Phellinus Torulosus Research Articles

Najčešće gljive povezane sa propadanjem stabala cera (Quercus cerris L.) u urbanim područjima Srbije

Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) is one of the most important tree species in park forests and parks in Serbia. Despite this, there has been no available information in domestic literature about the parasitic fungi that affect Turkey oak in urban areas. Research carried out between 2016 and 2023 identified 19 taxa of parasitic and saprotrophic fungi that colonize Turkey oak in urban conditions: one on the roots, two on the leaves, two on the bark, seven on the trunk, two on the branches, two on the fruits, two on the stumps, and one on both leaves and fruits. The most significant fungi found were Fomes fomentarius, Inonotus nidus-pici, and Fuscoporia torulosa, which cause heart rot and are typically found on individual trees. Most of the fungi identified occurred in succession. Following primary damage, the most frequently occurring fungus was Stereum hirsutum, while after mechanical injuries, Schizophullym commune was most frequently recorded. Alternaria spp. was found on old leaves and heavily damaged leaves. To protect the urban Turkey oak trees, measures should be focused on reducing tree density and preventing mechanical injuries. The findings from this research also contribute to understanding the ecological characteristics of these fungal taxa based on their frequent occurrence in urban conditions.

Bio soups – new functional dehydrated soups enriched with lyophilised Fuscoporia torulosa extracts

SummaryThe aim of this research was to produce a lyophilised water and ethanol extract from Fuscoporia torulosa mushroom, to determine the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of the extracts and in industrial conditions to produce a new, functional product – Bio Soups, enriched with lyophilised extracts derived from fruiting body of F. torulosa mushroom, at the same time without use of synthetic additives. The application of the lyophilised extracts in the industrial production of dehydrated soups showed positive results. Such soups are characterised with higher (P < 0.05) antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, compared to conventional soups, while it has been proven constant biological potential and stability up to the 90th day of production. This is the first dehydrated soup enriched with lyophilised extract of medicinal mushroom, since its production does not require special conditions, and it possesses exceptional functional properties, this product could have a many times greater market potential compared to conventional soups.

Lichen Transplantation on Polyporales Fungi. An Attempt to Verify the Compatibility after Translocation from a Hill Forest to Anthropized City Parks at Livorno (Tuscany, Italy)

The transplantation of genus Cladonia terricolous lichens on Polyporales parasitic xylophagous fungi was attempted. Three species of Cladonia (C. pyxidata, C. rangiformis, C. foliacea) have been moved (translocated) from Livorno hill woods (Tuscany, Italy) to some public Livorno parks which suffer by an excessive anthropization. After a short period (a week) of adaptation to the new environment we transplanted thirteen specimens of Cladonia lichens on four different species of Polyporales fungi (Fomitopis betulina, Phellinus torulosus, Stereum hirsutum and Ganoderma applanatum) identified on the trees of the parks. The transplants obtained good engraftment and every periodic qualitative control showed a persistent photosynthetic activity even eight months after the start. Only one transplant (on Ganoderma applanatum) failed due by the toxicity of a secretion after incision. These observations lead us to consider those experiments as a demonstration of the compatibility of the implied tissues on transplantation and also allow us to introduce the difference of the term transplantation (the insert of an organism to another) from the often-confused translocation (relocation of an organism in different habitat). Future checks will indicate how and for how long this artificial association complex might persist.

Fatty Acids Composition of Basidiocarps of Some Wood Associated Medicinal Mushrooms (Agaricomycetes) from India.

In this investigation, crude fat contents and fatty acid compositions of lipids present in the basidiocarps of widely distributed, medicinally important, wild mushrooms (Fuscoporia torulosa, Inonotus pachyphloeus, Phellinus allardii, Ph. fastuosus, Ph. gilvus and Ph. sanfordii) collected from different localities of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India were analyzed. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detector was performed to identify and quantify the individual fatty acids present in the lipids of each mushroom. Mushrooms exhibited comparable amounts of crude fats with maximum content (0.35%) in Ph. sanfordii. The dominant fatty acid in the examined mushrooms was palmitic acid (C16:0). Oleic acid (C18:1n9c) and linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) exhibited maximum contents among the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), respectively. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in F. torulosa, I. pachyphloeus and Ph. fastuosus were at higher concentrations than unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Ph. allardii, Ph. gilvus and Ph. sanfordii exhibited greater amounts of UFAs compared with SFAs. Among UFAs, MUFAs dominated the polyunsaturated ones except for I. pachyphloeus and Ph. sanfordii. Of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), the contents of ω6 PUFAs were higher than ω3 PUFAs except for Ph. gilvus. Interestingly, a single trans fatty acid, elaidic acid (C18:1n-9t) (0.54-2.34%) was noticed in F. torulosa, Ph. fastuosus and Ph. sanfordii only. The examined mushrooms also differed in UFAs/SFAs, MUFAs/SFAs, PUFAs/SFAs, ∑ω6/∑ω3 and (linoleic acid) C18:2n6c/(oleic acid) C18:1n9c ratios. The presence of essential and non-essential fatty acids may make the examined mushrooms befitting candidates for use in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Antioxidant properties of fortified yogurt with medicinal mushrooms from Phellinus species.

In light of the powerful therapeutic features of Phellinus species and due to the absence of toxic compounds, our investigations were aimed at screening of the antioxidant profile of fortified yogurts with hot water extracts from Phellinus torulosus and Phellinus igniarius leveled to 10%, 5%, and 1% final fortification concentrations after acknowledging their superior bioactive content and radical scavenging capacities (59.77% and 56.73% of DPPH inhibition, respectively) versus cold water extracts (29.87% and 33.18% inhibition rates). Fortified samples signified dose-dependent increases in their inhibition rates during the storage period, with significant differences between 10% fortifications on the 7 day of storage in favor of the samples fortified with P. torulosus. Explicitly, P. torulosus showed 16% higher DPPH and 62.5% higher LPO neutralizing activity than yogurt enriched with P. igniarius. However, prolonged refrigeration tended to equalize antioxidant profiles in both fortified yogurts. Total titratable acidity and pH levels of the fortified yogurts as most important parameters for consumer acceptance were unaltered during storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: It is a common scientific perception that bioactive compounds present in wild medicinal fungi are the main contributors for their in vitro antioxidant efficiency. On account of these attributes, Phellinus species have been exploited in Far East Asia as safe remedies for many disorders thus making them attractive fortifying ingredients; however, according to our knowledge these mushrooms have never been used as natural additives in beverages. Given the current popularity of yogurt consumption as seen from the global market profits, as well as experimental evidences of enhanced potency of extract in comparison with powder due to maximal bioavailability of antioxidants, it is our belief that this study will increase the interest in the manufacture of functional foods with extracts from wild mushrooms.

The Extraction of Wild Mushrooms (Ganoderma Lucidum and Phellinus Torulosus) and Their Antioxidant Activities

The purpose of this study was to find DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activities and the extract yields of two mushroom species, namely, Ganoderma lucidum (stored) and Phellinus torulosus (fresh). For the extraction of both mushroom bodies, methanol was used as solvent by using Blois extraction methods. The antioxidant activities of extracts were measured by UV-vis spectrophotometer at 517 nm. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was employed as a reference antioxidant. In conclusion, the highest DPPH scavenging activity (96.4%) was found in the body of Ganoderma lucidum while the lowest DPPH scavenging activity value (92.58%) was found for that of Phellinus torulosus. The DPPH scavenging power of the whole extract studied here was higher than that of BHT.

Pentacyclic triterpenoids, fuscotorunones A and B, with ε-caprolactone in ring E from Fuscoporia torulosa

Fuscoporia torulosa (Pers.) (Hymenochaetaceae) is a mushroom forming woody fruiting body on living or dead trees. Two curious pentacyclic triterpenoids, fuscotorunones A and B, each of which has a unique ε-caprolactone in ring E, were isolated from the fruiting bodies of F. torulosa. The structures of fuscotorunones A and B were elucidated using MS analyses, IR spectrum and extensive 2D-homo and heteronuclear NMR data interpretation. Furthermore, a predicted biosynthetic pathway from 2,3-oxidosqualene to fuscotorunones A and B in F. torulosa is proposed.

Triterpenes and Phenolic Compounds from the Fungus Fuscoporia torulosa: Isolation, Structure Determination and Biological Activity.

Investigation of the methanol extract of the poroid fungus Fuscoporia torulosa resulted in the isolation of a novel triterpene, fuscoporic acid (1), together with inoscavin A and its previously undescribed Z isomer (2 and 3), 3,4-dihydroxy-benzaldehide (4), osmundacetone (5), senexdiolic acid (6), natalic acid (7), and ergosta-7,22-diene-3-one (8). The structures of fungal compounds were determined on the basis of NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses, as well as molecular modeling studies. Compounds 1, 6–8 were examined for their antibacterial properties on resistant clinical isolates, and cytotoxic activity on human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines. Compound 8 was effective against Colo 205 (IC50 11.65 ± 1.67 µM), Colo 320 (IC50 8.43 ± 1.1 µM) and MRC-5 (IC50 7.92 ± 1.42 µM) cell lines. Potentially synergistic relationship was investigated between 8 and doxorubicin, which revealed a synergism between the examined compounds with a combination index (CI) at the 50% growth inhibition dose (ED50) of 0.521 ± 0.15. Several compounds (1 and 6–8) were tested for P-glycoprotein modulatory effect in Colo 320 resistant cancer cells, but none of the compounds proved to be effective in this assay. Fungal metabolites 2–5 were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and DPPH assays. Compounds 4 and 5 were found to have a considerable antioxidant effect with EC50 0.25 ± 0.01 (DPPH) and 12.20 ± 0.92 mmol TE/g (ORAC). The current article provides valuable information on both the chemical and pharmacological profiles of Fuscoporia torulosa, paving the way for future studies with this species.

Antioxidant potential of extracts of three mushroom species collected from the Republic of North Macedonia

The aim of this research was determination of the content of phenols and flavonoids as bioactive compounds in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of three species of mushrooms: Suillus granulatus, Coriolus versicolor, and Fuscoporia torulosa. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of obtained mushroom extracts was determined. In general, it can be noticed that the phenol content in the three examined macromycetes is higher in the aqueous extract, compared to the ethanolic extract, which shows significant difference (p < .05). The order of antioxidant capacity of aqueous extracts in terms of their DPPH radical-scavenging activity is: Fuscoporia torulosa > Coriolus versicolor > Suillus granulatus, that is, 38.08%–82.64% >38.04%–80.66% >35.99%–75.25%. The aqueous extract of Fuscoporia torulosa belongs to the group of antioxidants with strong antioxidant activity (1.71), while the aqueous extract of Coriolus versicolor belongs to the group of antioxidants with moderate antioxidant activity (0.92). Novelty impact statement The data from this research are of particular importance in terms of finding new, wild species of medicinal and edible mushrooms that contain bioactive components. The antioxidant potential proven in the analyzed mushroom extracts shows that they can be used in the food industry as a substitute for synthetic antioxidant compounds. At the same time, the extract can be a basis for use in alternative medicine.

Xylotrophic Basidiomycetes of protected species of woody plants of the Crimea

The species composition of xylotrophic basidiomycetes on woody plants listed in Red Book of the Crimea was studied. Xylotrophic basidiomycetes were detected on 10 species of protected woody plants of the Crimea: Arbutus andrachne - 3 species, Crataegus pojarkovae - 13, Juniperus deltoides - 2, Juniperus excelsa - 7, Malus sylvestris - 9, Pinus brutia - 3, Pistacia mutica - 15, Taxus baccata - 5, Tilia dasystyla - 2, Vitex agnus-castus - 1 species. A total of 46 species were identified. All discovered species of fungi belong to 8 orders, 20 families and 39 genera of Basidiomycota division. The order Polyporales dominates by the number of species of fungi - 18 species. There are 9 species in the orders Agaricales and Hymenochaetales. Xylotrophic basidiomycetes of the orders Hymenochaetales and Polyporales (27 species) are the most dangerous to protected species of woody plants. The greatest danger to growing trees are 12 species of fungi from the orders Hymenochaetales and Polyporales. Among the xylotrophic macromycete polyphagans, the most dangerous are Phellinus torulosus and Ganoderma applanatum , with a range of 100 and 82 host plants, respectively. Among the specialized xylotrophic basidiomycetes, Pyrophomes demidofii on Juniperus excelsa is the most common in park and forest plantations of the Southern Coast of the Crimea.

Isolation, characterization, and bioactivities of compounds from Fuscoporia torulosa mushroom.

Chromatographic purification of Fuscoporia torulosa extracts resulted in the isolation and characterization of a new steroid, 5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-il-palmitate (1) and 10 known compounds (2-11). The structures of compounds were elucidated by IR, NMR, MS analyses, and comparison with literature data. Cytotoxic activities against MCF-7 (breast cancer), PC-3 (prostate cancer), and 3T3 (nontumor) of the extracts and cytotoxic, antioxidant, cholinesterase, and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of all isolated compounds were evaluated. The methanol extract and Compound 8 showed the best cytotoxicity against MCF-7, whereas the hexane extract and Compound 4 displayed the highest cytotoxicity against PC-3. Compounds 10 and 11 displayed higher antioxidant activity than α-tocopherol and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)which are used as standards in ABTS•+ , DPPH• , and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC)assays. Also, cholinesterase inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE)and butrylcholinesterase (BChE), Compounds 4 and 8 were determined as the most active compounds. Among all isolated compounds, Compound 11 exhibited the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Mushrooms have various important medicinal properties. A detailed study was made to identify the bioactive constituents of Fuscoporia torulosa mushroom and a new (1) and 10 known compounds (2-11) were isolated. Compounds 10 and 11 showed higher antioxidant activity than standards. The methanol extract and Compound 8 exhibited high cytotoxic activity against MCF-7. Compound 8 indicated potent BChE inhibitory activity. This study suggests that natural compounds isolated from F. torulosa mushroom could be used as promising anticancer, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase agents.

Structural characterization and determination of biological activities for different polysaccharides extracted from tree mushroom species.

Chemical composition and structural characterization of polysaccharides of Fomes fomentarius (FF), Fuscoporia torulosa, Ganoderma adspersum, Ganoderma applanatum (GAP), Ganoderma lucidum, Phellinus igniarius, Pleurotus ostreatus (PO), and Porodaedalea pini (PP) tree mushrooms with antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities were determined in this research. Total carbohydrate contents of the polysaccharides were ranged between 65.06±6.76 and 88.27±5.15µg/mg and total protein contents were ranged between 3.18±0.72 and 6.56±1.25µg/mg. Galactose, glucose, and mannose were identified as major monosaccharides in all polysaccharides using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. FT-IR analysis showed the characteristic peaks of the polysaccharides and high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection was used to determine the molecular weight of the polysaccharides. In β-carotene-linoleic acid assay FF (IC50 : 2.55±0.40µg/ml) displayed the highest antioxidant activity, whereas GAP indicated the highest antioxidant activity in cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (A0.50 :59.90±0.53μg/ml), ABTS•+ (IC50 : 16.62±0.31μg/ml), and DPPH• (IC50 : 45.58±0.21μg/ml) assays. In cholinesterase inhibitory activity test, PO (56.31±0.0.74%) showed significant inhibitory activity against butyrylcholinesterase enzyme. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Polysaccharides from mushrooms are the major class of bioactive compounds with various biological activities. Several studies were performed on the biological activity of the polysaccharide extracts from different mushrooms. However, to our knowledge, this is the first report on the chemical composition, structural characterization, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities of extracted polysaccharides from studied mushrooms in detail. This investigation shows that polysaccharide extracts obtained from tree mushrooms show a significant bioactivity and these polysaccharides might be used as bioactive natural sources in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.

Characterization of Biological Activities of Methanol Extract of Fuscoporia torulosa (Basidiomycetes) from Italy.

This work investigated the antiradical, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of a methanol extract from Fuscoporia torulosa (PeruMyc1834) fruit body from Central Italy. The ITS partial sequence of the F. torulosa strain matched at a 100% rate those of various strains belonging to the species. Two complementary test systems, namely α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and β-carotene/linoleic acid systems, were used. Free radical scavenging, measured by DPPH assay on methanol extract, showed an activity of 38.17 ± 2.74% of Trolox activity. The methanol extract of F. torulosa inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, particularly those belonging to the genus Bacillus (i.e., B. subtilis and B. cereus), better than Gram-negative bacteria. All the fungal isolates used in the present study for antifungal activity inhibited their growth when a concentration of 2.27 mg mL-1 of methanol extract was used (minimum inhibitory concentration from < 0.28 to 2.27 mg mL-1). This study established that the extracted antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds produced by F. torulosa can be exploited in treating diseases that affect humans, plants, and animals. There is a need to carry out further study to establish the chemical composition of the methanol extract.

Investigation of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Xanthine Oxidase--Inhibitory Activities of Phellinus (Agaricomycetes) Mushroom Species Native to Central Europe.

Ten representative Central European phellinoid Hymenochaetaceae species (Phellinus sensu lato) were selected to examine their potential pharmacological activity. In this study 40 organic (n-hexane, chloroform, 50% methanol) and aqueous extracts with different polarities were analyzed for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and xanthine oxidase (XO)--inhibitory properties. Fomitiporia robusta, Fuscoporia torulosa, Phellopilus nigrolimitatus, and Porodaedalea chrysoloma showed moderate antibacterial activity; Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, and Moraxella catarrhalis ATCC 43617 were the strains most susceptible to the examined fungal species. The in vitro antioxidant and XO assays demonstrated that most of the selected species possess remarkable antioxidant and XO-inhibitory activities. The water extracts in general proved to be more active antioxidants than organic extracts. In the case of F. torulosa, Ph. Nigrolimitatus, and P. chrysoloma, the results of DPPH tests correlate well with those obtained by oxygen radical absorbance capacity tests; these mushrooms presented high antioxidant activities in both assays. Future studies involving phellinoid Hymenochaetaceae species are planned, which may furnish novel results in terms of the species' pharmacological activity and the specific compounds responsible for the observed activity.

Screening of Bioactive Compounds of Medicinal Mushrooms Collected on Tunisian Territory.

This study is, to our knowledge, the first to investigate the pharmacological importance of wild Tunisian mushrooms. Ethanolic extracts of 5 Tunisian mushrooms-Phellinus torulosus, Fomes fomentarius, Trametes versicolor, Pisolithus albus, and Fomitopsis pinicola-were collected from the Kroumirie Region (North Tunisia). The dry basidomes of mushrooms were extracted using ethanol and evaluated for total polyphenol, flavonoid, flavonol, tannin, proanthocyanidin, and anthocyanin content. In addition, their antioxidant activities were determined using 3 assays (testing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical scavenging, the reducing power of iron, and the iron-chelating power). Their antimicrobial activities were assessed against 8 bacterial species. The results revealed the presence of significant differences between the secondary metabolites and biological activities of the different tested extracts. In addition, significant correlations were observed between antioxidant activities and phenolic contents. Crude ethanol extracts prepared from basidomes of F. fomentarius and Ph. torulosus have higher total phenolic content and antioxidant activity per the DPPH and metal-chelating activity assays. The reducing power assay showed that the ethanolic extract of F. pinicola had the highest activity. Ethanolic extracts of the 5 mushrooms have antibacterial activity against the evaluated strains.

A molecular diagnostic assay for the detection and identification of wood decay fungi of conifers

SummaryTen taxon‐specific primers were designed to amplify the Internal Transcribed Spacer of the rRNA operon of several important decay fungi of coniferous wood, including Armillaria spp., Echinodontium spp., Fomitopsis pinicola, Fuscoporia torulosa, Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato (s.l.), Onnia spp., Phaeolus schweinitzii, Phellinus weirii s.l., Pholiota spp. and Porodaedalea spp. Primers designed in this study and in a previous one for the identification of Laetiporus sulphureus and Stereum spp. were combined in two multiplex PCRs, which were tested for efficiency and specificity, and detected at least 1 pg of fungal target DNA. Target DNA at concentrations of 10−1 pg or lower can be detected with this assay using SYBR® Green Real‐Time PCR. Validation assays performed on 129 naturally infected wood samples or fruiting bodies confirmed the reliability of the multiplex PCR‐based diagnostic method. This method represents a simple and rapid diagnostic tool for the detection of a number of destructive wood decay fungi of conifer wood.

Première contribution à l’étude des Basidiomycètes de la région de Lalla Mimouna (Nord ouest du Maroc)

Objectif : Le travail présenté ici a pour objectif d’étudier la flore fongique de la région de Lalla Mimouna (Nord du Maroc).Méthodologie et résultats : Des prospections effectuées dans la région de l’étude ont permis de noter des renseignements sur les espèces fongiques rencontrées. Au laboratoire, les critères macroscopiques et microscopiques d’identification de ces espèces ont été déterminés. Six espèces de Basidiomycètes Macromycètes ont été étudiées et décrites dans la région de Lalla Mimouna (Gharb-Nord) : Coltricia perennis (L.) Murrill, Phellinus torulosus (Pers.) Bourdot et Galzin, Pisolithus microcarpus (Cooke et Massee) G. Cunn., Tremella mesenterica Retz., Pluteus salicinus (Pers.) P. Kumm. et Clathrus ruber P. Micheli ex Pers. Ces deux dernières espèces peuvent être considérées comme espèces rares. La position systématique et l’écologie de toutes les espèces étudiées ont été discutées.Conclusion et application de la recherche : Les résultats obtenus s’intègrent dans la contribution à la détermination de la diversité fongique du Maroc, qui demeure jusqu’à présent incomplèteMots clés : Maroc, Lalla Mimouna, diversité fongique, Basidiomycètes.

Real‐time PCR identification and detection of Fuscoporia torulosa in Quercus ilex

Fuscoporia torulosa is the causal agent of white alveolar wood decay on several species including a large number of forest trees. Early detection of the fungus is essential to identify diseased trees before spread occurs to healthy plants. However, current detection methods based on isolation from infected tissues on semi‐selective media are laborious, time consuming and require expertise in identifying the pathogen after isolation. In the present study, a rapid and reliable Scorpion‐PCR based molecular method to identify and detect F. torulosa in planta was developed in a highly polymorphic portion of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Specificity of primers and probe was assessed by means of both BLAST analyses and by using genomic DNA from 131 F. torulosa isolates and 43 other fungi and oomycetes from different hosts and geographic areas. In Scorpion‐PCR the limit of detection was 1 pg of total DNA and a high correlation (r2 = 0·996) was achieved between target DNA quantity and cycle threshold (Ct). Real‐time PCR combined with effective procedures for DNA extraction enabled the detection of F. torulosa from naturally infected tissues of oaks with and without fruit bodies in approximately 6 h. Comparative testing showed that detection of F. torulosa in wood samples is more sensitive and reliable with real‐time PCR than with conventional isolation.

The occurrence of Phellinus torulosus in Apulia and Basilicata (Southern Italy): identification of isolates by morphologic, microscopic, and molecular means

Basidiomes of Phellinus torulosus were found in 9 oak woods in Apulia and Basilicata (Southern Italy); from these basidiomes 138 isolates of P. torulosus were obtained and identified by their morphologic, microscopic, and molecular characteristics. Based on the type of aerial mycelium (fluffy, cottony or powdery) and its growth, 9 morphotypes were identified. The morphology of the cultures was not correlated with the microscopic character of the 9 morphotypes. Molecular analysis, such as intergenic transcribed spacers-restriction fragment length polymorphism (ITS-RFLP) and sequencing of the ITS region, confirmed the results obtained with microscopy analysis.

GENETIC AND MORPHOLOGIC VARIABILITY OF PHELLINUS TORULOSUS ISOLATES IN SOME OAK WOODS OF SOUTHERN ITALY

Phellinus torulosus (Pers.) Bourd. et Galz. is the causal agent of white rot that infects especially the roots and the collar of old trees and shrubs of many species. The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to explore the genetic variability in 138 P. torulosus isolates from 139 oak woods of Apulia and Basilicata. The use of 16 random primers yielded 150 polymorphic fragments. The dendrograms generated by analysing RAPD data did not show correlations between the clusters and other characters such as morphotypes, host species, and geographic origin.