Neoscytalidium Dimidiatum Research Articles

Isolation and Identification of Endophytic Fungi from Aloe vera Leaves and Chemical Analysis of the Alcoholic Extract of the Leaves Using HPLC, GC, and GC-Mass Devices

The study's goals were to separate and identify endophytic fungi from Aloe vera leaves by looking at their morphology and molecules, as well as to find the chemical compounds in the leaf extract by using HPLC, GC, and GC-Mass instruments. The results showed that 53 endophytic fungi were isolated from a total of 120 pieces of A. vera leaves, with a total colonization rate of 44.16%. The fungus Aspergillus terreus had a colonization rate of 14.16%; Aspergillus niger had a colonization rate of 13.33%; Penicillium chermesinum demonstrated a colonization rate of 6.66%; Paecilomyces variotii had a colonization rate of 2.5%; Talaromyces radicus; and Aspergillus flavus achieved a colonization rate of 1.66%. Finally, the fungi Aspergillus quadrilineatus, Talaromyces verruculosus, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Alternaria solani, and Aspergillus niveus achieved a colonization rate of 0.83%. The results of examining the alcoholic extract of the leaves using the HPLC device showed the presence of the chemical compounds aloin at a concentration of 125.39 ppm and aloe emodin at a concentration of 66.59 ppm. We looked at the leaf alcoholic extract with a GC machine and found a group of fatty acids. These included linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic. The GC-MS test revealed a group of active compounds, including Heptane, 1-(ethenylthio), Ethanedicarboxamide, N-allyl-N'-(2,5-dimethylphenyl), 2H-Pyran, 2-(3-butynyloxy) tetrahydro, 1,2-Cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid, 3-methyl-dimethyl ester and 4 (1H)-Pyrimidinone, 2-(propylthio). The presence of endophytic fungi from which effective enzymes or compounds can be isolated could probably have an important role in future medical and therapeutic uses. Also, the leaves of the A. vera plant have medicinal and therapeutic uses for many diseases.

Host-pathogen interaction between pitaya and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum reveals the mechanisms of immune response associated with defense regulators and metabolic pathways

BackgroundUnderstanding how plants and pathogens regulate each other's gene expression during their interactions is key to revealing the mechanisms of disease resistance and controlling the development of pathogens. Despite extensive studies on the molecular and genetic basis of plant immunity against pathogens, the influence of pitaya immunity on N. dimidiatum metabolism to restrict pathogen growth is poorly understood, and how N. dimidiatum breaks through pitaya defenses. In this study, we used the RNA-seq method to assess the expression profiles of pitaya and N. dimidiatum at 4 time periods after interactions to capture the early effects of N. dimidiatum on pitaya processes.ResultsThe study defined the establishment of an effective method for analyzing transcriptome interactions between pitaya and N. dimidiatum and to obtain global expression profiles. We identified gene expression clusters in both the host pitaya and the pathogen N. dimidiatum. The analysis showed that numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the recognition and defense of pitaya against N. dimidiatum, as well as N. dimidiatum’s evasion of recognition and inhibition of pitaya. The major functional groups identified by GO and KEGG enrichment were responsible for plant and pathogen recognition, phytohormone signaling (such as salicylic acid, abscisic acid). Furthermore, the gene expression of 13 candidate genes involved in phytopathogen recognition, phytohormone receptors, and the plant resistance gene (PG), as well as 7 effector genes of N. dimidiatum, including glycoside hydrolases, pectinase, and putative genes, were validated by qPCR. By focusing on gene expression changes during interactions between pitaya and N. dimidiatum, we were able to observe the infection of N. dimidiatum and its effects on the expression of various defense components and host immune receptors.ConclusionOur data show that various regulators of the immune response are modified during interactions between pitaya and N. dimidiatum. Furthermore, the activation and repression of these genes are temporally coordinated. These findings provide a framework for better understanding the pathogenicity of N. dimidiatum and its role as an opportunistic pathogen. This offers the potential for a more effective defense against N. dimidiatum.

Taxonomy and pathogenicity of fungi associated with oak decline in northern and central Zagros forests of Iran with emphasis on coelomycetous species.

Oak decline is a complex disorder that seriously threatens the survival of Zagros forests. In an extensive study on taxonomy and pathology of fungi associated with oak decline in the central and northern part of Zagros forests, 462 fungal isolates were obtained from oak trees showing canker, gummosis, dieback, defoliation, and partial or total death symptoms. Based on inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) fingerprinting patterns, morphological characteristics, and sequences of ribosomal DNA (28S rDNA and ITS) and protein coding loci (acl1, act1, caM, tef-1α, rpb1, rpb2, and tub2), 24 fungal species corresponding to 19 genera were characterized. Forty percent of the isolates were placed in eight coelomycetous species from seven genera, namely, Alloeutypa, Botryosphaeria, Cytospora, Didymella, Gnomoniopsis, Kalmusia, and Neoscytalidium. Of these, four species are new to science, which are introduced here as taxonomic novelties: Alloeutypa iranensis sp. nov., Cytospora hedjaroudei sp. nov., Cytospora zagrosensis sp. nov., and Gnomoniopsis quercicola sp. nov. According to pathogenicity trials on leaves and stems of 2-year-old Persian oak (Quercus brantii) seedlings, Alternaria spp. (A. alternata, A. atra, and A. contlous), Chaetomium globosum, and Parachaetomium perlucidum were recognized as nonpathogenic. All coelomycetous species were determined as pathogenic in both pathogenicity trials on leaves and seedling stems, of which Gnomoniopsis quercicola sp. nov., Botryosphaeria dothidea, and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum were recognized as the most virulent species followed by Biscogniauxia rosacearum.

Molecular identification and antimicrobial potential of endophytic fungi against some grapevine pathogens.

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that, exhibiting within the plant tissues without causing any apparent harm to the host, establish a symbiotic relationship with plants. Host plants provide endophytic fungi with essential nutrients and a protected environment. In exchange, the fungi can enhance the plant's ability to acquire nutrients. They can also play a crucial role in increasing the host plant's tolerance to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Endophytic fungi can produce a wide range of bioactive compounds, some similar to those found in the host plant. In Iraq's Duhok province of the Kurdistan region, the plant species Vitis vinifera has been explored as a habitat for diverse endophytic microorganisms across various ecological environments. During the period from 2021 to 2022, a total of 600 samples were collected from four distinct locations: Bagera, Besfke, Barebhar, and Atrush. From these samples, twelve endophytic fungal species were isolated, including Aspergillus flavipes, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium ruscicol, Fusarium venenatum, Chaetomium globosum, Clonostachys rosea, Mucor racemosus, Penicillium glabrum, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus nidulans, and Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, Paecilomyces maximus, Curvularia buchloes. These fungi were introduced for their potential as biocontrol agents against grapevine trunk diseases and grape rotting fungi, which pose significant risks to grapevine health and productivity. Penicilium radiatolobatum, Botrysphaeria dothidea, Fusarium ruscicola, Fusarium venenatum, and Paecilomyces maximus represented the first record as endophytes on grapevine in Iraq. Based on ITS and SSU sequencing, molecular identification confirmed these fungi's presence with sequence identities ranging from 99% to 100%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these endophytes could be categorized into five main clusters (A, B, C, D, and E), showing high intra-group similarity. Utilizing the Dual Culture method, the endophyte Paecilomyces maximus demonstrated a 70.83% inhibition rate against Ilyonectria destructans. In the Food Poisoning method, A. flavipes and P. maximus emerged as the most effective inhibitors of Ilyonectria destructans, whereas A. terreus, M. racemosus, and P. maximus achieved complete inhibition (100%) of Botrytis cinerea. Additionally, M. racemosus was identified as the most effective biocontrol agent against Neoscytalidium dimidiatum. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the potential of endophytic fungi from Vitis vinifera as effective biocontrol agents against grapevine diseases, highlighting their role in sustainable vineyard management. These findings lead to further exploration and implementation of these fungi-inserted pest management strategies.

Identification and Characterization of Fungal Pathogens Contributing to Citrus Twig Dieback in Kerman Province, Iran

Citrus decline with complex symptoms was recently observed in Kerman province, reducing the annual yield of citrus fruits. Agents that cause citrus decline include fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and abiotic factors. One of the most important symptoms of citrus decline is branch dieback. In this study, the fungal agent responsible for dieback was identified. To achieve this goal, sampling was conducted in citrus orchards with symptoms of twig dieback and twig canker in the summer of 2020. Samples were collected from different areas of the citrus growing region of Kerman province, including Bam, Rigan, Narmashir, Fahraj, Shahdad, and Orzueeh. Fungi were isolated from diseased branches on nutrient culture medium. The resulting fungi were identified using morphological characteristics. The following fungi were isolated from diseased plants: Alternaria spp., Nattrassia mangiferae, Ulocladium spp., Bipolaris spp., Fusarium spp., Phoma sp., Rhizoctonia sp., Paecilomyces spp., Chaetomium spp., Acremonium spp., Stemphylium sp., and Cladosporium spp. Notably, Alternaria spp. exhibited the highest frequency and widest distribution among them, making it the most prevalent fungus throughout all citrus-growing regions of Kerman province. N. mangiferae was the second most frequently isolated fungus. Pathogenicity tests were performed by artificially inoculating two-year-old lemon trees under controlled conditions. All fungal genera except Chaetomium sp. and Cladosporium spp. were virulent. N. mangiferae was the most virulent fungus and caused the most severe cankers six weeks after inoculation. It also had the greatest discoloration compared to other fungi in these tests

P-Terphenyl and Diphenyl Ether Derivatives from the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus candidus HM5-4.

Two undescribed p-terphenyl derivatives, asperterphenylcins A-B (1-2), and two undescribed diphenyl ether derivatives, asperdiphenylcins A-B (3-4), together with three previously described p-terphenyl derivatives-4″-deoxyterprenin (5), terphenyllin (6), and 3″-hydroxyterphenyllin (7)-were obtained from the solid-rice culture of the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus candidus HM5-4, which was isolated from sponges from the South China Sea. Their structures were elucidated by HRESIMS data and NMR spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 showed a strong inhibitory effect on Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, with an inhibition circle diameter of 31.67 ± 2.36 mm at a concentration of 10.0 µg/disc. Compounds 5 and 7 displayed cytotoxic activity against human chronic myeloid leukemia cells (K562), human liver cancer cells (BEL-7402), human gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901), human non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549) and human HeLa cervical cancer cells, with IC50 values ranging from 3.32 to 60.36 µM, respectively. Compounds 2, 6 and 7 showed potent inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, with IC50 values of 1.26 ± 0.19, 2.16 ± 0.44 and 13.22 ± 0.55 µM, respectively.

Morpho-anatomical attributes of the Egyptian Conocarpus erectus L. (Combretaceae R.Br.) with its phytochemicals and fungal-endophytes

Egyptian Conocarpus erectus L., or the buttonwood, was studied in different terms. This study used light and scanning electron microscopy, HPLC, and GC–MS analyses. Foliar morphology, anatomy of stems and leaves, pollen morphology, and phytochemical and endofungal attributes were investigated. It was an evergreen shrub with alternate leaves, a pair of nectary glands on the leaf base, and a few indumentums. Trichomes of both non- and glandular hairs were found. Stomata were sized, reaching 37.5 × 25.0 µm. They appeared on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces. The stem and leaf interior structure was typically like most dicots. Their internal structure revealed the mycelium of Aspergillus flavus throughout. Similarly, the accumulation of phenolic compounds as colored particles and integrated phytochemicals in crystalloid druses are observed internally. The endophytic fungus A. flavus, isolated from the leaves of C. erectus, contained the highest concentration of kojic acid. As a result, we could consider this A. flavus strain as a source of kojic acid for application in industry. Fungal and C. erectus extracts showed broad-range antifungal activity against three opportunistic human pathogenic fungi (Geotrichum candidum OL960606, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum OL960610, and Scopulariopsis coprophila OL960621). The major bioactive compounds of C. erectus leaf extracts were gallic acid, rutin, and rosmarinic acid. In conclusion, the endophytic A. flavus isolated from C. erectus has a variety of biological and medicinal uses that make it a potential commercial resource.

Morphological and Molecular Identification of the Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, and Evaluation of Kaolin and Magnesium Oxide Nano-particles Efficacy to Control in Vitro

The study was conducted during season of 2018-2019 in the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad.The aim of examining and diagnosing the pathogenic fungus Neoscytalidium dimidiatum from apple, mulberry and castor plants. The results of the electrophoresis of DNA extracted from the pathogen on agarose gel showed the presence of one band with a molecular weight of 550bp, The nucleotide sequences of the fungus have been deposited in Genebank under accession number MW011739.1, MW011738.1, MW011740.1 respectively.The results showed that the magnesium oxide nanoparticles and the score pesticide achieved a high antagonistic capacity reaching 100%,while the effect of kaolin in its three concentrations as the concentration of 0.5% did not achieve any inhibition in the growth of the fungal hyphae,while the average percentage of inhibition reached 37.08% at the concentration of 2% and 35.69 at the concentration of 1%.

Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics reveal the potential pathogenic mechanism of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum on pitaya

ABSTRACT Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (class Dothideomycetes ) is a fungus responsible for canker disease in pitaya stems and fruits, leading to significant economic losses. However, little is known about the pathogenesis, family evolution, and genetic variants of this species. In this study, we report a high-quality genome sequence of N. dimidiatum based on the Nanopore sequencing technology platform for sequencing and Hi-C assembly technology for genome assembly. The genome contains 12 chromosomes (2 n = 2× = 12; diploid), with a sequencing depth of 186.1×, encoding 12,349 proteins. Molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that N. dimidiatum is evolutionarily close to Botryosphaeria dothidea . Compared to other fungi, the N. dimidiatum genome contains many carbohydrate-active enzymes and secondary metabolites. Additionally, we predict that N. dimidiatum contains 121 candidate effectors that may play important roles in infection and colonization, promoting pathogenicity in pitaya. Nine of these effectors were confirmed to contain signal peptides and inhibit BAX/INF1-induced necrosis in Nicotiana benthamiana , demonstrating their importance during infection. Finally, we also confirm that N. dimidiatum does not form an appressorium or infection thread but instead infects pitaya via open stomata. In conclusion, the results provide a foundation for future research on N. dimidiatum and the control of pitaya canker. IMPORTANCE Pitaya canker is a significant disease in the pitaya industry in China, causing significant economic losses. Therefore, systematic research on Neoscytalidium dimidiatum , the fungus implicated in pitaya canker, is essential for comprehending the pathogenesis of this disease and developing effective control strategies. We applied comparative genomics to reveal the genetic evolution, metabolic diversity, environmental adaptation, and pathogenicity of N. dimidiatum , providing ideal targets for studies of pathogenesis and molecular targets for fungicide development. Moreover, the systematic study of the N. dimidiatum growth cycle, morphological characteristics, and molecular phylogenetic analysis can promote a comprehensive understanding of its genetic basis.

Plant-Associated Neoscytalidium dimidiatum-Taxonomy, Host Range, Epidemiology, Virulence, and Management Strategies: A Comprehensive Review.

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, a plant- and human-associated fungus, has emerged as a substantial global ecological and agricultural threat aggravated by global warming. It inflicts various diseases, including canker, blight, dieback, leaf spot, root rot, and fruit rot, across a wide spectrum of fruit trees, field crops, shrubs, and arboreal species, with a host range spanning 46 plant families, 84 genera, and 126 species, primarily affecting eudicot angiosperms. Six genera are asymptomatic hosts. Neoscytalidium dimidiatum exhibits worldwide distribution, with the highest prevalence observed in Asia and North America, notably in Iran, Turkey, and California. Rising disease prevalence and severity, aggravated by climate change, particularly impact tropical arid places across 37 countries spanning all 7 continents. This comprehensive review encapsulates recent advancements in the understanding of N. dimidiatum, encompassing alterations in its taxonomic classification, host range, symptoms, geographic distribution, epidemiology, virulence, and strategies for effective management. This study also concentrates on comprehending the taxonomic relationships and intraspecific variations within N. dimidiatum, with a particular emphasis on N. oculus and N. hylocereum, proposing to consider these two species as synonymous with N. dimidiatum. Furthermore, this review identifies prospective research directions aimed at augmenting our fundamental understanding of host-N. dimidiatum interaction.

Inhibitory effects of Ag+ and ZnO+ nanoparticles on a causative agent (Neoscytalidium dimidiatum) of dragon fruit stem-canker

Inhibitory effects of Ag+ and ZnO+ nanoparticles on a causative agent (Neoscytalidium dimidiatum) of dragon fruit stem-canker

First report of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum as the causal agent of leaf blight on Clivia miniata

In this survey, the symptomatic leaves of Clivia miniata were collected from a greenhouse in Karaj city of Iran. The isolation and morphological investigation showed Scytalidium-like fungus associated with leaf blight symptom. The phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer along with partial sequences of rDNA large subunit and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef-1α) genomic regions confirmed the identification of the recovered isolate as Neoscytalidium dimidiatum. The pycnidial morph of the fungus didn’t observe both in vitro and in vivo. The pathogenicity test on C. miniata and C. nobilis was also conducted to fulfill the Koch’s postulates. To our Knowledges, this is the first report of N. dimidiatum causing leaf blight disease on C. miniata and C. nobilis worldwide, as well as these host plants are new for N. dimidiatum in the world.

Biological control potential of a soil fungus Trichoderma asperellum K1-02 against Neoscytalidium dimidiatum causing stem canker of dragon fruit

Stem canker on dragon fruit caused by the fungus Neoscytalidium dimidiatum negatively impact dragon fruit cultivation and production. The use of Trichoderma species, the biological control agent against stem canker disease is an alternative way instead of use of synthetic fungicides. This study aimed to test the antifungal activities of soil fungi Trichoderma against N. dimidiatum. Ten isolates of Trichoderma species were tested against N. dimidiatum via dual culture assay, and the results showed that percentages of inhibition ranged from 72.75 to 84.45%. Trichoderma species K1-02 was found to be the most effective strain against N. dimidiatum (84.45%). Trichoderma K1-02 was identified based on a morphology and molecular study of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rbp2), and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) as Trichoderma asperellum K1-02. The pre-colonized plate method demonstrated that T. asperellum K1-02 covered the tested plates at a rate of 60%, which was significantly higher than N. dimidiatum (40%), and T. asperellum K1-02 aggressively covered the mycelia of N. dimidiatum as observed via stereomicroscopy. An enzyme assay was conducted to test the activities of cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) in cell-free culture filtrate (CF) released by T. asperellum K1-02, and the results showed that the activities of chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase were significantly higher than those of the control (potato dextrose broth alone). Scanning electron microscopy of N. dimidiatum mycelia incubated with cell free CF of T. asperellum K1-02 showed abnormal morphology. Furthermore, an in vivo test was conducted on dragon fruit cladodes to test the ability of Trichoderma with respect to the reduction of canker lesions. The results revealed that the application of 106 spore/mL T. asperellum K1-02 spore suspension suppressed disease development via the reduction of canker areas (0.09 cm2) on dragon fruit cladodes at a significantly higher level than those inoculated by pathogens alone (0.49 cm2). Thus, T. asperellum K1-02 demonstrated antifungal abilities against N. dimidiatum and has the potential to control stem canker on dragon fruit.

Branch canker and dieback of Meryta denhamii caused by Neofusicoccum parvum and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum in Italy

Branch canker and dieback of Meryta denhamii caused by Neofusicoccum parvum and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum in Italy

42244 An in vitro study of nail perforation ability of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum: the postulate of onychomycosis caused by the non-dermatophyte

42244 An in vitro study of nail perforation ability of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum: the postulate of onychomycosis caused by the non-dermatophyte

Unlocking the potential of rhizobacteria in Moroccan vineyard soils: Biocontrol of grapevine trunk diseases and plant growth promotion

Rhizospheric bacteria isolated from the root system of Vitis vinifera plants in Morocco were evaluated for their activities against fungi associated with grapevine trunk diseases namely Diplodia mutila, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Trichothecium roseum, and Neopestalotiopsis vitis. Those pathogens cause grapevine decline and impede growth and are known as the greatest threat to production worldwide. Among a collection of 196 rhizobacteria, twenty-four isolates exhibited potential antifungal activity against all the tested fungal pathogens. Based on the partial 16S rDNA genes, different genera were identified namely Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Achromobacter, Ensifer, and Brucella. In particular, Bacillus halotolerans (JFM-64 and JMS-14), Pseudomonas koreensis (JRSK-45), and Ensifer adhaerens (JRSK-84) were found to be the most effective strains. Furthermore, the potential of bacterial isolates to promote plant growth was assessed. The funding revealed that of twenty-four antagonist rhizobacteria, seventeen displayed protease and chitinase production, while fifteen, thirteen, and twelve bacteria demonstrated the production of amylase, cellulase, and pectinase respectively. Furthermore, thirteen bacterial isolates produced hydrocyanic acid (HCN), sixteen isolates harbor the ability to solubilize tricalcium phosphate and seventeen were able to produce siderophores and indole acetic acid (IAA). The results of the current study showed that the most effective bacterial isolates could exhibit traits other than Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). Our results showed that the bacterization of B. napus seedlings with the selected bacteria improved plant growth when compared to untreated controls. Autoclaved grape wood assays were used to further confirm the in vitro results. The growth of Diplodia mutila, Neopestalotiopsis vitis, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, and Trichothecium roseum was effectively reduced by rhizobacterial isolate Pseudomonas koreensis (JRSK-45) by 97.31, 97.14, 94.17, and 91.91%, respectively. This study highlights the potential of specific rhizobacteria as a promising approach to controlling fungal trunk pathogens associated with grapevine decline.

Efficiency Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticles in the Controlling of the Fungi Associated with the Date Palm Offshoots

Recently, Iraq has imported large numbers of tissue culture date palm offshoots from different countries. It is to build new orchards of date palm trees or plant them with the old orchards and some of them in the home's gardens. As a result of the widespread of many symptoms associated with these offshoots, this study was conducted in Basra Governorate, Iraq. To examine the capability of silver nanoparticles in controlling pathogens. The 36 fungi species were isolated from the shoot system of tissue culture date palm offshoots. Alternaria sp. was recorded at a high frequency compared to the Cladosporium spp. and Ulocladium spp. Neodieghtonia phoenicum, Scytalidium lignicola, and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum caused black scorch. Moreover, Phoma costarricensis has been recorded as causing the leaf spot disease. The roots infected by wilt disease have shown three various fungi, Fusarium solani, Fusarium proliferatum, and Fusarium fujikuroi. The study also illustrated that silver nanoparticles possessed a high ability to inhibit fungi growth in the laboratory.

Development of a Novel Emulsion Formulation of Trichoderma asperelloides PSU-P1 Conidia against Stem Canker on Dragon Fruit Caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum

Stem canker on dragon fruit caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum causes severe losses in production of this fruit worldwide. Biological control by Trichoderma species is widely used to control several plant diseases. However, environmental conditions affect the use of biocontrol agents in the field. The development of a new formulation may offer an alternative way to address the problem of stem canker on dragon fruit caused by N. dimidiatum. In this study, we sought to develop a Trichoderma asperelloides PSU-P1 formulation that would be effective against N. dimidiatum. Three vegetable oils, two emulsifier-dispersing agents (Tween 20 and Tween 80), and one source of carbon (dextrose) were tested for carrier additives. We assessed the viability and antifungal ability of formulations incubated at ambient temperature and at 10 °C during a storage period of 1–6 months. The formulation composed of coconut oil, DW, and tween 20 in a ratio of 30:60:10 required a mixing time of 1.14 min; this was significantly faster than the mixing times of other formulations. Application of this formulation suppressed canker development; a canker area of 0.53 cm2 was recorded, compared with a control (pathogen only) area of 1.65 cm2. In terms of viability, this formulation stored at ambient temperature showed a surface area percentage of T. asperelloides PSU-P1 ranging from 64.43 to 75.7%; the corresponding range for the formulation stored at cool temperature was 70.59–75.6%. For both formulations, percentage inhibition gradually decreased from 1 to 6 months, with ranges of 59.21–77% and 60.65–76.19% for formulations incubated at ambient and cool temperatures, respectively. Our findings suggest that the formulation developed in this study prolongs the viability of T. asperelloides PSU-P1 conidia by up to 6 months, effectively inhibits N. dimidiatum in vitro, and reduces stem canker in vivo.

Correction to: First report of Neofusicoccum mangiferae in the Philippines

Correction to: First report of Neofusicoccum mangiferae in the Philippines

Developing diagnostic criteria to differentiate fungal foot infections caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and dermatophytes

BackgroundThe predisposing factors and clinical presentations of fungal foot infections caused by non-dermatophytes and dermatophytes are challenging to differentiate. Definite diagnoses of non-dermatophyte infections at first visits facilitate their treatment. ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop diagnostic criteria to differentiate fungal foot infections caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and dermatophytes. MethodsDiagnostic prediction research based on a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. The reviewed patients were aged ≥18 and underwent a mycological examination for fungal foot infections. A fungal culture at the initial visit was the gold standard for determining causative organisms. ResultsAnalyses were carried out on the data from 371 patients. N. dimidiatum accounted for 184 (49.6%) infections, and dermatophytes caused the remaining 187 (50.4%) cases. Five significant predefined predictors were used to develop the diagnostic criteria and score. They were immunocompetence status, no family history of fungal infections, the absence of pruritus, the absence of other concurrent fungal skin infections, and agricultural work. The lower score cutoff was <8 (sensitivity 97.8% and specificity 25.7%). The higher cutoff was >11 (sensitivity 83.7% and specificity 57.8%). The score showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.755 and was well calibrated. ConclusionsThe criteria and score show promise for clinical use, with acceptable discriminative performance and good calibration. They will help physicians differentiate the causative organisms in patients with fungal foot infections at the first visit, enabling the determination of appropriate antifungal treatment.