Species Of Microfungi Research Articles

Singleton-based species names and fungal rarity: Does the number really matter?

Fungi are among the least known organisms on earth, with an estimated number of species between 1.5 and 10 million. This number is expected to be refined, especially with increasing knowledge about microfungi in undersampled habitats and increasing amounts of data derived from environmental DNA sequencing. A significant proportion of newly generated sequences fail to match with already named species, and thus represent what has been referred to as fungal “dark taxa”. Due to the challenges associated with observing, identifying, and preserving sporophores, many macro- and microfungal species are only known from a single collection, specimen, isolate, and/or sequence—a singleton. Mycologists are consequently used to working with “rare” sequences and specimens. However, rarity and singleton phenomena lack consideration and valorization in fungal studies. In particular, the practice of publishing new fungal species names based on a single specimen remains a cause of debate. Here, we provide some elements of reflection on this issue in the light of the specificities of the fungal kingdom and global change context. If multiple independent sources of data support the existence of a new taxon, we encourage mycologists to proceed with formal description, irrespective of the number of specimens at hand. Although the description of singleton-based species may not be considered best practice, it does represent responsible science in the light of closing the Linnean biodiversity shortfall.

Unveiling fungi associated with Castanopsis woody litter in Yunnan Province, China: Insights into Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes) species.

During a survey of the diversity of lignicolous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, we collected and identified five microfungi species from dead woody litters of Castanopsis trees in terrestrial habitats. Through both morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of multi-gene sequences, we identified two taxa as new species and three collections as new host records within Pleosporales. Pseudolophiostomalincangense sp. nov. is introduced as a sexual morph in Lophiostomataceae, Pleopunctumbaoshanense sp. nov. is introduced as a hyphomycetous fungi in Phaeoseptaceae, and Paraphomaaquatica as a first report of sexual morph in Paraphoma. In addition, Occultibambusakunmingensis and Pleopunctummegalosporum were isolated for the first time from the dead twigs of Castanopsisdelavayi and C.calathiformis, respectively. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis results are provided for the above-mentioned species.

Hormesis and Low Toxic Effects of Three Lanthanides in Microfungi Isolated from Rare Earth Mining Waste in Northwestern Russia.

The low-dose toxicity of chloride and nitrate salts of three lanthanides (La, Ce and Nd) was tested on six microfungal species. Five of them (Geomyces vinaceus, Aspergillus niveoglaucus, Pseudogymnoascus pannorum, Penicillium simplicissimum and Umbelopsis isabellina) were isolated from the loparite ore tailings on the Kola Peninsula, northwestern Russia. Sydowia polyspora was a control strain. In the case of nitrate salts, the toxicity of REEs to four of six microorganisms was significantly (p < 0.5) lower compared to chloride salts. In this case, nitrates can play the role of exogenous nutrients, compensating for the toxic effect of REEs. Interestingly, U. isabellina only showed an opposite response, indicating the highest toxicity of nitrate (IC5 = 9-20 mg/L) REEs' salts compared to chlorides (IC5 = 80-195 mg/L) at low concentration levels. In addition, treatment with lanthanides showed a "hormesis effect" on fungal growth with stimulation at low doses and inhibition at high doses. However, U. isabellina and S. polyspora demonstrated the absence of hormetic response under the treatment of REEs' nitrate salt. Taking into account the specific hormetic responses and high tolerance of P. simplicissimum and U. isabellina to lanthanides, our findings may be useful in the assessment of the potential application of the selected fungi to bioremediation and REE bioleaching.

Microfungi in the phyllosphere of &lt;i&gt;Senecio umbrosus&lt;/i&gt; Waldst. et Kit., a host species with a narrow ecological niche

Among the biotic factors that limit plant growth, population size, and reproduction, there is a mass appearance of microscopic parasitic fungi. The aim of the study was to determine the spectrum of the microfungi and the degree of leaf surface infection in the ragwort &lt;i&gt;Senecio umbrosus&lt;/i&gt;, i.e., one of the Polish red data book species. In 2014–2016, studies on the diversity and dynamics of microfungi were carried out within its population on White Mt, southeastern Poland, where it grows in xerothermic habitats. During three seasons (6 collection series between May and October), 15 microfungal species were identified in total (1–9 species per one collection date, 9 species in each season). Only &lt;i&gt;Coleosporium tussilaginis&lt;/i&gt; was present in all study dates, and it accounted for 30–100% of all records of the microfungi. Three hyperparasites were also identified on &lt;i&gt;C. tussilaginis&lt;/i&gt;: &lt;i&gt;Cladosporium uredinicola, Ramularia coleosporii&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;Alternaria&lt;/i&gt; sp. The other taxa were found five (&lt;i&gt;Boeremia exigua, Leptosphaeria ogilviensis&lt;/i&gt;), four (&lt;i&gt;Alternaria&lt;/i&gt; sp.), or three times (&lt;i&gt;Ascochyta compositarum, Periconia cookei&lt;/i&gt;), but the majority of the microfungi were noted twice or only once, depending on meteorological conditions in a given growing season. Among common species of microfungi, we collected &lt;i&gt;Ascochyta compositarum&lt;/i&gt;, which is a new species for Poland. Additionally, we found new fungus/host plant combinations for &lt;i&gt;C. tussilaginis&lt;/i&gt;.

Micromycetes Rossicae: Chorological and Taxonomical Notes. 6. &lt;i&gt;Diatrypella Quercina&lt;/i&gt; (&lt;i&gt;Xylariales&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Ascomycota&lt;/i&gt;) in Russia

The present notice continues the series on rare and interesting species of microfungi and is devoted to the stromatic ascomycete Diatrypella quercina (Xylariales, Ascomycota), the saprotroph associated with crown self-thinning in Quercus robur. An extended morphological description of the species is given, and its differences from closely related species, Diatrypella favacea and D. pulvinata, are analyzed. The data on the global and regional distribution of this rather scarce species are analyzed. The list of studied exsicates and herbarium documentation is provided. The conclusion concerning the optimum range of D. quercina is given.

Theromyzon maculosum (Rathke, 1862) as a vector of potentially pathogenic fungi in aquatic ecosystems

The aim of the study was to check the integument and alimentary tract of Theromyzon for the occurrence of fungi. Moreover, the mycological purity of water sources from which leeches were collected was analyzed. The potential role of the duck leech Theromyzon maculosum in transmitting pathogenic fungi has not been studied until now. Mycological analyses were performed according to the procedure approved in mycological diagnostic laboratories, using classical diagnostic methods (macro- and microcultures, microscopic observations). In total, 22 species of yeasts were detected. The specimens belong to eight genera: Candida, Citeromyces, Debaryomyces, Kluyveromyces, Lodderomyces, Pichia, Saccharomyces and Saccharomycodes. Overall, 18 species of fungi were isolated from leeches Theromyzon maculosum, including seven species from the integument and 11 species from the gastrointestinal system. Among fungi isolated from body integument, fungi of the genus Candida were dominant, whereas in the gastrointestinal system, the genus Saccharomyces dominated. From the river waters, nine fungi species were isolated, and yeasts of the genera Candida and Kluyveromyces dominated. Isolation of the same species of microfungi from the integument of leeches and the river water suggests that Theromyzon maculosum may be a potential vector of pathogenic yeasts for vertebrates living in the same ecosystems and for humans.

Microfungi species observed on various weed species in the Yüksekova Basin, Türkiye

Studies on biological control for the sustainable management of weeds that exert serious ecological, economic, and human health problems are attracting increasing attention. Detection of potential biological control agents (pests, pathogens, etc.) on target weed species is the first step in the biological control program. This study aimed to determine the microfungi species found on noxious weed species in the Yüksekova basin situated in Hakkari province, Türkiye. Continued traditional agricultural practices, minimum or no use of pesticides and fertilizers, and better protection of natural flora/fauna compared to other parts of Türkiye were reasons for the selection of the basin in the current study. Field surveys were carried out in different periods during 2020 and 2021. A total of 101 microfungi species were recorded on 79 weed species belonging to 29 families in the basin. The most common fungi species in the basin were in genera Puccinia (29 species), Alternaria (18 species), Uromyces (14 species), and Curvularia (4 species). Weed hosts of the above-mentioned fungi species mostly belonged to Asteraceae (20 species), Fabaceae (7 species), Poaceae (7 species), and Lamiaceae (6 species) families. While 84 microfungi species were recorded on a single host, and the remaining 17 were found on more than one weed species. It has been observed that Puccinia cyani (Schleich.) Pass., Puccinia chondrillina Bub &amp; Syd., and Uromyces polygoni-aviculariae (Pers.) P. Karsten significantly inhibited the growth and development of their host weed species (Centaurea spp., Chondrilla juncea L., and Polygonum aviculare L.) and were able to suppress the populations of the weeds in the fields. The results revealed that it would be beneficial to review the recorded pathogens in terms of biological activity and to carry out detailed field studies in the region.

Characterization of novel estuarine Ascomycota based on taxonomic and phylogenetic evaluation

Abstract This study introduces two new marine microfungal species, Paraloratospora marina (Phaeosphaeriaceae) and Tremateia phragmitis (Didymosphaeriaceae) based on morphological comparisons and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses. They were collected on decaying woody stems of Phragmites australis at Cardiff Bay Nature Reserve in Wales, United Kingdom. Paraloratospora marina sp. nov. is characterized by immersed, globose to subglobose ascomata with a papillate and periphysate ostiole, cylindrical to subcylindrical, thick-walled, sessile to subsessile asci, fusiform, hyaline to pale brown, 3-septate, guttulate ascospores. Tremateia phragmitis sp. nov. is characterized by semi-immersed to immersed, globose ascomata with a protruding periphysate ostiole, clavate, pedicellate, asci and ascospores that are ellipsoidal to broadly fusiform, 4–6 transversely septate, with 1–2 vertical septa, muriform, golden brown to pale brown ascospores. Dichotomopilus funicola and Pseudofusicoccum ardesiacum are recorded for the first time from marine habitats. Furthermore, based on morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analyses, Phaeosphaeria spartinae was transferred to Septoriella.

Diversity of Microfungi on Wood of the Coastal Zone of Heiss Island (Franz Joseph Land Archipelago)

The material for the study was wood samples that were collected in the summer of 2021 on the coast of Heiss Island in the Franz Josef Land archipelago, in the Arctic Ocean. Heiss Island is located in the central area of the archipelago. The wood was 1) brought by the sea (“drift wood”) and was located on the shore at minor distances from the water line or 2) anthropogenic origin and was an external part of abandoned structures. As a result of investigations, we revealed complexes of microfungi on coniferous and deciduous wood, which include 30 species of microfungi, mainly from the Ascomycota division. Species of the genus Cadophora were found in the greatest number of examined samples. Indicators of species diversity and occurrence of representatives of the Basidio-mycota department were low. The yeast component (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) accounted for 23% of the identified species. A total of 25 species were found in wood samples of anthropogenic origin and 12 species in drift wood samples. Studies of the enzymatic activity of microfungi showed that ligninolytic activity was noted in 50% of the strains studied, amylazolytic in 62%, and cellulolytic in 85% of the strains studied. A group of psychrotrophic species with high ligninolytic activity, together with cellulolytic and amylase activity, and well adapted to decomposition of wood substrate in the extreme conditions of the Arctic was identified. Activity profiles of different isolates of the same species do not always coincide and expression of individual enzymatic activity factors in many cases has a strain character.

Micromycetes Rossicae: Chorological and Taxonomical Notes. 5. &lt;i&gt;Pseudocercosporella Filipendulae&lt;/i&gt; (&lt;i&gt;Mycosphaerellales&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Ascomycota&lt;/i&gt;) – New Find for Saint Petersburg (Russia)

The present report continues the series devoted to rare and interesting species of microfungi from various regions of Russia that cause rust, shoot deformations or leaf spots, and highlights Pseudocercosporella filipendulae (Mycosphaerellales, Ascomycota), a rare species new to Saint Petersburg City (Russia). The morphology of the species was repeatedly studied, emphasizing the conidia variability. This note gives further information on the distribution of the species in Russia, as well as the size of its conidia.

Plant-Associated Novel Didymellaceous Taxa in the South China Botanical Garden (Guangzhou, China)

The South China Botanical Garden (SCBG), one of the largest and oldest botanical gardens in China, conserves important plant germplasms of endangered species. Therefore, ensuring tree health and studying the associated mycobiome of the phyllosphere is essential to maintaining its visual aesthetics. During a survey of plant-associated microfungal species in SCBG, we collected several coelomycetous taxa. Phylogenetic relationships were evaluated based on the analyses of ITS, LSU, RPB2, and β-tubulin loci. The morphological features of the new collections were compared with those of existing species, emphasizing close phylogenetic affinities. Based on the morphological comparisons and multi-locus phylogeny, we introduce three new species. These are Ectophoma phoenicis sp. nov., Remotididymella fici-microcarpae sp. nov., and Stagonosporopsis pedicularis-striatae sp. nov. In addition, we describe a new host record for Allophoma tropica in the Didymellaceae. Detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided along with notes comparing allied species.

Trametes elegans: Sources and Potential Medicinal and Food Applications

The emergence of microfungi medicinal applications represents a turnover in the drug discovery field. These microfungi species are found in rotten woods and leaf litters collected from forests and reserves in some tropical countries during rainy seasons. Among these species is Trametes elegans, which shares a commensalism-based relationship with the host (plants), offering protection against external invasions. Thus, Trametes elegans possesses unique compositional values and gained tremendous interest in the last decade for its promising applications, such as inhibiting a wide range of bacteria and harmful fungi, reducing oxidative stresses caused by free-radicals, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide, as well as extending food shelf-life. This mini-review reports the available literature on Trametes elegans sources, studied extracts applications, and urges the investigation of other Trametes elegans potential applications as antiviral and anticancer agents.

Bioleaching Potential of Microfungi Isolated from Arctic Loparite Ore Tailings (Kola Peninsula, Northwestern Russia)

The use of rare earth elements (REE) in diverse areas of the world economy (e.g., industry, agriculture, medicine) has been significantly increased during the last decades. The mineral loparite can be considered as one of the REE sources along with bastnasite, monazite, and xenotime. The only active deposit of loparite ores in Russia is located at Kola Peninsula, northwestern Russia. The mining and processing of loparite are carried out at Lovozersky Mining and Processing Plant (MPP). In this study microfungal species isolated from the Lovozersky MPP’s loparite ore concentration tailings, were studied. Based on morphological markers, a total of 15 species from nine genera have been isolated and identified. Two most dominant fungal species (Geomyces vinaceus and Penicillium simplicissimum) and two non-dominant (Aspergillus niveoglaucus and Pseudogymnoascuc pannorum), were tested in vitro on their tolerance/resistance to lanthanides (Nd and Ce). For comparison, microfungal strain Cadophora malorum, that is not isolate, was also tested. As the result, the most tolerant to both elements was P. simplicissimum which continued to grow at highest (500 mg/l) REE concentrations. Another dominant isolate G. vinaceus proved to be tolerant only to Nd and more sensitive to Ce. Our results indicate that P. simplicissimum has the potential to recover REEs such as Ce and Nd from the loparite ore concentration tails. The results obtained may be useful in order to evaluate the potential of the isolated P. simplicissimum in REE bioleaching.

Diversity of culturable microfungi of coal mine spoil tips in Svalbard

The fungal complexes of the coal mine spoil tips around the settlement Barentsburg (Svalbard) were studied. Samples were taken from coal mine spoil tips with different ages (formed, 10-years, 30-years and 50-years). Arctic tundra soils were used as the control. The indicators of change were the species composition, diversity level, dominant groups of species and isolate density of fungal communities. The harsh arctic conditions and the inhospitality of the rock substrate determined the relatively low diversity of microfungi. Only 15 species of microfungi were identified in the samples from formed spoil tip, while in the samples from 50-year-old tip the number of microfungi species increased to 29. The average density of microfungi (CFU/g) for all sampling depths of the coal mine spoil tips was low. But this indicator increased with the age of spoil tips. The density of microfungi isolates also increased with depth in the coal mine spoil tips. The composition of the dominant species of microfungi changed with the age of the spoil tips increased. The convergence of the microfungal complexes of spoil tips and control arctic soils indicates gradual increase stability of mycobiota in disturbed areas.

Annotated Checklist of the Lichenicolous Fungi of Hungary

Knowledge of lichenicolous fungi is limited at a worldwide level and needs further basic information, as in the case of Central and Southern Europe. The literature sources for “Revised checklist of the Hungarian lichen-forming and lichenicolous fungi” by Lőkös and Farkas in 2009 contained 54 lichenicolous and other microfungi species of 38 genera. Due to recent field studies and microscopic work, the number of known species has increased to 104 lichenicolous species in 64 genera during the last decade, including 53 new species for the country. Old records of five species were confirmed by new collections. Key characteristics of some of the most interesting species are illustrated by microscopic views and two distribution maps are provided. Recent biodiversity estimates suggest that the number of currently known species could be 1.5 (–2) times higher with more detailed work on field collections. Although lichenicolous fungi have been less well studied in Hungary in the past, the relative diversity of lichenicolous fungi there, as indicated by Zhurbenko’s lichenicolous index, was found to be slightly higher than the mean value calculated for the world.

Rhizospheric Soil Microfungal Diversity under Hippophae salicifolia D.Don ecosystems of Garhwal Himalayas

The present communication attempts to provide information on the distribution and diversity of rhizospheric soil mycoflora under Hippophae salicifolia D.Don of Garhwal Himalayas. To achieve the target, soil samples were collected from two different localities, viz., Mana of Chamoli and Yamnotri of Uttarkashi districts of Garhwal Himalaya. Samples were also analysed for physicochemical properties, including texture, soil reaction (pH), and organic carbon. The serial dilution method was used to isolate the soil mycoflora. During the investigation, pH ranged from 5.95±1 to 6.67±1, and the moisture content was between 3.86±1 % and 1.63±1 %. Thirty-four species of microfungi belonging to 21 genera were isolated from all the sampling sites. Cladosporium was the most dominant genus, followed by Aspergillus and Fusarium. Cladosporium cladosporiodes was the most common fungi isolated from Hippophae growing sites with maximum contribution (7.43%) whereas, Nigrospora sphaerica was the least important species with minimum contribution ( 0.80%). The highest number of species (23) was isolated from the Mana site of Chamoli District of Garhwal Himalaya. Of the 34 species recorded, six were common, ten frequent, 12 moderate, and six rare occurrences. Similarity ranged from 16.21% to 96.26%. The Shannon-Wiener's diversity index was highest in Mana 2 (2.972), followed by Yamnotri 1 (2.217). Total richness and abundance were the highest in Mana 2 whereas lowest in Yamnotri 1. Evenness was highest in Mana 1 (0.966), followed by Mana 3 (0.954), while lowest observed in Yamnotri 3 (0.905). It was noteworthy in the present contribution that all the soil microfungi reported under H. salicifolia associated rhizospheric soils are new reports to such ecosystems of Garhwal Himalaya. Thus, it is hoped that further investigation of soils under different vegetation regimes of these altitudinal zones mainly dominated by Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana, Picea smithiana, Betula utilis, Alnus nepalensis, Abies pindrow will definitely add to the knowledge of microfungal flora adapted to different ecosystems.

Litter Fall, Leaf Litter Decomposition, Soil Microfungi and Nutrient Content in Cocoa and Food Crop Agroforest Farmlands in Southeastern Ghana

This study is a comparison of the litterfall, litter decomposition and soil microfungi species diversity in cocoa and mixed food crop agroforest farmlands. The study was carried out in the Atewa and Fanteakwa districts of the Eastern region of Ghana. A total of thirty six sampled plots size of five 25 m x 25 m were randomly demarcated in cocoa agroforest, mixed food crop agrorest and the natural forest reserve. Data collected on litterfall mass and leaf litter decomposition at monthly intervals for a period five months. Soil microfungi species diversity was analyzed from soil samples collected at two depths 0-5cm and 0-10 cm respectively using pour plate method. The reduction in mass of cocoa leaf litter was significantly negatively correlated with the number of days of decomposition. The rate of release of NPK was positively correlated with litter mass. Litter mass production significantly declined in the cocoa agroforest and mixed food crop agroforest farmlands. Initial rate of litter decomposition was generally slow in the cocoa and mixed food crop farmlands than in the natural forest. Soil microfungi species diversity was high in natural forest and low in the cocoa and mixed food crop agroforest farmlands.

An comparative analysis of airborne and terrestrial fungi in show caves Novoafonskaya (Caucasus) and Ali-Sadr (Iran)

Caves are considered as ecosystems isolated from the surface in varying degrees. Hypogean habitats are mostly A study of cultivated species of microfungi in two show caves Novoafonskaya (Caucasus) and Ali-Sadr (Iran) was carried out. The species composition of fungi has been analyzed in the air and cave sediments along the excursion route. Species identification was performed using standard approaches and cultivation methods. Jaccard index was applied to estimate similarity of communities of different biotopes. The species diversity of microfungi was higher in the Novoafonskaya cave where 50 species of microfungi were identified. Only 38 species were isolated from the Ali-Sadr cave. Representatives of Ascomycota predominated in fungal communities. The greatest species diversity was noted in the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Trichoderma. Species Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Cladosporium herbarum, Pseudogymnoascus pannorum, Oidiodendron tenuissimum and Penicillium chrysogenum were identified in all biotopes of both caves. Comparison of two biotopes of the caves using the Jaccard index revealed a high similarity in the species composition in the soil and air of the Novoafonskaya cave (KJ = 0.64). On the contrary, the species composition of fungi was different in Ali-Sadr cave (KJ = 0.22), which may be explained by intensive propagules input from the surface due to the cave morphology features and the arrangement of excursion route.

10-Methylthiocolchicine complexes with lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium metal cations salts – Cytotoxic, semi-empirical and molecular modelling studies

Thiocolchicine (10-methylthiocolchicine) is a semi-synthetic alkaloid with notable cytotoxic activity. Complexes of 10-methylthiocolchicine with Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+ and Cs+ monovalent cations of perchlorates and iodides have been obtained and characterized by spectroscopic methods, semi-empirical studies and molecular modelling. An explanation of the chemical nature of complexes formed between this alkaloid and monovalent metal cations of perchlorate and iodide salts which are present in human daily life is important. Their activities as cytotoxic and antifungal agents were also tested against the SKOV-3 cancer cell line and for eight selected microfungi species, respectively. Biological tests indicated no antifungal properties for 10-methylthiocolchicine. Complexation of 10-methylthiocolchicine with monovalent metal cations significantly improved the anticancer potency (~IC50 = 4 nM) against the SKOV-3 cancer cell line.

English

Fruit of Allanblackia floribunda is an active ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry. Fruit production in the species is hindered by incidence of pathogenic fungi leading to economic loss. This study was conducted to investigate micro-fungi species associated with leaf spot of A. floribunda. Field surveys were carried out in natural stands containing matured A. floribunda trees located at Owu Ikija, Ogun State (6.80°N, 4.03°E) and Benin, Edo State (6.29°N and 5.58°E) in Southern Nigeria. Diseased leaf samples were collected during wet and dry seasons. Pure cultures of fungal isolates obtained from the leaf samples were examined to determine their cultural and morphological characteristics. Percentage incidence of micro-fungi in each location was estimated. Leaves of healthy seedlings were sprayed with 104 conidial/ml spore concentration of fungal isolates to determine their pathogenicity. Fourteen fungal species were isolated from leaves of A. floribunda across the two sites. Aspergillus spp., Macrophomina phaseolina, Penicillium species, Pestalotia palmarum, Rhizopus nigricans and Trichoderma pseudokoningii were isolated from both sites during both seasons. Fusarium oxysporum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Penicillium javanicum and Pythium aphanidermatum were present at Owu Ikija while Colletotrichum capsici, C. coccodes and Curvularia lunata were present at Benin with fungal incidence of 12.5, 12.5 and 4.17%, respectively. P. palmarum had modal fungal incidence (35.29%) at Benin followed by T. pseudokoningii at Owu-Ikija with frequency value of 18.75 and 17.54%, respectively. P. palmarum was the most prevalent out of all micro-fungi species associated with A. floribunda in all locations. Pathogenicity test was negative for all tested isolates, variety of micro-fungi are associated with A. floribunda. Key words: Allanblackia floribunda, fruit, fungal isolates, leaf samples, pathogenicity.