Red Fungus Research Articles

Wood decomposers on six community timber species in two different locations

Abstract. Nurhadi MW, Arinana A, Rahmawati AI, Herliyana EN, Andika R, Himmi SK. 2023. Wood decomposers on six community timber species in two different locations. Biodiversitas 24: 6629-6640. Wood has a close relationship with termites and fungi as decomposers. Decomposers are important as dead organic matter is broken down into elements and returned to the soil. This study aims to analyze the amount of wood attacked by termites and fungi on six types of community timber during six months of testing at two different locations, analyze the degree of damage, and identify the species of termites and fungi that attack them. The research was conducted in two locations: the Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry and Environment of IPB and a residential area in Bogor Asri, Cibinong Sub-district, Bogor District. The wood tested were Acacia mangium, Falcataria moluccana, Anthocephalus cadamba, Maesopsis eminii, Pinus merkusii, and Hevea brasiliensis. Tests were conducted based on ASTM D 1758-06. Infested wood increased with the time tested, and infestation was higher in the arboretum (75%) than in the residential area (39.4%). The highest level of wood damage in the arboretum was Hevea brasiliensis (35.4 g); in residential, it was Pinus merkusii (18.9 g). The subterranean termite types found during the six months of testing are Macrotermes sp., Microtermes sp., Schedorhinotermes sp., and Odontotermes sp. The weathering fungi types found during the six months of testing were Aspergillus sp., Mucor sp., Trichoderma sp., Gliocladium sp., Mycelia sterilia, and red fungus. Soil type, moisture, and ambient temperature also strongly favored the development of decomposer life found in the two research sites.

ИК Фурье спектроскопия древесины сосны, пораженной окаймленным трутовиком (Fomitopsis pinicola)

Методом ИК Фурье спектроскопии в пределах одного ствола были изучены изменения древесины cосны обыкновенной (Pínus sylvéstris) в результате ее биологического поражения и деструкции окаймленным трутовиком – грибом Fomitopsis pinicola (Schw. ex Fr.) Karst. Исследование проводили на спектрометре Prestige-21 фирмы Shimadzu в области волновых чисел 4000– 400 см–1 с разрешением 4 см–1 (20 сканов). Спектры поглощения снимали с использованием приставки диффузионного отражения (ДО). Показано, что биодеструкция древесной ткани сосны отражается на ИК Фурье спектрах. Изменения наблюдаются в областях спектра поглощения, характеризующих валентные колебания гидроксильных, метиленовых, карбонильных групп, скелетные колебания ароматического кольца. Глубокая деструкция древесины в центре ствола сопровождается батохромным сдвигом (1734 см–1 до 1719 см–1) и значительным увеличением интенсивности полосы поглощения валентных колебаний карбонильных групп (1719 см–1), а также изменением контура спектра поглощения в области от ~1719 до ~1100 см–1. В спектре деструктированной древесины интенсивности полос поглощения в этой области уменьшаются, в спектрах образцов с периферии и центра ствола, сохранивших морфологическую структуру древесины – увеличиваются. В деструктированной древесине отмечено существенное увеличение интенсивности полосы поглощения при 1601 см–1, которая становится несколько большей, чем интенсивность полосы с максимумом 1508 см–1, что не характерно для ИК спектра здоровой хвойной древесины, в которой отношение интенсивностей этих полос поглощения противоположное. Сhanges of the Scots pine wood (Pínus sylvéstris) within a single tree trunk caused by its biological destruction made by red belt fungus Fomitopsis pinicola (Schw. ex Fr.) Karst were studied by use of the IR Fourier spectroscopy method. The wood was cut in Syktyvdin region of the Komi Republic. From the trunk about 36 сm in diameter a sample was sawed about 15 cm thick. Three samples were selected for spectra: 1 – light brown non-destructed wood from the centre of the trunk, 2 – dark brown, adjacent to the completely destroyed wood; 3 – from the periphery of the trunk not clearly affected by rot. The research was made by use of spectrometer Prestige-21 produced by Shimadzu company in the field of the wave numbers 4000–400 сm–1 with a resolution of 4 cm–1 (20 scans). Absorption spectra were examined by using a diffusion reflector (DR). It is shown that bio destruction of the wood fiber of pine is reflected on the IR Fourier spectra. Changes are observed in the absorption spectrum that characterize the valence oscillations of hydroxyl, methylene, carbonyl groups, and skeletal oscillations of the aromatic ring. A deep destruction of wood in the centre of the trunk is accompanied by a bathwater drift (1734 сm–1 to 1719 сm–1) and a significant increase in the absorption band of the valence oscillations of carbonyl groups (1719 сm–1), as well as change of the spectra contour of the absorption from ~1719 to ~1100 cm–1. In the spectrum of the disrupted wood, the intensity of the absorption bands in this area decreases, and in the spectra of the samples from the periphery and the center of the trunk that have preserved the morphological structure of the wood increases. There is a significant increase in the absorption band in the disrupted wood 1601 сm–1, that becomes bigger than, band intensity maximum 1508 сm–1, that is not typical for the IR spectrum of healthy coniferous wood, in which the ratio of the intensity of these absorption bands is the opposite.

Development of Tea bush replant disease by red root rot fungus

Development of Tea bush replant disease by red root rot fungus

Pigment Production of Monascus sp. Isolated from Angkak in Semarang Region, Central Java, Indonesia

Angkak (red fungi rice, red yeast rice) is a traditional fermentation by fungi Monascus in a lot of Asia Countries, which is useful as a natural food colorant. The aim of this research was to obtain pure isolate of red fungus from angkak in Semarang. The growth and the red pigment production of the selected isolate in the different initial medium pH and nitrogen sources were observed. The treatment was done by growing the isolate in PDB (Potato Dextrose Broth) medium at initial pH 3, 5, 7 and 9 and as well as optimization of nitrogen sources with 1% ammonium chloride, 1% ammonium nitrate, and 1% peptone. Analysis of the fungi growth was performed by weighing mycelia biomass using dry weight method and the red pigments were analysis using spectrophotometer at a wavelength (λmax) of 500 nm. The results showed that the highest absorbance value of pigment (0.81) was obtained at pH 7, and the highest value of the cell dry weight was also obtained at pH 7 (1.23 g/L). The results showed that 1% ammonium chloride was the best nitrogen source for absorbance of red pigment production (0.82), but the highest of dry weight (2.56 g/L) was obtained by using medium with 1% ammonium nitrate as a nitrogen source.

Secondary metabolites produced by a root-inhabiting sterile fungus antagonistic towards pathogenic fungi

A sterile red fungus (SRF) isolated from cortices of roots of both wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Gamenya) and ryegrass (Lolium rigidum cv. Wimmera) was found to protect the hosts from phytopathogens and promote plant growth. In this work, the major secondary metabolites produced by this SRF were analysed, and their antibiotic and plant-growth-promoting activities investigated. Two main compounds, veratryl alcohol (VA) and 4-(hydroxymethyl)-quinoline, were isolated from the culture filtrate of the fungus. In antifungal assays, VA inhibited the growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Pythium irregulare even at low amounts, while high concentrations (>100 microg per plug) of 4-(hydroxymethyl)-quinoline were needed. Both metabolites revealed weak inhibition of Rhizoctonia solani. Furthermore, both compounds showed a growth promotion activity on canola (Brassica napus) seedlings used as bioassays. Isolation and characterization of the main secondary metabolites from culture filtrates of a root-inhabiting sterile fungus are reported. The biological assays indicate that these secondary metabolites may have a role in both plant growth regulation and antifungal activity. This study provides a better understanding of the metabolism of a cortical fungus that may have a useful role in the biological suppression of root-infecting soil-borne plant pathogens.

Raman spectroscopic characterization of cinnabarin produced by the fungusPycnoporus sanguineus(Fr.) Murr.

Raman spectroscopy with 1064 nm laser excitation is used here to identify the chemical composition of the extracts obtained from Pycnoporus sanguineus fungus, in comparison with the data produced from the red fungus itself. Polar and non-polar solvents were used to separate cinnabarin and ergosterol, respectively, the main components of each extract. The Raman spectra of the extracts are dominated by specific vibrational modes that can be related to these components; in the case of ergosterol the main bands are those assignable to CH stretching and deformation along with bands related to the aryl skeletal rings. The cinnabarin fraction, on the other hand, gives a Raman spectrum where the most important bands are those related to NH2 bending (1510 cm−1) and C quinonoid stretching (1647 cm−1) modes. The Raman spectrum obtained directly from the fungus shows similarity with the cinnabarin fraction, in agreement with the literature information from extracts that cinnabarin is the most significant component present in the red fungus. This result highlights the potential of Raman spectroscopic techniques for the monitoring of the fungus extraction process undertaken in small industries. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Taxonomic identity of the Sterile Red Fungus inferred using nuclear rDNA ITS 1 sequences

The taxonomic position and properties of an unidentified fungus isolated from wheat roots was investigated. The Sterile Red Fungus (SRF) is characterised by its fast growing habit, red pigmentation, non-sporing nature and mycelial form resembling some Laetisaria and Limonomyces species. rDNA variation was used to study the relationship of the SRF to Laetisaria spp. and Limonomyces spp. Nucleotide sequence obtained from eight Laetisaria and three Limonomyces species representing the ITS 1 region, were analysed by PCR and direct sequencing. Plant growth promoting properties of the five taxa were also determined. The SRF had closest identity (98 %) to British material of Limonomyces roseipellis. UPGMA analysis of ITS 1 DNA sequence support a close relationship between SRF and L. roseipellis. The relationship inferred by nucleotide sequence data was supported by phenotypic analysis; both L. roseipellis and the SRF were shown to promote the growth of wheat plants. Unexpectedly, Laetisaria arvalis and material named as Limonomyces roseipellis from New Zealand appeared to be closely related with 98 % rDNA sequence identity, suggesting the misidentification of the New Zealand collection.

Root cortex--the final frontier for the biocontrol of root-rot with fungal antagonists: a case study on a sterile red fungus.

Root cortices remain as the last frontier for the biocontrol agents to protect the vascular elements from the invader, where the virulent pathogen has breached the bulk soil, rhizosphere, and rhizoplane. Root cortices are commonly colonized by a variety of soilborne fungi. Many nonmycorrhizal biocontrol fungi that occupy the rhizosphere appear to extend their activity into the live cells of the cortex. It has been proposed that the occupation of the cortices by biocontrol fungi introduced on seed at sowing could extend their activity in time and space. The biology and ecology of such fungi with parasitic competency to colonize live cortical cells are discussed in relation to a case study involving a sterile cortical fungus.

Suppression of the take-all fungus ( Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici) by a sterile red fungus through induced resistance in wheat ( Triticum aestivum) seedling roots

The aim of this study was to verify that induced resistance was another mechanism through which a sterile red fungus (SRF) can suppress Gaeumannomyces graminis (Sacc.) Arx and Olivier var. tritici (Walker) (Ggt). Using a split-root system, it was expected that prior inoculation of one half of the wheat ( Triticum aestivum L cv. Gamenya) seedling roots with the SRF 0 or 7 d prior to inoculation with Ggt to the remaining roots in the other pot would result in the suppression of Ggt infection through the induction of host defence mechanisms by the SRF. The split-root system was set up with six treatments: (i) no Ggt or the SRF inoculum; (ii) sterilised Ggt inoculum only; (iii) Ggt only; (iv) the SRF only; (v) the SRF and Ggt inoculated on the same day; and (vi) Ggt added 7 d after the SRF. Fresh shoot and root weight (g), root length (m), lesion length (cm) and percentage effective root length were measured 21 d after prior inoculation with SRF. Shoot and root growth were stimulated by the SRF as expected from previous studies. Lesion length was significantly ( P<0.05) reduced in the SRF pre-inoculated plants compared to the control by virtue of both reduction in lesion length and rate of lesion development. Similar results were observed for effective root length measurements. It was thus concluded that induced host resistance was another mechanism by which the SRF can suppress Ggt infection systemically in wheat seedling roots.

Methods for ex Vitro Germination of Australian Terrestrial Orchids

Seeds of two Australian terrestrial orchid species (Caladenia latifolia R.Br. and Diuris magnifica D. Jones) were germinated in a potting mix of Allocasuarina fraseriana (Miq.) L. Johnson leaf mulch and perlite (1:1). The potting mix was irradiated (7 Gy for 14 hours), steam pasteurized (70C for 30 minutes) or nontreated, and inoculated with the appropriate mycorrhizal fungus for each species, a sterile red fungus (SRF), or both. Protocorm formation and green shoots were evident at 8 and 10 weeks, respectively, after seed sowing. The highest mean number of seedlings was 84 for C. latifolia and 234 for D. magnifica per 270-ml container in pasteurized potting mix inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi and SRF. Shoots were longest after 20 weeks (28 mm for C. latifolia and 52 mm for D. magnifica, respectively) in pasteurized potting mix inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi only. Germination was absent in control treatments without mycorrhizal fungi; with SRF only; or in nonsterile potting mix with mycorrhizal fungi, SRF, or both.

Nutritional and biological activities of a sterile red fungus which promotes plant growth and suppresses take-all

The nutritional behaviour of a ‘Sterile Red Fungus’ (SRF) was studied with a view to the development of efficient field delivery systems for its use in plant growth promotion and disease protection. The vegetative cells of the fungus are binucleate with occasional presence of trinucleate terminal cells. Responses to 28 biochemical tests and 19 different carbon sources were determined to detect the enzymatic activities and preferred carbon source utilization for growth. Pectic enzyme patterns and manganese oxidation/reduction abilities of the SRF were also investigated. The SRF was found to have a wide range of enzymatic activity. It produced cellulase, esterase, ligninase, peroxidase, acid phosphatase, phenoloxidase and pectinase and required thiamine (0·6 g l −1 ) for growth. With the exception of chitin, lactose, dulcitol and l -arabinose it utilized all the carbon sources tested. It oxidized and reduced manganese and its isoenzyme pattern is characterized by distinct bands of esterase and polygalacturonase.

Possible roles of competition for thiamine, production of inhibitory compounds, and hyphal interactions in suppression of the take-all fungus by a sterile red fungus

Possible mechanisms involved in the suppression of the take-all fungus (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici) by a sterile red fungus were examined. Studies on the effects of foliar application of thiamine to plants showed a reduction in take-all suppression by the sterile red fungus thereby indicating that competition for this particular vitamin, required by both fungi, could be one of the mechanisms of antagonism. Treatment with the exudate produced by the sterile red fungus on solid substrates resulted in lysis of the hyphae of the take-all fungus. Exudate produced on sterilised wheat seeds was more inhibitory to the take-all fungus than that produced on ryegrass seeds. Fungal inhibition increased as the duration of exposure to the exudate increased. The primary effects of hyphal interactions between the sterile red fungus and the take-all fungus were evident as coiling and contact lysis. It is possible that a combination of mechanisms including the above may be involved in suppression of the take-all fungus by the sterile red fungus.Key words: take-all suppression, sterile red fungus.

Nutritional and environmental factors affecting growth and antifungal activity of a sterile red fungus against Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici

Growth and antifungal activity of a sterile red fungus against Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (the take-all fungus) in vitro was greatly influenced by nutritional and environmental conditions. The utilization by the sterile red fungus of various carbon and nitrogen sources differed considerably at pH 5.5 and 6.5. Maximum growth of the sterile red fungus occurred when pectin was supplied as the carbon source at both pH levels. As nitrogen sources, NH4H2PO4 supported maximum growth at pH 5.5, whereas Ca(NO3)2 was the best at pH 6.5. Pectin strongly enhanced the antifungal activity of the sterile red fungus towards the take-all fungus as did Ca(NO3)2 supplied as a N source. There was, however, little or no antagonism in the presence of calcium citrate, arabinose, leucine, or arginine. In general, antagonism was optimal at 20 °C and at pH 5.5. Key words: sterile red fungus, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, biological control.

Effect of placement of inoculum in soil on infectivity and disease protection ability of a sterile red fungus

The effects of variations in the placement of inoculum in soil on the infectivity and disease protection ability of a sterile red fungus (SRF) was investigated. The ability of the SRF to spread in soil and to infect wheat plants either from pre-infected wheat plants or from an introduced source of inoculum was also examined. Experiments were carried out by placing the SRF inoculum at different distances (0, 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 cm) from the plant and at different depths (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10cm) in soil. Nylon mesh bags used in this study allowed the passage of fungal hyphae but prevented the free movement of wheat roots in soil. The furthest distance for the placement of the SRF inoculum for successful root colonization was found to e 3 cm. This distance was used to detect the differences in the period required to infect and colonize the wheat roots by the SRF in comparison with the take-all fungus. It was observed that the SRF maintains the initial advantage of early arrival on the wheat roots for protecting the plant from the take-all fungus. The SRF was also found to colonize and protect plant roots more effectively when it was placed below the seed at sowing than at a 3 cm distance from the plant. Although the potential for the SRF to spread from plant to plant exists, it may still be necessary to introduce the SRF inoculum close to each wheat seed at sowing.

Responses of a sterile red fungus to soil types, wheat varieties and the presence of certain isolates of Streptomyces

The biological activities of a sterile red fungus (SRF) capable of plant growth promotion and suppression of take-all disease were investigated in soils collected from Lancelin, Newdegate and Mt. Barker regions of Western Australia. Further, the effects of three wheat cultivars and the presence of two isolates of Streptomyces on the biological activities of the SRF were tested using the Lancelin soil. The biological activities of the SRF were greatest in the Lancelin and Newdegate (wheat field) soils and with the wheat cultivar Gutha. In in vitro studies the soil streptomycetes tested showed either a significant increase in the exudate production by the SRF, which had antifungal and growth promoting properties, or an inhibition of growth of the fungus. Streptomycete A63 which stimulated the exudate production by the SRF in vitro, however, did not enhance disease protection in vivo. On the other hand, protection from root rot by the SRF in vivo was reduced in the presence of the streptomycete isolate Ax which is capable of inhibiting the growth of the SRF in vitro.

Responses of a sterile red fungus to soil types, wheat varieties and the presence of certain isolates ofStreptomyces

Responses of a sterile red fungus to soil types, wheat varieties and the presence of certain isolates ofStreptomyces

Promotion of growth of wheat seedlings by a sterile red fungus in relation to plant density and soil fertility

Enhancement of shoot and root growth of wheat seedlings by a sterile red fungus was evident even when sufficient nutrients were supplied and density of plants per pot was increased (from 15 to 30 plants per pot of 400 g soil).

Use of a clean seedling assay to test plant growth promotion by exudates from a sterile red fungus

Use of a clean seedling assay to test plant growth promotion by exudates from a sterile red fungus

Effect of colonization by a sterile red fungus on viability of seed and growth and anatomy of wheat roots

Invasion patterns of the sterile red fungus (SRF) into tissues of seminal roots of wheat were examined 4, 8 and 10 d after inoculation. At 4 d, 2·7% of the cortical cells were free of the fungus (category A), 16·2% had 1–50% (category B) and 81·1%, 50–100% (category C) of the cell lumen filled by hyphae. The percentage of cortical cells in category C increased at 8 and 20 d, with a concurrent decrease in categories B and A. Most cells within the stele were free of the fungus, especially at 4 and 8 d. Even when they were found within stelar tissues they were only at low densities. The thickness of the walls of endodermis was not affected by the presence of the SRF. The SRF colonized wheat seeds without affecting their viability. The SRF was recovered at a greater proportion from seeds incubated with the fungus for 12 h than for 8 or 10 h, although some reduction in the viability was noted with seeds incubated for 12 h. Wheat seeds exposed to the SRF for 8, 10 and 12 h germinated more rapidly than untreated seeds, the seeds incubated for 10 h showing the best effect. Forty eight hours after planting there was no difference evident in the germination percentage among seeds inoculated for 8 h, 10 h and the control treatment. The SRF or its exudate increased the shoot and root weights and root length compared to the control. The SRF also increased the diameter of wheat roots which was not affected by the exudate. The root length, however, was greater in the exudate treatment than in the treatment receiving the fungus.

Efficacy of treatment with a sterile red fungus for control of take-all in wheat

Abstract A sterile red fungus which had demonstrated potential to promote plant growth and reduce take-all of wheat in glasshouse trials was tested for its performance in the field. It showed considerable promise as a biocontrol agent in the field, reducing take-all at all three levels of inoculum used. It also promoted plant growth and increased grain yield, especially at high inoculum levels.