Periconia Prolifica Research Articles

Green synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of antibacterial activities of cobalt nanoparticles produced by marine fungal speciesPericonia prolifica

AbstractBio-nanotechnology provided an ecofriendly synthesis route for various metal nanoparticles by utilizing different biological systems, especially microorganisms, which act as an alternative to the physical and chemical methods. Cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) were synthesized byPericonia prolifica(Anast.) from intertidal decayed wood samples from the mangrove treeAvicennia marina(Forsk.) of Tarout Island, located in the Arabian Gulf Sea of Saudi Arabia. CoNPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscope. The extract of the culture ofP. prolificawas used as a bio-reductant agent, during which the culturing process proved to have great potential to be applied on an industrial scale, as it was a time-saving, inexpensive, and adequate amount of biomass being produced at the end of the process. A preliminary antibacterial test against one Gram-positive resistant bacteria (i.e., Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus) and other Gram-negative resistant bacteria was performed using a disk diffusion assay. The antibacterial results witnessed the key role that metal size plays in causing higher activity and also in causing severe damage to the bacterial cells by inactivating its membrane permeability, leading to bacterial cell death.

Marine fungi from two sandy Mediterranean beaches on the Egyptian north coast

Abstract I surveyed marine fungi collected from the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. A total of 31 taxa, including 19 ascomycetes and 12 anamorphic fungi, were identified from 100 submerged driftwood samples collected randomly along two sandy beaches. The most frequent fungus was Corollospora maritima. Other common fungi include C. portsaidica, Leptosphaeria oraemaris, Cumulospora marina and Periconia prolifica. Among the 31 taxa identified during this study, 21 are new records for the Mediterranean Sea, bringing the total number of Mediterranean marine fungi to 79. Seven new fungi were recorded during the course of this study, of which two new species of Corollospora and one anamorph have been described, and work is in progress to describe the remaining four. An unknown species of Didymosphaeria is illustrated in this paper, but not formally described because there was insufficient material available for further study of the species.

Fungal diversity in brackish and saline lakes in Egypt

Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, EgyptWith 3 tablesEl-Sharouny, H.M., Y.A.M.H. Gherbawy & F.A. Abdel-Aziz (2009): Fungal diversity in brackishand saline lakes in Egypt. - Nova Hedwigia 89: 437 450.Abstract : Aquatic filamentous fungi were surveyed from two brackish and two saline lakes inEgypt. Ninety-seven fungi (40 ascomycetes, 55 anamorphic fungi and 2 basidiomycetes) wereidentified from 764 fungal collections recorded from 545 samples collected from Lakes Edku,Marriott, Burullus and Quaron. Of these, 70 are new records for Egypt. This study represents thefirst report of aquatic fungi from the four lakes. Fungal communities in the four lakes were markedlydifferent. Common fungi recorded at the four lakes were: Periconia prolifica (21.7%), Clavatosporabulbosa (12.8%), Cirrenalia basiminuta (12.7%), Panorbis viscosus (6%) and Ceriosporopsishalima (6%). Specious genera were: Cirrenalia (8 species), Phoma (8 species), Aniptodera(8 species), Achaetomium (6 species), Pleospora (4 species) and Zalerion (3 species). Higher fungaldiversity was recorded from the two brackish lakes than those recorded from the saline lakes. Ingeneral, there was a decrease in fungal diversity with increasing salinity. Anamorphic fungi dominatedthe mycobiota at the four lakes and this is in harmony with the published data.Key words : ascomycetes, brackish fungi, ecology, marine fungi, subtropical fungi.

A glimpse of lignicolous marine fungi occurring in coastal water bodies of Tamil Nadu (India)

In the present investigation, a total of 51 marine fungi were obtained from wood samples collected from four locations of Tamil Nadu (Tuthukudi, Chennai, Kanyakumari and Pichavaram), India. Out of these 51, 28 were ascomycetes, one was basidiomycete and 22 were mitosporic fungi. Maximum fungal diversity was encountered from Tuthukudi, followed by Chennai, Kanyakumari, and the minimum from Pichavaram. Periconia prolifica was the only species common to all the four locations. To cite this article: G.R. Nambiar et al., C. R. Biologies 331 (2008).

A comparative account of backwater and brackish water marine mycoflora of North Malabar (Kerala) India

The backwater system of Kerala is well known. In the present investigation, we have tried to explore the marine fungal diversity of selected backwater and brackish water habitats of the North Malabar region of Kerala, India. A total of 30 marine fungi were isolated, which include 19 Ascomycetes, 1 Basidiomycete, and 10 Mitosporic fungi. Periconia prolifica emerged as the most dominant one in terms of percent frequency of occurrence and percent relative abundance. To cite this article: G.R. Nambiar et al., C. R. Biologies 331 (2008).

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Fungi and Wood-Borers in the Coastal Tropical Waters of Goa, India

Marine wood-degrading fungi are believed to contribute to the settlement and growth of wood-borers in the sea. However, little information is available on the association between species of these two groups of organisms. In view of this, we studied the occurrence of marine lignicolous fungi and wood-borers in mango (Mangifera indica Linn.) panels submerged at three test sites along the Mandovi and Zuari estuarine systems in the coastal waters of Goa, India, during different seasons. A total of 33 fungi (20 Ascomycota, 1 Basidiomycota, 12 Mitosporic fungi) and 8 wood-borers (7 Teredinids and 1 Pholad) were recorded. A wide gamut of distribution patterns of fungi and wood-borers was found. A high frequency of occurrence (> 20 %) and a broad spatial distribution was noticed in the case of four fungi. Two woodborers, likewise, were prevalent at all three sites. Several other fungi were also very frequent, but were restricted in their site distribution. Twenty-three fungi were rare or found infrequently (< 8%). Four of the eight wood-borers recorded were also of sporadic occurrence. The fungi Periconia prolifica and Antennospora quadricornuta and the wood-borers Martesia striata and Lyrodus pedicellatus were present on the wood throughout the year. On the contrary, growth of most fungi and five species of woodborers was adversely affected during the low salinity monsoons. Two fungi and one wood-borer colonized wood preferentially during the monsoon season. Contrary to earlier observations, more fungi appeared as early colonizers on wood during the first month of submergence than later. Our study indicates that in Goa waters, Periconia prolifica and Antennospora quadricornuta and the wood-borers Martesia striata and Lyrodus pedicellatus are highly versatile in their occurrence and were present throughout the year, at all sites. The numerous variations in distributional patterns observed in this study highlight the need to examine the response of marine fungi to physico-chemical parameters at the individual species level.

Manglicolous fungi of the Red Sea in Upper Egypt

Random wood samples and decayed attached twigs of Avicennia marina were collected at three locations in intertidal zone of red sea and examined for the presence of higher marine fungi.Thirty-three species in addition to three unidentified species were identified in the present study.The fungi included twenty-six Ascomycotina, six Deuteromycotina and one Basidiomycete.The most common species were Halosphaeria quadricornuta, Leptosphaeria australiensis and Periconia prolifica.

Temperature Requirements of Selected Marine Fungi

The growth responses of nineteen marine fungi to temperature (10, 20, 30°) and selected media were studied. Poor growth was recorded at 10°C on all media. Growth was greatest at 20°C and 30°C on all media, with the exception of Amylocarpus encephaloides and Marinospora calyptrata with no growth at 30°C. for growth was 20°C for nine fungi (eleven strains) [Ceriosporopsis halima, Marinospora calyptrata encephaloides, Lulworthia sp., Asteromyces cruciatus, Dendryphiella arenaria, Monodictys pelagica (2 strains), Nia vibrissa (2 strains), Digitatispora marina] and 30°C for seven fungi (eight strains) [Corollospora maritima (2 strains), Halosphaeriopsis mediosetigera, Zalerion maritimum, Periconia prolifica, Hydronectria tethys, Hypoxylon oceanicum, Nais glitra]. Slight difference in growth was recorded on the four media employed with increased growth on sea water corn meal agar and sea water starch yeast extract glucose agar

Lignicolous marine fungi of Singapore

Fourteen lignicolous marine fungi growing on twigs and driftwood are reported, 11 of which are new records for Singapore. The most common fungi were Bathyascus tropicalis, Ceriosporopsis halima, and Lulworthia medusa. Other fungi frequently encountered were Papulaspora halima and Periconia prolifica.

Marine fungi from Aldabra, the Galapagos, and other tropical islands

Saprobic higher marine fungi were collected in Aldabra (8 species, 1 variety), Galapagos (10 species), Hawaii (17 species), and Tobago (22 species). The material includes 26 ascomycetes, 1 basidiomycete, and 5 deuteromycetes. Lindra hawaiiensis (Maui) and Massarina thalassiae (Aldabra, Belize, Florida, Galapagos, India (Madras), Mexico (Baja California)) are new species. Distribution maps for the following species are presented: Cytospora rhizophorae, Didymosphaeria rhizophorae, Halosphaeria cucullata – Periconia prolifica, Lindra thalassiae, and Massarina thalassiae. Endemic marine fungi with saprobic modes of life have not been encountered.

Spore development in Periconia species III. Remispora cucullata

Development of the conidia of Remispora cucullata is described from observations using light and electron microscopy and compared with development of the conidia of Periconia prolifica.

Lignicolous marine fungi from São Paulo, Brazil

Lignicolous substrates, i.e., wood and leaves, were collected from 10 São Paulo State locations and 2 Pernambuco State sites. These were subsequently surveyed and incubated and (or) washed, macerated, and plated on culture media. Six types of wood and mangrove leaves were placed in exposed and buried digestors, recovered, surveyed, incubated, and resurveyed for marine fungi. Of a total of 69 isolated taxa, 32 species, including 24 ascomycetes, seven fungi imperfecti, and one basidiomycete, are discussed. Included are Ceriosporopsis cambrensis; C. halima; Corollospora lacera; C. maritima; C. pulchella; C. trifurcata; Crinigera maritima; Didymosphaeria enalia; Haligena viscidula; Halosarpheia fibrosa; Halosphaeria appendiculuta; H. cucullata; H. galerita; H. hamata; H. maritima; H. mediosetigea; H. quadricornuta; H. salina; Leptosphaeria cfr. marina, Leptosphaeria sp.; Lignincola laevis; Lulworthia medusa (f. grandispora); Mycosphaerella sp.; Torpedospora radiata; Ceriosporopsis halima anamorphic form; Cirrenalia tropicalis; Clavariopsis bulbosa; Periconia prolifica; Scolecobasidium? arenarium; Septoria sp.; Trichocladium achrasporum; and Nia vibrissa. Morphological features, collection sites, substrates, slides, cultures, taxonomic deposition, and ecological considerations are presented for each species. A possible Scolecobasidium–Septoria–Mycosphaerella anamorphic–teleomorphic association is suggested.

Interaction of Higher Marine Fungi with the Herbicide Atrazine. I. Survey of Interactive Modes

Eight species of marine Ascomycetes and Deuteromycetes indigenous to the Chesapeake Bay were surveyed for their ability to interact with the herbicide atrazine. In liquid shake cultures of artificial seawater containing glucose and NH4NO3, the fungi mediated losses of atrazine ranging from 8-18% of 30 ppm and 9-68% of 500 ppm. Adsorption to the cell surface was generally a minor component of loss at the lower concentration. Leptosphaeria oraemaris grew with 500 ppm of purified atrazine as the sole exogenous source of carbon or nitrogen, but not of both nutrients, and Periconia prolifica had statistically significant growth compared to controls when atrazine was the sole exogenous nitrogen source. These results suggest that filamentous marine fungi contribute to the bioaccumulation and biodegradation of atrazine in estuaries.

Interaction of Higher Marine Fungi with the Herbicide Atrazine. I. Survey of Interactive Modes

Eight species of marine Ascomycetes and Deuteromycetes indigenous to the Chesapeake Bay were surveyed for their ability to interact with the herbicide atrazine. In liquid shake cultures of artificial seawater containing glucose and NH4NO3, the fungi mediated losses of atrazine ranging from 8–18% of 30 ppm and 9–68% of 500 ppm. Adsorption to the cell surface was generally a minor component of loss at the lower concentration. Leptosphaeria oraemaris grew with 500 ppm of purified atrazine as the sole exogenous source of carbon or nitrogen, but not of both nutrients, and Periconia prolifica had statistically significant growth compared to controls when atrazine was the sole exogenous nitrogen source. These results suggest that filamentous marine fungi contribute to the bioaccumulation and biodegradation of atrazine in estuaries.

Seasonal patterns of primary colonization by lignicolous marine fungi in Hong Kong

During a 14-month investigation of the seasonal pattern of primary colonization by lignicolous marine fungi in the coastal waters of Hong Kong, a pine block (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) was submerged each month at each of the five stations and recovered in the following month. Thirty-eight species of fungi were isolated, three of which were not identified. In this first recorded attempt to describe fungal colonization on submerged blocks quantitatively, five species (Periconia prolifica, Cirrenalia macrocephala, Ceriosporopsis halima, Trichocladium achrasporum and Halosphaeria quadricornuta) were the most frequent and most abundant fungi on the monthly blocks. Statistical analyses of seasonal abundance of these fungi are presented and their occurrence in relation to varying temperature and salinity throughout the year, including the Phoma pattern, are discussed.

Spore development in Periconia species: I. P. prolifica and P. macrospinosa

Spores of Periconia prolifica arose holoblastically from the tips of erect, undifferentiated, aerial hyphae and matured basipetally within the chain. Melanin was deposited in the outer spore wall and spores remained spherical with a smooth pigmented surface. P. macrospinosa developed chains of spores from secondary conidiogenous cells on erect hyphae and spores matured basipetally within each chain. Melanin particles developed within the spore wall and forced apart the two wall layers; the outer layer representing the pellicle which was perforated by ornamental spines composed entirely of melanin. In old spores spines were deciduous.

Distribution and Ecology of Marine Fungi in Sierra Leone (Tropical West Africa)

AbstractThe distribution of marine fungi in Sierra Leone is studied in the light of hydrographic and climatic factors.Altogether 27 spp. have been identified to species level, comprising 3 Phycomycetes 14 Ascomycetes and 10 Deuteromycetes. All these spp. are considered as new records to the country and about 50 % of them are inhabitants of mangrove swamps under tidal influence.The climate of Sierra Leone is characterized by two main seasons: a wet season (May - November) and a dry season (December-April).Mangrove mycota display a seasonal periodicity, increasing in number of spp. and growth intensity in the wet . season. Degradation of wood was also active during this season, apparently more by members of Deuteromycetes such as Cirrenalia spp., Periconia prolifica and Zalerion spp. than by Ascomycetes.Sea foam was also richer in fungal ascospores (including 6 spp. of Corollospora) and conidia of Deuteromycetes in the wet than in the dry season.Estuarine foam. however. comprises several Hyphomycetes of freshwater or terrestrial origin brought in by runoff during the rainy season (e.g. Alternaria, Curvularia, Drechslera, A cro sporidium , etc.)No distinct vertical zonation was displayed by the lignicolous fungi inhabiting the mangrove.The geographical distribution of the higher marine fungi under consideration has been compared with those on the opposite side of the Atlantic as well as in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Out of 24 spp. found in Sierra Leone, 21 spp. (88 %) occur on the opposite side of the Atlantic. while an equal number is known in the Pacific. Only 15 spp. (63 %) are recorded in the Indian Ocean. The last figure is due to our limited knowledge of Indian Ocean fungi and is expected to increase in future.The distribution of mangrove fungi encountered in Sierra Leone is considered as a "community" comprising host specific forms such as Leptosphaeria avicenniae and Cytospora rhizophorae, as well as facultative forms. Out of 14 such spp. in Sierra Leone, 13 (93 %) occur in the Western Atlantic. 12(86 %) in the Pacific and 10(72 %) in the Indian Ocean so far. The close affinities of mangrove fungi in the 3 oceans, paralleled with similar affinities of mangrove floras lend support to the theory of a common center in the West-Indo Pacific for the mangrove flora and associated mycota from which a drift took place in various directions into the 3 oceans in question. The theory was postulated by Ekman (1953) for the distribution of tropical fauna and found support by Macnae (1968) for the distribution of the mangrove flora and fauna. It also allows for an endemic element as the drift deviates from the center.The closer affinities between Eastern and Western Atlantic mycota could be explained by the current gyres to the north and south of the equator and their role in transporting mangrove seeds. wood and associated fungi between the African arid American coastlines.

Bermuda marine fungi

The marine mycota of Bermuda is almost identical with that of Florida and other subtropical and tropical zones. Host plants examined are Avicennia germinans (L.) L., Conocarpus erecta L., Rhizophora mangle L., Salicornia virginica L., Tamarix gallica L. and Thalassia testudinum Koenig. The collections include 15 ascomycetes, one basidiomycete and six deuteromycetes, all of which are new records for the Bermuda islands. New host records are Halocyphina villosa J. & E. Kohlm. on C. erecta; H. villosa, Hydronectria tethys J. & E. Kohlm. and Leptosphaeria australiensis (Cribb & Cribb) Hughes on T. gallica; and Lulworthia sp. on Th. testudinum. Halosarpheia fibrosa} J. & E. Kohlm. gen. et sp.nov. is a new saprobic marine ascomycete on A. germinans, R. mangle, T. gallica and other submerged substrates from Bermuda, Brazil and Florida. Ascospores of three Ascomycetes occur in sea foam along sandy beaches. Periconia prolifica Anast. develops on decomposing calcareous linings of shipworm tubes and also grows on and in dead mites attached to this substrate. A key to the filamentous higher marine fungi of Bermuda is presented.

Marine fungi of Hawaii including the new genus Helicascus

Among 27 species of marine fungi recovered from natural substrata by the direct collecting procedure, found on the Hawaiian Islands Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu (19 Ascomycetes and 8 Deuteromycetes), 22 were new locality and 12 were new Pacific Ocean records. Eight species and Helicascus kanaloanus Kohlm. gen. et sp. nov. (Pleosporaceae?) and Robillarda rhizophorae Kohlm. sp. nov. (Sphaeropsidaceae) occurred on roots of Rhizophora mangle L. Substrates not considered before in marine mycology were submerged branches and roots of Hibiscus tiliaceus L. (seven fungal species) and Pluchea × fosbergii Cooper-rider et Galang (four species). Algae contained three fungi, and foam collections four arenicolous species. Hyphomycetes known from freshwater foam in Hawaii were not found in foam along the seashore. Collections of driftwood and pilings contained 14 species. The origin of the Hawaiian marine fungal flora is discussed. Host-specific Keissleriella blepharospora and Cytospora sp. appear to have been introduced from Florida to Hawaii with seedlings of Rhizophora in 1902. Conidia of R. rhizophorae were able to germinate after freezing at −20 C for 6 months and after repeated thawing and refreezing. Half of the species collected were isolated and growth in pure culture is described. Periconia prolifica Anast. was determined as the imperfect state of Remispora cucullata Kohlm. by use of single ascospore isolations.

The Role of Marine Fungi in the Penetration of Calcareous Substances

All publications dealing with fungi described from marine calcareous substrates are discussed in this survey of the literature. Original investigations of fungi from lime tubesof teredinids are included. Wood-inhabiting marine fungi, especially in warm waters, grow within calcareous linings of teredinid burrows. Fruiting structures of the Ascomycetes, Halosphaeria quadricornuta and Remispora salina, and the Deuteromycete, Periconia prolifica, form cavities in the tube linings, making them brittle and soft. Representatives of Cirrenalia and Humicola sporulate on the surface of calcareous linings. The fungus, Pharcidia balani, sometimes referred to as a lichen, decomposesshells of barnacles and molluscs. Another Ascomycete, Lulworlhia kniepii, parasitizes calcareous algae, probably living on the middle lamellae, not on the calcified cell walls.