Metagenomic analysis decodes the fungal diversity of bio-dynamic preparations

Aim: Biodynamic farming system involves use of 8 different biodynamic preparations (BD 500-BD 507). Multi functionality of any ecosystem is due to its microbial diversity and community composition of microbes. So the present study was aimed to determine the total fungal population viz. unculturable ones, metagenomic analysis was done. Methodology: In the present study, 18S rDNA sequencing of V3-V4 amplicon regions was performed to identify and characterize fungal diversity, which existed in these preparations. Results: Alpha diversity was found to be maximum in BD506 with 868 OTU (operational taxanomic units) and minimum in BD507 with 254 OTU. At phylum level, the most abundant phylum was Ascomycota as recorded in 7 BD preparations with exception in the BD 500 (Unassigned). At genus level highest percentage of OTU abundance was observed for unassigned genus in all BD preparations, except Mortierella in BD 500 and BD 502; Microascus in BD 501 and BD504; Gymnoascus in BD503, Scedosporium in BD 505, Mucor in BD 506 and Hyphopichia in BD 507. On the basis of species diversity, BD502, 503 and 506 showed high percentage of OTU abundance for Mucor racemosus, while Mortierella oligospora was abundant in BD500, Dipodascus geotrichum in BD 501, Kernia pachypleura in BD504, Petriella setifera in BD505 and Hyphopichia burtonii in BD 507. Interpretation: This indicated a unqiue class of fungus predominating each type of BD preparation. Furthermore, a large proportion of unassigned fungi at phylum and genus level were detected in metagenome analysis which might have specific roles in contributing for their overall effectiveness of each kind of BD preparations.

New records of fungal pathogens of invertebrates from endemic pine forests in Mexico

We report fungal pathogens of invertebrates (FPI) (Entomophthorales, Hypocreales, and Orbiliales) from roots of an endemic Mexican pine, Pinus greggii Engelm. ex Parl., at four primary montane forests using next-generation sequencing. We found twenty-nine OTUs from 18 genera of FPI associated to the roots of P. greggii. New records for Mexico are: Beauveria felina (DC.) J.W.Carmich., Dactylella mammillata S.M. Dixon, Dactylella ramosa Matsushima, Drechslerella brochopaga (Drechsler) M. Scholler, Hagedorn & A. Rubner, Hirsutella minnesotensis Chen, Liu & Chen, Leptobacillium leptobactrum (W.Gams) Zare & W.Gams, Metapochonia variabilis Z.F.Zhang, F.Liu & L.Cai, Monacrosporium leptosporum (Drechsler) A. Rubner, and Simplicillium aogashimaense Nonaka, Kaifuchi & Masuma. A largely unknown array of fungal pathogens of invertebrates are likely to be found in Mexican forests.  This work facilitates future analyses of fungal diversity in these primary forests, as well as basic and applied research in biological control.

How do visible and UV light affect the structure and function of leaf-associated aquatic fungal communities polluted by TiO2 nanoparticles?

We assessed the phototoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles on fungal structure and function. The fungal diversity was reduced by long-term exposure. However, the leaf decomposition rate was not inhibited rather than promoted under natural photoperiod.

New and interesting species of Agaricomycetes from Panama

Panama forms part of the Central American biodiversity hotspot, one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world. While plants are relatively well studied in Panama, the documentation of fungal diversity is still in a pioneer phase. In this publication, four species of Agaricomycetes recently collected in Panama are described as new to science, two in Agaricales, namely Gliophorus roseus and Humidicutis roseorubra, a lichenised species in Cantharellales, called Multiclavula caput-serpentis, and a species in Gomphales, called Gloeocantharellus salmonicolor. These species are described and illustrated. Their phylogenetic affinities are discussed based on morphological characters and molecular phylogenies. Further six species of Agaricales, which have not been reported from Panama before, are presented as new records for the country, along with data on their morphology, ecology and taxonomy.

Screening of halotolerant microfungi isolated from hypersaline soils of Algerian Sahara for production of hydrolytic enzymes

The Algerian Sahara contains numerous hypersaline ecosystems including salt lakes in which the fungal diversity has not been characterized. The abundance and diversity of soil microofungi in three salt lakes in southeastern Algeria was investigated together with their profiles of hydrolytic enzyme. Fungal population size and relative abundance were determined in about 75 soil samples by plate count. From 69 fungal isolates, 46.38% were Aspergillus, 20.29% were Penicillium and 11.59% belonging to Cladosporium genus. The sixty-nine isolates have been studied at different constant temperatures and salinities. All fungal isolates are halotolerant or halophiles with the ability to grow at 50°C. The screening for extracellular halophilic enzymes at 40°C showed that 69.57% of the isolates were able to produce at least two types of the screened enzymes. Protease was the most abundant enzyme detected in 60.87% of the total isolates. The results obtained of all the growth tests indicate the adaptability of fungal isolates tested to the extreme conditions and their possible utilisation as producers of halophilic-active hydrolytic enzymes.