Paecilomyces Research Articles

Microbial biopesticides in agroecosystems

Microbial biopesticides include several microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, baculoviruses, and nematode-associated bacteria acting against invertebrate pests in agro-ecosystems. The biopesticide sector is experiencing a significant growth and many discoveries are being developed into new biopesticidal products that are fueling a growing global market offer. Following a few decades of successful use of the entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis and a few other microbial species, recent academic and industrial efforts have led to the discovery of new microbial species and strains, and of their specific toxins and virulence factors. Many of these have, therefore, been developed into commercial products. Bacterial entomopathogens include several Bacillaceae, Serratia, Pseudomonas, Yersinia, Burkholderia, Chromobacterium, Streptomyces, and Saccharopolyspora species, while fungi comprise different strains of Beauveria bassiana, B. brongniartii, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium, Lecanicillium, Hirsutella, Paecilomyces, and Isaria species. Baculoviruses are species-specific and refer to niche products active against chewing insects, especially Lepidopteran caterpillars. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) mainly include species in the genera Heterorhabditis and Steinernema associated with mutualistic symbiotic bacteria belonging to the genera Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus. An updated representation of the current knowledge on microbial biopesticides and of the availability of active substances that can be used in integrated pest management programs in agro-ecosystems is reported her.

Microorganisms that attack forest species in the north of the state of Mato Grosso

Sawnwood presents one of the main forest products commercialized in the northern region of southern Amazonia, but due to its anatomical, chemical and physical composition, it becomes a target of deterioration of xylophagous organisms in general, due to the presence of parenchyma tissue in its constitution , The arrangement of the elements gives greater or less resistance to the proliferation of fungi in the cell wall, since wood that has high volumes of extractives, become more resistant and gives the wood a lower degree of susceptibility to the development of organisms in the cellular wall of the wood, works which identify xylophagous organisms in wood, are still in the initial phase, with few scientific studies on species of commercial interest. Thus, the general objective of the work is to identify the microorganisms that attack the wood of native species of southern Amazonia, as well as to classify the types of fungi attack in the woods, for the development of the study, such as the following species: cedrinho (E risma uncinatum ); white cedar (E risma bicolor ); cupiuba (G oupia glabra ); Rosinha (V ochysia maxima ). Six genera of fungi under the wood solution were identified during the evaluation period: Trichorderma sp; P aecilomyces variotii; G raphium arrosporium; R hizoctonia solani; L asioplodia theobromae and F usarium sp . are that they are classified in relation to the damage of the wood as stains and emboloradores. T richorderma and P aecilomyces variotii are categorized as wood shapers, due to an increase in quality, a quality of the wood, thus reducing its technological properties.

Comparative Efficacy of Different Approaches to Manage Meloidogyne Incognita onGreen Beans

Comparative Efficacy of Different Approaches to Manage Meloidogyne Incognita on Green Beans A greenhouse study was conducted to compare the relative efficacy of different approaches to manageMeloidogyne incognita on green beans. These approaches included: chemical (fumigant, nonfumigant, seed dressing, and seed dip), biological (the egg-parasitic fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus, and the mycorrhyzal fungus Glomus sp.), physical (soil solarization), and cultural practices (chicken litter, and urea). In total, nine different control materials and methods of applications were compared. Two important parameters were considered: plant response (plant growth and root galling), and nematode reproduction (production of eggs and the reproduction factor Rf). Results showed that the organic fertilizer, chicken litter, has severely affected the growth or survival of the seedlings. Therefore, this treatment was removed from the evaluation test. All other treatments were found to be effective against the nematode, but with different levels of efficacy. The eight treatments decreased (38.9-99.8%) root galling, increased plant growth and suppressed nematode reproduction. Based on three important criteria, namely: gall index (GI), egg mass index (EMI), and reproduction factor (RF), the tested materials and methods were categorized into three groups according to their relative control efficacy under our test conditions. These three groups were: 1) the relatively high effective group (GI=1.0-1.4, Rf=0.07-0.01) included: the fumigant dazomet, the non-fumigant fenamiphos, soil solarization, and seed-dip with fenamiphos; 2) the relatively moderate effective group (GI=3.4-4.0, Rf=0.24-0.60) included: seed dressing with fenamiphos, and urea; and 3) the relatively less effective group (GI=5.0, Rf=32.2-37.2) included: Paecilomyces lilacinus and Glomus sp....

Carrying and Effect of Granulated Baits Formulated with Entomopathogenic Fungi among Atta sexdens rubropilosa Colonies (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The present study aimed to evaluate the carrying and effect of (dry) granulated baits containing conidia of entomopathogenic fungi among colonies of the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa in the laboratory. This bait type was chosen to facilitate its eventual commercial use. Two applications were performed: in the first, baits with 1x108 conidia/g were utilized while in the second employed concentrations 5 to 8.6 times greater. The baits were formulated with a citric pulp base, with 2 isolates of Beauveria bassiana, 1 of Paecilomyces lilacinus and 1 of Isaria fumosorosea. The following controls were utilized: (I) baits with sulfluramid insecticide, (II) without active ingredient, and (III) Acalypha spp. leaf discs. It was verified that the baits containing fungal conidia were rapidly carried to the nest interior in both applications and were rejected minimally. Thus, the (dry) granulated bait formulation appears to be an adequate vehicle for entomopathogenic fungi. At the doses and concentrations utilized, the fungi provoked only limited worker mortality, not killing the colonies. Given the rapid carrying and low rejection, a higher conidial dose per colony can, perhaps, kill them. Thus, it is inferred that all the isolates tested present potential as an agent to control colonies of leaf-cutting ants.

Susceptibility of Indian Leather for Fungal Attack

Fungi play an important role in the degradation of leather and service leather goods. In the present study 20 types of Indian tanned leathers have been tested for their resistance/susceptibility against mycobial attack. 9 common species i.e. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumiqatus, A. nidulans, A. terreus, A. sulphureus, Penicillium cyaneum, Paecilomyces varioti and Mucor sp. were isolated from various types of leather samples. E. I. tanned (goats & cows) and pure vegetable upper leathers were found highly susceptible and supported very good fungal growth. Vegetable chrome, full chrome B, and blue chrome tanned (buffalo) were relatively resistant and chrome tanned split (cows) leather was found most resistant.

Paecilomyces: A New Fungus to Fear?

Paecilomyces: A New Fungus to Fear?

<I>Paecilomyces echinosporus</I> sp. nov., a species isolated from soil in China

<I>Paecilomyces echinosporus</I> sp. nov., a species isolated from soil in China

Incidence of dermatophytes and other keratinophilic fungi in the schools and college playground soils of Jaipur, India

A total of 50 soil samples collected from school and college playgrounds soil of Jaipur, India were examined for the prevalence of keratinophilic fungi and related dermatophytes. Two keratinous fragments, human hair and nails were used for the growth of fungi by hair-baiting technique. A total number of 25 species belonging to 16 genera were recovered, 8 of which were common to both the school and college playgrounds soil. Dermatophytes and closely related species were represented by 25 species; of which the following were the most commonly found species in soil:Chrysosporium tropicum (26%), Chrysosporium indicum (22%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (16%), Microsporum gypseum (14%), etc. Some of the isolates of these related and dermatophytes like Trichophyton verrucosum, Trichophytontonsurans, Cladosporium sp., Paecilomyces sp., Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillusversicolar, Alternaria sp., Fusarium moniliforme, etc, were first isolated from playgrounds soil of Jaipur. The selection of certain keratinolytic isolates could become useful in managing polluted soil of playgrounds by students and people. To our knowledge, This appears to be the first report concerning the isolation of T. tonsurans, A. versicolar, Cladosporium sp., Trichophyton verrucosum, Alternaria sp.,Paecilomyces sp., F. moniliforme and A. nidulans as keratinolytic fungi from soil samples of Jaipur (India). Key words: Playgrounds soil, keratinophilic fungi, dermatophytes, Jaipur.

Cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus:a case report

Cutaneous infection with Paecilomyces lilacinus is encountered worldwide, with most infections occurring either iatrogenically or in immunocompromised hosts. A case of cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis caused by P.lilacinus is reported in an immunocompetent individual. A 53-year-old-man presented with a 9-month history of a slowly enlarging erythematous and pustular lesion on the left forearm.Large quantity of yeast-like spores were noted on microscopic examination of pus from the lesion. Growth of the isolate on Sabouraud dextrose agar produced a slightly grayish lavender wooly colony. The microscopy following microculture of the isolate revealed erect conidiophores, single-whorl penicilli, and numerous ellipse or subsphaeroidal microconidiae arranged in prismatic or dispersed prismatic shape, which was characteristic of P.lilacinus. Histopathology and PAS staining showed lots of small yeast-like spores in mid dermis. The isolate,which was finally identified as P.lilacinus, showed sensitivity to terbinafine in vitro, but resistance to itraconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B. Oml and topical terbinafine is effective for the treatment of cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis caused by P. lilacinus. Key words: Paecilomyces; Hyalohyphomycosis; Terbinafine

Laboratory Evaluation of Four Fungal Pathogens against the Teak Defoliator, Hyblaea puera (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae)

Effect of four entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, B. brongniartii, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus and Metarhizium anisopliae , isolated from different host insects, was tested in the laboratory against the teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae) to assess their virulence and efficiency. Five different concentrations, 2x10 6 , 4x10 6 , 6x10 6 , 8x10 6 and 1x10 7 conidia ml -1 were directly and indirectly applied onto third instar larvae of H. puera . All the four fungi tested under both application methods were pathogenic to H. puera with higher efficiency in direct application than indirect application. At 9 days after exposure, the mean per cent mortality obtained was 100, 93.02, 93.02 and 66.74%, respectively, for B. bassiana , B. brongniartii , P. fumosoroseus and M. anisopliae at the highest concentration of 1 x 10 7 conidia ml -1 in direct application. Mortality of the larvae varied according to the concentration of conidia, method of application and fungi. The lowest LC 50 (1.89 x 10 6 conidia ml -1 ) and LT 50 (91.18 hr) values obtained for B. bassiana in direct application showed that B. bassiana was more pathogenic to H. puera than the other three fungi.

Anti fungal activity of shallot, Allium ascalonicum Linn. (Liliaceae), in vitro

The aim of the present study was to investigate anti fungal activities of the fresh extract of Allium ascalonicum Linn. (Liliaceae) against clinically important yeast, dermatophytes and some saprophytic fungi in vitro. The anti fungal effects of fresh crude juice of shallot were determined against 11 isolates of Candida albicans, three species of dermatophytes (Microsporum gypseum, Trichophytonmentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum) and Syncephalastrum,Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., Paecilomyces sp., Scopulariopsis sp.,Cladosporium sp., Alternaria sp., Drechslera sp. by agar well diffusion method.Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the fresh extract of A. ascalonicum was 0.25% for most tested fungi; however extract show remarkable activity against saprophytic fungi followed by Candida species and dermatophytes. It is concluded that fresh extract of A. ascalonicum has more anti-saprophytes effect at 0.25% with a mean diameter of inhibition zone 21.83 mm. Key words: Candida albicans, saprophytic fungi, dermatophyte, Allium ascalonicum, anti fungal.

Identification of fungal pathogens of the spider mites, Tetranychus neocaledonicus André and Tetranychus urticae Koch from natural associations and through artificial inoculations.

In an effort to identify fungal pathogens of two economically important phytophagous mites, viz. the vegetable spider mite, TetranychuS neocaledonicus Andre and the two-spotted spider mite, T. urticae Koch, the species naturally associated were studied before experimentally testing other known acaro- and entomofungal species for pathogenicity towards the two. A comprehensive search in and around Bangalore during 2001-2005 indicated the recurrent association of many fungal genera, which were classified as acaropathogens, non-specific entomopathogens and opportunistic or minor pathogens. The entomophthoralean fungus, Neozygites floridana (Weiser&Muma) Remaudire&Keller and several species of the hyphomycetous genera, Acremonium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Lecanicillium, Paecilomyces and Penicillium were found on field-collected as well as greenhouse- and laboratory-reared tetranychids. Koch's postulates were proved wherever required to confirm pathogenicity. When artificially inoculated with nine pathogens from other mite and insect hosts, only Hirsutella thompsonii Fisher, H. thompsonii var. synnematosa Samson, McCoy&O'Donnell. L. lecanii (Zimm.) Zare&W. Gams and L. psalliotae (Treschew) Zare&W. Gams caused death by way of pathogenicity. Acremonium sp., Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill., Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin and Sporothrix fungorum de Hoog&de Vries, despite causing mortality, could not be recovered from dead mites, thus suggesting that mortality alone did not guarantee pathogenic host-fungus interaction. Nomuraea (Farlow) Samson was unable to cause mortality in either of the test mites.

Microbial Control of Sucking Pests Using Entomopathogenic Fungi

Sucking pests cause serious damage to several agricultural, horticultural and plantation crops either by direct feeding or by transmitting plant viral diseases. Since sucking pests likc plant and leaf hoppers, aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, thrips and mites to have developed resistance to insecticides, biological control using microbial pathogens, particularly funga1 pathogens like Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae , and Verticillium lecanil , has been explored for a number of pests. Several commercial formulations based on entomopathogenic fungi were developed for the control of sucking pests in different countries. Mycotrol and Botanigard based on B. bassiana, Mycotal based on V. lecanii and PFR-97 and Pae-Sin based on Paecilomyces fumosoroseus were developed for the control of whiteflies, aphids and thrips in USA, Europe and Brazil. In India, Fusarium pallidoroseum was found effective in controlling cowpea aphid ( Aphis craccivora ) in Kerala. Hirsllte thompsinii has been tried against the coconut eriophyid mite, but not found very promising. The wetland ecosystems like the rice fields as well as the sugarcane ecosystem have been found ideal for the use of M. anisopliae against sucking pests. M. anisopliae and B. bassiana were found to infect the sugarcane woolly aphid ( Ceratovacuna lanigera ) but these were also pathogenic to potential predators like Dipha aphidivoru and Micromus and hence cannot be recommended. Apart from these fungi, entomophthoralean fungi like Erynia neoaphidis, Neozygifes fresenii and Zoophthora radicans are reported to cause epizootics in several aphid species in nature. Fungal pathogens occur very widely in nature and there is a wide scope for isolating strains of fungal pathogens with enhanced virulence as well as desired cultural characteristics. Fungal formulations developed as microbial insecticides should possess good fluid stability and shelf life. Oil formulations have been found to be more effective against target pests even under low RH and aso possess a good shelf life. Since the muscardine fungi are pathogenic to beneficial insects like silk worms, honey bees, pollinators, as well as predators like coccinellids, utmost care should be exercised. Other pathogens like entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) have been considered for the management of sucking pests but not with much success. The chance of acquisition of bacterial and viral pathogens into the gut of the sucking pests is limited and hence these pathogens have not been considered for the manllgement of sucking pests. Infectivity of protozoans to sucking pests has been rarely reported. The current status of microbial control of sucking pests and the future prospects are reviewed in this paper.

Safety of pesticidal sprays to natural enemies in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.).

A study was conducted to assess the safety of three acaricides (Propargite 57 EC, Ethion 50 EC and Fenpyroxymate 5 SC), one insect growth regulator (Buprofezin 25 SC), four botanical pesticides (Neemgold 0.15 EC, Neem seed kernel Extract 5%, Clerodendron inermae aqueous leaf extract 5%, Vitex negundo aqueous leaf extract 5%), and formulations of two bioagents Verticillium lecanii and Paecilomyces fumosorosens to natural enemies associated with yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) in chilli under field condition. The natural enemies observed were predatory coccinellid, Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus, and the predatory mites, Amblyseius ovalis (Evans) and Amblyseins longispinosus (Evans). The botanical pesticides and formulations of bioagents were quite safe to predatory coccinellids and mites at tested doses. Among the synthetic acaricides, fenpyroxymate was quite safe to both predatory mite and coccinellid species and recorded on par results with the bioagents and botanical pesticides. Buprofezin and Neemgold were intermediate in their safety to predators.

Occurrence of Paecilomyces spp. in Containers of Anatomic Pieces

Especies de Hyphomicete genus Paecilomyces habitantes de una gran variedad de nichos medioambientales, son causantes de dano economico y micosis en animales y humanos. Desde el ano 2000, percibimos la aparicion de Paecilomyces spp. en contenedores de piezas anatomicas en el pabellon de Anatomia de la Universidade Federal Rural de Pernmbuco, Brasil.Las piezas anatomicas estaban danandose y poniendo en riesgo la salud de las personas que trabajaban en el lugar. Se han hecho estudios para resolver este problema

Quality of Ghana herbal tea: microflora and control measures

The microflora of Ghanaian herbal tea comprising dried leaves of Cinnamon, Hibiscus and Citronella have been investigated under field and laboratory conditions. Fungal species isolated varied from one sample to another. Sixteen fungal species were isolated from Hibiscus, belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Eurotium, Manoascus. Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Septodochium, Rhizopus and Syncephalastrum; thirteen fungal species belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Emericella, Monoascus, Penicillium, Streptomyces, and Rhizopus were resident in Cinnamon tea while nine fungal species belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Monoascus, Rhizopus and Syncephalastrum were encounted on Citronella tea. Aspergillus species (A. candidus, A. fumigatus, A. ochraceus, A. rubrum, A. terreus, A. wentii) predominated followed by Cladosporium (C. herbarium, C. cladosporioides, C. macrocarpon). Some potential pathogenic bacteria (Flavobacterium meningoseptium, Pseudomonas cepacia, P. paucimobolis and Xanthomonas maltophila were also encountered. Some of the aeromycoflora isolated from the farms from which the tea leaves were harvested (Aspergillus candidus, A. fumigatus, A. ochraceus, Cladosporium clasosporioides, C. herbarium, Penicillium digitatum, Syncephalastrum spp.) also infected the dry leaf samples. Gamma irradiation up to 5.0 KGy reduced the microbiological loads of the tea samples by 2-5 log cycles. A combination of low (£ 75% ERH) storage ERH and packaging material (brown paper and transparent polyphone) significantly lowered the moisture content of the dried tea samples and increased their shelf life. Practical implication of these findings are discussed and further studies suggested. JOURNAL OF THE GHANA SCIENCE ASSOCIATION Volume 1 Number 3, July (1999) pp. 84-99

Effect of Culture Filtrates of Antagonistic Organisms on Cyst Nematode, Heterodera cajani Koshy in Blackgram

Studies were conducted in a glasshouse to assess the biocontrol potential of the culture filtrates of the antagonists namely Trichoderma viride Pers. ex. Fr., T. harzianum Rifai, Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thorn.) Samson, Pseudomonas fluorescens Migula and Bacillus subtilis (Cohn) as soil application against Heterodera cajani Koshy on blackgram. The culture filtrate of B. subtilis caused maximum reduction in cyst and juvenile population by 95.2 and 94.3 percent, respectively followed by P. fluorescens and P. lilacinus .

Effect of pH and Temperature on the Nematode Destroying Fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus

The growth or Paecilomyces lilacinus (in buffered and unbuffered medium) in a pH range of 5-9; and its survival upon exposure to high temperatures (40-50°C for 0-10 days) was studied in Potato Dextrose Broth in vitro . P. lilacinus had the tendency to alter the initial pH (acidic or basic) towards neutrality. The fungus could grow at all pH levels. However, growth was better in unbuffered medium. P. lilacinus can survive exposure to 40°C for 10 days, 45°C for 6 days and 50°C for 24h. However, the resumption of normal growth at 28±1°C was delayed.

Structure of paecilospirone, a new antibiotic from Paecilomyces.

Structure of paecilospirone, a new antibiotic from Paecilomyces.

Control of Meloidogyne incognita on Coleus forskohlii with Paecilomyces lilacinus in Farm Yard Manure Amended and Non Amended Soil

Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq. (Labiatae), a spice and condiment crop, is highly susceptible to the rootknot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. Using it as a test plant, the influence of amending soil with organic manure, on the biocontrol of Meloidogyne incognita with Paecilomyces lilacinus was investigated in glass house.