Biodiversity of Trichoderma antagonist saprophytic fungi and its use for biocontrol of Fusarium wilt disease on shallots at Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

One of the obstacles in the development of shallots in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is the presence of Fusarium wilt disease. The use of antagonistic saprophytic fungi Trichoderma spp. is a biological control technique. The aim of this research is to explore the biodiversity of Trichoderma spp. and its use for controlling Fusarium wilt disease. Research using exploratory methods conducted at the shallot planting center on Lombok Island included isolation of antagonistic saprophytic fungi, purification and identification of isolates. Furthermore, research was carried out in the laboratory using experimental methods including in-vitro antagonism tests by direct opposition and culture steam. The research was continued in Greenhouses in planta and in field conditions in the Highlands of Sembalun Village, Medium Plains of Santong Village and Senteluk Village Lowlands. The results concluded that: there were 6 isolates of saprophytic fungi that were antagonistic, namely T. viride, T. longibrachiatum, T. koningii, T. piluliferum, T. harzianum, and T. hamatum. The mechanism of antagonism is physically through space competition, mycoparasites and antibiosis. Three isolates, namely T. virede, T. harzianum and T. hamatum, were effective in suppressing Fusarium wilt disease and even causing immunity.

Cutinases: Characteristics and Insights in Industrial Production

Cutinases (EC 3.1.1.74) are serin esterases that belong to the α/β hydrolases superfamily and present in the Ser-His-Asp catalytic triad. They show characteristics between esterases and lipases. These enzymes hydrolyze esters and triacylglycerols and catalyze esterification and transesterification reactions. Cutinases are synthesize by plant pathogenic fungi, but some bacteria and plants have been found to produce cutinases as well. In nature they facilitate a pathogen’s invasion by hydrolyzing the cuticle that protects plants, but can be also used for saprophytic fungi as a way to nourish themselves. Cutinases can hydrolyze a wide range of substrates like esters, polyesters, triacylglycerols and waxes and that makes this enzyme very attractive for industrial purposes. This work discusses techniques of industrial interest such as immobilization and purification, as well as some of the most important uses of cutinases in industries.

Lichens and allied fungi from the Gauja National Park (Latvia), including new records for the country

In summer and autumn 2020, a lichenological inventory took place in the Gauja National Park (Latvia, Northern Europe). In total, 60 species of lichenized fungi, six non-lichenized saprophytic fungi and three non-lichenized fungi are reported as new for Gauja National Park. Among them, ten species are new to Latvia. Data on habitats, substrates, main characteristics and distribution in the neighbouring countries to Latvia are provided. The total number of lichenized and closely related fungi for the Gauja National Park is 346.

SOME PROPERTIES OF ZEOLITES FOR THE PRESERVATION OF BIOCENOSIS

According to the obtained results, five samples of native zeolite from a mining quarry, Drozhzhanovsky district, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia had neither pathogenic nor saprophytic fungi when plated on Saburo agar with dextrose. Zeolites prolongated the action of mineral fertilizers, increasing the effectiveness of the latter. The content of calcium in the chemical composition of the zeolite-containing rock created favorable conditions for improving the reaction of the soil environment, for the active mobilization of soil phosphates into accessible forms. Silicon which in the composition of zeolites, improved plants nutrition with phosphorus and potassium. Due to the safe and beneficial properties of zeolite, this agro mineral can be used to restore soil fertility. This research will be continued.

Identification of some Pathogenic Organisms Involved in Rotting of the Libyan Tirmania Truffles

Truffles are ectomycorrhizal fungi that grow symbiotically with several trees. Truffles are highly valued edible mycorrhizae fungi in economic and gastronomic terms. Desert truffles have been traditionally used as food in Libya. The rotting of truffle due to environmental factors is very common in Libya. The mechanism of truffle rot is complex and attributed mainly due to the infection with fungi, followed by bacteria. In order to document and highlight the rotting of Libyan Desert truffle phenomenon, the existence of microorganisms in the infected fruit body of Tirmania truffles has been investigated. The investigations showed changes in physical characteristics such as color, hardness, and humidity of the studied truffle samples. Also, the results showed a diversity of pathogens involved in the deterioration of truffle includes bacteria (Bacillus pumilus, Citrobacteryoungea), saprophytic fungi (Fusarium solani, Alternariachlamydosporia, and Rhizopusstolonifer). This study concluded the importance of studying microbial flora living in truffle and their environment. Keywords: Libyan Desert truffle; Tirmania; Rotting; Pathogens

A Mycological and Molecular Epidemiologic Study on Onychomycosis and Determination In Vitro Susceptibilities of Isolated Fungal Strains to Conventional and New Antifungals

BackgroundOnychomycosis is one of the most common and recurrent dermatological diseases worldwide. The antimycotic activity of prescribed medications varies according to the causative agents, and treatment failure rates exceeding 30%. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of onychomycosis in Iran. Also, the susceptibilities to conventional and new antifungals were investigated.MethodsIn this descriptive cross-sectional study, during the period of 18 months starting from September 2019 until March 2020, 594 nail specimens were obtained from patients who presented nail changes compatible with a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis. The patients were referred from different cities, including Tehran, Kermanshah, Arak, Kashan, Rasht, Qom, Urmia, Zahedan, Hamadan, Zanjan, Borujerd, Bushehr, and Yazd. All the samples were subjected to microscopic examination and fungal culture. Fungi identified were confirmed through the PCR-sequencing method. The susceptibility to itraconazole, fluconazole, terbinafine, griseofulvin, posaconazole, ravuconazole, efinaconazole, luliconazole, and tavaborole was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, document M38-A2 for filamentous fungi, and document M27-A3 for yeasts.Results594 patients were included. Of these, in 179 cases (30.1%) (95% CI:0.3 ± 0.037) onychomycosis was confirmed. The majority of patients were ≥ 60 years of age (n=58, 32.6%) and female (n=113, 63.1%). Saprophytic fungi accounted for the vast majority of the nail isolates (n=92, 51.4%) (95% CI:0.051 ± 0.0.073), followed by dermatophytes (n=45, 25.1%) (95% CI:0.25 ± 0.063), and yeasts (n=42, 23.5%) (95% CI:0.23 ± 0.061). Diabetes mellitus (77.3%), hypothyroidism (18.2%), and solid tumors (4.5%) were documented as the most prevalent underlying conditions. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed against 60 fungal isolates (20 each of Candida species, saprophytic fungi, and dermatophytes). Efinaconazole, ravuconazole, and luliconazole were the most active agents against Candida species. Also, luliconazole, posaconazole, and efinaconazole were most potent against dermatophytes. Luliconazole had the greatest antifungal activity against saprophytic fungi.ConclusionsThe prevalence of onychomycosis in Iranian patients was relatively high. LUL exhibited potent antifungal activity against the three groups of fungi tested, determining its broad-spectrum antimycotic activity and its probable use as the first-line therapy for onychomycosis.

Biodegradation by Fungi for Humans and Plants Nutrition

Fungi being achlorophyllous depends on other living organisms for their food either being parasite or saprophyte. Saprophytic fungi are good biodegraders. Through their enzymatic batteries, they can degrade any organic substances. Most of the time during the processes of degradation, macrofungi (mushrooms) are occurred as per the climatic conditions prevailing in the particular locations. Micro and macrofungi are considered a good source of human nutrition and medicine since time immemorial. Some of the fungi which are commonly known as mycorrhizae facilitate nutrients to more than 90% of green plants. Fungi play a basic role in plant physiology and help in the biosynthesis of different plant hormones that provides the flexibility of plant to withstand adverse environmental stress, the whole fungi are more friend than foe.

Genomic and Experimental Investigations of Auriscalpium and Strobilurus Fungi Reveal New Insights into Pinecone Decomposition

Saprophytic fungi play vital roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem dynamics. However, our understanding of how saprophytic fungi interact with each other to decompose organic matter is very limited. Here, we conducted field surveys of pinecone-colonizing/decomposing mushrooms, investigated the chemical compositions of decomposing pinecones, and analyzed seven new genomes of three pairs of mushrooms in the genera Auriscalpium and Strobilurus with substrate specificities. Each pair of mushrooms successively colonizes the pinecones of a different pine species: A. orientale-S. luchuensis on Pinus yunnanensis, A. vulgare-S. stephanocystis on Pinus sylvestris, and A. microsporum-S. pachcystidiatus/S. orientalis on Pinus armandii. Our analyses revealed evidence for both competition and cooperation between Auriscalpium and Strobilurus fungi during pinecone decomposition. Their successive colonization of the two fungi groups with complementary profiles of carbohydrate-active enzymes enabled efficient decomposition and utilization of pinecones. The Auriscalpium fungi are highly effective at utilizing the recalcitrant primary organic carbons such as lignin and hemicellulose in freshly fallen pinecones. The decomposition by Auriscalpium fungi enabled the successive colonization by Strobilurus fungi which can produce an arsenal of secondary metabolites such as strobilurins to inhibit other fungi and have abundant carbohydrate-active enzymes for effective utilization of the remaining organic compounds in pinecones.