Dermatophytosis, a superficial fungal infection caused by dermatophytes such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes, has become increasingly difficult to manage due to rising resistance to synthetic antifungals like terbinafine. This study evaluates the potential of peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) essential oil, rich in menthol, as a natural antifungal alternative. Peppermint oil was extracted through water distillation and tested at concentrations of 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.125%, 1.562%, 0.781%, 0.390%, and 0.195% to evaluate its inhibitory effects on three different strains of T. mentagrophytes. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined using the microdilution method according to CLSI M38 guidelines. Antifungal activity was assessed based on medium turbidity, with itraconazole serving as a positive control. The findings revealed that peppermint oil at a concentration of 0.78125% suppressed the growth of two T. mentagrophytes variants, whereas a concentration of 12.5% was required to inhibit the third variant. These results suggest that peppermint essential oil could serve as a natural antifungal agent against T. mentagrophytes, justifying additional research as an alternative to synthetic therapies.
The emergence of antifungal resistance in Candida albicans necessitates the development of alternative therapeutic agents. This study evaluated the antifungal properties of Embelia ribes extracts using both in silico and in vitro approaches. Fresh and dry seeds were extracted using solvents of varying polarity and analyzed via GC-MS/MS. Results indicated that the fresh methanolic extract (FERM) exhibited superior antifungal activity with a zone of inhibition of 21.6 ± 0.5 mm, which was statistically equivalent to the positive control (Clotrimazole, 22.0 ± 1.0 mm). Bioactive profiling identified Piperine (24.07%) as the primary constituent in the most active extract. Molecular docking revealed that Piperine and Dipiperonylamine possess strong binding affinities for Cyclooxygenase-2 and Kappa-opioid receptors, suggesting a dual antifungal and anti-inflammatory mechanism. Pharmacokinetic profiling (ADME/T) confirmed favourable drug-like properties, however, low CNS permeability limits their utility to the treatment of peripheral infections. These findings position E. ribes as a promising source for the development of novel antifungal drugs.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbiotic microorganisms that form associations with a variety of plant species and are found in several biomes, such as the Brazilian Caatinga. This study aimed to determine the diversity, richness and distribution of AMF communities in four areas with different soil textural classes and vegetation type in the Caatinga. Nine soil and root samples were collected during the dry season in each area, totalling 36 sampling units. In total, 45 AMF species were recorded, with a predominance of the genera Acaulospora and Glomus. The highest species richness was observed in Open shrubby Caatinga, with a loamy sand textural class, which had higher density of glomerospores. A higher rate of mycorrhizal colonization was observed in ‘Brejo de altitude’, i.e. a mountain top rainforest, with sandy clay loamy soil. Soil texture was the main determining soil factor in structuring the AMF communities in the areas in addition to other factors—fine sand, coarse sand, phosphorus, hydrogen, aluminium, aluminium saturation and base saturation— were also important in determining the composition of the AMF communities in the areas studied.
Sudden wilt disease caused by Ceratocystis has been reported to attack and cause up to 100% mortality in duku plants in South Sumatra. Biological control of this disease in duku plants has not been widely implemented, so it is important to research endophytes to identify microorganisms that live and thrive within plant tissues and can enhance plant resistance to diseases and environmental stress. This study aims to identify endophytic fungi species from duku plant stems and their potential to inhibit the growth of the pathogen Ceratocystis, the cause of wilt disease in duku plants. Endophytic fungi were isolated from the stems of duku plants in Ogan Ilir Regency, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, and Musi Banyuasin Regency. Eleven isolates of endophytic fungi were successfully isolated and fungal identification was conducted by PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and ITS4 regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA as Trichoderma asperelum, Phoma sp. Fusarium oxysporum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Penicillium citrinum, Nigrospora oryzae, Nigrospora sphaerica, Eutiarosporella sp. All endophytic fungi isolate exhibited varying levels of inhibitory ability; the isolate with the highest inhibitory ability was SDW 3B (52%), isolates with moderate inhibitory ability were DSPTW 6A, SDMW 7B, SDMW 8A, and SDW 5A (44% to 47%), and the isolate with the lowest inhibitory ability was TRW1B, TRW5, WSA4A and RMIP1 (39-43%). Regarding hyphal interaction mechanisms, six isolates (SDMW 7B, SDW 3B, RMIP 1, TRW 5, TRW 1B, and WSA 4A) caused pathogenic hyphae to lyse. DSPTW 6A Isolate caused pathogenic hyphae to swell, and three isolates (SDW 5A, SDMW 8A, and TRW 1B) caused pathogenic hyphae to coil and lyse.
Pea downy mildew caused by the obligate parasitic fungus Peronospora viciae (Berk.) Casp. f. sp. pisi Sydow, occurs sporadically throughout temperate pea-growing regions worldwide. The methods of seed inoculation and soil infestation with the pathogen on the incidence of downy mildew in a pot experiment revealed that sowing pea seeds artificially inoculated with sporangia and healthy seeds in naturally and artificially infested soils with P. viciae, resulted in disease infection. No symptoms were observed on the seedling until 10 days after sowing. Disease symptoms started appearing 21 and 30 days after sowing. Spraying any of the three Chemical Inducers of Plant Resistance (CIPRs) and fungicide-treated seeds, Previcur-N or Salicylic acid resulted in a significant reduction in values of the severity of downy mildew along with significant increases in the green pod yield compared with the control treatment. Spraying of fungicides Previcur-N on plants raised from seeds previously soaked in Previcur-N, salicylic acid and water was the superior treatment in lowering the severity of the disease. Spraying of both Bion and chitosan individually was the least effective treatment in the severity of the disease, therefore increasing the green pod yield. Spraying pea plants with any of the tested chemical inducers of plant resistance and fungicides caused a considerable increase in the oxidative-reductive enzymes, total nitrogen and total protein contents compared with the untreated control treatment. The highest increase was observed in plants treated with the three chemical inducers of plant resistance: Bion, Chitosan, and Salicylic acid, along with the fungicide Previcur-N.
Myxomycetes are widely distributed organisms in terrestrial ecosystems, colonizing a wide variety of substrates and playing important ecological roles in nutrient cycling and microbial regulation. Although their presence in natural environments is better documented, their occurrence in anthropogenic habitats remains poorly understood. This study investigated the diversity and distribution of myxomycetes in human-modified environments in Central Brazil, in areas formerly occupied by the morphoclimatic domain of the Cerrado. In addition to accounting for sporophores observed in the field, substrate samples including decaying wood, leaf litter, cardboard, and paper- were collected from urban and peri-urban areas (such as homes, urban parks, and flowerbeds) and incubated in moist chamber cultures. A total of 57 species were recorded, primarily in the orders Physarales and Stemonitales. The Physarales exhibited greater species richness and abundance, and several species demonstrated broad tolerance to artificial substrates. Sporophores and plasmodia were observed on a variety of substrates, including leaves, branches, dead wood, fruit, seeds, horse faeces and even objects used by humans, such as ceramic pots, rugs, tiles and furniture. Species such as Didymium squamulosum, Physarum viride, and Fuligo septica were frequently observed, indicating possible adaptation to disturbed environments. Physarum braunianum, P. carneum and P. luteolum were recorded for the first time in Brazil, while Ceratiomyxa sphaerosperma, Symphytocarpus flaccidus and P. decipiens in Cerrado. The results highlight the ecological plasticity of myxomycetes and suggest that anthropogenic substrates may serve as viable microhabitats, especially in urban ecosystems where natural substrates are scarce. This study contributes to the recognition of myxomycetes as resilient components of microbial biodiversity and reinforces the importance of expanding research to include neglected or artificial environments. This is one of the first studies to systematically document myxomycete diversity in anthropized contexts in Brazil.
Septoria leaf spot is becoming increasingly widespread in Ukraine. However, methods of isolation and features of Septoria helianthi morphogenesis in vitro remain not studied in detail. Our study aimed to establish the characteristics of the isolation, cultivation and development of pathogen under in vitro conditions. We modified the method for isolating S. helianthi. The potato-glucose agar medium was suitable for cultivating the pathogen and the pathogen retained its pathogenicity long time under optimal thermostat conditions on a nutrient medium. It has been proven that the development of S. helianthi colonies in vitro changed under the influence of cultivation temperature.
The genus Ganoderma, a prominent member of the family Ganodermataceae, has garnered significant attention due to its complex taxonomy, medicinal properties, and industrial applications. It has been utilized in traditional medicine and modern pharmaceuticals. The cultivation techniques of Ganoderma mushrooms were examined for their efficiency and sustainability, emphasizing advancements in production methodologies. Additionally, Ganoderma mycelium has emerged as a valuable resource for producing eco-friendly biomaterials, leveraging its binding properties and growth on lignocellulosic substrates. The utilization of Ganoderma-derived biomaterials in various industrial sectors, such as packaging and construction, underscores their eco-friendly attributes and functional versatility. This concise overview aims to provide insights into the expanding role of Ganoderma in enhancing human health and advancing sustainable technologies.
Entomopathogenic fungi are microorganisms that can control pests, especially Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. Secondary metabolite compounds released by entomopathogenic fungi have biodegradation properties. The study aimed to assess the ability of a single or consortium of entomopathogenic fungi B. bassiana and M. anisopliae, in vitro. Biodegradation testing used 1 kg of suppressive soil in each box with 30 x 30 cm size. The soil was applied with a synthetic pesticide with the active ingredient Profenofos 500 g L-1. The entomopathogenic fungal isolates used were collections from the Food and Horticultural Plant Pest Disease Observation Laboratory with isolate codes B. bassiana (B-Tg1) and M. anisopliae (M-Tg1). Bioassay testing using a petri dish, in the 48-hour phase, the highest mortality rate of Spodoptera litura in treatment A3 (M. anisopliae) was 70% with a concentration of 4.8 x 1010 spores mL-1. The best treatment in the biodegradation test (A3) can reduce the initial residue concentration (R0) from 2.78 mg kg-1 to 0.39 mg kg-1 using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Treatments A2 and A4 in the treatment of B. bassiana and the consortium of the two fungi have the potential to reduce pesticide concentrations. This study concludes that entomopathogenic fungi can degrade insecticide residues. This fungal ability needs to be developed for the implementation of sustainable agriculture.
Plant essential oils (EOs) have gained attention for their antifungal properties, effectively preventing fungal contamination and extending the shelf life of agricultural products, with their efficacy varying based on concentration and type. This study investigates the antifungal effects of 13 medicinal EOs on the growth of gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) under in vitro conditions. An isolate of B. cinerea and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) was utilized as the culture medium for fungal growth. The antifungal activity was assessed by applying EOs at 500, 1000, and 2000 ppm concentrations alongside the fungicide carbendazim at 1500 and 2000 ppm. Key growth parameters, such as colony diameter, colony density, height, mean colony diameter growth rate (DR), mycelia growth coefficient (MGC), and mycelia growth inhibition (MGI), were evaluated 24 hours post-treatment. Results indicated that variance analysis revealed significant differences (P<0.01) across treatments. EOs notably reduced colony diameter and density compared to the control group, with higher concentrations typically exhibiting increased effectiveness. Specifically, lemongrass, garden thyme, Shirazi thyme, and cinnamon EOs more effectively inhibited colony growth than other EOs and carbendazim. At all concentrations, these EOs resulted in zero colony growth, contrasting with higher colony heights observed in untreated controls (2.33 mm). MGI analysis indicated significant inhibition of mycelial growth, particularly with EOs, which consistently demonstrated superior results over the fungicide, especially at 1000 and 2000 ppm. Remarkably, 100% MGI was achieved with lemongrass, garden thyme, Shirazi thyme, and cinnamon EOs at higher concentrations throughout the incubation period. Carbendazim was less effective, demonstrating a lag phase in its antifungal activity. While the control exhibited the highest mycelial growth coefficient (67.11), all treatments significantly reduced growth relative to controls. The results underscore the potential of specific EOs as viable alternatives to chemical fungicides in managing B. cinerea, with implications for sustainable agricultural practices. Further studies should explore the mechanisms underlying these antifungal properties and their applicability in field conditions.
Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa) is a citrus species native to the Philippines and holds significant importance due to its nutritional and economic value. Thus, the morphophysiological effects of exopolysaccharides (EPS) derived from mushrooms Agrocybe cylindracea and Pleurotus djamor on the in vitro growth regeneration of mature calamansi (Citrus microcarpa) embryos were investigated. The embryos were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with varying EPS concentrations both with and without 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP). Morphological parameters such as plant height, growth rate, shoot and root length, and leaf size were measured alongside physiological traits including total chlorophyll content, stomatal features, and water loss. It was observed that embryos treated with 0.001 g/L EPS without 6-BAP showed the most significant improvements in plant height, growth rate, root length, and leaf development. These results were statistically comparable to those grown in MS medium with 6-BAP. Additionally, low EPS concentrations combined with 6-BAP enhanced physiological traits such as chlorophyll content and water retention. However, higher EPS concentrations or EPS combined with 6-BAP generally resulted in reduced morphological performance. On the other hand, stomatal traits showed no significant differences, although slight improvements were noted in low EPS treatments. Overall, the findings suggests that mushroom EPS at low concentrations can serve as sustainable biostimulants in plant tissue culture especially on calamansi culture, offering a natural and cost-effective alternative to synthetic growth regulators with promising applications in the large-scale propagation and agricultural improvement of high-value crops.
Purpose. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common etiological agent of aspergillosis. Intensive use of azoles in treatment and agriculture resulted in the emergence of isolates resistant to azoles. In regions with a prevalence of environmental azole resistance exceeding the 10% threshold empirical treatment regimen with azole-echinocandin/liposomal amphotericin is recommended. The aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the prevalence of azole resistant A.fumigatus isolates in the environment and clinical samples of patients applied to hospitals in the Azerbaijan Republic and to detect mutations responsible for resistance. Methods. Clinical and environmental samples were collected during 2017–2019 period. Identification of Aspergillus spp. colonies was performed by phenotypic (lactophenol cotton blue mount – LCBM) and genotypic methods (ITS – internal transcribed spacer regions) methods. The susceptibility testing of isolates to itraconazole (ITR), voriconazole (VOR), and posaconazole (POS) was performed in accordance with the guidelines of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). Resistant isolates were investigated for the presence of mutation in the cyp51A gene, the target gene of the azoles. Results. Resistance was detected in one environmental isolate and in four clinical isolates. Among 50 isolates, three were resistant to all azoles, two were resistant to POS only. Genetic analysis revealed in one isolate cyp51A mutation – TR34/L98H. Conclusion. The findings indicate a lower environmental resistance rate (0.4%) contrasted with a higher rate in clinical isolates (21%) in Azerbaijan. Further, comprehensive studies involving more isolates from patients and environment are necessary.
Quorum Sensing is a complex microbial interaction involving both extracellular and intracellular signaling between cells that are present in the same matrix to keep track of their physio-chemical processes like formation of biofilm, bioluminescence, siderophore generation, competence, pathogenicity, and many more. Since all these activities are associated with quorum sensing, attenuation/inhibition of quorum sensing activities is a valuable approach to treat pathogenic microbes. Quorum sensing has a parallel role in the generation of multidrug resistance, which highlights the need to search for alternate antimicrobials that disrupt quorum sensing. Apart from the many anti-quorum-sensing compounds derived from plants and bacteria, several compounds originating from fungi have shown the potential to possess antiquorum sensing and anti-biofilm activity. In this review, we have addressed antiquorum sensing and anti-biofilm potential within diverse fungi based on available literature. A thorough understanding of antiquorum sensing and anti-biofilm compounds derived from fungi would undoubtedly help in the creation of efficient therapeutics.
Wheat production in Ethiopia has recently expanded in both areas and the use of irrigation-based cultivation methods. However, diseases such as rust and Septoria leaf blotch have emerged as significant pathogens in key agricultural regions, leading to recurring epidemics. Understanding the physiological specialization of these pathogens and identifying potential sources of resistance are essential for developing effective management strategies. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the bread wheat “R” gene resistance to Zymoseptoria tritici (Z. tritici) and to evaluate the virulence patterns of thirty-two Z. tritici isolates derived from Ethiopian bread wheat. The analysis of disease severity revealed a highly significant main effect attributable to the isolates and the differential lines, as well as notable interaction effects. Median polish analysis indicated specific interactions between the pathogen and the differential lines. Among the isolates, STBI21 exhibited the highest mean disease severity at 64%, while STBI9 was the least aggressive, showing only 9%. Furthermore, STBI20 was identified as the most virulent isolate, with no wheat differential genotypes demonstrating resistance, whereas STBI15 was the least virulent, with 16 out of 25 wheat differential genotypes (64%) showing resistance. The tested Z. tritici isolates displayed significantly varied virulence patterns, affecting between 0% and 85% of the wheat genotypes. Pathogenicity assays revealed 300 isolate-specific resistances among a total of 800 tested. Among the known Stb “R”genes, Stb6, Stb7, Stb10, and Stb12 in cultivar “Kavkaz-K4500” did not provide resistance to any of the isolates. In contrast, Stb8 in cultivar “M6 synthetic”, Stb5 in cultivar “CS synthetic”, and Stb16 in cultivar “Murga and KM7” conferred broad-spectrum resistance to 87.5% of the isolates, representing promising sources of resistance to Z. tritici in Ethiopia. Cultivar “Esrael-493” exhibited the highest number of specific resistances, totalling 14, while the M6 synthetic, CS synthetic, Murga, and KM7 showed the least specific resistance. This information is invaluable for wheat breeders and the agricultural community, aiding them in making informed decisions to manage Z. tritici disease in Ethiopia.
Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is an economically important fruit crop in Thailand, with increasing cultivation due to market demand. However, root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi poses a significant threat to production, leading to reduced tree vigor and yield. This study investigated the biocontrol potential of the epiphytic yeast Pseudozyma hubeiensis CDEP-67 against Ph. cinnamomi in Thailand. Among 122 yeast isolates, CDEP-67, obtained from Persicaria chinensis flowers, exhibited strong in vitro antagonistic activity, inhibiting pathogen growth by 72.83% in a dual culture assay. Greenhouse experiments demonstrated a 64.00 ± 1.15% reduction in disease severity in avocado seedlings treated with CDEP-67. The yeast was morphologically characterized and identified through phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene. Observed biocontrol mechanisms included growth inhibition, altered pathogen morphology, and potential antifungal metabolite production. These findings highlight Ps. hubeiensis CDEP-67 as a promising biocontrol agent for managing avocado root rot. Further field trials are needed to assess its long-term efficacy and ecological impact.
The walnut (Juglans regia L.) is among the most popular nuts worldwide. From 2022 to 2023, a significant outbreak of walnut anthracnose was found in the cultivation regions of walnuts in Dejiang County, Guizhou Province, China. Some dark brown spots with yellow halos around the lesions appeared on the leaves and fruits of the tree. The incidence of this disease has reached approximately 50–60%, leading to substantial economic losses. The pathogen was confirmed as Colletotrichum mengyinense through a comprehensive assessment of its morphological characteristics and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, which involved the ITS, tub2, act, chs, and gapdh genes. Pathogenicity tests were conducted to confirm the virulence of C. mengyinense on walnuts. This result significantly contributes to the walnut industry, being the first report of C. mengyinense causing the anthracnose of walnuts in Guizhou Province.
Wheat stored under uncontrolled conditions is susceptible to contamination by various ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species. Among the key environmental factors influencing the proliferation of these fungi are water activity (aw) and temperature. In this study, three ochratoxigenic Aspergillus isolates (Z1, Z11, and Z14) were isolated from stored wheat samples. The combined effects of different aw levels (0.85, 0.90, 0.95, and 0.99) and temperatures (25, 30, 35, 40, and 45°C) on lag phases and growth rates were systematically examined. The ITS nucleotide sequence analysis results identified isolate Z1 as Aspergillus westerdijkiae, while Z11 and Z14 were identified as A. alliaceus and A. carbonarius, respectively. The toxigenic potential of these fungal strains, assessed on the CYA medium, showed a high capacity for Ochratoxin A (OTA) production, with 3303.23 ng/g for A. westerdijkiae, 950.23 ng/g for A. alliaceus and 801.28 ng/g for A. carbonarius produced at 25°C. The shortest lag times prior to growth (< 24 h) were observed at 0.95 aw/25°C for A. westerdijkiae (2.19 h), at 0.99 aw/35°C for A. alliaceus (0.75 h) and at 0.99 aw/30°C for A. carbonarius (1.03 h). The maximum growth rates were recorded as follows: A. westerdijkiae at 9.3 mm/day (25°C/0.99 aw), A. carbonarius at 11.1 mm/day, and A. alliaceus at 16.5 mm/day (both at 30°C/99 aw). In almost all compared pairs, the effects of varying aw and temperatures on lag time before and after development rates were significantly different. These findings provide valuable insights for designing effective wheat storage strategies and ultimately improving food safety in Algeria.
Marine fungi are found in a broad range of marine habitats and play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning. Despite their significance, marine fungi remain understudied as compared to terrestrial fungi. Moreover, there are many challenges that threaten marine fungi and their ecosystems through climate change and pollution. They are, however, a promising source of bioactive metabolites with applications in pharmacy and biotechnology. The biotechnological applications of marine fungal enzymes in bioremediation and industrial processes emphasize their importance. This mini-review summarizes the ecological roles, taxonomic diversity, and potential applications of marine fungi, with a focus on their contributions to bioremediation and natural product discovery. It provides an overview of the ecological adaptations of marine fungi to diverse ecosystem challenges, such as high salinity and low temperature, highlighting their responses to environmental changes. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts and further research to discover and utilize marine fungi in the face of environmental changes.
Ganoderma Karst., is a cosmopolitan genus of the polyporoid wood rotting fungi. The genus has attracted the mycologists, biotechnologists and experts from other fields due to its unique combination of morphological characters and use in antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and other nutraceutical purposes worldwide. During the fungal forays carried out in different localities of northwestern India, many specimens of the genus were collected. The current publication presents an illustrated account of four species of the genus Ganoderma based on taxonomic and ITS sequence-based phylogenetic analysis. These four Indian Ganoderma species; Ganoderma casuarinicola J.H. Xing, B.K. Cui & Y.C. Dai, G. destructans M.P.A. Coetzee, Marinc. & M.J. Wingf., G. enigmaticum M.P.A. Coetzee, Marinc., M.J. Wingf. and G. multipileum Ding Hou, have been described based on specimens gathered from various regions of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh (India). Among these species, G. casuarinicola and G. destructans are new records for India, while G. enigmaticum and G. multipileum are new reports for the state of Punjab. This study accentuates the taxonomic richness of Ganoderma in India, particularly Punjab state. The combination of morphological and molecular analyses further adds to the species identification. It affirms the vital role of integrative taxonomy in illuminating India’s fungal heritage.
In the present study, we observed the potential of our earlier isolated endophytic fungi viz., Nigrospora oryzae strain SUBL33, Alternaria alternata strain SUBL51 and Aspergillus terreus strain SUBL206 for the production of seven industrially and pharmaceutically important phenolic compounds named gallic acid, p-coumaric, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin and kaempferol. The high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were used for the simultaneous determination of the aforementioned phenolic compounds in fungal crude extracts (FCEs). The percent amount of these aforesaid phenolic compounds in FCEs were found in significant amount. In conclusion, this study shows that we can simultaneously produce large amounts of phenolic compounds with pharmaceutical and industrial potential from a single microorganism in a short frame of time, which will lessen our reliance on other sources like plants and consequently reduce their overdepletion in an economical and environmentally friendly way.
