The Diversity and Dynamics of Fungi in Dryocosmus kuriphilus Community

Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) is a gall wasp that induces insect galls on chestnut trees and results in massive yield losses worldwide. Fungi can cause the necrosis of chestnut trees and the death of gall wasps. The aim of this research was to investigate the potential role of D. kuriphilus in the transmission of fungi. We sequenced the ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer region 1 of fungi in D. kuriphilus adults, associated insect galls and the galled twigs of Castanea mollissima, using high-throughput sequencing. We compared the species richness, α-diversity and community structure of fungi in D. kuriphilus adults, insect galls and the galled twigs. We provide the first evidence that D. kuriphilus adults shared most fungal species with associated insect galls and the galled twigs, and were dominated by Botryosphaeria sp., Aspergillus sp. and Diaporthe sp. We suggest D. kuriphilus adults may be potential vectors of plant pathogens and may facilitate the transmission of fungi between chestnut trees. Furthermore, the fungi may horizontally transmit among D. kuriphilus adults, associated insect galls and the galled twigs.

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The Diversity of Bacteria Associated with the Invasive Gall Wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus, Its Galls and a Specialist Parasitoid on Chestnuts

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects13010086 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 86

Author(s):

Xiaohui Yang ◽

Yu Hui ◽

Daohong Zhu ◽

Yang Zeng ◽

Lvquan Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Plant Pathogens ◽

High Throughput Sequencing ◽

Bacterial Species ◽

Gall Wasp ◽

Potential Vector ◽

Dryocosmus Kuriphilus ◽

Torymus Sinensis ◽

Galling Insects ◽

First Time

Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) induces galls on chestnut trees, which results in massive yield losses worldwide. Torymus sinensis (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) is a host-specific parasitoid that phenologically synchronizes with D. kuriphilus. Bacteria play important roles in the life cycle of galling insects. The aim of this research is to investigate the bacterial communities and predominant bacteria of D. kuriphilus, T. sinensis, D. kuriphilus galls and the galled twigs of Castanea mollissima. We sequenced the V5–V7 region of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA in D. kuriphilus, T. sinensis, D. kuriphilus galls and galled twigs using high-throughput sequencing for the first time. We provide the first evidence that D. kuriphilus shares most bacterial species with T. sinensis, D. kuriphilus galls and galled twigs. The predominant bacteria of D. kuriphilus are Serratia sp. and Pseudomonas sp. Furthermore, the bacterial community structures of D. kuriphilus and T. sinensis clearly differ from those of the other groups. Many species of the Serratia and Pseudomonas genera are plant pathogenic bacteria, and we suggest that D. kuriphilus may be a potential vector of plant pathogens. Furthermore, a total of 111 bacteria are common to D. kuriphilus adults, T. sinensis, D. kuriphilus galls and galled twigs, and we suggest that the bacteria may transmit horizontally among D. kuriphilus, T. sinensis, D. kuriphilus galls and galled twigs on the basis of their ecological associations.

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Biodiversity of pathogenic wood fungi isolated from Xylotrechus arvicola (Olivier) galleries in vine shoots

OENO One ◽

10.20870/oeno-one.2013.47.2.1540 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 47 (2) ◽

pp. 73 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Pablo García Benavides ◽

Pedro Martin Zamorano ◽

Carlos Alvar Ocete ◽

Lara Maistrello ◽

Rafael Ocete

Keyword(s):

Fungal Pathogens ◽

Plant Pathogens ◽

Pathogenic Fungi ◽

Fungal Species ◽

Its2 Sequence ◽

Plant Diseases ◽

Northern Spain ◽

Grapevine Decline ◽

La Rioja

Aim: Grapevine decline caused by wood fungi seriously threatens viticulture worldwide. In Spain, the polyphagous borer Xylotrechus arvicola (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) is becoming a serious pest in different Qualified Designation of Origin (DOC) wine regions. The aim of the present work was to identify the fungal species growing in the galleries excavated by X. arvicola larvae inside the vine branches and investigate the possible relationship between wood pathogenic fungi and this borer.Methods and results: Wood samples from branches of Tempranillo vines and Prunus pisardi trees affected by the borer X. arvicola were collected in La Rioja DOC vineyards (Northern Spain) and analyzed for the presence of fungi using both morphological techniques and genetic tools based on Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence. Among the 20 different fungal species/isolates identified, 7 belonged to fungi associated with grapevine decline (esca, Petri disease, and Eutypa dieback), 6 were plant pathogens, 6 were saprophytic and one was entomopathogenic (Beauveria bassiana).Conclusion: The fact that 65 % of the fungi detected inside X. arvicola galleries belong to species recognized as plant pathogens suggests that this borer, in addition to causing a progressive decay of the branches, could facilitate the transmission of plant diseases, further threatening the vineyards by spreading grapevine decline pathogens.Significance and impact of the study: The present work represents a first step in recognizing the association between the fungal pathogens associated with grapevine decline and the borer X. arvicola, suggesting a possible role of this insect as a vector in the transmission of these fungi.

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Role of Yeasts in the Cranberry Fruit Rot Disease Complex

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis-11-19-2303-re ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zachary David Zalewski ◽

Rae Page ◽

Richard Lankau ◽

Patricia McManus

Keyword(s):

High Throughput ◽

High Throughput Sequencing ◽

The Other ◽

Fruit Rot ◽

Internal Transcribed Spacer Region ◽

Operational Taxonomic Units ◽

Inhibition Of Growth ◽

Hanseniaspora Uvarum ◽

Rot Disease

Cranberry fruit rot (CFR) is an economically important disease caused by at least 10 species of filamentous fungi. Despite the application of fungicides, incidence of CFR is sometimes high, raising the possibility of a role for microbes other than fungi in the CFR complex. Isolation of microbes from rotten berries on media that favor either bacteria or yeasts resulted in mucoid colonies from fewer than 15% of dry-harvested rotten berries but up to 60% of wet-harvested berries. The mucoid colonies were identified as yeasts, primarily in the family Saccharomycetaceae. Inoculation of sound berries with three yeasts, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Pichia fermentans, and Pichia terricola, resulted in significantly higher incidence and severity of rot symptoms compared to mock-inoculated controls; these yeasts were recovered from inoculated berries, providing evidence of their pathogenicity. The minimum concentrations of azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, and prothioconazole that resulted in 80% inhibition of growth compared to untreated controls (MIC80) were determined for a subset of yeasts. In general, MIC80s were higher for azoxystrobin and prothioconazole (usually >64 µg/ml) than for chlorothalonil (usually ≤1 µg/ml). To complement culture-dependent studies, DNA was isolated from wet- and dry-harvested rotten berries, and fungi were identified to the level of family by high-throughput sequencing of the fungal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS2). There were no fungal families consistently detected among samples by one method (culturing or high-throughput sequencing) and missed by the other that have not previously been reported in cranberry; however, some fungal families were found to be more abundant by one method versus the other. Harvest method (wet or dry) had a significant effect on the composition of fungal communities of rotten berries (P < 0.001), and operational taxonomic units representing the Saccharomycetaceae were more abundant in wet- than dry-harvested berries. Taken together, the results suggest that some yeasts are pathogenic to cranberry and may be especially relevant in wet-harvested berries.

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Towards the Forest Virome: High-Throughput Sequencing Drastically Expands Our Understanding on Virosphere in Temperate Forest Ecosystems

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9081730 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 1730

Author(s):

Artemis Rumbou ◽

Eeva J. Vainio ◽

Carmen Büttner

Keyword(s):

Plant Pathogens ◽

High Throughput Sequencing ◽

Plant Protection ◽

Forest Health ◽

Practical Applications ◽

Fungal Plant Pathogens ◽

Fungal Associates ◽

Quantitative Impact ◽

Symbiotic Microbiota

Thanks to the development of HTS technologies, a vast amount of genetic information on the virosphere of temperate forests has been gained in the last seven years. To estimate the qualitative/quantitative impact of HTS on forest virology, we have summarized viruses affecting major tree/shrub species and their fungal associates, including fungal plant pathogens, mutualists and saprotrophs. The contribution of HTS methods is extremely significant for forest virology. Reviewed data on viral presence in holobionts allowed us a first attempt to address the role of virome in holobionts. Forest health is dependent on the variability of microorganisms interacting with the host tree/holobiont; symbiotic microbiota and pathogens engage in a permanent interplay, which influences the host. Through virus–virus interplays synergistic or antagonistic relations may evolve, which may drastically affect the health of the holobiont. Novel insights of these interplays may allow practical applications for forest plant protection based on endophytes and mycovirus biocontrol agents. The current analysis is conceived in light of the prospect that novel viruses may initiate an emergent infectious disease and that measures for the avoidance of future outbreaks in forests should be considered.

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Gut Mycobiota and Fungal Metabolites in Human Homeostasis

Current Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1389450119666180724125020 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 232-240 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Izabella Mogilnicka ◽

Marcin Ufnal

Keyword(s):

Wide Spectrum ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Fungal Species ◽

Fungal Metabolites ◽

Human Gut ◽

Fecal Transplantation ◽

Bacterial Microbiota ◽

Bowel Diseases ◽

Inflammatory Bowel

Background:Accumulating evidence suggests that microbiota play an important role in host’s homeostasis. Thus far, researchers have mostly focused on the role of bacterial microbiota. However, human gut is a habitat for several fungal species, which produce numerous metabolites. Furthermore, various types of food and beverages are rich in a wide spectrum of fungi and their metabolites.Methods:We searched PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify clinical and pre-clinical studies on fungal metabolites, composition of human mycobiota and fungal dysbiosis.Results:Fungal metabolites may serve as signaling molecules and exert significant biological effects including trophic, anti-inflammatory or antibacterial actions. Finally, research suggests an association between shifts in gut fungi composition and human health. Changes in mycobiota composition have been found in obesity, hepatitis and inflammatory bowel diseases.Conclusion:The influence of mycobiota and dietary fungi on homeostasis in mammals suggests a pharmacotherapeutic potential of modulating the mycobiota which may include treatment with probiotics and fecal transplantation. Furthermore, antibacterial action of fungi-derived molecules may be considered as a substitution for currently used antibacterial agents and preservatives in food industry.

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Bioinformatics Analysis and Validation of Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs with Their Target Genes Involved in GLP-1RA Facilitated Osteogenesis

Current Bioinformatics ◽

10.2174/1574893615999200508091615 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

Author(s):

Na Wang ◽

Yukun Li ◽

Sijing Liu ◽

Liu Gao ◽

Chang Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Throughput Sequencing ◽

Target Genes ◽

Bioinformatics Analysis ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Functional Study ◽

Regulation Network ◽

Glucagon Like Peptide 1 ◽

G Protein Coupled ◽

Lower Expression

Background: Recent studies revealed that the hypoglycemic hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), acted as an important modulator in osteogenesis of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the specific microRNA (miRNA) using bioinformatics analysis and validate the presence of differentially expressed microRNAs with their target genes after GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) administration involved in ostogenesis of BMSCs. Methods: MiRNAs were extracted from BMSCs after 5 days’ treatment and sent for high-throughput sequencing for differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs analyses. Then the expression of the DE miRNAs verified by the real-time RT-PCR analyses. Target genes were predicted, and highly enriched GOs and KEGG pathway analysis were conducted using bioinformatics analysis. For the functional study, two of the target genes, SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 5 (SOX5) and G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84), were identified. Results: A total of 5 miRNAs (miRNA-509-5p, miRNA-547-3p, miRNA-201-3p, miRNA-201-5p, and miRNA-novel-272-mature) were identified differentially expressed among groups. The expression of miRNA-novel-272-mature were decreased during the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and GLP-1RA further decreased its expression. MiRNA-novel-272-mature might interact with its target mRNAs to enhance osteogenesis. The lower expression of miRNA-novel-272-mature led to an increase in SOX5 and a decrease in GPR84 mRNA expression, respectively. Conclusions: Taken together, these results provide further insights to the pharmacological properties of GLP-1RA and expand our knowledge on the role of miRNAs-mRNAs regulation network in BMSCs’ differentiation.

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Defensive Role of Plant-Derived Secondary Metabolites: Indole and Its’ Derivatives

Current Biotechnology ◽

10.2174/2211550109999200728153839 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 78-88

Author(s):

Mulugeta Mulat ◽

Raksha Anand ◽

Fazlurrahman Khan

Keyword(s):

Biofilm Formation ◽

Growth And Development ◽

Functional Role ◽

Plant Pathogens ◽

Bacterial Species ◽

Indole Derivatives ◽

Resistance Level ◽

Defensive Role ◽

Insect Attack

The diversity of indole concerning its production and functional role has increased in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. The bacterial species produce indole and use it as a signaling molecule at interspecies, intraspecies, and even at an interkingdom level for controlling the capability of drug resistance, level of virulence, and biofilm formation. Numerous indole derivatives have been found to play an important role in the different systems and are reported to occur in various bacteria, plants, human, and plant pathogens. Indole and its derivatives have been recognized for a defensive role against pests and insects in the plant kingdom. These indole derivatives are produced as a result of the breakdown of glucosinolate products at the time of insect attack or physical damages. Apart from the defensive role of these products, in plants, they also exhibit several other secondary responses that may contribute directly or indirectly to the growth and development. The present review summarized recent signs of progress on the functional properties of indole and its derivatives in different plant systems. The molecular mechanism involved in the defensive role played by indole as well as its’ derivative in the plants has also been explained. Furthermore, the perspectives of indole and its derivatives (natural or synthetic) in understanding the involvement of these compounds in diverse plants have also been discussed.

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Bioactive Metabolites from the Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus sp. SPH2

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof7020109 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 109

Author(s):

Viridiana Morales-Sánchez ◽

Carmen E. Díaz ◽

Elena Trujillo ◽

Sonia A. Olmeda ◽

Felix Valcarcel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endophytic Fungus ◽

Plant Pathogens ◽

Insect Pests ◽

Ethyl Acetate Extract ◽

Rhopalosiphum Padi ◽

Fungal Growth ◽

Bioactive Metabolites ◽

Endemic Plant ◽

Antifungal Effects ◽

Aspergillus Sp

In the current study, an ethyl acetate extract from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. SPH2 isolated from the stem parts of the endemic plant Bethencourtia palmensis was screened for its biocontrol properties against plant pathogens (Fusarium moniliforme, Alternaria alternata, and Botrytis cinerea), insect pests (Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum padi), plant parasites (Meloidogyne javanica), and ticks (Hyalomma lusitanicum). SPH2 gave extracts with strong fungicidal and ixodicidal effects at different fermentation times. The bioguided isolation of these extracts gave compounds 1–3. Mellein (1) showed strong ixodicidal effects and was also fungicidal. This is the first report on the ixodicidal effects of 1. Neoaspergillic acid (2) showed potent antifungal effects. Compound 2 appeared during the exponential phase of the fungal growth while neohydroxyaspergillic acid (3) appeared during the stationary phase, suggesting that 2 is the biosynthetic precursor of 3. The mycotoxin ochratoxin A was not detected under the fermentation conditions used in this work. Therefore, SPH2 could be a potential biotechnological tool for the production of ixodicidal extracts rich in mellein.

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I Like the Way You Eat It: Lemur (Indri indri) Gut Mycobiome and Geophagy

Microbial Ecology ◽

10.1007/s00248-020-01677-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Luigimaria Borruso ◽

Alice Checcucci ◽

Valeria Torti ◽

Federico Correa ◽

Camillo Sandri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plant Material ◽

Soil Characteristics ◽

Nutrient Supply ◽

Fungal Species ◽

High Concentration ◽

Beneficial Role ◽

Intimate Connection ◽

Indri Indri ◽

Lemur Species

AbstractHere, we investigated the possible linkages among geophagy, soil characteristics, and gut mycobiome of indri (Indri indri), an endangered lemur species able to survive only in wild conditions. The soil eaten by indri resulted in enriched secondary oxide-hydroxides and clays, together with a high concentration of specific essential micronutrients. This could partially explain the role of the soil in detoxification and as a nutrient supply. Besides, we found that soil subject to geophagy and indris’ faeces shared about 8.9% of the fungal OTUs. Also, several genera (e.g. Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium) commonly associated with soil and plant material were found in both geophagic soil and indri samples. On the contrary, some taxa with pathogenic potentials, such as Cryptococcus, were only found in indri samples. Further, many saprotrophs and plant-associated fungal taxa were detected in the indri faeces. These fungal species may be involved in the digestion processes of leaves and could have a beneficial role in their health. In conclusion, we found an intimate connection between gut mycobiome and soil, highlighting, once again, the potential consequent impacts on the wider habitat.

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The Role of Fungi in the Cocoa Production Chain and the Challenge of Climate Change

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof7030202 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 202

Author(s):

Johannes Delgado-Ospina ◽

Junior Bernardo Molina-Hernández ◽

Clemencia Chaves-López ◽

Gianfranco Romanazzi ◽

Antonello Paparella

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Fungal Infections ◽

Close Association ◽

Pathogenic Fungi ◽

Fungal Species ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Plant Diseases ◽

Production Chain ◽

Cocoa Production

Background: The role of fungi in cocoa crops is mainly associated with plant diseases and contamination of harvest with unwanted metabolites such as mycotoxins that can reach the final consumer. However, in recent years there has been interest in discovering other existing interactions in the environment that may be beneficial, such as antagonism, commensalism, and the production of specific enzymes, among others. Scope and approach: This review summarizes the different fungi species involved in cocoa production and the cocoa supply chain. In particular, it examines the presence of fungal species during cultivation, harvest, fermentation, drying, and storage, emphasizing the factors that possibly influence their prevalence in the different stages of production and the health risks associated with the production of mycotoxins in the light of recent literature. Key findings and conclusion: Fungi associated with the cocoa production chain have many different roles. They have evolved in a varied range of ecosystems in close association with plants and various habitats, affecting nearly all the cocoa chain steps. Reports of the isolation of 60 genera of fungi were found, of which only 19 were involved in several stages. Although endophytic fungi can help control some diseases caused by pathogenic fungi, climate change, with increased rain and temperatures, together with intensified exchanges, can favour most of these fungal infections, and the presence of highly aggressive new fungal genotypes increasing the concern of mycotoxin production. For this reason, mitigation strategies need to be determined to prevent the spread of disease-causing fungi and preserve beneficial ones.

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