Mycelial Research Articles

Integration of Metabolomes and Transcriptomes Provides Insights into Morphogenesis and Maturation in Morchella sextelata.

True morels (Morchella, Pezizales) are a popular edible and medicinal fungus with great nutritional and economic value. The dynamics and regulatory mechanisms during the morphogenesis and maturation of morels are poorly understood. In this study, the metabolomes and transcriptomes of the mycelium (MY), primordium differentiation (PR), young fruiting body (YFB), and mature fruiting body (MFB) were comprehensively analyzed to reveal the mechanism of the morphogenesis and maturation of Morchella sextelata. A total of 748 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) and 5342 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, mainly enriched in the carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism pathways, with the transition from the mycelium to the primordium being the most drastic stage at both the metabolic and transcriptional levels. The integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics highlighted significant correlations between the DEMs and DEGs, and specific amino acid and nucleotide metabolic pathways were significantly co-enriched, which may play key roles in morphological development and ascocarp maturation. A conceptual model of transcriptional and metabolic regulation was proposed during morphogenesis and maturation in M. sextelata for the first time, in which environmental factors activate the regulation of transcription factors, which then promote metabolic and transcriptional regulation from vegetative to reproductive growth. These results provide insights into the metabolic dynamics and transcriptional regulation during the morphogenesis and maturation of morels and valuable resources for future breeding enhancement and sustainable artificial cultivation.

Nutritional value, elemental bioaccumulation and antioxidant activity of fruiting bodies and mycelial cultures of an unrecorded wild Lactarius hatsudake from Nanyue mountainous region in China

An unrecorded wild mushroom Lactarius hatsudake from Nanyue mountainous region in China was identified. Subsequently, comparative investigation on the nutritional value, elemental bioaccumulation, and antioxidant activity was performed in the fruiting body (FB) and mycelium (MY) samples of this species. It revealed that the contents of moisture (87.66 ± 0.16 g/100 g fw) and ash (6.97 ± 0.16 g/100 g dw) were significantly higher in FB, and the total carbohydrate, fat, and protein concentrations of FB were similar to those in MY. Among nutritionally important elements, FB possessed higher concentrations of potassium (37808.61 ± 1237.38 mg/kg dw), iron (470.69 ± 85.54 mg/kg dw), and zinc (136.13 ± 5.16 mg/kg dw), whereas MY was a better source of magnesium (1481.76 ± 18.03 mg/kg dw), calcium (2203.87 ± 69.61 mg/kg dw), and sodium (277.44 ± 22.93 mg/kg dw). According to the health risk estimation, FB might pose an aluminum-related health problem when a prolonged period of exposure, while MY was risk-free for consumers. The results of antioxidant capacity (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) assays) in FB and MY were within the range of 104.19 ± 5.70 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g to 169.50 ± 4.94 mg AAE/g, and half maximal effective concentration EC50 values ranged from 0.23 ± 0.01 mg/mL to 0.62 ± 0.05 mg/mL. The aqueous extracts of MY demonstrated a strong ABTS radical scavenging capacity with the highest AAE value.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Fruiting Body and Submerged Mycelium of Medicinal Mushroom Phellinus robiniae (Agaricomycetes).

This study was conducted to evaluate extraction yield, antioxidant content, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity of extracts obtained from submerged mycelium (ME) and fruiting body (FBE) of Phellinus robiniae NTH-PR1. The results showed that yields of ME and FBE reached 14.84 ± 0.63 and 18.89 ± 0.86%, respectively. TPSC, TPC, and TFC were present in both mycelium and fruiting body, and the more contents of them were found in fruiting body. The concentrations of TPSC, TPC and TFC in ME and FBE were 17.61 ± 0.67 and 21.56 ± 0.89 mg GE g-1, 9.31 ± 0.45 and 12.14 ± 0.56 mg QAE g-1, and 8.91 ± 0.53 and 9.04 ± 0.74 mg QE g-1, respectively. EC50 values for DPPH radical scavenging revealed FBE (260.62 ± 3.33 μg mL-1) was more effective than ME (298.21 ± 3.61 μg mL-1). EC50 values for ferrous ion chelating in ME and FBE were 411.87 ± 7.27 and 432.39 ± 2.23 μg mL-1, respectively. Thus, both extracts were able to inhibit Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacterial strains, at concentrations ranging in 25-100 mg mL-1 of ME and 18.75-75 mg mL-1 of FBE for Gram-positive bacteria; ranging in 75-100 mg mL-1 of ME and 50-75 of FBE for Gram-negative bacteria. Overall submerged mycelial biomass and fruiting bodies of Ph. robiniae NTH-PR1 can be considered as useful natural sources for development of functional food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products or cosmeceuticals.

Incorporation of Mycelium (Pleurotus eryngii) in Pea Protein Based Low Moisture Meat Analogue: Effect on Its Physicochemical, Rehydration and Structural Properties.

The protein content of a plant-based ingredient is generally lower than its animal food counterpart, and research into novel alternative protein is required that can provide similar protein content, texture and appearance as meat. This work investigates a mycelium-based low moisture meat analogue (LMMA) approach, by incorporating 0 to 40% w/w mycelium (MY) into pea protein isolate (PPI) via extrusion using a twin-screw extruder at 140 °C die temperature, 40 rpm screw speed, and 10 rpm feeder speed (0.53–0.54 kg/h). Physicochemical, rehydration, and structural properties of LMMA were assessed. The MY incorporation led to a significant change in color attributes due to Maillard reaction during extrusion. Water solubility index and water absorption capacity increased significantly with MY addition, owing to its porous structure. Oil absorption capacity increased due to increased hydrophobic interactions post-extrusion. Protein solubility decreased initially (upto 20% w/w MY), and increased afterwards, while the water holding capacity (WHC) and volumetric expansion ratio (VER) of LMMA enhanced with MY addition upto 30% w/w. Conversely, WHC and VER decreased for 40% w/w which was verified with the microstructure and FTIR analysis. Overall, MY (30% w/w) in PPI produced a fibrous and porous LMMA, showing future potential with an increasingly plant-based product market and decreasing carbon footprint of food production activities.

Effects of Cordyceps militaris fermentation products on reproductive development in juvenile male mice

Cordyceps militaris (CM) is a popular medicinal fungus; however, few studies have focused on its impact on the male reproductive system. We evaluated the effects of CM fermentation products on the reproductive development of juvenile male (JM) mice. Mice were divided into four experimental groups, each fed 5% CM products (weight per weight (w/w) in normal diet): extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), fermentation broth (FB), mycelia (MY), and whole fermentation products (FB plus MY, FBMY) for 28 days, while mice in the control group (CT) were fed a normal diet. Basic body parameters, testicular structure, sperm parameters, and sex hormones concentrations were analyzed. Compared to the CT group, mice in the EPS, MY, and FBMY groups showed a significantly increased mean seminiferous tubule area (p < 0.05), mice in the FB and MY groups had significantly higher sperm concentrations (p < 0.05), and mice in the EPS, FB, and FBMY groups showed significantly increased ratios of motile sperm (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, EPS significantly promoted the ability of JM mice to synthesize testosterone (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all CM products significantly increased the food intake of JM mice (p < 0.05) but did not significantly change their water intake and body weight gain (p > 0.05). In conclusion, CM products, especially EPS, exhibit strong androgen-like activities that can promote male reproductive development.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Ganoderma resinaceum (Boud) fruiting bodies extracts

Introduction: Ganoderma resinaceum is used to treat oxidative and inflammatory-related diseases such as cardiovascular and liver diseases. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of different extracts from G. resinaceum fruiting bodies. Methods: Aqueous crude (GRT), mycelial (MYC), exopolysaccharide (EPS I, EPS II) and water-soluble polysaccharide-rich (GRP I and GRP II) extracts of G. resinaceum were assessed for their free radical scavenging and metal chelating ions assays. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by stabilization of erythrocytes’ membranes and protein denaturation assays. For the in vivo study, paw oedema was induced by administration of κ-carrageenan (0.1 mL; 1%) to male Wistar rats aged 4 to 6 weeks. Animals were pre-treated with G. resinaceum extracts (125 mg/kg) and diclofenac sodium (20 mg/kg). Inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels were determined, and histological analysis of paw tissue was performed. Results: G. resinaceum polysaccharide-rich extracts (GRP I and GRP II) showed the best bioactivities. They scavenged DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ABTS (2,2-azino-bis-3- ethylbenzylthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, and NO (nitric oxide) radicals, and chelated ferrous ions, stabilized murine erythrocyte membranes, and inhibited protein denaturation. At 125 mg/kg, GRP I and GRP II restored the microarchitecture with a weak infiltration of immune cells in the subcutaneous tissues. Moreover, they decreased the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines growth colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interferon gamma (IFNγ), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), chemokines (eotaxin, fractalkine) and increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-12p70). Conclusion: G. resinaceum polysaccharide extracts could be potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory agents.

Effect of different dietary fibre sources on the zootechnical performance, feeding behaviour and intestinal physiology of growing and finishing pigs

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different sources of fibre in the diets of fattening pigs on performance, feeding behaviour and intestinal physiology. A total of 60 barrows and gilts (initial body weight 28.4 ± 0.4 kg) were allotted to four dietary treatments: control (CON), lignocellulose (LC), mycelium (MYC) and corn gluten feed (CGF). Diets were calculated to provide balanced available nutrient contents. Including MYC in the diet resulted in an increased average daily gain (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared to CON and CGF, and improved gain to feed ratio (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared to LC. Pigs in CON (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ate the fewest but largest meals, whereas treatment CGF (P &amp;lt; 0.05) showed the opposite effect, resulting in the same daily feeder occupation time. Regarding intestinal physiology, in ileum, no differences were observed between the contents of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), lactic acid and biogenic amines. In the colon, MYC showed an increased concentration of acetic acid (P &amp;lt; 0.05) as well as the total content of SCFA (P &amp;lt; 0.05), compared to LC and CGF. Distinct fermentation profiles of ammonia were recorded in ileal and colonic digesta, although contents remained below harmful concentrations. Morphometrical measurements showed differences between the fibre sources LC and MYC, as well as LC and the CON in all investigated gut sections. These results provide evidence that the inclusion of specific dietary fibre sources/contents can positively influence the gut morphology and performance of pigs. However, further studies are needed regarding the mode of action and physico-chemical characteristics of the different fibre sources as a precondition for their successful application in pig diets.

Culture Characteristics and Optimal Conditions for Mycelial Growth of Artomyces microsporus

Culture Characteristics and Optimal Conditions for Mycelial Growth of Artomyces microsporus

Deep sequencing of the Sanghuangporus vaninii transcriptome reveals dynamic landscapes of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of active compounds

The medicinal fungus Sanghuang produces diverse bioactive compounds and is widely used in Asian countries. However, little is known about the genes and pathways involved in the biosynthesis of these active compounds. Based on our previous study providing Sanghuangporus vaninii genomic information, the transcriptomes of MY (mycelium), OY (1-year-old fruiting bodies), and TY (3-year-old fruiting bodies) were determined in this study. A significant number of genes (4774) were up- or downregulated between mycelium and fruiting bodies, but only 1422 differentially expressed genes were detected between OY and TY. 138 genes encoding P450s were identified in the fungal genome and grouped into 25 P450 families; more than 64% (88) of the genes were significantly differentially expressed between the mycelium and fruiting body, suggesting that these P450s are involved in fungal sexual development. Importantly, the expression of genes involved in bioactive compound (triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and flavonoids) biosynthesis in asexual (cultured with solid and liquid media) and sexual stages was explored and combined with transcriptome and quantitative PCR analyses. More genes involved in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds were expressed more highly in mycelium than in fruiting bodies under liquid medium culture compared with solid medium culture, which was consistent with the yields of different bioactive compounds, suggesting that liquid fermentation of S. vaninii Kangneng can be used to obtain these bioactive compounds. A comprehensive understanding of the genomic information of S. vaninii will facilitate its potential use in pharmacological and industrial applications.

Efeito do extrato hidroalcoólico e do óleo de nim (Azadirachta indica) sobre o fungo Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum e na resistência induzida de quiabeiros à fusariose

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o efeito do extrato hidroalcoólico e do óleo de nim sobre o crescimento micelial, esporulação, germinação e adesão de conídios do fungo F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum e avaliar o efeito desses produtos na indução de resistência em quiabeiros tratados e, posteriormente, inoculados com o fungo, por meio da atividade de enzimas antioxidantes relacionadas com processos de defesa vegetal. Os resultados evidenciaram que tanto o extrato quanto o óleo de nim foram eficientes em inibir o crescimento micelial e esporulação do fungo. Além disso, houve inibição da germinação e fixação de conídios produzidos na presença dos produtos. O extrato e o óleo de nim reduziram a severidade da doença nos quiabeiros, medida pelo índice de infecção da doença. Além disso, incrementos significativos das enzimas guaiacol-peroxidase, polifenoloxidase, superóxido-dismutase e catalase foram observados nos quiabeiros tratados com os produtos, sendo estes aumentos, diretamente proporcionais aos aumentos das concentrações utilizadas. Assim, tanto o extrato quanto o óleo de nim têm efeitos diretos sobre o desenvolvimento do fungo F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum e induzem resistência em quiabeiros a partir da formação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs).

A New Record of Epicoccum draconis Isolated from the Soil in Korea

A fungal isolate US-18-11 was isolated from the soil in Uiseong, Korea. The mycelium growth measured after 7 days of incubation at 22℃ on malt extract agar (MEA) and oatmeal agar (OA) media was 42-43 mm and 41-44 mm in diameter, respectively. The fungal colony formed white to dull green aerial mycelia that were floccose with regular margins and olivaceous black with leaden gray patches on the reverse side. The conidia were hyaline to brown in color, ellipsoidal to ovoid, guttulate, abundant, globose, solitary, or confluent measuring 3.2-7.2×1.1-2.3 μm. A BLAST search of the large subunit (LSU), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, second largest subunit of DNA-directed RNA polymerase II (RPB2) and β-tubulin (TUB2) gene sequences revealed that the isolate US-18-11 has similarities of 99, 100, 97, and 99% with those of Epicoccum draconis CBS 186.83, respectively. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree constructed based on the concatenated dataset of above-mentioned sequences showed that isolate US-18-11 clustered with Epicoccum draconis CBS 186.83 in the same clade. Based on the results of morphological, cultural, and phylogenetic analysis, the isolate US-18-11 was identical to the previously described E. draconis CBS 186.83. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. draconis in Korea.

Levaduras aisladas de mieles como antagonistas de mohos patógenos de cultivos

Se buscó el aislamiento de levaduras de muestras de miel de la Provincia de Jujuy, Argentina, con el objetivo de utilizarlas in vitro como antagonistas de mohos patógenos pre- y poscosecha, de diferentes cultivos de interés, como, cítricos, maíz, maní y caña de azúcar. Se utilizó miel, ya que la misma puede actuar como medio selectivo de cepas inocuas y tolerantes a distintos estrés abióticos, como bajo pH, elevada presión osmótica, presencia de fitoquímicos, entre otros. Se logró aislar un total de 15 levaduras de 25 muestras de mieles. Las levaduras fueron identificadas como: Candida parapsilosis, Zygosaccharomyces baili, Zygosaccharomyces mellis, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Tausonia pullulans, Lachancea thermotolerans, Lachancea fermentati, Torulaspora delbrueckii y Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Todos los géneros se encontraron descriptos como presentes en la miel, provenientes, ya sea, de fuentes primarias de contaminación o del ambiente circundante. De los aislamientos obtenidos se probó el antagonismo in vitro, por disminución del crecimiento micelial de los mohos: Penicillium italicum, P. ulaiense, Aspergillus parasiticus y Fusarium sacchari. Lachancea thermotolerans, fue el único aislamiento que presentó antagonismo hacia todos los mohos ensayados. Candida parapsilosis manifestó antagonismo hacia P. italicum; Lachancea fermentati hacia P. ulaiense; Z. mellis frente P. ulaiense y uno de los aislamientos de T. delbrueckii frente a P. italicum y P. ulaiense. Se podrían utilizar las levaduras antagonistas en futuros ensayos in vivo, en vistas al diseño de un biofungicida activo contra mohos patógenos de cultivos, en la etapa de producción a campo o durante el almacenamiento.

Perfil químico e atividades antioxidante e antifúngica dos óleos essenciais de Raulinoreitzia crenulata (Spreng.) R. M. King &amp; H. Rob

Raulinoreitzia crenulata é uma espécie vegetal pertencente à família Asteraceae, apresentando compostos aromáticos nos galhos, folhas e flores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o perfil químico e as atividades antioxidante pela redução do DPPH e antifúngica frente à Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides e Colletotrichum acutatum pelos óleos essenciais dos galhos, folhas e flores de R. crenulata. O material biológico foi coletado em uma área no município de Rio Verde, Goiás, Brasil. O óleo essencial foi extraído e o rendimento determinado. O perfil químico dos óleos essenciais foi determinado por CG-EM, a atividade antioxidante pela redução do radical livre DPPH e a atividade antifúngica por sucessivas diluições do óleo essencial em Dimetilsulfóxido. Os rendimentos dos óleos essenciais foram de 0,82; 0,64 e 0,09% para galhos, folhas e flores respectivamente. O perfil químico apresentou 33 compostos para o óleo dos galhos, 29 para o óleo das folhas e 28 compostos para o óleo das flores. A atividade antioxidante apresentou redução entre 100 a 25,09% para o óleo dos galhos, de 86,09 a 17,21% para o óleo das folhas e de 20,55 a 15,12% para o óleo das flores. A inibição de crescimento micelial para S. sclerotiorum apresentou os melhores resultados, seguido de C. gloeosporioides e em menor atividade fungistática para C. acutatum. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo apresentaram bons rendimentos de extração de óleo, eficientes atividades antioxidante e antifúngica. Os óleos essenciais de Raulinoreitzia crenulata apresentaram bons indicadores através dos ensaios laboratoriais para uso agrícola, biológico, farmacêutico e alimentício.

The Effect of Sulfobetaine on the Activity of Strobilurins and Benzimidazole Fungicides

Surfactants (adjuvants) are the substances often added to the spray tank, besides the pesticide formulation, whose role is to improve the performance of the pesticide or the physical properties of the spray mixture, or both. Adjuvants are not often used as fungicides themselves, however, it is interesting to investigate if they can improve the fungistatic activity of the system they are included in. Therefore the main aim of this work was to determine the effect of the addition of a newly obtained, never investigated before, sulfobetaine type surfactant to the fungicides on their final properties. In the in vitro experiment fungistatic activity of the surfactant and the system of surfactant with strobilurins and benzimidazole fungicides were evaluated. The tested surfactants were added to the liquid medium of Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) at concentrations: 1, 10, 50, and 100 ppm. The organisms of Fusarium culmorum, Rhizoctonia solani, Microdochium nivale, and Alternaria brassicas were used as indicators. The experiments have shown that the addition of the new surfactant studied to the medium resulted in inhibition of mycelium growth of all the tested fungi. The system with the surfactant and the fungicide was much more effective against the tested fungi than individual fungicides.

Evaluation of plant extracts for the management of Cercospora leaf spot of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a leguminous crop with high economic and nutritional value. However, increased production is hampered by Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) caused by Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium personatum. Studies were conducted in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the efficacy of aqueous extracts of desert date seed (DDSE), neem seed (NSE), jatropha seed (JSE) and tobacco leaf (TLE) for the management of CLS. The antifungal activities of 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/l concentrations of each of the plant extracts was assessed in vitro on potato dextrose agar using the food poison technique. The field study was a factorial experiment consisting of 18 treatments laid in a Randomised Complete Block Design with four replications over two cropping seasons. The in vitro results revealed that all the botanicals at 100 g/l recorded the highest inhibition percentages. DDSE at 100 g/l significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited the highest mycelia growths compared to other levels of plant extracts used with inhibition percentages of 90.33 and 84.96% in C. arachidicola and C. personatum, respectively. Three out of the four aqueous extracts (DDSE, NSE and JSE) at 100 g/l significantly (P < 0.05) lowered disease incidence, severity and defoliation in the field and increased yield. Pod yield was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in plants treated with JSE, NSE, DDSE and Topsin-M, compared to those treated with TLE and the negative control plants. For most of the parameters, DDSE produced similar results as Topsin-M followed by NSE and JSE. Farmers can adopt DDSE, NSE and JSE as alternatives to fungicides leading to minimal effect on the environment since they are biodegradable. Key words: Cercospora leaf spot, plant extracts, groundnut, incidence, severity, aqueous.

Culture Characteristics and Optimal Conditions for Mycelial Growth of Calocybe indica

Culture Characteristics and Optimal Conditions for Mycelial Growth of Calocybe indica

Fosfito de potássio e suas implicações no controle de Phytophthora plurivora em faia

A faia (Fagus sylvatica) é uma das principais espécies das florestas na Europa e um dos principais entraves no cultivo dessa espécie é a ocorrência de doença causada por Phytophthora plurivora. Trabalhos apontam os fosfitos como boa alternativa para o controle de doenças causadas por oomicetos, entretanto, os mecanismos de ação ainda estão sendo estudados. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o produto comercial à base de fosfito de potássio, Phytogard® no controle da doença causada por P. plurivora em faia, bem como avaliar os possíveis modos de ação do produto no patógeno. Foram utilizadas mudas de faia aspergidas com diferentes concentrações de Phytogard® e, posteriormente, inoculadas com o patógeno. Foram avaliados a incidência da doença, o consumo de água e a quantidade de DNA do patógeno nos tecidos das raízes do hospedeiro. Nos experimentos in vitro, foi determinado o crescimento micelial, produção de massa fresca de micélio e de zoósporos expostos ao Phytogard®. Avaliou-se também a perda de eletrólitos, peroxidação de lipídios e a atividade da enzima β-1,3-glucanase do micélio. A morfologia das hifas tratadas ou não com o Phytogard® foram observadas em microscópio eletrônico de varredura. O Phytogard®, em todas as concentrações aplicadas controla de maneira preventiva a doença causada por P. plurivora e também inibe o crescimento micelial e a produção de zoósporos. Além disso, modifica a morfologia das hifas, atua na permeabilidade de membrana e na síntese de parede celular do micélio do patógeno.

Antagonistic effects of biocontrol agents against Phytophthora infestans and growth stimulation in tomatoes

Late blight disease is a major cause of economic losses in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) production in eastern Africa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma species in controlling late blight disease and their role on the growth of tomato. Trichoderma asperellum and T. harzianum were isolated from two commercial products containing the antagonistic species. Culture-based and molecular approaches, genomic DNA isolation and amplification, using ITS1 and ITS4 universal primers, and sequencing, were used to characterise the products. Trichoderma antagonistic effects against Phytophthora infestans (causative of tomato late blight) experiments were conducted in vitro and in the greenhouse. The greenhouse experiment had five treatments; namely, a negative control, Metalaxl-M, T. asperellum, T. harzanium and mixture of the two biocontrol agents, laid out in a randomised complete block design. The experiment was carried out for 12 weeks, with 3 weeks measurements intervals. Morphological and molecular characterisation confirmed the organism in most of the commercial products as T. harzianum and T. asperellum. An inhibiting action was observed on the P. Infestans mycelial growth, by the effect of T. asperellum (30.7%), and T. harzianum (36.9%).Trichoderma spp. suppressed late blight disease in the greenhouse experiment. These effects were specific to soil type, with the higher effectiveness realised in Ferralsols (27% disease severity) and least in Nitisols (36% disease severity). Trichoderma harzianum and T. asperellum resulted in higher above ground biomass of tomato of 31 and 19% increase over the control, respectively. There is potential of biocontrol agents in reducing P. infestans effects in tomatoes and in stimulating growth.

Óleos essenciais e hidrolatos de orégano e cravo-da-índia sobre o desenvolvimento micelial de Botrytis cinerea isolado de morangos

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os óleos essenciais e hidrolatos de Origanum vulgare e Syzygium aromaticum, extraídos por hidrodestilação frente suas capacidades de controlar o crescimento micelial do fungo Botrytis cinerea (mofo cinzento), isolado de morangos Albion, para uma proposta de manejo alternativo, ecológico e sustentável no combate à doença. A inibição do crescimento micelial foi estudada nos tratamentos: 5, 15 e 30% para cada hidrolato e 10% para cada óleo essencial. Não houve atividade fúngica considerável nas primeiras 24 horas de experimento. Os hidrolatos mostraram-se ativos em 48 horas, já na menor concentração (5%), com porcentagem de inibição do crescimento micelial (PIC) = 94% (O. vulgare) e 84% (S. aromaticum). Hidrolatos no tratamento a 15% mantiveram a PIC acima de 90% por até 72 horas, não diferenciando estatisticamente das 48 horas de acompanhamento. Nos tratamentos com hidrolatos à 30%, a PIC foi de 100% por todo período de experimento e não diferenciou estatisticamente entre os dias de tratamento. Ambos os óleos essenciais diferiram estatisticamente da testemunha entre 48 e 96 horas. O óleo de O. vulgare mostrou-se mais eficiente com PIC= 100% por todo o experimento e o óleo de S. aromaticum, em 48 horas, um PIC= 64% que se manteve até 96 horas. O estudo demonstrou a ação antifúngica frente ao B. cinerea de todos os produtos naturais extraídos, aquosos e oleosos.

Screening de óleos essenciais contra Lecanicillium fungicola

O fungo Lecanicillium fungicola é o agente causador da doença da bolha seca em cogumelos do tipo champignon (Agaricus bisporus), sendo responsável por perdas econômicas. Esse patógeno causa manchas e deformidades nos cogumelos, tornando-os inviáveis para comercialização. O seu controle pode ser feito com o uso de fungicidas, além das medidas sanitizantes. Entretanto, no Brasil não existe legislação vigente para a utilização de agrotóxicos em cultivos de cogumelos, o que impede a sua utilização de forma legal. Devido a isso, e à necessidade de evitar o uso de pesticidas, tem se buscado alternativas naturais para o controle de pragas e doenças. Os óleos essenciais tem ação antimicrobiana comprovada em diversos estudos e, por isso, podem ser uma boa alternativa para o controle de L. fungicola no Brasil. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a ação antifúngica de diferentes óleos essenciais ou compostos majoritários sobre o crescimento micelial de L. fungicola. Para isto, 13 óleos essenciais e nove compostos majoritários foram testados in vitro quanto ao seu efeito sobre o crescimento micelial do fungo, utilizando o método de difusão em meio, nas concentrações de 1 e 0,1%. Alguns óleos ou compostos majoritários apresentaram apenas uma inibição parcial, a qual variou de 62 a 97%, dependendo da concentração utilizada (0,1 ou 1%). Entretanto, a maioria deles apresentou 100% de inibição do crescimento fúngico nas duas doses testadas. Portanto, os testes in vitro demonstraram um grande potencial desses compostos como agentes de controle de L. fungicola no cultivo de A. bisporus.