Endophytic Fungal Species Research Articles

Histologic Observation, Identification and Secondary Metabolites Analysis of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. F. & Thomson

The endophytic fungi could be isolated from the plant host to observed. The purpose of this research is to: 1) observe the endophytic fungi location in the C. odorata plant tissue; 2) identify each endophytic fungi isolated from C. odorata leaf, twig, and flower petal; 3) analyze the secondary metabolites contents of each endophytic fungi species. The location of endophytic fungi in the plant tissue observed by microscopic observation. The endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaf, twig, and flower petal of C. odorata plant by cutted these plant parts, then inoculated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium and incubated in 27°C during 7 x 24 hours, each fungi were isolated, then the morphology and microscopic characteristic of each fungi colony isolates were described and identified. Each endophytic fungi isolates inoculated in Potato Dextrose Broth medium and shaked in 120 rpm during 7x24 hours, afterwards the secondary metabolites content were analyze using spectrophotometric method. The research result were: 1) the endophytic fungi location are on the epidermis cell wall and on the stomata guard cell wall of the leaf tissue, on the parenchymal cell wall of the twig tissue, and on the epidermis cell wall of the flower petal tissue; 2) Nine endophytic fungi species isolated from the C. odorata are: Nigrospora sphaerica, Colletotrichum alienum, Mycellia sterilia 1, C. kahawae, Rhizoctonia sp., C. aotearoa, Micellia sterilia 2, C. alatae, and C. queenslandicum. 3) the secondary metabolites contents produce by each endophytic fungi species: flavonoid (654 to 1793.13 mg· kg−1), tannin (29.36 to 52.21 mg· kg−1), saponin (2.31 to 3.35 mg· kg−1), alkaloid (23.05 to 40.28 mg· kg−1), and terpenoid (85.53 to 155.48 mg· kg−1).

How significant are endophytic fungi in bromeliad seeds and seedlings? Effects on germination, survival and performance of two epiphytic plant species

In bromeliads, nothing is known about the associations fungi form with seeds and seedling roots. We investigated whether fungal associations occur in the seeds and seedling roots of two epiphytic Aechmea species, and we explored whether substrate and fungal associations contribute to seed germination, and seedling survival and performance after the first month of growth. We found a total of 21 genera and 77 species of endophytic fungi in the seeds and seedlings for both Aechmea species by Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The fungal associations in seeds were found in the majority of corresponding seedlings, suggesting that fungi are transmitted vertically. Substrate quality modulated the germination and growth of seedlings, and beneficial endophytic fungi were not particularly crucial for germination but contributed positively to survival and growth. Overall, this study provides the first evidence of an endophytic fungal community in both the seeds and seedlings of two epiphytic bromeliads species that subsequently benefit plant growth.

In vitro and in silico docking studies of antibacterial compounds derived from endophytic Penicillium setosum

Occasionally, endophytic fungal species cognize as a hidden prospective source of plant secondary metabolites. In this study, a potent Penicillium setosum sp. nov. was explored for its detailed antibacterial action on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through different in vitro and in silico assays. Fluorescence based viability assay determined increase in the number of dead cells in course of time with the continual exposure of extract during a 4 h period. Scanning electron micrographs reflect the distinguishable morphological changes in treated cells, namely shortening of size, bubbles, and blisters on the surface of E. coli, as well as open holes and deep craters on the surface of S. aureus, ultimately leading to rupture of cells. Significant intracellular changes in bacteria were remarkably noticed through different membrane permeabilization assays. The rate of Na+ and K+ leakage with respect to time, intracellular material and cytoplasmic β-galactosidase release were measured spectroscopically. The results indisputably prove that membrane disruption of S. aureus cells occurs within 2 h and in E.coli occurs in between 2 and 4 h of exposure. Crude extract of P. setosum was fractioned using semi-preparative HPLC and the separated antibacterial active fraction showed antibacterial efficacy with the minimum inhibitory concentration of 8 μg/mL against both organisms. Active fraction contains four well-known plant metabolite belongs to the polyphenolic group (Leucodelphinidin, dihydroquercetin, kaempferol, and quercetin) and one polyketide (patulin) familiar as fungal metabolite, identified through high resolution LC-MS. Interaction mechanisms of identified compounds with nine important antimicrobial drug targets showed highest binding affinity by leucodelphinidin followed by dihydroquercetin > kaempferol > quercetin. This is the first instance of using leucodelphinidin and dihydroquercetin for detailed interaction study with multiple targets, and it was found that they showed more effective interaction than quercetin, which was earlier utilized for antibacterial studies.

Endophytic microorganisms for biocontrol of the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea

Botrytis cinerea is the most widely studied necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungus. It causes economic losses that are difficult to calculate due to the large number of hosts. While there are a wide array of fungicides on the market to control this phytopathogen, they are not considered sustainable in terms of the environment and human health. The search for new alternatives to control this phytopathogen has led to the use of endophytic microorganisms as biological control agents. Endophytic bacteria and endophytic fungi have been isolated from different plant species and some have proven effective in inhibiting B. cinerea. Furthermore, a significant number of fungistatic or fungicidal metabolites which could be used as alternative complementary chemical controls have been isolated from these fungi and bacteria. In this review, in addition to the metabolites which have shown fungicide activity against this phytopathogen, the different genera and species of endophytic bacteria and fungi are also considered. These have been isolated from various plant species and have displayed antagonistic activity against B. cinerea.

Comparative Study on Population Ecological Distribution and Extracellular Enzyme Activities of Endophytic Fungi in <i>Artemisia annua</i>

The endophytic fungi in different tissues of Artemisia annua was isolated and purified to explore their ecological distribution and tissue preference, and the extracellular enzyme activities of dominant endophytic fungi were determined to characterize the metabolic function of endophytic fungi. The results showed that a total of 67 endophytic fungi were obtained from Artemisia annua tissues. The number and species of endophytic fungi in different tissues were significantly different. The number, colonization rate (CR) and isolation rate (IR) of endophytic fungi in root were significantly higher than those of stem and leaf. The dominant endophytic fungi, diversity and similarity coefficient of endophytic fungi also showed significant difference among tissues. The extracellular enzyme activities of endophytic fungi in different tissues are significantly different. The enzyme activities of endophytic fungi isolated from root are significantly higher than those isolated from stem and leaf. The research results showed that the endophytic fungi in Artemisia annua had significant tissue preference, and the metabolic function of endophytic fungi showed significant difference among tissues. This will lay a foundation for further research, development and utilization of endophytic fungi, and also provide a theoretical basis for screening functional endophytic fungi in Artemisia annua.

Applications of endophytic-fungal-isolates from velamen root of wild orchids in floriculture

The velamen roots are quite extensively growing and profusely branched organ of adaptation in epiphytic orchids. The endophytic-fungi in such roots are believed to have growth-promoting influence, especially on the roots itself. However, an application of the same in the cultivation of the ornamental orchids is not yet sufficiently tried. The present report deals with the growth promoting effects of endophytic fungi of the velamen roots of a wild epiphytic orchid Acampe praemorsa on an ornamental orchid, Dendrobium sp. The five endophytic fungal species, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma atroviride, Endomelanconiopsis endophytica and Diaporthe eucalyptorum isolated from the velamen roots of the epiphytic orchid, A. praemorsa were found to be potent producers of the hormone indole-3-acetic-acid (IAA). The endophytic fungi were identified by morphological and molecular methods. The nucleotide sequences of the identified strains were deposited in the GenBank. The growth-promoting influence of them was tested on an ornamental orchid Dendrobium sp. Experimental assessment of nutrient uptake, chlorophyll content, and biomass of the leaves of the treated plants after 45 days of inoculation confirmed the growth promoting effects. The amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the treated plants showed a significant increase from the control. The fungus E. endophytica showed a significant increase in the chlorophyll content in the leaves of treated plants; T. asperellum and D. eucalyptorum showed a significant increase in the fresh-weight of treated plants, whereas T. asperellum and E. endophytica significantly increased the dry weight of leaves in treated plants. Overall, the experiment proved that the endophytic fungal isolates from the wild orchid A. praemorsa synthesize bioactive compounds including IAA that can promote growth in ornamental orchids such as Dendrobium sp. Thus the endophytic fungal isolates from wild orchids are proved significant in orchid floriculture.

Analysis of Endophytic Fungal Extracts of Therapeutically important Hydrophytes for different Chemical Compounds

Endophytic fungi were isolated from leaves of five different therapeutically important hydrophytes. A total of 46 endophytic fungal species were present and their crude extracts were tested for the production of alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, tannin and steroid. All the endophytic fungi produced alkaloid in culture. Flavonoid was produced by 44 endophytic fungi and terpenoid produced by 39 species of endophytic fungi. Twenty five endophytic fungi produced tannin and 24 endophytic fungi produced steroid in culture. Further, out of the 46 endophytic fungi 23 endophytic fungi (Almost 50%) produce all the five chemical groups tested. Chrysosporium sp and sterile form III produced only alkaloids in culture.

Penicillium setosum, a new species from Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

ABSTRACTMedicinal plants are considered as sources of novel and unexplored groups of endophytic microorganisms. A study on endophytic fungal species from the medicinal plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal resulted in the isolation of a Penicillium isolate (WSR 62) with antibiotic activity. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolate belongs to section Lanata-divaricata, and it is most closely related to P. javanicum. Subsequent detailed phylogenetic analyses using partial β-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM) and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II (RPB2) gene sequences of a larger number of related strains revealed the distinctiveness of the isolate in the P. javanicum-clade. The isolate grows fast on Czapek yeast autolysate agar (CYA) and malt extract agar (MEA) incubated at 25°C, 30°C and 37°C. The obverse colony colour is dominated by the conspicuous production of cleistothecia and is greyish yellow on CYA and yellowish brown on MEA. Production of cleistothecia containing prominent spinose ascospores was present on all tested agar media. Based on the phylogenetic analysis and the phenotypic characterisation, strain WSR 62 from Withania is described here as a novel species named Penicillium setosum.

Nigrospora sphaerica products from the flowering dogwood exhibit antitumorigenic effects via the translational regulator, pS6 ribosomal protein

The utility of diverse species of endophytic fungi as a viable source for drug agents with clinical applicability for the treatment of human diseases continues to expand. In this study we examined secondary metabolites of Nigrospora sphaerica isolated from the flowering dogwood, Cornus florida L., for their anticancer properties on lung cancer and glioblastoma. Molecular identification of N. sphaerica was determined using ITS-rDNA sequence. The expression of translational pathway proteins were examined after exposure to various crude extract concentrations (2µg/ml, 4µg/ml, 8µg/ml) using immunoblotting procedures, while tumor cell migration analysis was performed using boyden chamber assays. Crude N. sphaerica extracts exhibited antiproliferative and antimigratory effects on solid tumors as determined by cell proliferation and cell migration assays, respectively. The antitumorigenic effects of N. sphaerica were as a consequence of negatively regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR translational control signaling pathway, a canonical mechanistic axis that contributes to the maintenance and progression of several human cancers. To our knowledge this is the first evidence that demonstrates N. sphaerica from C. florida inhibits tumor cell migration, and thus disease recurrence a major factor in the therapeutic resistance of cancers to chemotherapeutic agents.

Isolation and identification of exopolysaccharide-producing endophytic fungi from leaf midribs of oil palm

Exopolysaccharide are produced by several types of fungi as well as endophytes. This is the first report about fungal endophytes from oil palm as a exopolysaccharide producer. The aim of this study was to isolated and identified the exopolysaccharide-producing endophytic fungi from leaf midrib of oil palm. Leaf midrib was collected from oil palm in Kuala Bekala Plantation in Medan, Indonesia. Endophytic fungal isolates were characterized morphologically and then identified molecularly by amplification of ITS region of ribosomal RNA. Endophytic fungi of exopolysaccharides-producing were selected by cultivated on mineral medium with sucrose as carbon and NaNO3 as nitrogen sources. Exopolysaccharides were collected, purified and characterized the FTIR spectrum. The isolation results obtained 14 isolates of fungal endophytes; eleven isolates were characterized as Ascomycetes, and 3 isolates as Basidiomycetes. Based on molecular identification were founded eight of Genera; two Genera in Basidiomycetes. (Schizophyllum and Psathyrella) and 6 Genera in Ascomycetes (Pestalotiopsis, Phyllosticta, Curvularia, Nectria, Diaporthe and Nigrospora). The dominant species of Ascomycetes group were genus Pestalotiopsis. Almost all of fungal endophytes were as exopolysaccharides producer strains. The major functional groups of the exopolysaccharides produced by 11 species of endophytic fungi of oil palm were -OH, -CH, -C = C, and C-O-C groups.

In vitro- exploration of Fungal Endophytes of Egyptian Cynara scolymus L. (artichoke) and Investigation of some their bioactive potentials

<p>Plant-associated microorganisms, especially endophytic fungi, represent an untapped resource for the discovery of biologically active natural products. The objectives of this study were to isolate, identify endophytic fungi, and produce their bioactive metabolites from the leaves of two varieties of Egyptian artichoke namely: French Hyrious and Egyptian Baladi. In addition, assess of their total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The results of this novel study show a total of 35 endophytic fungal species belonging to 14 genera were isolated from both artichoke leaves with gross total counts of colonizing endophytic fungi ranged from 71 to 123 cfu which is matching 78.89% to 136.67% of colonization frequency. All taxa recovered were assigned to Ascomycetes. In addition, there is high species richness and diversity indices of endophytic filamentous fungi in the leaves Baladi Artichoke as compared to its French rival.  <em>Alternaria alternata</em> were found to be the most frequently isolated dominant species. The TAC, TPC and TFC of the fungal cultures ranged from 163 to 681 mgAAE/gDW, 10.38 to 40.30 mgGAE/ gDW, and 13.92 to 173.55 mgQE/gDW, respectively. Furthermore, LC-ESI-MS/MS confirmed the presence of 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid in the methanolic extract of <em>A. alternata.</em> Hence, this novel study suggested that the metabolites produced by endophytic fungi associated with Egyptian artichoke could be explored as an economic and potential natural resources with diverse pharmaceutical and biological activities.</p>

Trichoderma polyalthiae sp. nov., an endophytic fungus from Polyalthia debilis

A new species of endophytic fungi, Trichoderma polyalthiae, was isolated from stems of Polyalthia debilis in Ubon Ratchatani Province, Thailand. Trichoderma polyalthiae was distinguished from closely related species by its molecular and phenotypic characteristics. Based on multigene phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region, translation elongation factor 1-α, and RNA polymerase subunit II gene sequences, T. polyalthiae formed a distinct clade. Morphologically, T. polyalthiae can be distinguished from closely related taxa by its growth rates, diffusing of pigment into agar, and hyaline conidia and production of chlamydospores.

Relationship between foliar endophytes and apple cultivar disease resistance in an organic orchard

Many studies have shown that foliar endophytes enhance host resistance to leaf pathogens. Although plants show large genotype-related intraspecific variation in pathogen resistance, few studies have examined whether disease resistance is also influenced by the endophyte community. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that apple cultivar differences in leaf pathogen resistance are related to their respective foliar endophyte communities. We inoculated spores of Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria mali) in an organic orchard that had not been exposed to any chemical pesticide for over 30 years, and evaluated leaf damage in 18 apple trees belonging to three cultivars with differing levels of resistance. The richness, composition, and abundance of the foliar endophyte communities in the same 18 trees were also examined using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism. We found that cultivar resistance to lower leaf damage correlated significantly with the abundance of endophytic fungal species. These results suggest that endophytic fungi can promote leaf spot resistance in apple cultivars.

English

Among all orchids, Dendrobium sp. is considered to have high medicinal value. Dendrobium moniliforme and Dendrobium transparens have immense pharmaceutical, commercial potentiality. However, their fungal endophytes remain unexplored. Isolation and identification of thirteen species of endophytic fungi from the root of D. moniliforme as well as five species from the roots of D. transparens were done. The two endophytic fungi namely Aspergillus flavus and Trichoderma harzianum were common for both plant species. Antimicrobial assay was done against selected human pathogen both gram positive and negative Escherichia coli, Pseudomanas aeruginosa, Staphyllococcus aureus and Staphyllococcus epidermidis. The antimicrobial assay showed the significant role of endophytic fungi to inhibit the bacterial growth. Methanolic extract of DeMon VI and DeMon X were prepared to identify the bioactive compounds. Phenolic and 3-Eicosene,(E)-compounds were identified from extract of DeMon VI whereas Pentadecanoic acid, 14 methyle-, methyl ester and Diethyl Phthalate were identified from extract of DeMon X. Key words: Orchids, Dendrobium sp., endophytic fungi, Human pathogen.

Bioremediation of hexavalent chromium by endophytic fungi; safe and improved production of Lactuca sativa L

One of the main problems of the industrialized world is the accumulation of chromium (Cr) in soil, which is a serious threat to the crops. Complete removal of Cr from the contaminated soils poses a great challenge. However, this issue can be minimised by using plant growth promoting microbes as a bioremediation tool. In the present study, healthy plants established near the University campus in Mardan were selected for the isolation of Cr resistant endophytes. From the designated plants, 114 species of endophytic fungi were isolated. Among the 114 isolated strains, 4 strains have induced resistance in L. sativa against Cr. The strains were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus, Rhizopus sp., Penicillium radicum and Fusarium proliferatum based on ITS region (18 S rDNA) homology. The isolates have removed Cr from soil and culture media as well as bio-transformed it from highly toxic hexavalent to least toxic trivalent form, thus helped the Cr stressed L. sativa to restore its normal growth. The Rhizopus Sp. CUC23 has mainly accrued Cr and detoxified intracellularly, whereas A. fumigatus ML43 and P. radicum PL17 has detoxified up to 95% of Cr extracellularly. From the results, it is concluded that the selected endophytic strains might be used as biofertilizer for healthy and safe crop production in Cr contaminated soils.

The culturable endophytic fungal communities of switchgrass grown on a coal-mining site and their effects on plant growth.

Plants have a diverse endophytic microbiome that is functionally important for their growth, development, and health. In this study, the diversity and specificity of culturable endophytic fungal communities were explored in one of the most important biofuel crops, switchgrass plants (Panicum virgatum L.), which have been cultivated on a reclaimed coal-mining site for more than 20 years. The endophytic fungi were isolated from the surface-sterilized shoot (leaf and stem), root, and seed tissues of switchgrass plants and then cultured for identification. A total of 1339 fungal isolates were found and 22 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were sequence identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) primers and grouped into 7 orders and 4 classes. Although a diverse range of endophytic fungi associated with switchgrass were documented, the most abundant class, order, and species were Sordariomycetes, Hypocreales, and Fusarium spp. respectively. About 86% of the isolated endophytic fungi were able to enhance the heights of the shoots; 69% could increase the shoot fresh weights; and 62% could improve the shoot dry weights after being reintroduced back into the switchgrass plants, which illustrated their functional importance. Through the Shannon Diversity Index analysis, we observed a gradation of species diversity, with shoots and roots having the similar values and seeds having a lesser value. It was observed that the switchgrass plants showing better growth performance displayed higher endophytic fungal species diversity and abundance. It was also discovered that the rhizosphere soil organic matter content was positively correlated with the fungal species diversity. All these data demonstrate the functional association of these beneficial endophytic fungi with switchgrass and their great potential in improving the switchgrass growth and biomass to benefit the biofuel industry by reducing chemical inputs and burden to the environment.

Diversity and Antifungal Activity of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Camellia oleifera

Endophytic fungi strains (n = 81) were isolated from the leaves, barks, and fruits of Camellia oleifera from Hunan province (China) to delineate their species composition and potential as biological control agents of C. oleifera anthracnose. The fungi were identified by morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Fungal colonization rates of the leaves, barks, and fruits were 58.02, 27.16, and 14.81%, respectively. The isolates were identified as 14 genera, belonging to two subdivisions, Deuteromycotina and Ascomycotina; 87.65% of all isolates belonged to Deuteromycotina. The dominant species, occurring with a high relative frequency, were Pestalotiopsis sp. (14.81%), Penicillium sp. (14.81%), and Fusarium sp. (12.35%). The Simpson’s and Shannon’s diversity indices revealed the highest species diversity in the leaves, followed by the barks and fruits. The similarity index for the leaves versus barks comparison was the highest, indicating that the number of endophytic fungal species shared by the leaves and barks was higher than barks and fruits or leaves and fruits. Based on the results of dual culture experiments, only five strains exhibited antifungal activity against C. oleifera anthracnose pathogen, with isolate ty-64 (Oidium sp.) generating the broadest inhibition zones. Our results indicate that the endophytes associated with C. oleifera could be employed as natural agents controlling C. oleifera anthracnose.

Fungi as Endophytes in Artemisia thuscula: Juxtaposed Elements of Diversity and Phylogeny.

Artemisia is a plant genus highly studied for its medicinal applications. The studies on the associated fungal endophytes are scarce. Ten plants specimens of Artemisia thuscula from Tenerife and La Palma were sampled to isolate the endophytic fungi. Identification of the endophytic fungi was based on morphology, Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and Large Subunit (LSU) regions sequencing and indicates 37 fungal species affiliated to 25 fungal genera. Colonization rate varied among plants (CR = 25% to 92.11%). The most dominant colonizers found were Alternaria alternata (CF = 18.71%), Neofusicoccum sp. (CF = 8.39%) and Preussia sp. (CF = 3.23). Tendency for host specificity of most endophytic fungal species was observed. Sorensen–Dice index revealed that of 45 cases in the matrix, 27 of them were of zero similarity. Further, only one case was found to have 57% similarity (TF2 and TF7) and one case with 50% similarity (TF1 and TF4). The rest of the cases had values ranging between 11% and 40% similarity. Diversity indices like Brillouin, Margalef species richness, Simpson index of diversity and Fisher’s alpha, revealed plants from La Palma with higher values than plants from Tenerife. Three nutrient media (i.e., potato dextrose agar―PDA, lignocellulose agar―LCA, and tomato juice agar―V8) were used in a case study and revealed no differences in terms of colonization rate when data was averaged. Colonization frequency showed several species with preference for nutrient medium (63% of the species were isolated from only one nutrient medium). For the phylogenetic reconstruction using the Bayesian method, 54 endophytic fungal ITS sequences and associated GenBank sequences were analyzed. Ten orders (Diaporthales, Dothideales, Botryosphaeriales, Hypocreales, Trichosphaeriales, Amphisphaeriales, Xylariales, Capnodiales, Pleosporales and Eurotiales) were recognized. Several arrangements of genera draw the attention, like Aureobasidium (Dothideales) and Aplosporella (Botryosphaeriales) which are clustered with a recent ancestor (BS = 0.97).

Phylogenetic Analysis and Biological Evaluation of Marine Endophytic Fungi Derived from Red Sea Sponge Hyrtios erectus.

Forty-four endophytic fungal isolates obtained from marine sponge, Hyrtios erectus, were evaluated and screened for their hydrolase activities. Most of the isolates were found to be prolific producers of hydrolytic enzymes. Only 11 isolates exhibited maximum cellular contents of lipids, rhamnolipids, and protein in the fungal isolates under the isolation numbers MERVA5, MERVA22, MERVA25, MERVA29, MERVA32, MERVA34, MERV36, MERVA39, MERVA42, MERVA43, and MERVA44. These isolate extracts exhibit the highest reducing activities against carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes including α-amylase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, and tyrosinase. Consequently, based on morphological and cultural criteria, as well as sequence information and phylogenetic analysis, these isolates could be identified and designated as Penicillium brevicombactum MERVA5, Arthrinium arundinis MERVA22, Diaporthe rudis MERVA25, Aspergillus versicolor MERVA29, Auxarthron alboluteum MERVA32, Dothiorella sarmentorum MERVA34, Lophiostoma sp. MERVA36, Fusarium oxysporum MERVA39, Penicillium chrysogenum MERVA42, Penicillium polonicum MERVA43, and Trichoderma harzianum MERVA44. The endophytic fungal species, D. rudis MERVA25, P. polonicum MERVA43, Lophiostoma sp. MERVA36, A. alboluteum MERVA32, T. harzianum MERVA44, F. oxysporum MERVA39, A. versicolor MERVA29, and P. chrysogenum MERVA42 extracts, showed significant hepatitis C virus (HCV) inhibition. Moreover, D. sarmentorum MERVA34, P. polonicum MERVA43, and T. harzianum MERVA44 extracts have the highest antitumor activity against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2).

Spissiomyces endophytica (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota), a new endophytic fungus from Thailand

A new species of endophytic fungi, described herein as Spissiomyces endophytica, was isolated from tubers of Balanophora fungosa in Lampang Province, Thailand. A morphological investigation revealed that this species was distinguished from the previously described Spissiomyces species by its lager conidial size. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using combined sequence datasets of the small subunit (SSU), large subunit (LSU) and internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA), a part of the RNA polymerase (RPB2) and β-tubulin (TUB) genes, in order to support the morphological results. A full description, illustrations, phylogenetic tree and key to the species are provided.