was Mucor in 23 samples (48.93%) followed by Aspergillus in 7 cases (14.89%; Aspergillus niger in four cases, Aspergillus fumigatus in 2 cases and Aspergillus flavus in 1 case) and Candida spp in 6 cases (12.76%). Among mixed infections, Mucor and A. niger in one case and Candida and A. niger in another case were isolated. Rhyzopus, Syncephalastrum, Penicillium, and Fusarium were the other fungi isolated. Conclusion: Mucorales were the most common species isolated (63.82%) followed by Aspergillus species. High suspicion and diagnosis of Mucor mycosis in Covid-19 patients is very important to initiate antifungal treatment, to reduce the mortality.

Revolutionary Role of Trichoderma in Sustainable Plant Health Management: A Review

The use of chemical pesticides in agricultural practices has led to significant concerns related to health and the environment in the last few decades. Consequently, there has been a growing interest in finding alternative approaches for controlling pests and diseases that are effective and environmentally friendly. Among these alternatives, Trichoderma harzianum has gained attention due to its remarkable ability to combat various crop pathogens in sustainable form. Biocontrol agents have gained prominence as eco-friendly substitutes for conventional chemical pesticides in disease management and crop improvement. T. harzianum, a common filamentous fungus, has emerged as a promising biocontrol agent due to its multifaceted strategies for suppressing diseases and promoting crop growth. T. harzianum fosters plant growth by aiding nutrient absorption, improving soil structure, and generating growth-promoting substances like auxins and cytokinins. Field studies have substantiated the efficacy of T. harzianum in managing a wide array of plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and nematodes whether used as a seed treatment, soil application, or foliar spray, T. harzianum establishes a beneficial presence early in the plant's life cycle, providing enduring protection. In conclusion, T. harzianum holds immense potential as a biocontrol agent to sustainably safeguard crops. Trichoderma species play a pivotal role in managing plant diseases due to their versatile mechanisms. As global agriculture seeks alternatives to chemical pesticides, leveraging T. harzianum 's potential offers a valuable avenue toward resilient and environmentally safe crop production.

Bactericidal and Fungicidal Action of Copper Nanoparticles on Leather Surface

Although tanning makes the collagen matrix resilient against microbial attack, the chemicals used in the finishing process are susceptible to microbes. Hence, it is imperative to develop a finishing process with inherent antimicrobial properties. Leathers with antimicrobial properties evoke a considerable array of interest in consumers. The present study aims to enhance the antimicrobial properties of the leather using copper nanoparticles in the finishing and retanning process. Copper nanoparticles have been synthesized by chemical reduction using copper sulphate pentahydrate as the precursor with dialdehyde starch and gallic acid. The prepared nanoparticles have been characterized using UV-Visible spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. The prepared nanoparticles have been used in both retanning and finishing processes. The experimental leather retanned using copper nanoparticles possess good mechanical strength properties and color index value compare to the control. Nanoparticles are effective against both gram negative and positive bacterial organisms. The nanoparticles also inhibit the growth of common fungus, which can colonize on leather. Thus, the current study paves the way for a novel solution that is an alternative to biocides and antimicrobial chemicals and is more effective in inhibiting microbial growth.

Study of comparison of oral fungal flora of smokers vs non-smokers in a Metropolitan city

There are some common fungi found in the oral cavity. Epidemiological studies indicate higher risk for periodontal disease in smokers vis a vis non-smokers. The increased risk is proportional to the length and frequency of smoking. This is an important area of public health research. In our study we found fungi to be present significantly more in oral cavity of smokers as compared to non-smokers.

Multi-Omics Profiling of Candida albicans Grown on Solid Versus Liquid Media.

Candida albicans is a common pathogenic fungus that presents a challenge to healthcare facilities. It can switch between a yeast cell form that diffuses through the bloodstream to colonize internal organs and a filamentous form that penetrates host mucosa. Understanding the pathogen's strategies for environmental adaptation and, ultimately, survival, is crucial. As a complementary study, herein, a multi-omics analysis was performed using high-resolution timsTOF MS to compare the proteomes and metabolomes of Wild Type (WT) Candida albicans (strain DK318) grown on agar plates versus liquid media. Proteomic analysis revealed a total of 1793 proteins and 15,013 peptides. Out of the 1403 identified proteins, 313 proteins were significantly differentially abundant with a p-value < 0.05. Of these, 156 and 157 proteins were significantly increased in liquid and solid media, respectively. Metabolomics analysis identified 192 metabolites in total. The majority (42/48) of the significantly altered metabolites (p-value 0.05 FDR, FC 1.5), mainly amino acids, were significantly higher in solid media, while only 2 metabolites were significantly higher in liquid media. The combined multi-omics analysis provides insight into adaptative morphological changes supporting Candida albicans' life cycle and identifies crucial virulence factors during biofilm formation and bloodstream infection.

Isolation of starch and protein degrading strain Bacillus subtilis FYZ1-3 from tobacco waste and genomic analysis of its tolerance to nicotine and inhibition of fungal growth.

Aerobic fermentation is an effective technique for the large-scale processing of tobacco waste. However, the specificity of the structure and composition of tobacco-derived organic matter and the toxic alkaloids in the material make it currently difficult to directly use microbial agents. In this study, a functional strain FYZ1-3 was isolated and screened from thermophilic phase samples of tobacco waste composting. This strain could withstand temperatures as high as 80°C and grow normally at 0.6% nicotine content. Furthermore, it had a strong decomposition capacity of tobacco-derived starch and protein, with amylase activity of 122.3 U/mL and protease activity and 52.3 U/mL, respectively. To further understand the mechanism of the metabolic transformation of the target, whole genome sequencing was used and the secondary metabolite gene cluster was predicted. The inhibitory effect of the strain on common tobacco fungi was verified using the plate confrontation and agar column methods. The results showed that the strain FYZ1-3 was Bacillus subtilis, with a genome size of 4.17 Mb and GC content of 43.68%; 4,338 coding genes were predicted. The genome was annotated and analyzed using multiple databases to determine its ability to efficiently degrade starch proteins at the molecular level. Moreover, 14 functional genes related to nicotine metabolism were identified, primarily located on the distinct genomic island of FYZ1-3, giving a speculation for its nicotine tolerance capability on the molecular mechanism. By mining the secondary metabolite gene cluster prediction, we found potential synthetic bacteriocin, antimicrobial peptide, and other gene clusters on its chromosome, which may have certain antibacterial properties. Further experiments confirmed that the FYZ1-3 strain was a potent growth inhibitor of Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus sydowii, A. fumigatus, and Talaromyces funiculosus. The creation and industrial use of the functional strains obtained in this study provide a theoretical basis for its industrial use, where it would be of great significance to improve the utilization rate of tobacco waste.

A New Benzaldehyde Derivative Exhibits Antiaflatoxigenic Activity against Aspergillus flavus.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most potent naturally occurring carcinogen for humans and animals produced by the common fungus Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus). Aflatoxin (AF) contamination in commodities is a global concern related to the safety of food and feed, and it also impacts the agricultural economy. In this study, we investigated the AFB1-inhibiting activity of a new benzaldehyde derivative, 2-[(2-methylpyridin-3-yl)oxy]benzaldehyde (MPOBA), on A. flavus. It was found that MPOBA inhibited the production of AFB1 by A. flavus, with an IC50 value of 0.55 mM. Moreover, the inhibition of conidiation was also observed at the same concentration. The addition of MPOBA resulted in decreased transcript levels of the aflR gene, which encodes a key regulatory protein for the biosynthesis of AF, and also decreased transcript levels of the global regulator genes veA and laeA. These results suggested that MPOBA has an effect on the regulatory mechanism of the development and differentiation of conidia, leading to the inhibition of AFB1 production. In addition, the cytotoxicity study showed that MPOBA had a very low cytotoxic effect on the Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line. Therefore, MPOBA may be a potential compound for developing practically effective agents to control AF contamination.

Hematological Profile Of Hiv/Aids Individuals With Opportunistic Respiratory Mycoses And Immune Status: A Cross Sectional Study In Uyo Nigeria

Hematological abnormalities are strong predictors of morbidity and mortality among HIV infection. This study was aimed to determine hematological indices, abnormalities and the immune status of HIV/AIDS subjects having opportunistic pulmonary mycoses in Uyo, Nigeria. A cross sectional study was adopted using 230 subjects with pulmonary symptoms attending the Anti-retroviral clinics in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and Saint Luke’s Hosipital, Anua, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The hematological parameters and CD4 counts was determined using blood and sputum was used for mycological examinations. Data was analysed using statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and was significant at p = 0.05. HIV subjects were more prevalent in female 98(68.89%) than male 56(31.11%). The most commonest fungi was Aspergillus niger (44.76%) and the least was Cryptococcus species (9.00%). The common hematological abnormality was anaemia with 86(86.9%), lymphopenia 33(33.3%) and thrombocytopenia 3(3.0%) among HIV/AIDS subjects with mycoses. The mean CD4 counts was 396.5±31.61 cells/µl (HIV) and 981.7±17.51 cells/µl (control individual). The CD4 counts below 200 cells/μl was observed in 19.4%(35) of AIDS patients. HIV/AIDS subjects with mycoses may develop hematological abnormalities such as anaemia, neutropenia and leucopenia due to low immune status.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Untargeted metabolomic analyses support the main phylogenetic groups of the common plant-associated Alternaria fungi isolated from grapevine (Vitis vinifera)

Alternaria, a cosmopolitan fungal genus is a dominant member of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera) microbiome. Several Alternaria species are known to produce a variety of secondary metabolites, which are particularly relevant to plant protection and food safety in field crops. According to previous findings, the majority of Alternaria species inhabiting grapevine belong to Alternaria sect. Alternaria. However, the phylogenetic diversity and secondary metabolite production of the distinct Alternaria species has remained unclear. In this study, our aim was to examine the genetic and metabolic diversity of endophytic Alternaria isolates associated with the above-ground tissues of the grapevine. Altogether, 270 Alternaria isolates were collected from asymptomatic leaves and grape clusters of different grapevine varieties in the Eger wine region of Hungary. After analyses of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2) sequences, 170 isolates were chosen for further analyses. Sequences of the Alternaria major allergen gene (Alt a 1), endopolygalacturonase (endoPG), OPA10-2, and KOG1058 were also included in the phylogenetic analyses. Identification of secondary metabolites and metabolite profiling of the isolates were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HR-MS/MS). The multilocus phylogeny results revealed two distinct groups in grapevine, namely A. alternata and the A. arborescens species complex (AASC). Eight main metabolites were identified in all collected Alternaria isolates, regardless of their affiliation to the species and lineages. Multivariate analyses of untargeted metabolites found no clear separations; however, a partial least squares-discriminant analysis model was able to successfully discriminate between the metabolic datasets from isolates belonging to the AASC and A. alternata. By conducting univariate analysis based on the discriminant ability of the metabolites, we also identified several features exhibiting large and significant variation between A. alternata and the AASC. The separation of these groups may suggest functional differences, which may also play a role in the functioning of the plant microbiome.

Survey of Sensitization to Common Fungi in an Allergic Dog Population: The Need for Further Focus on Sensitization and Allergy to Fungi in Veterinary Medicine.

Most fungal species are commensals and non-pathogenic to plants, humans, or animals. However, several species of the Alternaria, Aspergillus, Trichophyton, and Microsporum genera are common causes of disease, even for immunocompetent individuals. Besides mucosal damage, fungi may contribute to a skin barrier impairment, favoring sensitization and allergy development. A total of 68 allergic dogs were selected from a veterinary dermatology and allergy outpatient consultation for conditions related to both Malassezia overgrowth and other fungal complications. The allergy diagnosis was made through anamnesis and current clinical criteria, with the involved allergenic species being identified by intradermal tests (IDTs) and allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) determination in serum. Dermatophagoides farinae, Dactylis glomerata, and Malassezia pachydermatis showed as the higher sensitization species from house dust mites, grass pollen, and fungi, respectively. Significant correlations at p < 0.05 were found between sensitization to Dactylis glomerata and Phleum pratense grass pollens, Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, and Lepidoglyphus destructor dust/storage mites, and between fungi like Aspergillus mix and Penicillium or Alternaria alternata. A significant correlation was also found between sensitization to the Aspergillus mix and D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, or A. siro. Rather severe dermatitis was observed when a positive IDT to Malassezia pachydermatis was found, regardless of the detection of circulating sIgE, allowing us to consider the usefulness of both the IDT and the sIgE for a systematic diagnosis of allergy to fungi.

Morpho-Molecular Identification and First Report of Trichoderma Aggressivum is Causing Green Rot on White Button Mushroom in Iraq

The aim of this study was to morphological isolation and identification of fungus associated with the fruits and culture media of the white mushroom Agaricus bisporus. The results of isolation and identification from the sampling areas included Baghdad, Babylon, and Diwaniyah. Besides, Sulaymaniyah governorates showed the association of seven species of fungi associated the fruiting body and culture media of the white mushroom A. bisporus represented by the two pathogens Cladobotryum spp. and Trichoderma spp. As well as, the competitive fungi of A. bisporus culture medium, such as Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. and Phoma sp. and Rhizopus spp., and Ulocladium sp. The most common pathogenic fungus was Cladobotryum spp. with a frequency of 56.2%, followed by Trichoderma spp., with a frequency of 54.1%, which appeared in samples from two sampling areas. Conversely, species T. aggressivum recorded a frequency of 42.5%, which is the first record in Iraq on the fruits and media of white fungus. The fungus Aspergillus spp. showed the existence percentage reached 65.5%, which is the highest among the competing fungi, followed by Penicillium spp., with an existence percentage of 26.6%. Then, Rhizopus spp., Phoma sp., and Ulocladium sp. with a frequency of 16.6%, 10.4%, and 10.4%, respectively. The results of the pathogenicity of the fungus isolate Trichoderma spp. indicated that all the isolates tested for the pathogenicity of the fruiting bodies of the white mushroom A. bisporus led to the infection of the fruiting bodies and their transformation into brown color and damage. The isolates of the fungus T. aggressivum (isolate 1 and isolate 2) recorded a disease severity of 60.0% and 60.0%, respectively. While, at a temperature of 4 °C, the isolates of the fungus T. aggressivum (1 and 2) recorded a disease severity amounted to 40.0% and 50.0%, respectively, compared to the control treatment without fungus, where the disease severity amounted to 0.0%. The results of the molecular identification of the DNA of the T. aggressivum, which showed the highest pathogenicity of A. bisporus fruiting bodies, using the specialized primer ITSI/ITS4, as it gave bands with a molecular weight of 600 bp. These findings were compared with the GenBank with a high similarity for the fungus T. aggressivum and it has been deposited in the Gen Bank with the accession number (OQ109172).

Mechanical, physical and compositional effects of Meruliporia incrassata on Southern Yellow Pine

Abstract With the growing risk of fungal degradation in timber-framed structures from significant moisture intrusion events due to climate change, it is increasingly critical to develop mechanistic relationships between fungal degradation mechanisms and the strength of untreated wood components. While extensive work has been performed characterizing wood decay, no study has yet addressed the effects of Meruliporia incrassata on untreated Southern Yellow Pine. This seeks to address this knowledge gap by evaluating the effects of the common brown rot fungus on an ubiquitous building material in the southeast United States – Southern Yellow Pine. Properties of Southern Yellow Pine were evaluated at seven decay stages over the course of 12 weeks of exposure to M. incrassata. Changes in physical properties – mass, density, and moisture content – were measured at each stage. Changes in stiffness were characterized via ultrasonic pulse velocity testing, and thermogravimetric analysis was utilized to assess compositional changes. The study found rapid and significant losses in stiffness at decay stages as early as four-weeks. Hemicellulose and cellulose degradation occurred steadily throughout the decay period. These results can be utilized to develop a stronger understanding of the mechanical behavior of timber-framed structures in the United States degraded by brown rot.

Differences in endophytic bacterial and fungal compositions in roots between red and green Amaranthus sp.

The compositions of endophytic bacteria and fungi in the roots of red and green Amaranthus sp. were analyzed to elucidate whether endophytic microbes are related to the formation of its pigment. The results showed that the compositions of the dominant endophytic bacteria and fungi significantly differed between red and green amaranths. Bordetella, Massilia, Ralstonia, norank_f__67–14, and Acidibacter were unique dominant endophytic bacterial genera in the roots of red amaranth cultivars, and Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, norank_f__Moraxellaceae, and unclassified_f__Rhodocyclaceae were the unique dominant endophytic bacterial genera in the roots of green amaranth cultivars. Cladosporium and unclassified_o__Agaricales were the unique dominant endophytic fungal genera in the roots of red amaranth, and Neocosmospora, Trichocladium, Cladophialophora, and Setophoma were the unique dominant endophytic fungal genera in the roots of green amaranth. Although common dominant endophytic bacteria and fungi were found in the roots of both cultivars, their proportions were different. For example, the abundance of Basidomycota was significantly higher in roots of red amaranth than in the roots of green amaranth. PICRUSt functional analysis showed that root bacterial communities in red and green amaranths differed in metabolic capacity, including metabolism, genetic and environmental information processing, cellular processes, human diseases, and organic systems. Furthermore, fungal function prediction analysis indicated that the endophytic fungi were mainly saprotrophic. These results suggest that red and green amaranths recruit different endophytic bacteria and fungi that may be involved in color formation.