Phytopathogenic Fungal Species Research Articles

Polyphasic Characterization of the Biocontrol Potential of a Novel Strain of Trichoderma atroviride Isolated from Central Mexico.

This work describes the characterization of Trichoderma atroviride strain CMU-08, isolated from Michoacán, Mexico. CMU-08 demonstrated robust growth and conidiation across a temperature range from 16 to 32 °C and a pH range from 4 to 9 on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and malt extract agar (MEA) media. The strain is an efficient antagonist of six species of phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes in PDA, MEA, and Vogel minimal medium (VMM). Antagonist mechanisms of CMU-08 included direct mycoparasitism observed in dual-culture assays, as well as antibiosis attributed to growth inhibition via both volatile and non-volatile metabolites, with the effectiveness varying depending on the test phytopathogen and culture medium. Extracellular filtrates (ECFs) recovered from liquid cultures of CMU-08 under basal and induced conditions using Botrytis cinerea cell walls significantly inhibited their growth at a concentration of 750 µg/mL. Moreover, in detached tomato leaf assays, these ECFs reduced foliar damage caused by B. cinerea by 24-34%. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by CMU-08 also exhibited substantial efficacy, reducing foliar damage by up to 50% in similar tests. Despite showing no basal extracellular chitinase enzymatic activity, CMU-08 demonstrated significant induction of this activity in cultures supplemented with B. cinerea and Fusarium sp. cell walls. Four genes encoding extracellular chitinases (chit33, chit36, ech42, and locus 217415) showed different dynamics of transcriptional regulation during the dual-culture confrontation of strain CMU-08 with B. cinerea and Fusarium sp., varying according to the phytopathogen and the interaction stage. The CMU-08 strain shows physiological versatility and employs a variety of antagonist mechanisms toward different species of phytopathogenic microorganisms, making it a good candidate for developing a biocontrol product for field application.

Mps1-Targeted Molecular Design of Melatonin for Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Agent Discovery.

Melatonin, a multifunctional class of natural products, has demonstrated antifungal activity, making it a promising candidate for developing antifungal agents. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (Mps1) within fungal pathogens has a target inhibitory effect of melatonin in fungi. We use a virtual screening strategy to design melatonin derivatives based on the melatonin-Mps1 targeting model. Of these, a multiflorane-substitution compound M-12 emerges as a potent antifungal agent, exhibiting broad-spectrum efficacy against eight phytopathogenic fungal species, and effectively reduces the severity of tomato gray mold, Fusarium head blight in wheat, Sclerotinia stem rot in rape, and peach brown rot. M-12 half-maximal effective concentration values (5.50 μM against Botrytis cinerea, 5.21 μM against Fusarium graminearum, 10.6 μM against Rhizoctonia solani, and 9.02 μM against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) are better than those of commercial broad-spectrum fungicide azoxystrobin (55.0, 23.2, 46.5, and 17.7 μM, respectively). Antifungal activity of enantiomer (S)-M-12 (5.02 μM) is significantly greater than its (R)-enantiomer (23.6 μM) against B. cinerea. Molecular docking and transcriptome analysis reveal that M-12 achieves its antifungal effects by inhibiting Mps1 kinase, thereby suppressing fungal growth and virulence.

The potential of bacterial endophytes on orchids

Orchids are one of the most exquisite and diverse plant species in nature. The seeds of orchids are non-endospermic and, therefore, dependent on endophytes for germination, growth, and adaptability. Orchids are prized for their beauty and therapeutic and culinary qualities by naturalists and the general public. Many orchid species are now endangered or vulnerable due to collectors' eagerness to take them. Current studies on orchids have concentrated on isolating and identifying the mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal endophytes that either directly or indirectly help orchids to grow, develop, and produce beneficial secondary metabolites. In orchids, bacterial endophytes play an essential role in the formation of mycorrhizae and the stability of relationships between plants and fungi. Endophytic bacteria can grow in orchids by producing phytohormones, doing photosynthesis, fixing nitrogen, promoting the mineral nutrition cycle, forming siderophores, and producing diverse beneficial metabolites to improve biomass production, stress tolerance, and biocontrol of potential phytopathogenic fungal species. This article examines how endophytic bacteria are associated with orchids and their potential growth-promoting abilities.

Stalk rot species diversity and molecular phylogeny associated with diseased maize in India.

Stalk rot disease is a major constraint in maize production and till date reported to be caused by two to three species of phytopathogenic fungi but, in our present study, we disclose the first report of stalk rot is caused by complex species of phytopathogens, which belongs to five different genera. Therefore, to substantiate these findings, a total of 105 diseased samples of maize were collected from 21 different locations in six different geographical locations of India from which 48 isolates were used for the research study. Morphological features such as pigmentation, colony color, type of mycelium and pattern of mycelium was examined using macro and microscopic methods. A total of 11 different spp. of pathogens belonging to the five different genera: Fusarium verticillioides (56.25%), F. equiseti (14.5%), F. andiyazi (6.25%), F. solani (2.08%), F. proliferatum (2.08%), F. incarnatum (2.08%), Lasidioplodia theobrame (6.25%), Exserohilum rostrtum (4.16%), Nigrospora spp. (4.16%). and Schizophyllum commune (2.08%) were identified by different housekeeping genes (ITS, TEF-1α, RPB2 and Actin). Fusarium verticillioides, F. equiseti and F. andiyazi were major pathogens involved in stalk rot. This is the first report on F. proliferatum, F. solani, F. incarnatum, Lasidioplodia theobrame, Exserohilum rostrtum, Nigrospora spp. and Schizophyllum commune causing stalk rot of maize and their distribution in the different states of India. Studies on population dynamics of PFSR will enhance the understanding of pathogen behavior, virulence, or its association with different pathogens across India, which will facilitate the development of resistant maize genotypes against the PFSR.

Identification of fungal disease in Vainilla planofolia Jacks plants in the central zone of the state of Veracruz.

The state of Veracruz is the main producer of vanilla in Mexico. In recent years, this crop has been seriously affected by serious phytosanitary problems caused mainly by fungal pathogens. For this reason, it was proposed to develop the present work with the objective of determining the causal agents of the disease, incidence, and severity observed in a vanilla plantation located in the locality "El Palmar," Municipality Emiliano Zapata, Veracruz. A census sampling was carried out on one hectare of the plantation to determine the incidence of the disease. Disease severity per plant was determined using a 4-grade scale. Leaves and stems with disease symptoms were collected for morphological description of the pathogenic agents by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed the presence of two species of phytopathogenic fungi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae and Puccinia sinanoemea, known to cause root rot and rust diseases in vanilla. The infection culminated in the deaths of most of the plantation workers. The incidence was classified as severe (4-grade), with 80% infestation by both pathogens. This study contributes to understanding the phytosanitary problems faced by the crop with mixed infections of fungal pathogens.

The activity of leaf extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds from Ptaeroxylon obliquum against nine phytopathogenic fungi and the nematode Meloidogyne incognita

Phytopathogenic fungi and nematodes cause great losses in economically important crops and food production especially in developing countries. To minimize the use of fungicides and nematicides, researchers have concentrated on the use of natural products for crop disease prevention or control. The aim of the study was to investigate the antifungal activity of Ptaeroxylon obliquum leaf extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds (obliquumol and a mixture of lupeol and β-amyrin) and nematocidal activity of fractions (hexane, chloroform and 30% water in methanol and the isolated compounds) on Meloidogyne incognita. Nine phytopathogenic fungi (Aspergillus niger, A. parasiticus, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium digitatum, P. expansum, P. italicum, P. janthinellum, and Rhizoctonia solani) were used for testing and nematocidal activity was determined on motility of plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita race 2 juveniles. Serial microdilution test was utilized to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each sample against the fungus. Motility tests was done on the second-stage juveniles (J2s) of M. incognita. The most susceptible phytopathogenic fungal species to the acetone crude leaf extracts were A. niger, C. gloeosporioides and P. digitatum with MIC of 80 μg/ml which is considered pharmacological significant. Rhizoctonia solani was the most susceptible fungus against obliquumol and, lupeol and β-amyrin mixture with MIC values of 8 μg/ml and 16 μg/ml respectively. Lupeol & β-amyrin mixture had good activity on juvenile motility at high concentrations used which was significantly high (p ≤ 0.05) after 24 h, further incubation resulted in temporary paralysis at lower concentrations. Fractions and obliquumol showed good activity after 48 h, stable paralysis was observed up to 72 h. The extracts and isolated compounds may be useful as fungicides if the in vitro results can be confirmed under field conditions at levels not toxic to beneficial soil organisms.

Physiological and photochemical profiling of soybean plant using biological and chemical methods of treatment against biotic stress management

Phyto-pathogenic fungal species is a leading biotic stress factor to agri-food production and ecosystem of globe. Chemical (Systemic fungicides) and biological treatment (micro-organism) are globally accepted methods that are being used against biotic stress (disease) management. Plant Growth-Promoting Microbes are being used as an alternative to ease chemical dependency as their overdoses have generated injurious effects on plants and environment. Therefore, present study performs to evaluate the photochemical and physiological profiling of plants exposed to chemical and biological treatment in biotic stress (disease) environment. Two concentrations of each chemical treatment i.e. Topsin-M 70 (Dimethyl 4,4′-o-phenylene bis 3-thioallaphanate, MF1 = 3 g kg−1 and MF2 = 6 g kg−1 seeds) and biological treatment i.e. Trichoderma harzianum strain Th-6 (MT1 = 106 spores mL−1and MT2 = 107 spores mL−1) were used in this experiment. Macrophomina phaseolina (MP) were used as biotic stress factor causing root rot disease in soybean plants. Morpho-physiological assessments and light harvesting efficiency of photosystem II were conducted after 52 days of treatment. Maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), number and size of active reaction center (Fv/Fo), photochemical quenching (qP), efficiency of photosystem II (ΦPSII), electron transport rate (ETR), chlorophyll content index (CCI), relative water content (RWC) and stomatal conductance (SC) were increased in MT2 and MF1 treatments as compared to stress plants (MP). Biological (MT2) and chemical (MF1) treatment lessen the production of stress markers showing −48.0 to −54.3% decline in malondialdehyde (MDA) and −42.0 to −53.7% in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as compared to stress plant (MP). Biological treatment in both concentration (MF1 & MF2) while chemical treatment at low dose effectively mitigates biotic stress and eases the magnitude of disease. Increasing doses of chemical treatment persuaded deleterious effects on the physiology and light harvesting efficiency of stressed plant suggesting the role of biological treatment (T. harzianum) against biotic stress management in future of crop protection.

Synthesis of azole derivatives of 1,2,3-dithiazole-5-imines and study of their fungicidal

A three-stage method was proposed for the synthesis of new 4-[4-(2-azolylethyl)piperazine-1-yl]- N -aryl-5 H 1,2,3-dithiazole-5-imines. This approach includes the reaction of Appel salt with anilines to produce 1,2,3-dithiazole-5-imines, which were converted into 4-[(4-chloroethyl)piperazine-1-yl]-5 H -1,2,3-dithiazole-5-imines, alkylating azoles at the final stage. The high fungicidal activity of target compounds and intermediate 4-chloro N -aryl-1,2,3-dithiazole-5-imines was shown in vitro tests versus six species of phytopathogenic fungi.

Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant, and Antifungal Activities of Ethyl Acetate and Chloroformic Extracts from Three Mentha Species

Background Phytopathogenic fungi remain the main infectious agents in plants, causing severe damage to the environment and human health. Thus, to reduce the usage of synthetically derived fungicides and perform agricultural crop production, the search for new control strategies including plant extracts constitutes an eco-friendly and safe alternative. Objectives This study aimed to quantify the phytochemical constituents of the three plant ( Mentha pulegium L., Mentha spicata L., and Mentha longifolia L.) extracts and to screen their phytochemical composition including total phenolic (TPC), flavonoids (TFC) and condensed tannins contents (TCTC), and to evaluate their antioxidant activities. The efficacy of all mint extracts will be investigated against phytopathogenic fungal species. Materials and Methods The three plant extracts were screened to assess their total phenolic, flavonoids, and condensed tannin contents using spectrophotometric assays. The antioxidant activities include 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and β-carotene assays. The antifungal activities were investigated on phytopathogenic species including Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Trichoderma sp. Results Quantitative analyses of phytochemical constituents of Mentha genus extracts revealed that both ethyl acetate (EtAc) and chloroformic (Chl) extracts are a rich source of phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. Ethyl acetate extract of M. longifolia (EtAc L) displayed the highest content of phenols (69.9 ± 1.35 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (53.26 ± 2.11 mg CE/g DW), while M. pulegium ethyl acetate extract (EtAc P) has the highest condensed tannins content (2.13 ± 0.4 mg CE/g DW). Moreover, the tested extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activities at low concentrations for EtAc L, followed by M. spicata (EtAc S), and EtAc P (IC50 = 35.76 ± 1.32 µg/mL for scavenging DPPH free radicals; EC50 527.96 ± 5.45 µg/mL for FRAP, and IC50 = 106.3 ± 3.75 µg/mL for β-carotene bleaching test). Finally, all tested extracts were able to inhibit the growth of several phytopathogenic micro-organisms on both agar and broth media. Conclusion The Mentha extracts derived from the three mint species (i.e., L, P, and S) could be used for their antifungal activities to provide sustainable crop pest management.

Synthesis of Azole Derivatives of 1,2,3-Dithiazole-5-imines and Study of Their Fungicidal

A three-stage method was proposed for the synthesis of new 4-[4-(2-azolylethyl)piperazine-1-yl]-N-aryl-5H-1,2,3-dithiazole-5-imines. This approach includes the reaction of Appel salt with anilines to produce 1,2,3-dithiazole-5-imines, which were converted into 4-[(4-chloroethyl)piperazine-1-yl]-5H-1,2,3-dithiazole-5-imines, alkylating azoles at the final stage. The high fungicidal activity of target compounds and intermediate 4-chloro-N-aryl-1,2,3-dithiazole-5-imines was shown in vitro tests versus six species of phytopathogenic fungi.

Phytopathogenic fungi of Caragana arborescens Lam., growing in the city Karaganda

The article presents the results of the determination of powdery-mildews fungi and rust fungi of shrub plantings growing on the streets, squares and parks of the city of Karaganda. The article presents data on the species composition of phytopathogenic fungi, where the host-plant is the Caragana arborescens Lam., growing in the city of Karaganda. Theoretical and practical information on methods for determining phytopathogenic fungi by fruit bodies, appendages, asci and ascospores has been collected by us. Phytopathogenic fungi are directly dependent on their host-plant, the conditions of development and the duration of the period of vegetation. Timely study of the condition of the plants used for greening the city, identification of diseases, level of their development, distribution, biology in accordance with the climatic conditions of the region is the basis for preventing the spread of these harmful organisms, carrying out effective control measures against them. For the first time in this region, the shrub Caragana arborescens Lam. is a host-plant for such species of phytopathogenic fungi as: powdery-mildews fungi Microsphaera caraganae L., rust fungi Uromyces cytisi J. Schröt.

Design, Synthesis, and Antifungal Activity of Polyacetylenic Alcohol Derivatives and Stereoisomers against Phytopathogenic Fungi.

Falcarindiol is active against phytopathogenic fungi. In the present study, racemic falcarindiol analogs (8a-8q) were designed, synthesized, and tested for their activities against eight economically significant phytopathogenic fungal species. The compound 8o displayed the best antifungal activities and up to 54.6-fold in vitro potency improvement against Phytophthora capsici than the natural product stipudiol. Its half-maximum effective concentrations ranged from 4 to 23 μg/mL against all tested fungal species. Racemic 8o was 195-fold more potent than the fungicide carbendazim against P. capsici in vitro. The isomer (1S, 6S)-8o exhibited an EC50 of 1.10 and 2.70 μg/mL against Monilia fructigena and P. capsici, respectively, which was 47 and 11 times lower than (1R, 6S)-8o and (1S, 6R)-8o. In addition, in vivo bioassay results showed that (1S, 6S)-8o had high antifungal activity against infection of M. fructigena and P. capsici to apricot and pepper fruits and pepper plants, which the efficacy was similar or better than carbendazim. The high potency and selectivity of 8o stereoisomers against the phytopathogens warrant an interest in elucidating the molecular target for fungicide development.

Brassicaceae Fungi and Chromista Diseases: Molecular Detection and Host–Plant Interaction

Brassicaceae plants cover a large number of species with great economic and nutritional importance around the world. The production of Brassica spp. is limited due to phytopathogenic fungal species causing enormous yield losses. In this scenario, precise and rapid detection and identification of plant-infecting fungi are essential to facilitate the effective management of diseases. DNA-based molecular methods have become popular methods for accurate plant disease diagnostics and have been used to detect Brassicaceae fungal pathogens. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays including nested, multiplex, quantitative post, and isothermal amplification methods represent a powerful weapon for early detection of fungal pathogens and preventively counteract diseases on brassicas with the aim to drastically reduce the fungicides as inputs. It is noteworthy also that Brassicaceae plants can establish a wide variety of relationships with fungi, ranging from harmful interactions with pathogens to beneficial associations with endophytic fungi. Thus, understanding host and pathogen interaction in brassica crops prompts better disease management. The present review reports the main fungal diseases of Brassicaceae, molecular methods used for their detection, review studies on the interaction between fungi and brassicas plants, and the various mechanisms involved including the application of omics technologies.

Glimpse into phytopathogenic fungal species in Al Baha Province, Saudi Arabia; identification from molecular and morphological characteristics

Fungal agents form the principal disease-inducing pathogens affecting plants, being accountable for the majority of damage to crops occurring either in fields or in storage. Five genera and 8 species were recognized amongst 20 fungal isolates collected during this study. These were identified through molecular markers; 80% of the recognized species were Aspergillus; the remainder included B. prieskaensis, F. oxysporum, G. candidum and Actinomucor elegans. The majority of these genera are well-recognized for their ability to produce mycotoxins. The biological activity and virulence of fungi is notably impacted by environmental conditions, especially temperature and water. For the isolates investigated in the current research, 75% showed a growth preference for a temperature of 30°C; the remainder favoured 25°C. These data not only facilitate the recognition of species with phytopathogenic and mycotoxigenic properties, but also contribute to the design of regulatory strategies that will mitigate against the adverse effects of fungal infection.

Notes on phytopathogenic fungi reported from Sikkim, India and their broad inter-taxa affinities to plant hosts as inferred from data mining

Fungi play a critical role in plant pathology, and impacts human economy and food security. This study focuses on compiling a checklist of phytopathogenic fungi and their plant hosts reported from Sikkim, India and examines the association between those fungi and plant hosts through Cramer’s V test and <italic>dplyr</italic> based data mining in R program with aim to aid in disease management. The study compiled a checklist of 90 phytopathogenic fungal species under 23 orders, 38 families and 60 genera and 82 species of plant hosts under 38 families and 68 genera and found significant affinities (p &lt; 0.05) between fungal taxa and host families. However, associations between fungal taxa with host species was not significant. Jaccard Index of Similarity showed preference towards host family was most common (0.11) between Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, while preference towards host genus was least common (0.00) between Basidiomycota and Oomycota. The study emphasizes the potential of data mining as a tool for identifying patterns of association between phytopathogenic fungi and their plant hosts, identifying alternative hosts, and the significance of phytopathogenic fungi as a source of bioactive compounds like antibiotics and enzymes, as well as their potential to produce mycotoxins and allergenic contaminants that pose a threat to human health. The study suggests further evaluation of the role of endophytes and saprophytes (facultative parasites) in disease development, documention of disease incidence locations, and identification of fungal phytopathogens at the strain, pathotype, or forma specialis level towards effective disease monitoring and management.

Ceratocystiopsis quercina sp. nov. Associated with Platypus cylindrus on Declining Quercus suber in Portugal.

Simple SummaryThe presence of the oak pinhole borer, the insect Platypus cylindrus, in Portuguese cork oak stands has drastically increased in the past few decades. This beetle excavates long galleries in the trunk while inoculating fungi (called ambrosia fungi) transported in special organs (mycangia) that will serve as food source for its offspring. The combined action of extensive boring into the heartwood and the inoculation of fungi leads to an increase in tree mortality. A new ambrosial fungus, Ceratocystiopsis quercina, was isolated from the insects’ mycangia and from wilting trees, namely from the staining patches it causes on wood.Platypus cylindrus is the most common ambrosia beetle in stands of Quercus suber in Portugal. This insect farms specialized fungi in sapwood galleries, using its mycangia to carry and store these organisms. Some ectosymbiotic fungi carried by P. cylindrus are phytopathogenic and cause extensive tree mortality and severe economic losses. To understand the role of P. cylindrus fungal symbionts in stands of Q. suber we examined beetle galleries present in declining and/or dying cork oak trees during field surveys. Logs with active galleries were obtained in situ and from captured emerging beetles. Insects were aseptically dissected, and their mycangia and intestine were retrieved. Morphological and molecular profiles of fungal isolates obtained from cultured insect parts were carried out to accurately characterize and identify isolated fungi. Molecular characterizations were performed with DNA sequence data from four loci, i.e., LSU, SSU, 5.8S-ITS2-28S, and TUB. Morphological results consistently showed a collection of Ophiostoma-like fungal axenic isolates, while phylogenies inferred that this collection constitutes an undescribed taxon reported herein for the first time in association with P. cylindrus in Portuguese cork oak stands. The novel species was erected as Ceratocystiopsis quercina sp. nov. and constitutes a new phytopathogenic fungal species associated with symptoms of vegetative cork oak decline.

Synthesis of bis(ylidene) cyclohexanones and their antifungal activity against selected plant pathogenic fungi.

Botrytis cinerea, Rhizoctonia solani and Hemileia vastatrix are three species of phytopathogenic fungi behind major crop losses worldwide. These have been selected as target models for testing the fungicide potential of a series of bis(ylidene) cyclohexanones. Although some compounds of this chemical class are known to have inhibitory activity against human pathogens, they have never been explored for the control of phytopathogens until now. In the present work, bis(ylidene) cyclohexanones were synthesized through simple, fast and low-cost base- or acid-catalyzed aldol condensation reaction and tested in vitro against B. cinerea, R. solani and H. vastatrix. bis(pyridylmethylene) cyclohexanones showed the highest activity against the target fungi. When tested at 200nmol per mycelial plug against R. solani., these compounds completely inhibited the mycelial growth, and the most active bis(pyridylmethylene) cyclohexanone compound had an IC50 of 155.5nmolplug-1. Additionally, bis(pyridylmethylene) cyclohexanones completely inhibited urediniospore germination of H. vastatrix, at 125μmolL-1. The most active bis(pyridylmethylene) cyclohexanone had an IC50 value of 4.8µmolL-1, which was estimated as approximately 2.6 times lower than that found for the copper oxychloride-based fungicide, used as control. Additionally, these substances had a low cytotoxicity against the mammalian Vero cell line. Finally, in silico calculations indicated that these compounds present physicochemical parameters regarded as suitable for agrochemicals. Bis(ylidene) cyclohexanones may constitute promising candidates for the development of novel antifungal agents for the control of relevant fungal diseases in agriculture.

Phytochemical profile and in vitro activity of Agave angustifolia and A. cupreata extracts against phytopathogenic fungi

Phytopathogenic fungi can cause economic losses. The application of natural products from species of the genus &lt;em&gt;Agave &lt;/em&gt;is an alternative for controlling these organisms. The present study aimed to determine the phytochemical profile of &lt;em&gt;Agave angustifolia &lt;/em&gt;and &lt;em&gt;A. cupreata &lt;/em&gt;extracts and to evaluate their antifungal activity against several species of phytopathogenic fungi. The aqueous extract from &lt;em&gt;A. angustifolia &lt;/em&gt;and the acetonic extract from &lt;em&gt;A. cupreata &lt;/em&gt;were studied. The phytochemical profile was determined by thin-layer chromatography. Mycelial growth inhibition and spore production were evaluated. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and triterpenes. The acetonic extract of &lt;em&gt;A. cupreata &lt;/em&gt;inhibited 76, 60, and 59% of the mycelial growth of &lt;em&gt;Lasiodiplodia viticola&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Colletotrichum &lt;/em&gt;sp., and &lt;em&gt;Epicoccum sorghinum, &lt;/em&gt;respectively, at 8 and 16 mg mL-1 (p?0.05), while spore production decreased by 92 and 86 % (p?0.001) for &lt;em&gt;Fusarium subglutinans &lt;/em&gt;and &lt;em&gt;Colletotrichum &lt;/em&gt;sp., respectively. The aqueous extract of &lt;em&gt;A. angustifolia &lt;/em&gt;inhibited 40% of the mycelial growth of &lt;em&gt;E. sorghinum &lt;/em&gt;at 16 mg mL-1 (p?0.05) and reduced the spore production of &lt;em&gt;L. viticola &lt;/em&gt;by 35% (p?0.001). The results indicate that the extracts under study can be an alternative source of antifungal compounds.

Direct identification of fungi associated with indoor and outdoor ornamental plants by utilizing PCR assay

Direct identification of fungi associated with indoor and outdoor ornamental plants by utilizing PCR assay

Global Warming Favors the Development of a Rich and Heterogeneous Mycobiota on Alien Vines in a Boreal City under Continental Climate

The species richness and composition of macro- and microfungi on vine species in the parks of Ekaterinburg City (the Ural macroregion, Russia) located in the southern boreal vegetation subzone in a continental climate was studied. The average annual air temperature has increased by 3.1 °C since the beginning of the 20th century; therefore, the conditions for the growth of vines have improved. These conditions include warmer winters and, consequently, less frost damage to perennial plants. Due to the warmer climate, the area of vines grown in the city has increased five times over half a century, and the yield of grapes has grown 3.7 times. The alien East Asian vines are the most dominate vine species cultivated, while European, North American, and native plant species, including archaeophytes, together only represent a handful of the species cultivated. At the same time, 65% of the area of woody vines in the city is covered by a North American species, namely Parthenocissus quinquefolia. An increase in the number of vine species, their biomass, and covered areas contributes to an increase in the number of fungal species growing on these vine species. In total, 81 species of phytopathogenic and 87 species of saprobic macro- and microfungi have been recorded during the century-long history of mycological research in Ekaterinburg City. Mycobiota of vines in Ekaterinburg City is biogeographically heterogeneous and 1.1–3.2 times richer in comparison with ones of the regions located on the northern limit of natural ranges of the vines. Recorded macrofungi (Basidiomycota) are predominantly present on native boreal species; however, some exotic tropical and subtropical East Asian fungal species (that have not ever been recorded on other substrates in the natural forests of the Urals and Siberia) are found here too. Recorded microfungi are highly specialized vine-associated species (mainly Ascomycota) that are widespread within the natural ranges of the vines and absent in the boreal zone of Eurasia: there are 63 vine-associated species (15 macro- and 48 microfungi) in Ekaterinburg that are not found in the Urals on other substrates. Many of these species have been recorded for the first time in this study, so we consider that they invaded Ekaterinburg City in the last 20 years, likely due to the warming climate observed over the last decades in the region. There are 19 and 32 species of phytopathogenic fungi collected in the families Cucurbitaceae and Vitaceae, respectively. During the past 40 years, the recorded fungal species richness has increased by 16% on Cucurbitaceae, as well as 37% on grapes. In this study, the distribution of vine-associated fungi, including phytopathogenic fungal species, from the nearest regions of ancient vine culture (Southern European Russia and the Caucasus, Central Asia, the south of the Russian Far East) to the boreal regions of the Urals were investigated. The increase in the range of these phytopathogenic fungal species can lead to significant economic losses to the regional agricultural sector.