Penicillium Spp Research Articles

The Role of Silver (Ag) Nanoparticles synthesis by Penicillium spp against the Toxicity of Echinococcus Granulosus in Adult Albino Male Rats

The aim of the study was to synthesize Ag nanoparticles by using filamentous fungusPenicillium sp. The fungal culture was isolated from the soil samples collected from agriculture fields in Kirkuk city. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was investigated by X-ray difraction peaks were measured at (101), (200) and (202) respectively, and scanning electron microscopy .The present study was designed to indicated the role of Ag nanoparticles synthesis by Penicillium spp against toxicity of Echinococcus granulosus. The present study used twenty adult albino male rats that distributed at random to following teams (each group consist five rats); management group received ad libidium, second group injected with 2,5 X 103 of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices third group injected with protoscolices and treatd with 50 mg/kg AgNanoPs, fourth group injected with protoscolices and treatd with 100mg/kg AgNanoPs. The results show high important exaggerated (P < 0.05) in levels of MDA (malonedialdehyied) and important decrease (P < 0.05) in levels of glutathione (GSH) and catalasce compared with management group. While, after used AgNPs with Echinococcus granulosus, the results indicated non-significant changes (P < 0.05) in MDA, GSH and catalse also showed non-significant changes (P < 0.05) compared with control group. histological study show decrease in numbers of spermatogonia and spermatocytes with absent of spermatid. While, after using AgNPs the testis in third and fourth groups appear semi-normal. It had been ended that AgNanoPs has been potential role against tocxicity of Echinococcus granulosus in rats male.

The bioremediation potentials and mercury(II)-resistant mechanisms of a novel fungus Penicillium spp. DC-F11 isolated from contaminated soil

Bioremediation of Hg-contaminated soil using microbe-based strategies is a promising and efficient method as it is inexpensive and not harmful to the environment. In this study, a novel Hg(II)-volatilizing fungus Penicillium spp., DC-F11 was isolated and showed bioremediation potential for reducing Hg(II) phytotoxicity, total Hg, and exchangeable Hg in Hg(II)-polluted soil. Subsequently, the mechanisms of Hg(II) volatilization and resistance involved were investigated using multiple complementary techniques. The fungal cells could detoxify Hg(II) by extracellular sequestration via adsorption and precipitation. Moreover, a comparative transcriptome analysis uncovered the primary intracellular adaptive responses of the DC-F11 to Hg(II) stress, including mer-mediated detoxification system, thiol compound metabolism, and oxidative stress defense and damage repair metabolism. These results showed that the resistance of DC-F11 to Hg(II) was generally a multisystem collaborative process. Here, we report, for the first time, that the mer-mediated detoxification system was responsible for Hg(II) volatilization in fungus. These findings provide a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in Hg(II) volatilization and resistance that occur in fungi and also provide a strong theoretical basis for the future application of fungi in the bioremediation of Hg-polluted environments.

Microorganisms Associated with the Fermentation of Gari Fortified with Sprouted Mung Beans Flour

Gari’ is consumed regularly by large populations of Nigeria, therefore, it is an excellent means of improving the diet of people through fortification with nutritionally rich foods hence, this study aim to produce ‘Gari’ by co-fermenting cassava mash and sprouted mung bean flour in different ratios in order to assess the effect on the nutritional composition as compared to a standard produced without sprouted mungbeans (SMF) flour fortification. In different ratios, composites of cassava mash (CM) and the sprouted mungbeans flour (SMF) were made (5% SMF + 95% CM, 10% SMF + 90% CM, 15% SMF + 85% CM; and 100% CM which serve as the control) and fermented using semi-solid state fermentation for four days. The Gari was then produced following the standard method of dewatering, sieving and roasting. Isolation of microorganism during the fermentation was carried out using standard microbiological techniques and identification was done using conventional and molecular techniques. The total bacterial (cfu/ml) of the fermented samples increased during the first day of fermentation, and reduced on subsequent days in all samples with the bacterial count ranging from 1.21 x105 CFU/g to 2.45 x105 CFU/g. The organisms isolated include Lysinibacillus alkalisoli, Proteus mirabilis, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus plantarum, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Penicillium sclerotiorum, Diutina catenulate, Rhizopus stolonifer, Trichoderma viridae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Most of the organisms isolated during the first and second day of fermentation such as Proteus spp, Staphylococcus spp, Bacillus spp, Bacillus spp, Diutina spp and Trichoderma spp, later disappeared toward the later days of the fermentation. Lactic acid bacteria, mold and yeast isolates such as Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus spp. Penicillium spp and Saccharomyces cerevisiae dominate toward the later stage of the fermentation in all the fermented samples. Molecular identification of the bacterial isolates shows that Lysinibacillus alkalisoli, Proteus mirabilis, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus plantarum, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus were present in the samples. The outcome of this research showed that co-fermentation of cassava mash and sprouted mung bean flour eliminates pathogenic microorganisms and encourages the growth of beneficial microorganism in mung bean fortified Gari production.

Impact of seed mycoflora of soybean on seed quality

The seeds collected from major soybean growing areas of northern Karnataka were tested for the association ofmycoflora and seed quality parameters. The mycoflora associated with soybean were Colletotrichum truncatum,Cercospora kikuchii, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, Rhizopus stolonifer and saprophytic fungiareAspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spp. Alternaria spp., Cercospora kikuchii, Fusarium spp.,Penicillium spp. led to deterioration and germination failure of soybean seeds. The seeds collected from Bidar region recorded high seed quality parameters.

Current PCR-based methods for the detection of mycotoxigenic fungi in complex food and feed matrices

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary fungal metabolites produced by certain types of filamentous fungi, such asAspergillus, Fusarium, andPenicillium spp. Mycotoxigenic fungi and their produced mycotoxins are considered to be an important issue in food and feed safety due to their toxic effects like carcinogenicity, immunosuppression, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity on humans and animals. To boost the safety level of food and feedstuff, detection and identification of toxins are essential at critical control points across food and feed chains. Zero-tolerance policies by the European Union and other organizations about the extreme low level of tolerance of mycotoxins contamination in food and feed matrices have led to an increasing interest to design more sensitive, specific, rapid, cost-effective, and safer to use mycotoxigenic fungi detection technologies. Hence, many mycotoxigenic fungi detection technologies have been applied to measure and control toxins contamination in food and feed substrates. PCR-based mycotoxigenic fungi detection technologies, such as conventional PCR, real-time PCR, nested PCR, reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP),in situ PCR, polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR DGGE), co-operational PCR, multiplex PCR, DNA arrays, magnetic capture-hybridization (MCH)-PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), would contribute to our understanding about different mycotoxigenic fungi detection approaches and will enhance our capability about mycotoxigenic fungi identification, isolation and characterization at critical control points across food and feed chains. We have assessed the principles, results, the limit of detection, and application of these PCR-based detection technologies to alleviate mycotoxins contamination problem in complex food and feed substrates. The potential application of these detection technologies can reduce mycotoxins in complex food and feed matrices.

Unorthodox ophthalmic preparations on the Ghanaian market: a potential risk for ocular and enteric infections.

Microbial contamination of orthodox ophthalmic preparations poses a serious threat to the user by causing ocular infections. There is no such information about unorthodox ophthalmic preparations in a medical pluralistic system such as Ghana. The aim of this study was to assess unorthodox ophthalmic medications on the Ghanaian market for possible microbial contaminations. Unorthodox ophthalmic preparations were collected across different herbal and homeopathic outlets in Ghana. A total of 27 samples were collected from the ten (10) regions in Ghana. The samples were inoculated in different culture media (Plate count Agar, Blood Agar, MacConkey Agar, Saboraud Dextrose Agar). The microorganisms isolated were identified using standard microbiological procedures and antimicrobial susceptibility was done to determine whether they were resistant or susceptible strains. All the samples were contaminated with bacteria and the majority were contaminated with fungus. A total of forty-eight bacteria spp. was isolated thus seven different types namely: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacilli spp., Serrati spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp. and Shigella spp. with Staphylococcus aureus being the predominant bacteria. For fungi, a total of eleven fungi species thus four different types namely: Cephalosporium spp., Penicillium spp., Cercosporium spp. and Clasdosporium spp. with the predominant fungi being Penicillium spp. Per the class of preparations, 15 contaminants were isolated from ten (10) anti-inflammatory preparations. The fungi were all susceptible to both Ketoconazole and Fluconazole but the bacteria were resistant to all the conventional antibiotics except Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin. Unorthodox ophthalmic preparations found on the Ghanaian market are contaminated with bacteria and fungi of clinical importance.

Analysis of ambient airborne mycoflora around Curzon hall campus, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

The indoor and outdoor air is an important source of aeroallergens and pathogens. Monthly samplings were recorded during September to November 2018 to investigate the airborne mycoflora concentration in Curzon hall campus, University of Dhaka. The fungal colonies developed in Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media were isolated from four different locations in the morning, noon and evening in monthly intervals. A total number of counted fungal colonies were 2,681 in which 924, 928 and 829 colonies were found in the morning, noon and evening time, respectively. Among the identified fungi, Aspergillus spp. was one of the most predominant genera in all the stations over the study period followed by Penicillium spp. Alternaria spp., Curvularia spp., Fusarium spp., Rhizopus spp. and Trichoderma. The identified fungi belonged to eight genera under the class Ascomycetes, Zygomycetes and Deuteromycetes. Among the fungal isolates, Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Curvularia spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp. and Rhizopus spp. were previously reported as pathogenic to plants and/or humans and strongly allergenic to human being.&#x0D; Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.9(1) 2019: 32-35

Effects of zinc chelating nutrients on Aflatoxin production in Aspergillus flavus

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic metabolites produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. Aflatoxin contamination of food is a serious health hazard. Some metal ions (such as Zn2+) affect Aspergillus growth and aflatoxin biosynthesis. Presence of zinc in the growth medium incites aflatoxin production. This study investigates the effect of zinc binding amino acids and peptides on aflatoxin synthesis in indigenous toxigenic Aspergillus species isolated from agro-ecological zones in Northern Iran. Zinc (II) chelating nutrients (such as Histidine (His), Cysteine (Cys), Histidine-Cysteine (His-Cys), and triple peptide (Asn-Cys-Ser) were added to the growth medium of toxigenic Aspergillus isolates and incubated at temperature range of 25–40 °C. Aflatoxin production on different culture media was tested using ELISA. Addition of cysteine to Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) medium significantly reduced aflatoxin production, which could be related to its zinc chelating property. Aflatoxin production was drastically restrained at high concentration of His, especially in combination with Cys, at high pH values and incubation temperature (pH = 7.5, temperature = 40 °C). Aflatoxin production was low in presence of triple peptide (Asn-Cys-Ser) at concentration of 500 mg/L. From the application perspective, natural zinc chelators can be used as harmless aflatoxin-production inhibitors.

Comparison of UV-LEDs and LPUV on inactivation and subsequent reactivation of waterborne fungal spores

Recently, the contamination of fungi in water supply systems has been an area of increasing concern, such as Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. It can cause some waterborne issues such as odor, taste and formation of mycotoxins. Ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) are considered as a potential alternative to conventional mercury lamps for water disinfection. This study has compared the performance of LPUV (low pressure ultraviolet) and UV-LEDs with emissions at 265, 280 nm and combination emissions at 265/280 nm to test inactivation efficiency, reactivation, viability and electrical energy consumption in the treatment of three water-borne fungal species (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium polonicum, Trichoderma harzianum) at a batch water disinfection system. The results showed that the performances of UV-LEDs were superior for the inactivation of fungal spores compared to the 254 nm (LP), while no statistically differences were observed among the UV-LEDs (p > 0.05). The average photoreactivation rate (k1) of fungal spores irradiated by UV-LEDs and 254 nm (LP) follows the order: T. harzianum > A. niger > P. polonicum. Compared with LPUV, UV-LEDs irradiation at 280 nm and 265/280 nm more efficiently inhibits photoreactivation, which was attributed to that irradiation of 280 nm and 265/280 nm would cause greater membrane damage and increase intracellular reactive oxygen species level of fungal spores according to the flow cytometric results. The electrical energy consumption of UV-LEDs was higher than that of LPUV, which was due to its lower wall plug efficiency. The results of this study can provide additional and beneficial information for the reasonable exploitation of UV-LEDs in water disinfection.

The Role of Silver (Ag) Nanoparticles synthesis by Penicillium spp against the Toxicity of Echinococcus Granulosus in Adult Albino Male Rats

The aim of the study was to synthesize Ag nanoparticles by using filamentous fungusPenicillium sp. The fungal culture was isolated from the soil samples collected from agriculture fields in Kirkuk city. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was investigated by X-ray difraction peaks were measured at (101), (200) and (202) respectively, and scanning electron microscopy .The present study was designed to indicated the role of Ag nanoparticles synthesis by Penicillium spp against toxicity of Echinococcus granulosus. The present study used twenty adult albino male rats that distributed at random to following teams (each group consist five rats); management group received ad libidium, second group injected with 2,5 X 103 of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices third group injected with protoscolices and treatd with 50 mg/kg AgNanoPs, fourth group injected with protoscolices and treatd with 100mg/kg AgNanoPs. The results show high important exaggerated (P &lt; 0.05) in levels of MDA (malonedialdehyied) and important decrease (P &lt; 0.05) in levels of glutathione (GSH) and catalasce compared with management group. While, after used AgNPs with Echinococcus granulosus, the results indicated non-significant changes (P &lt; 0.05) in MDA, GSH and catalse also showed non-significant changes (P &lt; 0.05) compared with control group. histological study show decrease in numbers of spermatogonia and spermatocytes with absent of spermatid. While, after using AgNPs the testis in third and fourth groups appear semi-normal. It had been ended that AgNanoPs has been potential role against tocxicity of Echinococcus granulosus in rats male.

Incidence of Blast Disease in Oil Palm Plantation Located in Akamkpa Local Government of Cross River State

The study into the outbreak of the blast disease in the oil palm plantation in Akamkpa local government of Cross River State was carried out with the aim of identifying the possible sources of contamination of the oil palm seedlings and also the physicochemical parameters of the soil samples. Fungi associated with the blast disease were isolated using the direct plating and bait methods while the physicochemical parameters of the soil were determined using standard methods. The symptoms of the blast disease in the palms begins with rotting of the tips of the roots and then further spreads into the media zone of the cortex resulting in the eventual death of the palm. Fungi isolated from different portion of the affected seedlings, water and soil samples include Pythium, Phytothora, Macrophomina, Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. The results of the soil physical properties of the soil samples showed the particle size analyses of the soils samples to range from 835 gkg1 to 840 gkg1 respectively. The soil texture was sandy loam with an acidic pH ranging from 5.3 to 5.8. The contents of organic matter ranged from 6.10g kg-1 to 14.25 g kg-1, total nitrogen 1.58 g kg-1 to 2.25 g kg-1, available phosphorus 5.08 mg kg-1 to 6.10mg kg-1 and potassium 1.16 cmol kg-1 to 2.18cmol kg-1. The result of this study has indicated that the source of water used for the watering of the oil palm nursery serve as the possible source of introduction of pathogenic pathogens to the oil palm seedlings.

Mycoflora Associated with Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) Purchased from Major Markets in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Pearl millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses; they are widely grown around the world as cereal crops and have a wide array of uses. They harbor a lot of fungi from field to post-harvest which are capable of posing health hazards to humans and animals. The objectives of this research study were to isolate and identify different fungi associated with millet at different periods of storage and determine their mycotoxin profile. Materials and Methods: Millet samples were purchased randomly from vendors in three major markets situated in three different local governments in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria over a three-month period. The samples were brought to the laboratory in sterile polythene bags. Isolation of fungi from the millet samples was done by direct plating on Saboraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA) incorporated with chloramphenicol to prevent bacterial growth. The plates were incubated at room temperature for 48-72 hours and observed. Results: Pure cultures of fungi were obtained by repeated sub-culturing. A total of fourteen (14) fungi belonging to twelve (12) genera were obtained. Aspergillus fumigatus had the highest (25.7%) frequency of occurrence, with Syncephalastrum spp (6.5%), Rhizopus spp (5.7%), Fusarium spp (3.6%), Alternaria brassicicola (2.8%), Curvularia spp (3.2%), Mucor mucedo (2.4%), Gonatobotrys simplex (1.2%), Acladium conspersum (0.5%), Penicillium spp (2.8%), Aspergillus niger (21.2%), Aspergillus flavus (23.6%) while Nigrospora oryzae and Sporendonema spp had the lowest (0.4%) frequencies. The mycotoxin profile quantification revealed the presence of four aflatoxins: AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 in the millet samples with the samples purchased from Oje having the highest aflatoxin level of 897 ppb. Conclusion: There is the need to adopt strict hygiene, storage and preservative practices to prevent fungi from infecting millet samples with a view to controlling their aflatoxin level.

Effect of Priming on Seed Quality of Soybean [&lt;i&gt;Glycine max&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Merrill] Varieties at Assosa, Western Ethiopia

Benishagul state of Ethiopia is a potential place for soybean seed production but, seed quality production is the major problem under this place. So that, the use of seed priming techniques before seed sowing has been the best solution to overcome seed quality problem. Experiment was carried out at Haramaya University seed science laboratory. The objective of the experiment was to determine the effect of priming on seed quality of soybean varieties. The experiment had three varieties (Belessa95, Wello and Gishama), three priming types [GA3 (100PPM), KH2PO4 (50 PP) and water] and three priming durations (0, 6, 12 hours) were evaluated using a randomized complete block design for field experiment. Seed were harvested and seed quality analysis was tested at laboratory by using completely Randomized Design in three replications. The result of the study showed that highly significant (P≤0.01) difference between interaction of varieties by, priming type and soaking durations for Seedling dry weight, seedling vigor index-2, speed of germination, Electrical conductivity and field emergence index and significant (P≤0.05) difference for seedling vigor index-1 were observed. Varieties by priming type interaction showed highly significant (P≤0.01) difference for seedling dry weight, seedling vigor index-2, speed of germination, electrical conductivity and field emergence index. The highest shoot length were observed for Belessa95 varieties primed with GA3 (16.31cm) and the highest root length were observed for Belessa95 varieties (6.98cm) and seed primed with water (7.22cm). The highest seedling dry weight was recorded when Belessa95 variety primed with water for 12hr (250 gm). The highest seedling vigor index1 was recorded when Gishema variety primed with KH2PO4 for 6hr (2202.20), the highest seedling vigor index2 was recorded when Belessa95 variety primed with water for 12hr (23673) and the highest Speed of Germination was recorded when Wello variety primed with water for 6hr (42.89). Colletotrichum dematium, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium spp, Alternaria spp, Tricodormal spp, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp, Cladosporium spp, Curvularia lunata, Rhizoctonia bataticola, Rhizopus spp, Macrophomina spp, yeast, Chaetomium spp, Sphacelomia glycines and Xanthomonas campestri were disease identified from seed sample. Soybean varieties primed with water and GA3 priming medias exhibited the better results in improving seed quality followed by KH2PO4. Hence, Water priming was recommended to user to overcome the problems of poor crop emergence and establishments under adverse environmental condition.

Bioassay of Lemongrass on Fungi Pathogen Associated with Cassava Tubers Rot in Farin Gada Market, Jos

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Lemongrass on fungal pathogen associated with cassava tuber rot. The study was carried out in the biology laboratory of the Federal College of Forestry Jos, Plateau state from March to May, 2019. Rotten and healthy cassava tubers were collected separately from Farin-Gada market Jos, fungi species were isolated from rotten cassava tubers by direct inoculation of the spoiled part on sterile Potato Dextrose Agar medium and incubated for 3-5 days, the isolated fungi were identified microscopically and macroscopically. The identified fungi were used for pathogenicity test. The antifungal effect of different concentrations of ethanol extract of lemongrass was investigated. Data collected were analyzed using one way ANOVA and the means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at (p≥0.05). The fungi isolated include, Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp, Geotrichum candidum, and Aspergillus flavus. The frequency of occurrence of the isolated fungi indicated Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp, Geotrichum candidum, and Aspergillus flavus had 30, 15, 35 and 20% respectively. 20 mL of the tested extract gave the highest inhibition of 19.07, 20.57, 18.17 mL and 18.00 mL on Fusarium spp, Penicillium spp, Geotrichum candidum and Aspergillus flavus respectively. At the 5th day of incubation the results of the pathogenicity showed that Aspergillus flavus gives the highest deterioration of 9.17 mm. The length of deterioration showed significant difference. The lemongrass extract indicated anti-fungal effect on the fungal isolates, therefore could be used to control cassava tuber rot caused by fungi.

Microbiological Analysis, Cyanide and Moisture Content of Different Garri Samples

Three garri samples from three differents markets in Afikpo North L.G.A of Ebonyi State were collected and the microbial, moisture content and cyanide content of the samples (A, B, C) were assayed to ascertain their quality and safety. The Microbial analysis, the total plate counts were 7.9 x 105 cfu/g, 2.6 x 105 cfu/g, and 1.6 x105 cfu/g in samples A, B and C respectively. On the other hand the fungal counts were 1.6 x105 cfu/g, 0.8 x105 cfu/g and 0.2 x 105 cfu/g in samples A, B and C respectively. Staphylococcus spp was isolated from all the garri samples while streptococcus spp was isolated in samples A and B. However Escherichia coli was isolated only in sample A. The fungi isolated were Aspergillus spp in samples A and B while Penicillium spp was isolated in all samples A, B and C. Cyanide content of the samples were also determined. The values were 0.688 mg/kg, 0.750 mg/kg and 0.630 mg/kg in samples A, B, and C respectively. The moisture content determination of the garria the values of 16%, 14% and 13% in samples A, B, and C respectively. Thus, the microbial counts of the garri samples were within safe limits of the international food standard (&lt;105 cfu/g). The cyanide contents were also within safe limits of the international standard (&lt;IHCH/100 g). Moreover, the absence of food borne pathogens of microbiological safe.

Characterization of biodeteriorating microorganisms in buildings in Bucaramanga, Colombia

The action of the microorganisms upon the integrity of the constructing material is termed Biodeterioration, concrete resistance to the action of the microorganisms is considered an indirect measurement of its durability and could be used as a marker of the integrity of the structure. In Colombia, the studies considering this parameter are rare. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize the microbial communities present in areas with evident deterioration in the selected buildings. To accomplish this, isolation, culturing and molecular identification of the isolates was performed. Results showed that Cladosporium spp, Aspergillus spp, Mucor spp, Penicillium spp, Penicillium spp, Rhizopus spp, Fusarium spp, Geotrichum spp, and bacterial genera such as Bacillus spp and Amphibacillus spp, coexist within the biofilms sampled. This study is a description and a starting point to deepen the characterization of these communities and to understand the role they perform in the integrity of the building materials considering the climatic and environmental conditions.

MOLECULAR DETECTION AND CONTROLLING OF SEED-BORNE Colletotrichum spp. IN COMMON BEAN AND SOYBEAN

Seed-borne fungi cause several diseases of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.). The survey of seed-borne fungi of common bean and soybean was carried out on three Egyptian Governorates (Behera, Dakahlia, and Ismailia) in Egypt. Nineteen fungal species comprising therteen genera were isolated from the collected common bean and soybean seed samples, using standard blotter i,e. Alternaria alternata, Alternaria spp., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceous, Aspergillus flavus, Botryodiplodia sp., Cladosporium sp., Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Colletotrichum dematium, Fusarium solani, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarum oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Myrothecium sp., Penicillium spp, Rhizoctonia solani, Stemphylium spp., Trichoderma spp. and Trichothecium sp. Pathogenicity tests proved that C. lindemuthianum and C. dematium were pathogenic to common bean and soybean. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has many beneficial characteristics that make it highly applicable for detecting Colletotrichum spp. of seeds. PCR diagnosis method and DNA extraction considered one of the most important steps and purity of DNA template for successful PCR assay. For the PCR amplification of C. lindemuthianum and C. dematium, two primers ClF4 and ClF5, stander blotter, agar plate, and deep freezing method were used as seed healthy testing methods. Stander blotter was proved the past and quickly method to detect seed-born of C. lindemuthianum and C. dematium. Trichoderma harzianum reduced linear growth for C. lindemuthianum and C. dematium followed by Trichoderma viride and Bacillus subtilis recording (3.3 cm and 3.9 cm, respectively) followed by Pseudomonas floursence that display a high linear growth (7.4 cm). On the other hand, fungicide Aetro 30% (Iprodione + Tebuconazole) recorded the least linear growth (0.9 cm) for C. lindemuthianum and C. dematium compared with negative control recorded (9.0 cm in diameter). Thymus plant extract caused the lowest liner growth (3.7 cm). Plant extract concentrations caused a significant reduction in the growth of C. lindemuthianum and C. dematium. The highest concentration (1.5 %) gave less fungal growth while the lowest one (0.5%) showed the highest fungal growth compared with negative control.

Biological control of tomato leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria alternata using Chaetomium globosum and some other saprophytic fungi

This study was conducted in the laboratories of the Plant Protection Department/College of Agriculture/University of Basra between 2016 and 2017.The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Chaetomium globosum and some other saprophytic fungi to control of tomato leaf spot caused by Alternaria alternata. The result of this study showed that C.globosum, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium spp had a high antagonistic activity against the pathogenic fungus A.alternata in dual culture plates. The results of the plastic house experiment showed that disease severity was decreased in tomato plants treated with bio-agent as disease severity run to 21.66% compared to 45% in control treatment (plants treated with A.alternata). Disease severity in other treatments ranged between 23.2-27 %. Infection rate(r)ranged between 0.07-0.09 in bioagent treatment compared to 0.1 in control treatment. It is also showed that C.globosum had a positive effect on plant yield as it reached 332.3g/plant compared to 154.4 g/plant in control treatment.

Investigation and Application of Bacillus licheniformis Volatile Compounds for the Biological Control of Toxigenic Aspergillus and Penicillium spp.

The present study was designed to investigate the antagonistic activity of Bacillus licheniformis BL350-2 against mycotoxigenic strains of Aspergillus and Penicillium. In vitro coincubation for 5 days indicated Aspergillus westerdijkiae BA1 as the most sensitive strain, with a growth inhibition of 62%, followed by A. carbonarius MG7 (60%), Penicillium verrucosum MC12 (53%), A. niger MC05 (50%), A. flavus CM5 (49%), A. parasiticus SB01 (47%), and A. ochraceus MD1 (44%). Likewise, the majority of the tested strains on exposure to bacterial volatiles showed complete inhibition of mycotoxin synthesis. In vivo assays on maize ears resulted in 88% reduction in A. flavus CM5 growth and complete inhibition of fungal sporulation and aflatoxin accumulation. The GC–MS-based volatile profile showed 3-methyl-1-butanol as the most abundant compound. The findings of the present study advocate that B. licheniformis BL350-2 is suitable as a biocontrol agent against mycotoxigenic fungi, at least during storage of cereal grains.

Isolation and Identification of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Diseases of Onion Crop in District Swat, Pakistan

Onion is an important vegetable and a source of income for formers in District Swat, Pakistan. However, the crop is attacked by several pathogens i.e. fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Therefore, a study was carried out for the estimation of fungal diseases of onion crop in district Swat. Within this study, about 50 samples of diseased onion crop were collected from 17 different regions of District Swat. The most prevalent fungal borne onion diseases were black mold (38%), onion rust (32%), Blue Mold Rot (10%) and seedling. Fungal species were consistently isolated from all infected samples. In which Aspergillus was isolated from 82% samples, Puccinia Alli was from 70%, Alternaria porri from 52%, Fusarium spp from 42% Penicillium spp from 40%, Peronospora destructor from 35%, Pyhtaium from 23% and Rhizoctonia solani from 18% of samples. These fungal species consistently isolated and cultured from diseased onion plants of different fields in Swat. Keywords: Onion crop, Fungal diseases, Aspergillus.