Journal of Fungi

9 pages, 714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Specific and Total CO₂ Emission Activity of Wood-Decaying Fungi and Their Response to Increases in Temperature

by Victor A. Mukhin, Daria K. Diyarova and Elena V. Zhuykova

J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 448; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jof10070448 - 26 Jun 2024

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The CO₂ emission activity of xylotrophic fungi responding to an increase in temperature in the range of 10–30 °C with pure dikaryotic cultures of Fomes fomentarius s. str., F. inzengae, Fomitopsis betulina, F. pinicola, and Phellinus igniarius was analyzed. [...] Read more.

The CO₂ emission activity of xylotrophic fungi responding to an increase in temperature in the range of 10–30 °C with pure dikaryotic cultures of Fomes fomentarius s. str., F. inzengae, Fomitopsis betulina, F. pinicola, and Phellinus igniarius was analyzed. Emission activity was assessed by the difference in CO₂ concentration in 0.5 L exposure chambers with Petri dishes with mycelium growing on agar at the beginning of exposure and an hour later using a Gasmet DX-4030 FTIR spectrometer (Gasmet Technologies Oy, Finland), error measurements ±50 ppm. Specific (μg CO₂/cm²/h) and total (μg CO₂/h) emission activity and its relationship with temperature and size (area) of the mycelium were assessed. It is shown that in the range of 10–30 °C, the specific and total CO₂ emission activity of the mycelium is closely and positively related to temperature. Specific emission, which is an indicator of the respiratory activity of the mycelium, does not depend on its size; its only driver is temperature, the relationship with which is linear: an increase in temperature by 10 °C causes an increase in the specific emission activity of the mycelium by 1.7 times. The total CO₂ emission activity, which is an indicator of the total amount of CO₂ emitted, is directly proportional to the specific emission activity and the size of the mycelium. In the range of 10–30 °C, an increase in temperature causes an almost equal increase in both the specific emission activity of the mycelium (Q₁₀ 1.7) and its growth (Q₁₀ 1.5) and causes an exponential increase in the total emission of CO₂. This must be taken into account when predicting CO₂ emissions from woody debris under climate change, as it could potentially contribute to accelerating climate change. Full article

31 pages, 481 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecular Diagnostics for Invasive Fungal Diseases: Current and Future Approaches

by David Pham, Varsha Sivalingam, Helen M. Tang, James M. Montgomery, Sharon C.-A. Chen and Catriona L. Halliday

J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 447; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jof10070447 - 26 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) comprise a growing healthcare burden, especially given the expanding population of immunocompromised hosts. Early diagnosis of IFDs is required to optimise therapy with antifungals, especially in the setting of rising rates of antifungal resistance. Molecular techniques including nucleic acid [...] Read more.

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) comprise a growing healthcare burden, especially given the expanding population of immunocompromised hosts. Early diagnosis of IFDs is required to optimise therapy with antifungals, especially in the setting of rising rates of antifungal resistance. Molecular techniques including nucleic acid amplification tests and whole genome sequencing have potential to offer utility in overcoming limitations with traditional phenotypic testing. However, standardisation of methodology and interpretations of these assays is an ongoing undertaking. The utility of targeted Aspergillus detection has been well-defined, with progress in investigations into the role of targeted assays for Candida, Pneumocystis, Cryptococcus, the Mucorales and endemic mycoses. Likewise, whilst broad-range polymerase chain reaction assays have been in use for some time, pathology stewardship and optimising diagnostic yield is a continuing exercise. As costs decrease, there is also now increased access and experience with whole genome sequencing, including metagenomic sequencing, which offers unparalleled resolution especially in the investigations of potential outbreaks. However, their role in routine diagnostic use remains uncommon and standardisation of techniques and workflow are required for wider implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Molecular Diagnosis of Fungal Disease)

15 pages, 6242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Infection of Phytophthora palmivora Isolates on Arabidopsis thaliana

by Mariandrea García-Gaona and Hernán Mauricio Romero

J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 446; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jof10070446 - 26 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Phytophthora palmivora, a hemibiotrophic oomycete, causes diseases in several economically important tropical crops, such as oil palm, which it is responsible for a devastating disease called bud rot (BR). Despite recent progress in understanding host resistance and virulence mechanisms, many aspects remain [...] Read more.

Phytophthora palmivora, a hemibiotrophic oomycete, causes diseases in several economically important tropical crops, such as oil palm, which it is responsible for a devastating disease called bud rot (BR). Despite recent progress in understanding host resistance and virulence mechanisms, many aspects remain unknown in P. palmivora isolates from oil palm. Model pathosystems are useful for understanding the molecular interactions between pathogens and hosts. In this study, we utilized detached leaves and whole seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 to describe and evaluate the infection process of three P. palmivora isolates (CPPhZC-05, CPPhZC-04, CPPhZOC-01) that cause BR in oil palm. Two compatible isolates (CPPhZC-05 and CPPhZOC-01) induced aqueous lesions at 72 h post-inoculation (hpi), with microscopic visualization revealing zoospore encysting and appressorium penetration at 3 hpi, followed by sporangia generation at 72 hpi. In contrast, an incompatible isolate (CPPhZC-04) exhibited cysts that could not penetrate tissue, resulting in low leaf colonization. Gene expression of ten P. palmivora infection-related genes was quantified by RT-qPCR, revealing overexpression in compatible isolates, but not in the incompatible isolate. Additionally, key genes associated with salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene (ET) in Arabidopsis exhibited regulation during interaction with the three isolates. These findings demonstrate that P. palmivora can infect Arabidopsis Col-0, and variability is observed in the interaction between Arabidopsis-Col-0 and P. palmivora isolates. Establishing this pathosystem is expected to enhance our understanding of P. palmivora’s pathology and physiology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis of Plant Pathogenic Fungi and Oomycetes and Plant Breeding for Disease Resistance, 3rd Edition)

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11 pages, 1176 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Molecular Characterization and Expression Analysis of a Gene Encoding 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase (HMGR) from Bipolaris eleusines, an Ophiobolin A-Producing Fungus

by Jianping Zhang, Ke Yang, Wei Tang, Yongjie Yang, Xiaoyue Yu, Yongliang Lu and Liuqing Yu

J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 445; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jof10070445 - 26 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Ophibolin A, a fungal sesterterpene, exerts a pivotal influence in a diverse array of biological processes, encompassing herbicidal, bactericidal, fungicidal, and cytotoxic activities. Sixty genes associated with sesterterpene compound biosynthesis were obtained from Bipolaris eleusines via transcriptome sequencing, and those closely linked to [...] Read more.

Ophibolin A, a fungal sesterterpene, exerts a pivotal influence in a diverse array of biological processes, encompassing herbicidal, bactericidal, fungicidal, and cytotoxic activities. Sixty genes associated with sesterterpene compound biosynthesis were obtained from Bipolaris eleusines via transcriptome sequencing, and those closely linked to ophiobolin A biosynthesis were subsequently filtered. A gene encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) that catalyzes the first committed step of ophiobolin biosynthesis in the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway was isolated and characterized using RACE (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends) technology from ophiobolin A-producing fungus, B. eleusines. The full-length cDNA of the B. eleusines HMGR gene (BeHMGR) was 3906 bp and contained a 3474 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 1157 amino acids. Sequence analysis revealed that deduced BeHMGR had high homology to the known HMGRs from Pyrenophora tritici-repentis and Leptosphaeria maculans. It had a calculated molecular mass of about 124.65 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.90. It contained two putative HMG-CoA-binding motifs and two NADP(H)-binding motifs. Induced expression analysis of the BeHMGR gene by methyl jasmonate treatment using quantitative fluorescence PCR showed that it significantly elevated after 3 h of methyl jasmonate treatment, peaked at 6 h, and then gradually decreased. This demonstrates that BeHMGR gene expression is induced by methyl jasmonate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

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20 pages, 3272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Identification and Pathogenicity of Fusarium Species Associated with Wood Canker, Root and Basal Rot in Turkish Grapevine Nurseries

by Davut Soner Akgül, Serkan Önder, Nurdan Güngör Savaş, Murat Yıldız, İzzet Bülbül and Mümine Özarslandan

J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 444; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jof10070444 - 24 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Fusarium species are agriculturally important fungi with a broad host range and can be found as endophytic, pathogenic, or opportunistic parasites in many crop plants. This study aimed to identify Fusarium species in bare-rooted, dormant plants in Turkish grapevine nurseries using molecular identification [...] Read more.

Fusarium species are agriculturally important fungi with a broad host range and can be found as endophytic, pathogenic, or opportunistic parasites in many crop plants. This study aimed to identify Fusarium species in bare-rooted, dormant plants in Turkish grapevine nurseries using molecular identification methods and assess their pathogenicity. Asymptomatic dormant plants were sampled from grapevine nurseries (43) in different regions of the country, and fungi were isolated from plant roots and internal basal tissues. The Fusarium strains were identified by performing gene sequencing (TEF1-α, RPB2) and phylogenetic analyses. Pathogenicity tests were carried out by inoculating mycelial agar pieces of strains onto the stem or conidial suspensions into the rhizosphere of vines (1103 Paulsen rootstock). Laboratory tests revealed that Fusarium species were highly prevalent in Turkish grapevine nurseries (41 out of 43). Gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses unraveled that 12 Fusarium species (F. annulatum, F. brachygibbosum, F. clavum, F. curvatum, F. falciforme, F. fredkrugeri, F. glycines, F. nanum, F. nematophilum, F. nirenbergiae, F. solani, and Fusarium spp.) existed in the ready-to-sale plants. Some of these species (F. annulatum, F. curvatum and F. nirenbergiae) consistently caused wood necrosis of seedling stems, rotting of the basal zone and roots, and reduced root biomass. Although the other nine species also caused some root rot and root reduction, their virulence was not as severe as the pathogenic ones, and they were considered opportunistic parasites or endophytic species. This study suggests that Fusarium species might play an important role in root-basal rot, wood canker symptoms, and young vine decline in Turkish grapevine nurseries and that these species need to be considered for healthy seedling production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)

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14 pages, 550 KiB

Open AccessReview

Trichoderma and Mycosynthesis of Metal Nanoparticles: Role of Their Secondary Metabolites

by Guillermo M. Herrera Pérez, Laura E. Castellano and Claudia A. Ramírez Valdespino

J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 443; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jof10070443 - 22 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Nanocompounds are widely used in many fields such as environmental, medicine, or agriculture. Nowadays, these nanocompounds are mainly synthesized by chemical methods, causing environmental pollution and potential health problems. Thus, microorganisms have been investigated as potential nanoparticle green biosynthesizers. The main research is [...] Read more.

Nanocompounds are widely used in many fields such as environmental, medicine, or agriculture. Nowadays, these nanocompounds are mainly synthesized by chemical methods, causing environmental pollution and potential health problems. Thus, microorganisms have been investigated as potential nanoparticle green biosynthesizers. The main research is focused on the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using algae, yeast, bacteria, and fungi. Among them, fungi have been the most used, due to their simple and effective mycosynthesis. Fungi as well as other organisms involved in green synthesis of NPs use their secondary metabolites (SMs) to mediate and catalyze the reactions to produce metal nanoparticles (MNPs) as well as being able to act as capping agents producing different physicochemical characteristics and biological activities in the MNPs. Among the various fungi used for mycosynthesis are Trichoderma species, which mediate the production of Ag, Cu, CuO, Zn, ZnO, and other MNPs. Here, we review the main SMs from Trichoderma that have been reported or suggested to contribute to synthesize or act as capping agents and their applications, as well as present the main challenges faced by this type of synthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Trichoderma Strains and Their Metabolites in Agriculture)

14 pages, 5408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Data on the Investigation of Gut Yeasts in Hermit Beetle (Osmoderma barnabita Motschulsky, 1845) Larvae in Lithuania

by Jurgita Švedienė, Vita Raudonienė, Goda Mizerienė, Jolanta Rimšaitė, Sigitas Algis Davenis and Povilas Ivinskis

J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 442; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jof10070442 - 22 Jun 2024

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Abstract

In this study, yeasts from the gut of O. barnabita larvae were isolated and molecularly identified. It is worth noting that this research provides the first analysis of the gut yeast community in O. barnabita larvae in Lithuania, which is a significant contribution [...] Read more.

In this study, yeasts from the gut of O. barnabita larvae were isolated and molecularly identified. It is worth noting that this research provides the first analysis of the gut yeast community in O. barnabita larvae in Lithuania, which is a significant contribution to the field. Two hermit-like L3-praepupa instars were collected from a decaying oak log in Lithuania. The isolation, morphology, biochemistry, and physiology of the yeast isolates were characterized using standards commonly employed in yeast taxonomy studies. The isolates were identified by sequencing the large subunit (26S) rDNA (D1/D2 domain of the LSU). All gut compartments were colonized by the yeast. A total of 45 yeast strains were obtained from the gut of both O. barnabita larvae, with 23 strains originating from Larva 1, 16 strains from Larva 2, and 6 strains from the galleries. According to our identification results of the 45 yeast strains, most of the species were related to Ascomycota, with most of them belonging to the Saccharomycetales order. Yeasts of the genera Candida, Debaryomyces, Meyerozyma, Priceomyces, Schwanniomyces, Spencermartinsiella, Trichomonascus, and Blastobotrys were present in gut of O. barnabita larvae. Species of the Trichosporonales order represented the Basidiomycota phylum. Full article

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16 pages, 967 KiB

Open AccessReview

Insights into Fungal Mitochondrial Genomes and Inheritance Based on Current Findings from Yeast-like Fungi

by Jintian Tang, Leilei Zhang, Jinghan Su, Qingwen Ye, Yukang Li, Dinghang Liu, Haifeng Cui, Yafen Zhang and Zihong Ye

J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 441; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jof10070441 - 21 Jun 2024

Viewed by 222

Abstract

The primary functions of mitochondria are to produce energy and participate in the apoptosis of cells, with them being highly conserved among eukaryotes. However, the composition of mitochondrial genomes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication, and mitochondrial inheritance varies significantly among animals, plants, and fungi. [...] Read more.

The primary functions of mitochondria are to produce energy and participate in the apoptosis of cells, with them being highly conserved among eukaryotes. However, the composition of mitochondrial genomes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication, and mitochondrial inheritance varies significantly among animals, plants, and fungi. Especially in fungi, there exists a rich diversity of mitochondrial genomes, as well as various replication and inheritance mechanisms. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of fungal mitochondria is crucial for unraveling the evolutionary history of mitochondria in eukaryotes. In this review, we have organized existing reports to systematically describe and summarize the composition of yeast-like fungal mitochondrial genomes from three perspectives: mitochondrial genome structure, encoded genes, and mobile elements. We have also provided a systematic overview of the mechanisms in mtDNA replication and mitochondrial inheritance during bisexual mating. Additionally, we have discussed and proposed open questions that require further investigation for clarification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Genomics, Genetics and Molecular Biology)

28 pages, 16283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Four New Species of Tomentella (Thelephorales, Basidiomycota) from Subtropical Forests in Southwestern China

by Ya-Quan Zhu, Xue-Long Li, Dong-Xue Zhao, Yu-Lian Wei and Hai-Sheng Yuan

J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 440; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jof10070440 - 21 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Species of the basidiomycetous genus Tomentella are widely distributed throughout temperate forests. Numerous studies on the taxonomy and phylogeny of Tomentella have been conducted from the temperate zone in the Northern hemisphere, but few have been from subtropical forests. In this study, four [...] Read more.

Species of the basidiomycetous genus Tomentella are widely distributed throughout temperate forests. Numerous studies on the taxonomy and phylogeny of Tomentella have been conducted from the temperate zone in the Northern hemisphere, but few have been from subtropical forests. In this study, four new species, T. casiae, T. guiyangensis, T. olivaceomarginata and T. rotundata from the subtropical mixed forests of Southwestern China, are described and illustrated based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) and the large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU). Molecular analyses using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analysis confirmed the phylogenetic positions of these four new species. Anatomical comparisons among the closely related species in phylogenetic and morphological features are discussed. Four new species could be distinguished by the characteristics of basidiocarps, the color of the hymenophoral surface, the size of the basidia, the shape of the basidiospores and some other features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Phylogeny and Ecology of Forest Fungi)

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J. Fungi, Volume 10, Issue 7 (July 2024) – 9 articles

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