Mycorrhizal Patterns in the Roots of Dominant Festuca rubra in a High-Natural-Value Grassland

Grassland ecosystems occupy significant areas worldwide and represent a reservoir for biodiversity. These areas are characterized by oligotrophic conditions that stimulate mycorrhizal symbiotic partnerships to meet nutritional requirements. In this study, we selected Festuca rubra for its dominance in the studied mountain grassland, based on the fact that grasses more easily accept a symbiotic partner. Quantification of the entire symbiosis process, both the degree of colonization and the presence of a fungal structure, was performed using the root mycorrhizal pattern method. Analysis of data normality indicated colonization frequency as the best parameter for assessing the entire mycorrhizal mechanism, with five equal levels, each of 20%. Most of the root samples showed an intensity of colonization between 0 and 20% and a maximum of arbuscules of about 5%. The colonization degree had an average value of 35%, which indicated a medium permissiveness of roots for mycorrhizal partners. Based on frequency regression models, the intensity of colonization presented high fluctuations at 50% frequency, while the arbuscule development potential was set to a maximum of 5% in mycorrhized areas. Arbuscules were limited due to the unbalanced and unequal root development and their colonizing hyphal networks. The general regression model indicated that only 20% of intra-radicular hyphae have the potential to form arbuscules. The colonization patterns of dominant species in mountain grasslands represent a necessary step for improved understanding of the symbiont strategies that sustain the stability and persistence of these species.

Isolation, Identification and Molecular Characterization of Endophytic Fungi from the leaves of Coelogyne species, and their role as an Antimicrobial agent

Endophytic fungi from Orchids believed to have an essential symbiotic relationship with the plant for both the germination of seeds and the development of young plantlets. Endophytes are microorganisms which live in the intercellular spaces of healthy host tissues without causing apparent symptoms. Endophytic fungi isolated from the medicinal plants are used for the development of drugs as they act as the source of bioactive compounds. This study has been designed to isolate the fungal endophytes from the leaves of three epiphytic orchid species (Coelogyne nervosa, A. Rich., Coelogyne mossiae, Rolf and Coelogyne cristata, Lindl) from the same genus Coelogyne, collected from Ooty flora, Coonoor. About five different endophytes were identified and their morphological characters were studied. Coelogyne cristata showed maximum colonization frequency. Among the five species, Fusarium species showed antibacterial activity against the gram-positive bacteria Bacillus Subtilis, a pathogen found in soil, water and food. Fungal genomic DNA isolated for molecular identification from the four fungal species.

Transmission and Colonization of Pneumocystis jirovecii

Pneumocystis spp. was discovered in 1909 and was classified as a fungus in 1988. The species that infects humans is called P. jirovecii and important characteristics of its genome have recently been discovered. Important advances have been made to understand P. jirovecii, including aspects of its biology, evolution, lifecycle, and pathogenesis; it is now considered that the main route of transmission is airborne and that the infectious form is the asci (cyst), but it is unclear whether there is transmission by direct contact or droplet spread. On the other hand, P. jirovecii has been detected in respiratory secretions of hosts without causing disease, which has been termed asymptomatic carrier status or colonization (frequency in immunocompetent patients: 0–65%, pregnancy: 15.5%, children: 0–100%, HIV-positive patients: 20–69%, cystic fibrosis: 1–22%, and COPD: 16–55%). This article briefly describes the history of its discovery and the nomenclature of Pneumocystis spp., recently uncovered characteristics of its genome, and what research has been done on the transmission and colonization of P. jirovecii. Based on the literature, the authors of this review propose a hypothetical natural history of P. jirovecii infection in humans.

Diversity and Molecular Characterization of Endophytic fungi associated with Leaves of Acacianilotica

Fungal endophytesare colonized in different part of the plants and play important role in survival of plants in stressful habitat. In search of potential endophytic fungito produce bioactive metabolites inthis study we investigate thediversity of endophytic fungi associated with leaves of the Acacia nilotica plant. Twenty-six endophytic fungi were subjected to morphologicaland molecular identification with internal transcribes spacer (ITS) region sequenced. All 26 endophytic fungi were divided into nine genera Chaetomium, Amesia, Ovatospora, Penicillium, Phialemonium, Colletotrichum, Crinipellis, Acrophialophora, Cribbea. Most of them belonged to the phylum Ascomycota only one belonging to the phylum Basidiomycota. This study shows that Acacia leaves inhabitant by diverse group of endophytic fungi. The biodiversity analysis showed Chaetomium sp. Being dominant with the highest colonization frequency (26.9%). One of the Chaetomium sp. showed sequence similarity of93% with the species reported earlier, Further investigationsarein needed to harness the bioactive compounds.

Diversity and antimicrobial activity of endophytic fungi from Combretum sp. collected in monsoon from three regions

Aerial tissues of the woody lianas- Combretum sp. was selected and assessed for study of endophytic fungal diversity from three forest areas of West Medinipur and Jhargram districts of West Bengal. In monsoon study it was observed that out of 225 various tissue segments ,165 segments had been colonized by endophytic fungi Combretum roxburghii and 209 endophytic isolates were isolated from them. Average colonization frequency (CF)was 73.32 percent. Highest CF was in plant of Belpahari (76%) and in petiole (82.66%). Out of isolated fungal genera Pestalotiopsis sp. was highest in number. Diplodia sp., Beltrania sp., Chaetomium sp., Fusarium sp., Arthrinium sp. were also greater in number. Dominance index was highest in Belpahari (0.1547). Simpson’s diversity was maximum in Godapiasal (0.8693) and Shannon-Wiener index was also highest (2.152) in plant of Godapiasal. Highest diversity of endophytic fungi was in plants of Chilkigarh. Isolated endophytic fungi were Lasiodiplodia sp., Diplodia sp., Fusarium sp., Chaetomium sp., Arthrinium sp., Aspergillus sp., Pestalotiopsis sp. etc. Simpson’s diversity and Shannon-Wiener index were maximum in plants of Godapiasal. The study of antimicrobial activity of isolated fungal endophytes indicated that few plugs showed antimicrobial activity against few pathogenic bacteria. Among all isolates tested only seven showed antimicrobial activity. Aspergillus sp. and one unidentified fungi showed the antimicrobial activity against three bacteria i. e., Bacillus cereus, Escherechia coli and Vibrio cholera and maximum inhibition zone was observed against E. coli, diameter of inhibition zone is 1.4 cm. Other fungi showed less antimicrobial activity. Diameter of zone of inhibition varied (0.7 – 1.4) and this variation might be due to the difference of bioactive compound produced or the varied concentrations or amount degree of same compound.

Diversity of Mycoflora in Root and Rhizosphere Regions of Alloteropsis Cimicina (L.) Stapf

Endophytic fungi described as the internal mycota of living plants. The present study is an attempt to document mycoflora diversity of root, rhizosphere, bulk soil of grass Alloteropsis cimicina (L.) Stapf a less known species from North East India in Bhadra reserve forest region in two different seasons. Isolation, fungal community from collected samples by Moist blotter method, Potato dextrose agar (PDA) method, Malt extract agar (MEA) methodStatistical analysis were done and the mean data by Simpson Diversity Index Shannon Evenness Shannon Diversity Index(H1 ) Simpson Evenness, Colonization frequency and Jaccard’s Similarity Coefficient is measured. There were 700 fungal colonies belonging to 18 species of 11 genera.and four NSF isolated.

Seasonal arbuscular mycorrhiza colonization dynamic displays genotype-specific pattern in Iris sibirica L.

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is a widespread symbiotic association between plants and Glomeromycota fungi, that brings nutritional-derived benefits for phytobiont. Influence of plant breeding on arbuscular mycorrhiza susceptibility is a topic of current interest that can have many practical implications. Insights into whether new cultivars have a lower mycorrhizal potential, are critical for optimization of AM use. Aim of this research was to conduct a comparative assessment of AM colonization across a phenophase gradient in two Iris sibirica genotypes: one displaying the wild traits versus a modern reblooming cultivar with double flowers. Analysis showed that both Iris sibirica genotypes developed Paris-morphotype. Results indicated that on average the genotype with simple flowers had a higher AM colonization frequency (84.44±2.15) compared to the new cultivar with double flowers (52.22±6.09). Significant influence was exercised both by genotype (p<0.001) as well as by phenophase (p=0.0013), over colonization frequency. The genotypes displayed contrasting colonization dynamics: highest AM frequency level occurred in spring for the genotype with simple flowers, and in autumn for the one with double flowers. Results suggest that host metabolic state has regulating role over functionality of established AM-symbiotic association according to plant nutritional requirements, while fungi might also respond to increased or decreased carbon flux in the plant, associated with geophyte phenology.

Diversity of Endophytic fungi in liana, Celastrus paniculatus collected from few sites of Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur districts, West Bengal, India

To determine the identity and diversity of endophytic fungi associated with the liana from five different forest localities of Jhargram and West Medinipur districts of West Bengal. On the basis of differentiation of weather and microclimate, I have to select the regions. Between the two regions, the distance is at least 25-30 km, the microclimate and moisture under the canopy will differ, it affects mainly on the presence of endophytes. Leaf, fruit and stem segments were collected randomly in summer, winter and monsoon in 2018. It is impossible to take all leaves and other organs of a plant because plant parts should be collected sustainably so that minimum damage of stock occurs. Surfaces of all samples were sterilised just before putting on pot5ato dextrose agar (PDA) media for the growth of endophytic fungal mycelia and their isolation. Fungi were isolated and identified based on the morphology of its colony, and mycelial form and morphology, sexual and asexual reproductive structures and their characters, spore-form and nature of attachment, cultural conditions etc. were taken in consideration to identify them. Total 1125 samples were used for endophytic growth. The total of 1558 endophytic fungi were isolated from 797 sample segments of Celastrus paniculatus. The dominant endophytic fungi belong to genera Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Chaetomium sp., Beltrania sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., Verticillium sp., Arthrinium sp, Penicillium sp., Podospora sp., Alternarium sp., Acrocylindrium sp. etc. Maximum endophytic isolates were obtained from leaf segments followed by fruit and then stem. In monsoon, colonization frequency shows highest (80.53%) and in summer, it is lowest (61.87%) from the plant samples of all locations. The examples from Chilkigarh shows the highest colonization frequency (90.22%) and from Nayagram, it is the lowest (61.78%). The leaf’s colonization frequency is maximum (84.53%) and the stem is minimum (62.4%). Most of the isolated endophytic fungi were found under the group Deuteromycetes. Endophytic fungi show a wide range of Shannon-Weiner and Simpson’s indices. These indicators point to an equal and throughout distribution of different species. The findings add to our knowledge of the identity and diversity of endophytic fungi, which are expected to have a variety of interactions with their host plants.

Diversity of Endophytic Fungi of Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) and Their Antagonistic Activity against Two Banana Pathogens

Aims: The present study was carried out to determine the diversity of endophytic fungi that colonize the leaves of Psidium guajava, and to evaluate their antagonistic activity against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense and Mycosphaerella fijiensis which are the two main phytopathogens of banana plants. Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out at Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I and Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biotechnologies, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Bucharest, between April 2018 and February 2020. Methodology: Fragments of surface sterilized leaves of Psidium guajava were inoculated on Potato Dextrose Agar supplemented with chloramphenicol. The isolated and purified endophytic fungi were identified based on their macroscopic and microscopic characters using a mycological atlas as guide. The non-sporulating isolates were identified by comparing the ITS regions of their DNA to those of known fungi registered in the GenBank database. The antagonistic activity of the endophytic fungi isolated against Fusarium oxysporum and Mycosphaerella fijiensis was screened using dual culture method. Results: A total of 28 endophytic fungal were isolated from the leaves of Psidium guajava corresponding to a colonization frequency of 33.33%. These isolates were identified as: Aspergillus sp., Botryosphaeria sp., Fusarium sp., Neoscytalidium sp., Xylaria sp., Phyllosticta capitalensis, Cercospora apii, Xylaria longipes, Phomopsis sp., Phomopsis asparagi, Aspergillus versicolor, Pallidocercospora thailandica, and Xylaria grammica that belonged to the Deuteromycota and Ascomycota divisions. These endophytic fungi inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense and Mycosphaerella fijiensis with the percentage inhibition varying respectively from 23.25% to 73.52% and from 21.36% to 100%. The species Botryosphaeria sp., Phomopsis sp., Phomopsis asparagi, and Xylaria longipes exhibited the greatest activity. Conclusion: The leaves of Psidium guajava have a fairly varied diversity of endophytic fungi. These endophytic fungi can serve as potential biological control agents against Panama and Sigatoka diseases of banana and also would produce secondary metabolites with antifungal properties.

Diversity and distribution of microfungi in foliage leaf, bark and leaf litter of Couroupita guianensis

The diversity and distribution of micro fungal assemblages in the foliage leaf, bark and leaf litter tissues of the Couroupita guianensis sacred plant. For the host, we recorded 1005 fungal species isolates from 900 tissue segments. A total of 62 fungal species were isolated from foliar endophytes, phellophytes and leaf litter. The colonization frequency of the fungi species has been recorded as 111.66% from the endophytes, phellophytes and leaf tissues. The fungi species recovered in various groups included ascomycetes, coelomycetes, hyphomycetes, zygomycetes and sterile fungi. The number of fungal species is increased for the plant tissues, it showed that the species diversity is increasing. A correspondence analysis also showed that the fungal species assemblages were different from each type of tissue.