Fungal Attack Research Articles

Prestorage hot water treatments retard papaya fruit deterioration and enhanced fruit quality in cold storage

Papaya (Carica papaya) fruit has a short shelf life and suffers significant postharvest losses due to climacteric, instant ripening and perishable nature. Pre-storage hot water treatment (HWT) has significant potential to delay decay incidence in horticultural commodities. The present study was designed to evaluate effectiveness of HWT on ‘Red lady’ papaya fruit for minimizing the fruit decay and maintaining the quality during storage. Physiologically mature unripe ‘Red lady’ papaya fruit harvested from a commercial papaya orchard. Selected fruits were treated at three different hot water temperatures (50 °C, 52 °C and 54 °C) along with a control (room temp) for 10 minutes thereafter stored at 12 °C and 85–90% RH for four weeks. Different sensory evaluation, fruit quality scales and enzymatic activities were observed at weekly intervals. Fruit stored after 54 °C HWT showed lower weight loss (4.63%), decay incidence (5.1%) and higher fruit firmness (12.92 N) relative to control. Fruit treated at 52 °C HWT improved the fruit acidity, but total soluble solids decreased than control. The results revealed that ascorbic acid (33.33 mg/100 g), total phenolic contents (35 mg/g FW) total antioxidants (47.50% DPPH inhibition), and antioxidative enzyme activities were improved by 52 °C HWT. It is concluded that pre storage papaya fruit treatment (HWT @ 52 °C) preserves the quality of fruit throughout storage on the other hand at 54 °C HWT helps in decreased fruit decaying. It can be summarized that papaya fruit can be treated with hot water in the range of 52–54 °C to support the fruit shelf life and suppress fruit decay along with maintaining fruit quality. Practical applications: Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a climacteric fruit which is highly susceptible to fungal attacks after harvest. Due to its perishable nature, it becomes decayed and huge amount of highly nutritious and medicinally important fruit is wasted. Recently people are more concerned about food safety which limits the use of fungicides for controlling the fruit decay in papaya. However, heat treatment has tremendous potential to control microbial decay, and keep food commodities safe from hazardous chemicals. In this study, the hot water treatment has successfully suppressed the fruit decay and maintained fruit quality of papaya in the course of entire period of cold storage. These findings indicated that use of hot water treatment is a practical approach for increasing the shelf life of papaya fruit.

Chabazitic zeolitite in cultivation and spray protection against Phytophthora infestans and Tuta absoluta in Solanum lycopersicum

Research objective: This article aims to highlight how chabazite zeolitite can lead to better growth and protection of tomato plants, in particular the benefits it can bring to crops both when buried in the soil, in terms of plant growth and fruit production, and as a reduction in the incidence of fungal diseases and insect attack when used as a spray in water. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which began in March 2024, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E) on tomato cv ‘Ciliegino’ plants. The plants were placed in pots with a diameter of 14, 20 plants for 3 replications, for a total of 60 seedlings per experimental thesis. The first trial on Solanum lycopersicum involved the following theses (irrigated and fertilised): i) peat 70% + pumice 30%; ii) peat 70% + pumice 20% + zeolitite chabazite 10%; iii) peat 70% + pumice 10% + zeolitite chabazite 20%. The second trial on Solanum lycopersicum included spray treatments with micronised zeolitite on the leaves to evaluate the control of diseases such as Phytophthora infestans and Tuta absoluta. The trial included the following theses (irrigated and fertilised): i) control with treatment with water sprayed on the leaves every 10 days; ii) control with treatment with Flipper 1 L/hl + Ranman Top 0.5L/hl, every 7 days; iii) treatment with zeolitite chabazite 5 kg/hl, every 7 days. On 19 September 2024, plant height (measured at 70 days after transplanting), plant nodes (measured at 70 days after transplanting), leaf area index, total dry biomass, fresh fruit weight and number of total fruits were determined. In addition, the number of plants affected by Phytophthora infestans and Tuta absoluta was evaluated. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of zeolitite and chabazite added to the growing medium to the extent of 10-20% can effectively improve the vegetative and root growth of Solanum lycopersicum. Furthermore, when micronised zeolitite is micronised on leaves, it can contain diseases such as Phytophtora infestans and Tuta absoluta, the same as using conventional products. This experiment conducted on Solanum lycopersicum shows an improvement in plant growth in the theses treated with zeolite added to the substrate, due to increased water and nutrient uptake and increased microbiological interactions in the plant, as well as a significant improvement in protection against plant diseases when micronised zeolite is sprayed on the leaves. In addition to having an insect repellent effect, zeolite has a disintegrating and dehydrating effect. The product causes respiratory problems, burns the exoskeleton, creates flight problems and reflects light. In addition, zeolitite chabazite, having a rough structure, causes problems of adherence to the leaf. As for fungi, on the other hand, it reduces moisture on the leaf and inhibits spore germination, as demonstrated in other scientific works by the same author. Conclusions: Zeolites have the potential to affect soil physical properties. In addition to reducing soil bulk density and increasing soil porosity, these factors can improve water retention, as well as their high internal pore volume. Also, due to the open network of the zeolite structure, new routes for water movement can be formed, resulting in improved infiltration rates and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Due to their outstanding chemical and physical properties, natural zeolites can be utilized in agricultural applications, such as their affinity for K+ and NH4+ and ability to exchange cations. Before any commercial applications can be made, it is necessary to evaluate the risk of leaching toxic surfactants loosely attached to zeolite surfaces. Using their ion exchange properties, natural, synthetic, and modified zeolite can be used to make slow-release nitrogen, potassium, and sulfur fertilizers. To control and release phosphorous slowly, zeolite ion exchange and mineral dissolution (similar to phosphate rock) can also be used. It is generally determined by a variety of experimental conditions how zeolite application impacts soil physical and chemical properties, including the type and rate of zeolite applied, the method of application, the texture and structure of the soil, the size of the zeolite particles, and the salinity of the water. Soils with coarse textures may benefit from zeolite amendments more than those with fine textures.

Effect of Different Intensities of Leaf Removal on Tomato Development and Yield

Defoliation (leaf removal or pruning) is a common practice in tomato production that makes crops more manageable, prevents conditions conducive to fungal attack and increases the exposure of the fruit to light, especially in winter conditions. The intensity and frequency of leaf removal on commercial farms often vary according to workforce availability criteria, which makes it difficult to determine their effect on tomato crop yields. It would be reasonable to think that a reduction in leaf area influences radiation interception and, therefore, the production of assimilates and biomass. However, in intensive production systems with a high leaf area index (LAI), leaf pruning can increase radiation interception, either by reducing competition between productive and vegetative organs or by increasing radiation use efficiency. This study was therefore designed to assess the effect of different intensities and frequencies of basal leaf removal on dry matter production and partitioning between the different organs of the plant, and thus on tomato crop productivity. A series of trials were conducted over three consecutive seasons, with a trial conducted per season: (a) Trial 1: leaf removal control—LRC (with leaves removed from the base to two leaves below the truss close to harvest, T0) was compared with LR1 (leaf removal from the base to two leaves below the truss above T0, i.e., T1) and LR2 (two trusses above T0 (T2)); (b) Trial 2: LRC compared with LR2 and LR4 (four trusses above T0 (T4)), carried out at two frequencies; and (c) Trial 3: LRC compared with an intense leaf removal treatment (LRI) whereby between 10 and 12 leaves were left on each stem. LAI saturation values under our conditions were found to be around 2.0. No significant differences in yield were found between the control and treatments LR1, LR2 and LR4, with a reduction in the number of leaves of up to 35% and LAI values during harvest above 2.0. The intense leaf removal treatment (LRI), which reduced the number of leaves by 47% and the LAI value from 2.8 to 1.5 compared to the control, resulted in a 15% reduction in dry biomass and a 17% decrease in fruit yield.

The effect of spermidine supplementation on polyamine metabolism and Fusarium infection in Linum usitatissimum

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a valuable industrial crop in temperate climate zones. However, the prevalence of fungal diseases, particularly those caused by Fusarium oxysporum sp. linii, poses a substantial threat, leading to significant crop losses and diminished interest in flax cultivation. In this study, flax plants were treated with spermidine and subsequently infected with Fusarium oxysporum to investigate multiple aspects: (1) the uptake of exogenous spermidine by the plants, (2) the impact of this uptake on the levels of other polyamines and the expression of polyamine biosynthesis genes, and (3) the effects of fungal infection on these parameters. The results demonstrated that flax plants effectively absorb spermidine, leading to substantial changes in the levels of polyamines and the expression of related genes in both roots and shoots. Notably, spermidine treatment resulted in significant alterations in the levels of putrescine and spermine, as well as in the transcript levels of key genes involved in polyamine biosynthesis. Moreover, Fusarium oxysporum infection itself induced changes in polyamine content and gene expression, which varied between root and shoot tissues. When spermidine-treated plants were infected with Fusarium oxysporum, a more complex response was observed, characterized by modifications in polyamine levels and gene expression that suggest an enhanced defense mechanism against the pathogen. These findings indicate that polyamine treatment not only affects the infection process but also modulates the plant's internal polyamine metabolism and gene expression, contributing to an improved resistance to fungal attack. This study highlights the potential of spermidine as a protective agent in flax and provides a foundation for further exploration of polyamine-related defense mechanisms.

Characteristics of Fast-Growing Wood Impregnated Using Monoethylene Glycol and SiO Nanoparticles Against Fungal Attacks

Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba) and Sengon (Falcataria moluccana) were fast-growing wood species widely planted in the community forest. Both kinds of wood have low durability even though they can potentially be used in the carpentry material industry. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the vacuum-pressure impregnation effect using monoethylene glycol (C2H6O2) or MEG and silica dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles on wood resistance to fungal decay. The results showed that impregnation treatment with MEG and SiO2 nanoparticles significantly improved the durability of Jabon and Sengon against fungal attacks. Furthermore, MEGSiO2 with 24-hour polymerization had a better impact on durability compared to both the control and MEGSiO2 with 12-hour polymerization. The 24-hour polymerization using 1% SiO2 nanoparticles resulted in the lowest weight loss for Jabon (5.86% ) and Sengon (5.21%). In addition, the variation of SiO2 nanoparticle concentration did not significantly affect the weight loss and durability of Jabon and Sengon against fungal decay.

The effects of organic waste on the postharvest fungal attack and disease severity on <i>Irvingia gabonensis</i> kernels

The effects of organic waste, orange peels and charcoal on the postharvest fungal attack and disease severity on Irvingia gabonensis kernels stored for six (6) months was investigated. Irvingia gabonensis kernels were treated with orange peels and charcoal and the fungal load and diversity were determined using standard microbiological techniques. The study revealed that the same fungal species which include Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillusniger, Aspergillus terreus and Mucorspp were encountered in both treatment and control. Furthermore, it was observed that disease severity in the treatment sample reduced by 50 % on the average. The kernels stored in bags without treatment was discoloured and lost its market value whereas 86-88% of kernels stored in bags with either dried orange peels or charcoal remained in good condition. It was observed that the fungal load which ranged 1 CFU/g - too many to count in the control was significantly higher than those stored in bottles with treatment (1-3CFU/g). In orange peel treated kernels Aspergillus fumigatus was the most occurring fungal isolate (3 CFU/g). Aspergillus fumigatus and Mucor spp. were the most occurring in charcoal treated kernels with 2 CFU/g. while Mucor spp. was the most occurring (25 CFU/g) in the control, closely followed by Aspergillus fumigatus (14 CFU/g). Orange peels and charcoal were effective in reducing fungal spoilage of kernels and would prove useful in reducing postharvest loss.

Association of COVID with Mycosis in General.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory disease which created havoc worldwide, was accompanied by another peculiar, otherwise rare, secondary fungal infection Mucormycosis which was observed at exceptionally high incidence in India during the second wave of COVID-19. The article explores possible links between the two infectious diseases to understand a higher-than-normal occurrence of Mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients. Coronavirus enters the patients through ACE-2 and many other receptors like- NRP-1, TfR, CD-126, and CD-26. Virus bind to cells possessing these receptors and affect their proper functioning, disturbing homeostatic metabolism and resulting in conditions like hyperglycemia, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), low serum pH, iron overload, anemia, hypoxia, and immunosuppression as explained in the article. All these outcomes provide a very supportive environment for the attack and spread of Mucormycosis fungi. The major receptor for Mucormycosis in humans is the GRP-78. Its expression is upregulated by coronavirus entry and by hyperferritinemia, hyperglycemia, and acidic conditions prevalent in COVID patients, thus providing an easy entry for the fungal species. Upregulation of GRP-78 furthermore damages pancreatic β-cells and intensifies hyperglycemia, showing quite a synergic relationship. Inordinate rise of Mucormycosis cases in India might be explained by facts like- India possessing a large proportion of diabetic patients, emergence of a very deadly strain of coronavirus- Delta strain, higher doses of steroids and antibodies used to treat patients against this strain, overburdened health care services, sudden much higher need of oxygen supply and use of industrial oxygen could explain the Mucormycosis outbreak observed in India during the second wave of COVID-19. The present review discusses the functional interdependence between COVID-19 and Mucormycosis and summarizes the possible synergic links between COVID and Mucormycosis. The receptors and metabolic pathways affected by COVID-19 result in severe physiological conditions- hyperglycemia, DKA, anemia, iron overload, immunosuppression, and hypoxia. All these conditions not only increase the expression of GRP-78, the major receptor for entry of fungi but also play a crucial role in providing quality media for Mucormycosis fungus to establish and grow. Hence explains the fungal epidemic observed in India during the second wave of COVID-19 in India.

Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Revealed the Key Role of the Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Olive Defense Against Alternaria alternata.

The olive tree is an important oil woody plant with high economic value, yet it is vulnerable to the attack of numerous fungi. The successful control of olive fungal diseases requires a comprehensive understanding of the disease resistance mechanisms in plants. Here, we isolated Alternaria alternata from the diseased leaves of olive plants, and screened a resistant ("Leccino") and susceptible ("Manzanilla de Sevilla") cultivar from eight olive cultivars to explore their resistance mechanisms. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses identified the flavonoid biosynthesis as a key defense pathway against A. alternata. Five important transcription factors associated with flavonoid biosynthesis were also determined. The overexpression of OeWRKY40 significantly enhanced the disease resistance of the susceptible cultivar and upregulated the expression of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and the accumulation of related metabolites. LUC assays further proved that OeWRKY40 can activate the expression of OeC4H. These results help to better clarify the molecular mechanisms of flavonoid biosynthesis against A. alternata. Our study provides key information for further exploration of the molecular pathways of olive plants and their resistance to fungi, an important factor for molecular breeding and utilization of resistant cultivars.

Toxicological Impact of Malachite Green on Freshwater Fish: A Comprehensive Review

Triarylmethane dyes, such as malachite green, are widely used in the culinary, pharmaceutical, textile, and other sectors for a variety of purposes, including aquaculture parasiticides. It controls fungal attacks, protozoan infections, and some other diseases caused by helminthes on a wide range of fish and aquatic organisms. Nonetheless, the dye's purportedly harmful effects have raised a lot more questions about its usage. The exposure time, temperature and the concentration all raise the dye's toxicity. It has been linked to chromosomal breaks, mutagenesis, cancer,teratogeneity, and pulmonary toxicity. Multi-organ tissue damage is one of malachite green's histopathological consequences. Fish exposed to malachite green have notable changes in their blood's biochemical characteristics. Malachite green and its reduced form, leucomalachite green, have been found in a variety of tissues, including eggs and fries, as well as serum, liver, kidney, and muscles. Despite a wealth of information about malachite green's toxicity, several developing countries still utilize it as a parasiticide in aquaculture and other industries. Hence, there is a significant likelihood of malachite green disposition in the food chain. To counteract its toxicological effect, it is crucial to identify a substitute because of its high toxicity.

Natural Inhibitory Treatment of Fungi-Induced Deterioration of Carbonate and Cellulosic Ancient Monuments: Isolation, Identification and Simulation of Biogenic Deterioration.

Fungi play a significant role in the deterioration of various types of monuments. Therefore, the protection of ancient monuments from fungal attacks is an important goal that must attract the attention of researchers worldwide. A total of 69 fungal isolates were recovered from 22 deteriorated objects compromising paper, textiles, wood, and stone in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) storeroom, Cairo, Egypt. The isolates were identified as 12 different species categorized into three different genera, namely, Aspergillus (9 species), Penicillium (2 species) and Trichoderma (1 species). Among them, Aspergillus fumigatus was the most prevalent species. Three essential oils were assessed for antifungal activity and compared with the antifungal effects of five synthetic microcides to identify a natural inhibitory treatment. Thyme oil and sodium azide were found to be the most active growth inhibitors, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 625 and 100 ppm, with inhibition zone diameters of 19.0 ± 0.70 - 23.76 ± 1.15 and 13.30 ± 0.35 - 19.66 ± 0.54 mm, respectively. An in vitro simulation of the biodeterioration process was conducted using spores of the A. fumigatus strain NMEC-PSTW.1 on model cubes made of paper, textile, wood, and stone materials. The changes in the characteristics of the artificially deteriorated materials were analyzed using environmental scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed changes in the morphology, physical properties, and chemical composition induced by A. fumigatus NMEC-PSTW.1. Overall, thyme oil is recommended as a natural inhibitor to protect carbonate and cellulosic monuments in NMEC against fungal attack.

Assessing the Degradation Status of the Imperial Doors of the Ascension Church, Grindu Commune, Romania

To asses the degradation status of the Imperial Doors of the early 19th century Ascension Church iconostasis, a complex study consisting of micro-optical and scanning electron microscopy followed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed. Accordingly, the entire left door and some small fragments of gilded wood were investigated. The final results evidenced a certain degree of degradation of the lime wood and gilded surfaces, mainly due to the bacterial and fungi attacks given the increased humidity and the presence of more than a century of candle soot. Also, some unsuccessful restorations performed using brass paint instead of gold foils were evidenced. Overall, this study permitted elaborating more appropriate procedures for the iconostasis’ full restoration to its initial form, given that the Ascension Church is classified as a historical objective of national and universal value.

Phosphorylated and carbamylated Kraft lignin for improving fire- and biological-resistance of Scots pine wood

In this study, Kraft lignin was modified by ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) and urea for achieving phosphorylation and carbamylation, aiming to protect wood against biological and fire attack. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood was impregnated with a water solution containing Kraft lignin, ADP, and urea, followed by heat treatment at 150 °C, resulting in changes in the properties of the Kraft lignin as well as the wood matrix. Infrared spectroscopy, 13C cross-polarisation magic-angle-spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and direct excitation single-pulse 31P MAS NMR analyses suggested the grafting reaction of phosphate and carbamylate groups onto the hydroxyl groups of Kraft lignin. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicated that the condensed Kraft lignin filled the lumen as well as partially penetrating the wood cell wall. The modified Kraft lignin imparted fire-retardancy and increased char residue to the wood at elevated temperature, as confirmed by limiting oxygen index, microscale combustion calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The modified wood exhibited superior resistance against mold and decay fungi attack under laboratory conditions. The modified wood had a similar modulus of elasticity to the unmodified wood, while experiencing a reduction in the modulus of rupture.

Pemanfaatan Kebun Tanaman Obat untuk Mencegah Penyakit Tidak Menular

Herbal plants are plants that have been identified and known based on human observations to have compounds that are useful for preventing, curing disease, carrying out certain biological functions, and preventing insect and fungal attacks (Sapitri et al., 2022). With the many benefits that can be obtained from herbal plants, using your yard as a place to grow herbal plants will bring many benefits, especially for rural communities. Herbal plants do not require large areas of land, so planting them will make their cultivation very easy. The community will have plants that can be used to prevent and treat various diseases. So, people can avoid excessive use of chemical drugs (Pantur et al., 2022). The problem solutions offered in this community service activity are in the form of; a) Focus Group Discussion (FGD) I and II; explanation of program and technical activities with related parties (Pangkalan Benteng Village Government, Pangkalan Benteng Village Health Center and Poskesdes Officers, Pangkalan Benteng Village Posyandu Cadres, Community Leaders), b) Implementation of Activities; Socialization, Education and Assistance in Planting Herbal Plants and Their Use to Improve the Health and Economy of the Pangkalan Benteng Village Community for the Community and Health Cadres; Launching Examples of Herbal Plants (Family Medicinal Plants) planted in the grounds of the Pangkalan Benteng Village Office, c) Monitoring Evaluation; strengthening the sustainability of the program with the assistance of health cadres so that the activity objectives will be achieved (100% of the people of Pangkalan Benteng Village have herbal plants (family medicinal plants) in their respective yards and superior products emerge for the family economic ranking; information obtained through WAG with health cadres. Based on the achievement targets and activity results, it can be concluded that after the intervention was given, the results of the activities showed that; 80% of the people of Pangkalan Benteng Village who did not have herbal plants (family medicinal plants) in their yards, stated that they would start planting according to the information obtained from this activity; 100% of the people of Pangkalan Benteng Village already know how to optimize the benefits of herbal plants to improve the health status and economy of the family (100% of the family's superior herbal products have been educated and assisted regarding the use and processing of herbal plants (medicinal plants); family). As a follow-up to this activity, health cadres will accompany all heads of families in stages to plant herbal plants (family medicinal plants) in their respective yards and form small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to make superior herbal products for the people of Pangkalan Benteng Village to improve the economy. family.

Isolation and Phenotypic Identification of Mycotoxigenic Fungi from Stored Maize Kernels within Dutsin–Ma Metropolis, Katsina State

One of the most important effects of post-harvest decay or seed deterioration by fungi is the production of mycotoxins. Mycotoxicosis is a disease of animals and humans following consumption of feeds and foods contaminated by fungi that produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. The study investigated the cultural morphology, microscopic identification, pathogenicity, and mycotoxin production of fungal isolates from 25 stored maize samples collected. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for the analysis of all the samples, Cultural morphology on Potatoes Dextrose Agar revealed diverse colony characteristics, ranging from olive and dark green hues with smooth or spongy surfaces to brownish-pink and dull yellow-green colonies. Microscopic analysis identified six different fungal species, with Aspergillus spp being the most prevalent (72%) and Mucor spp as the least prevalent (6%). Pathogenicity tests on fresh maize demonstrated that all the isolates were pathogenic, causing observable growth on the maize samples. Furthermore, mycotoxin production by the fungal was revealed by evidence of fluorescence under UV radiation, indicating the potential production of aflatoxins. Stored maize kernels from the study area were at risk of fungal attack due to poor storage facilities, poor handling practices and inadequate drying of the grains, which enabled the fungi to grow and produce mycotoxins. Therefore, farmers should be sensitized on the possible risk of fungal attack on grains and be educated on timely harvest, hygienic drying and storage practices of grains.

In vitro antifungal activities of Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon martini, Pogestemon cablin and Curcuma longa essential oils against spoilage fungi isolated from tomatoes

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) have highmoisture content (93–95%), making them more vulnerable to various types of spoilage fungi. Numerous medicinal plants' essential oils are known to have antifungal properties that combat these spoilage fungi. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential antifungal activity of essential oils from some indigenous plants in Bangladesh to prevent the fungal attack on tomatoes. Using potato dextrose agar medium, 4 species of spoilage fungi from tomatoes were identified. ITS (Internal transcribed spacer) region-specific sequencing was used to identify the fungal species as Aspergillus welwitschiae, Aspergillus tamari, Penicillium citrinum and Rhizopus arrhizus. Assessment on antifungal activity was conducted for four essential oils extracted from plants: turmeric leaf (Curcuma longa), patchouli (Pogestemon cablin), palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). The GC-MS method was used to analyze these essential oils to ascertain their chemical content. A pathogenicity test determined the severity and % of rot on tomatoes. A. welwitschiae caused the most severe spoilage (80%) after 21 days, while R. arrhizus damaged 26% of the tomatoes within 5 days. The minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the essential oils were determined after analysis. Lemongrass oil fully suppressed the growth of all the isolates at a concentration of 12 ????l/ml. Finally, the essential oils of palmarosa and lemongrass may be used as a preventative measure against tomato fungal rot.

Mortar functionalized with silver nanoparticles for antifungal activity

Building materials are susceptible to fungus attack, leading to structural and aesthetic problems. Nanotechnology has enabled the development of innovative products with unique properties, including antimicrobial capabilities. Although the antimicrobial potential of AgNPs is already known, research on the application of AgNPs in cementitious materials and the behavior in prevention of fungal biofilm formation are still an extremely limited topic. Specifically, against the fungi presented in this paper there are no reports. In this work, two types of composites were formulated using AgNPs (108 μg/mL and 54 μg/mL) and tested against Aspergillus and Fusarium biofilms, fungi causing losses during grain storage. The AgNPs composites showed strong antifungal capacity, reaching up to 99 % reduction of Fusarium and 57 % of Aspergillus biofilms. The reduction in the amount of Fusarium biofilm (AgNPs 108 μg/mL) is proven by SEM images. No Ag leaching and interference in the mechanical properties of 54 μg/mL mortar were observed. Thus, a promising solution is presented for applications in agribusiness. And also, with a small 6.22 % increase in cost, this innovative mortar can contribute to mitigate post-harvest losses caused by fungal contamination. Its significant role in preserving the integrity and quality of stored grains contributes significantly to food security and sustainability.

Germination of <I>Cassia fistula</I> L. Seeds by Mechanical Stress

The effect of mechanical stress in presence of different kinds of chemical media on seed germination, percentage of germination and rate of imbibition in seeds of Cassia fistula L. have been studied. A unique germination percentage of seedlings free-from fungus attack were observed in cracked and punctured seeds. Modifications raised by this stress in seeds enhances quick germination in presence of suitable moisture media. To make comparative study between the rate of imbibition and percentage of germination and to know the susceptibility of seeds towards fungal attack, heating and roasting in addition to cracking and puncturing, were applied and discussed.

Growth Inhibition of Botrytis cinerea Fungus on Strawberry (Fragaria sp.) Using Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix) Leaf Essential Oil Emulsion

Post-harvest damage is caused by biological factors such as the attack of Botrytis cinerea pathogenic fungi. causes gray mold rot disease to be a source of problems in strawberry production. This study aims to determine the potential of kaffir lime leaf essential oil emulsion as an antifungal against Botrytis cinerea. The fungus was isolated from strawberry fruit samples that showed symptoms of gray mold disease. Fungal isolation was carried out through the direct planting method and antifungal inhibitory ability test by food poisoned method with potato extract agar media. This experiment used a completely randomized design consisting of 6 treatments with 5 repetitions. The results showed that kaffir lime leaf essential oil emulsion contains secondary metabolites that can inhibit 100% of the growth of Botrytis cinerea pathogenic fungal colonies. Essential oil concentrations of 0.10%, 0.15%, and 0.20% had a significant effect on the growth of Botrytis cinerea pathogenic fungi.

Microbiome changes in Akanthomyces attenuatus JEF-147-infected two-spotted spider mites

The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) is an agriculturally serious polyphagous pest that has acquired strong resistance against acaricides because of its short life cycle and continuous exposure to acaricides. As an alternative, mite-pathogenic fungi with different modes of action could be used to control the mites. The spider mite has symbiotic microorganisms that could be involved in the physiological and ecological adaptations to biotic stresses. In this study, mite-pathogenic fungi were used to control female adults, and the microbiomes changes in the fungus-infected mites were analyzed. The acaricidal activity of 77 fungal isolates was tested, and Akanthomyces attenuatus JEF-147 exhibited the highest acaricidal activity. Subsequently a dose–response assay and morphological characterization was undertaken For microbiome analysis in female adults infected with A. attenuatus JEF-147, 16S rDNA and ITS1 were sequenced using Illumina Miseq. Infected mite showed a higher Shannon index in bacterial diversity but lower index in fungal diversity. In beta diversity using principal component analysis, JEF-147-treated mites were significantly different from non-treated controls in both bacteria and fungi. Particularly in bacterial abundance, arthropod defense-related Rickettsia increased, but arthropod reproduction-associated Wolbachia decreased. The change in major bacterial abundance in the infected mites could be explained by a trade-off between reproduction and immunity against the early stage of fungal attack. In fungal abundance, Akanthomyces showed up as expected. Foremost, this work reports microbiome changes in a fungus-infected mite and suggests a possible trade-off in mites against fungal pathogens. Future studies will focus on gene-based investigations related to this topic.

Assessment of Fungal Resistance and Preservative Retention in Microwave-Pretreated Norway Spruce Wood

This study investigates the effectiveness of microwave treatment (MW) on the antifungal properties of Norway spruce wood and the leaching of preservatives. Given the environmental and health concerns about conventional wood preservatives, this study evaluates microwave treatment as a sustainable pretreatment to limit the leaching of preservatives from wood. In the experiment, wood samples were treated with microwaves at five different energy levels before being impregnated with copper–ethanolamine- and boron-based preservatives. We assessed preservative retention by leaching tests and assessed the resistance of the wood to fungal attack. The results show that MW treatment improves the uptake and fixation of preservatives, reduces leachability, and significantly improves the durability of an otherwise perishable wood against fungal attack. This study emphasises the potential of microwave treatment for wood preservation. It offers an environmentally friendly approach to extending the life of wood products while maintaining their protective properties against decay.