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Invasive plants disrupt the structure and function of ecosystems, causing a decline in their diversity. The coexistence of Solidago canadensis and Erigeron canadensis within shared habitats is a common phenomenon, and the frequent occurrence of co‐invasion has substantial implications for ecosystems. However, the effects of the co‐invasion of two plants on the soil ecosystem across varying degrees of invasion remain uninvestigated. Therefore, we investigated how the co‐invasion of S. canadensis and E. canadensis affects soil physiochemical properties and microorganisms across various degrees of invasion. The invaded regions exhibited significantly lower soil moisture content and pH values than those in the uninvaded areas (p <.05). Additionally, co‐invasion resulted in higher soil organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP) contents compared to single invasion by E. canadensis. Furthermore, the invaded regions exhibited a greater diversity of soil bacterial and fungal communities than the uninvaded regions. Under diverse invasion conditions, Actinobacteria and Ascomycota emerged as the predominant phyla of soil bacteria and fungi, respectively, leading to a shift in the soil microbial community structure. Moreover, homogenizing dispersal significantly influenced bacterial community succession, while ecological drift influenced the progression of fungal communities. Using structural equation modeling, this study established significant correlations between soil properties (pH, TN, and nitrate nitrogen) and bacterial interactions (diversity and community assembly) relative to microbial composition. This study revealed the influence of S. canadensis and E. canadensis co‐invasion on soil microbial communities, thereby contributing a theoretical framework delineating the impact of these two invasive plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the role of LysM receptors, specifically LYS6 and LYS7, in regulating arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) in Lotus japonicus. AM is a beneficial interaction between plants and fungi that aids in nutrient exchange. The study found that LYS7 is upregulated in roots infected with AM fungi, suggesting its involvement in AM. Mutants lacking LYS6 and LYS7 showed reduced colonization and arbuscule formation by AM fungi, highlighting the importance of these receptors in AM regulation. The study also revealed that LYS6 is involved in the expression of AM-induced genes and the induction of calcium spiking. Overall, LYS6 and LYS7, along with their downstream signaling pathways, are crucial for the initial response to AM in Lotus japonicus. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Invasive plants disrupt the structure and function of ecosystems, causing a decline in their diversity. The coexistence of Solidago canadensis and Erigeron canadensis within shared habitats is a common phenomenon, and the frequent occurrence of co‐invasion has substantial implications for ecosystems. However, the effects of the co‐invasion of two plants on the soil ecosystem across varying degrees of invasion remain uninvestigated. Therefore, we investigated how the co‐invasion of S. canadensis and E. canadensis affects soil physiochemical properties and microorganisms across various degrees of invasion. The invaded regions exhibited significantly lower soil moisture content and pH values than those in the uninvaded areas (p

There are many available reports of secondary metabolites as bioactive molecules from culturable endophytes, nevertheless, there are scarce research pertaining to the levels of metabolites in plants with respect to the incidence and colonisation of fungal endophytes in the same foliar tissues. Therefore, the study was focussed to examine whether fungal endophyte colonisation and the accumulation of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids and phenols, in the plants are related in any way. For this reason, the study aims to analyse phenols and flavonoids from the fronds of eleven pteridophytes along with the culture-dependent isolation of fungal endophytes from the host plants subsequently assigning them to morphological category and their quantitative analysis and further resolving its identities through molecular affiliation. The results revealed that nine morpho-categories of fungal endophytes were allotted based on culture attributes, hyphal patterns and reproductive structural characters. Highest numbers of species were isolated from Adiantum capillus-veneris and least was recorded from Pteris vittata and Dicranopteris linearis. Maximum phenol content was analysed from the fronds of P. vittata and lowest was recorded in A. capillus-veneris. Highest flavonoid content was measured in D. linearis and lowest was detected in Christella dentata. Significant negative correlation was observed between phenol content of ferns and species richness of fungi. Moreover, significant positive correlation was observed with the relative abundance of Chaetomium globosum and flavonoid content of ferns and negative significant relation was found between relative abundance of Pseudopestalotiopsis chinensis and phenol content of pteridophytes. The occurrence and the quantitative aspects of endophytes in ferns and their secondary metabolites are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Fruits are the main important agricultural commodity, but very susceptible in terms of postharvest losses (PHL) due to diseases by microbial pathogens. Recently, there has been increased interest in countermeasure efforts to reduce PHL. As an alternative to chemical pesticides, fungal volatile organic compounds (FVOCs) are potential countermeasures because they are considered more environmentally friendly with less toxicity to human health. Main body FVOCs include wide diverse of organic chemical functional groups, but with low molecular weight (

Background: Fruits are the main important agricultural commodity, but very susceptible in terms of postharvest losses (PHL) due to diseases by microbial pathogens. Recently, there has been increased interest in countermeasure efforts to reduce PHL. As an alternative to chemical pesticides, fungal volatile organic compounds (FVOCs) are potential countermeasures because they are considered more environmentally friendly with less toxicity to human health. Main body FVOCs include wide diverse of organic chemical functional groups, but with low molecular weight (< C20) which possesses sufficient chemical, physical, and biological properties that can be clearly perceived by other organisms through intra- or inter-kingdom interactions, either mutualistic or antagonistic. Based on the antagonistic function, some beneficial FVOCs can be utilized as a biological control agent and biofumigant to combat microbial pathogens in postharvest fruit. Proposed mechanisms of the antagonistic effect of FVOCs toward their cell counterpart include alteration of the morphology of cell wall and cell membrane, influencing intracellular redox balance, elevating reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and also possibly damaging DNA target. All these conditions potentially disrupt cell contents and then lead to cell death. In order to achieve this purpose, the suitable formulation of FVOC-loaded biofumigant is very crucial. Conclusion: FVOCs have potential application as biofumigant to control microbial pathogens in postharvest fruits. However, for the development of a product, the formulation of FVOC-loaded biofumigant should consider the compatibility of the formula with fruits, toxicity effect to humans, and cost production to ensure the effectiveness of the formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxin co-occurrence compromises the safety of food crops worldwide. Environmental factors, as well as fungal interaction, can substantially influence the infectivity of mycotoxigenic fungi and their subsequent production of multi-mycotoxin. Here, we investigated the mutual effects of the co-culture of ochratoxigenic and aflatoxigenic Aspergillus strains on the co-production of ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Single cultures of ochratoxigenic A. carbonarius and A. alliaceus grew optimally at 25 °C, whereas aflatoxigenic A. flavus grew optimally at 35 °C. The maximum levels of OTA and AFB1 were achieved at 25 °C, whereas mycotoxin production decreased at 35 °C. During competitive growth of the ochratoxigenic and aflatoxigenic isolates, inhibition or stimulation of mycotoxin production was dependent on the fungal strain, temperature, and the ratio of the spore concentration. Aspergillus carbonarius and A. alliaceus generally produced OTA, with similar patterns of relative OTA levels at all temperatures. AFB1 production by A. flavus in the presence of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species was inhibited at 25 °C and stimulated at 35 °C. These results indicated that the temperature, presence of other mycotoxigenic Aspergillus species, and ratio of the initial spore concentration significantly contributed to the co-production of OTA and AFB1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of A. oryzae in inhibiting aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) production by A. flavus and A. carbonarius, respectively, under shifting temperatures. A. oryzae was tested on different agar, namely coconut cream agar (CCA) and chili-based agar to figure out the variation in the effectiveness of A. oryzae on the most appropriate medium for A. flavus and A. carbonarius to produce mycotoxin and under natural condition where they are predominantly found. On CCA, the temperatures applied were 20, 30, 35, 40, 20/30, 20/35, and 20/40 °C, while on chili-based agar, the temperatures imposed were 20, 40, and 20/40 °C, at varied water activity of 0.92 and 0.97aw. The findings indicated that A. oryzae was much more effective in inhibiting the growth of A. flavus rather than A. carbonarius, yet it was able to inhibit higher OTA concentration than AFB1 at fluctuating temperatures on CCA as the most appropriate medium for A. flavus and A. carbonarius. A. oryzae effectively inhibited AFB1 and OTA at static temperature of 20 °C and water activity of 0.97aw on chili-based agar. Under fluctuating temperatures (20/40 °C), A. oryzae was also able to control mycotoxin, particularly OTA at high water activity (0.97aw).

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) form symbiotic relationship with the roots of host plants. EMF communities are composed of highly diverse species; however, how they are assembled has been a long-standing question. In this study, we investigated from a phylogenetic perspective how EMF communities assemble on Pinus densiflora seedlings at different spatial scales (i.e., seedling scale and root tip scale). P. densiflora seedlings were collected from different habitats (i.e., disturbed areas and mature forests), and their EMF communities were investigated by morphotype sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS). To infer assembly mechanisms, phylogenetic relatedness within the community (i.e., phylogenetic structure) was estimated and spatial distribution of EMF root tips was analyzed. The EMF communities on pine seedlings were largely different between the two habitats. Phylogenetically restricted lineages (Amphinema, /suillus–rhizopogon) were abundant in the disturbed areas, whereas species from diverse lineages were abundant in the mature forests (Russula, Sebacina, /tomentella–thelephora, etc.). In the disturbed areas, phylogenetically similar EMF species were aggregated at the seedling scale, suggesting that disturbance acts as a powerful abiotic filter. However, phylogenetically similar species were spatially segregated from each other at the root tip scale, indicating limiting similarity. In the mature forest seedlings, no distinct phylogenetic signals were detected at both seedling and root tip scale. Collectively, our results suggest that limiting similarity may be an important assembly mechanism at the root tip scale and that assembly mechanisms can vary across habitats and spatial scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A rapid biodiversity assessment of insects and associated Laboulbeniales fungi was conducted over the course of five nights in August, 2018, at two central Florida lakes: Lake Eustis and the nearby protected and restored National Natural Landmark, Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area (EMCA), which encompasses a portion of Lake Griffin. Lake Eustis was surveyed for Laboulbeniales in 1897 by mycologist Dr. Roland Thaxter but has not since been investigated. Because Lake Eustis has been urbanized, with the lake perimeter almost entirely altered by human development, the site offers a look into Laboulbeniales diversity across a 121‐year timeline, before and after human development. By surveying Lake Eustis and EMCA, a modern case study comparison of Laboulbeniales and insect diversity between a developed and a protected and restored system is made. A total of 4022 insects were collected during the rapid assessment. Overall, insect abundance was greater at EMCA, with 3001 insects collected, than 1021 insects collected from Eustis. Although family‐level insect richness was comparable between sites, with 55 families present at EMCA and 56 at Eustis, 529 out of 3001 (17.6%) of the insects collected at EMCA were hosts to parasitic Laboulbeniales fungi, whereas only 2 out of 1021 (0.19%) collected from Eustis were infected. A total of 16 species of Laboulbeniales found at EMCA compared with only one at Eustis. The current number of Laboulbeniales species documented at Eustis was incredibly depauperate compared with the 26 species and two varieties recorded by Thaxter in 1897. These findings suggest the possibility of utilizing Laboulbeniales as indicators of ecosystem health, and future research should investigate this question further. A figure displaying host–parasite records and a species list of Laboulbeniales are presented. Finally, updated occurrence records for species of Ceratomyces and Hydrophilomyces are provided.

Since 1998, the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has become a public health problem regarding sporotrichosis, a disease caused by Sporothrix spp. involving contact with infected cats. Efforts to isolate these species from environmental sources are not always successful. In our study, soil from residences situated in cities of Rio de Janeiro where cats with sporotrichosis live was collected and cultured an attempt to isolate Sporothrix spp. but it was not successful. However, other saprophytic fungal species were isolated from soil and identified and among them Purpureocillium lilacinum was the most frequent. From there, we decided to study the in vitro interaction of this species with S. brasiliensis, the principal agent that causes sporotrichosis in this state. The results showed that ten isolates of P. lilacinum inhibited the radial mycelial growth of S. brasiliensis with different percentage of inhibition. The interaction between them revealed the pattern described as overgrowth by antagonist. In conclusion, our data suggest that fungal species with very fast growth and capable of producing metabolites could hinder the growth of Sporothrix spp., it also opens the way for the identification of secondary metabolites with biological activity that could be tested against pathogenic fungi.

Clonostachys rosea is an important mycoparasite, with great potential for controlling numerous plant fungal diseases. Understanding the mechanisms and modes of action will assist the development and application of this biocontrol fungus. In this study, the highly efficient C. rosea 67-1 strain was marked with the green fluorescent protein (GFP), and the transformant possessed the same biological characteristics as the wild-type strain. Fungal interactions with Botrytis cinerea during co-culture and encounter on tomato leaves were assessed by fluorescence confocal and electron microscopy. The results indicated that once the two fungi met, the hyphae of C. rosea grew alongside those of B. cinerea, then attached tightly to the host and developed special structures, via which the biocontrol fungus penetrated the host and absorbed nutrients, eventually disintegrating the cells of the pathogen. Mycoparasitism to B. cinerea was also observed on tomato leaves, suggesting that C. rosea can colonize on plants and act following the invasion of the pathogenic fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood decomposer basidiomycetes are the major agents of lignocellulose decomposition in dead wood. As their interspecific interaction affects wood decomposition, difference in interaction area may alter the magnitude of the effects. This study examines the effects of wood surface area on decomposition by interacting basidiomycetes using laboratory incubation experiments with pine sapwood as a model. Two types of pine wood blocks with equal volume but identical surface area were prepared for colonization by one of four white rot basidiomycete species. The colonized wood blocks were then placed on agar media already colonized by the same strain or one of the other species, simulating fungal monoculture and interspecific interactions on wood surface. Results demonstrated that the decay rate of wood was greater in wood with larger surface, and wood decay was accelerated by the interaction of two fungal species in wood with larger surface but not in wood with smaller surface. In contrast, lignin decomposition was influenced by the competitor in wood with smaller surface but not in wood with larger surface. These results suggest that the observed promotion of decay by fungal interspecific interaction might not be attributable to the resource partitioning between fungal species but to the accelerated carbon of competition cost compensation in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of A. oryzae in inhibiting aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) production by A. flavus and A. carbonarius, respectively, under shifting temperatures. A. oryzae was tested on different agar, namely coconut cream agar (CCA) and chili-based agar to figure out the variation in the effectiveness of A. oryzae on the most appropriate medium for A. flavus and A. carbonarius to produce mycotoxin and under natural condition where they are predominantly found. On CCA, the temperatures applied were 20, 30, 35, 40, 20/30, 20/35, and 20/40 °C, while on chili-based agar, the temperatures imposed were 20, 40, and 20/40 °C, at varied water activity of 0.92 and 0.97aw. The findings indicated that A. oryzae was much more effective in inhibiting the growth of A. flavus rather than A. carbonarius, yet it was able to inhibit higher OTA concentration than AFB1 at fluctuating temperatures on CCA as the most appropriate medium for A. flavus and A. carbonarius. A. oryzae effectively inhibited AFB1 and OTA at static temperature of 20 °C and water activity of 0.97aw on chili-based agar. Under fluctuating temperatures (20/40 °C), A. oryzae was also able to control mycotoxin, particularly OTA at high water activity (0.97aw). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid biodiversity assessment of insects and associated Laboulbeniales fungi was conducted over the course of five nights in August, 2018, at two central Florida lakes: Lake Eustis and the nearby protected and restored National Natural Landmark, Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area (EMCA), which encompasses a portion of Lake Griffin. Lake Eustis was surveyed for Laboulbeniales in 1897 by mycologist Dr. Roland Thaxter but has not since been investigated. Because Lake Eustis has been urbanized, with the lake perimeter almost entirely altered by human development, the site offers a look into Laboulbeniales diversity across a 121‐year timeline, before and after human development. By surveying Lake Eustis and EMCA, a modern case study comparison of Laboulbeniales and insect diversity between a developed and a protected and restored system is made. A total of 4022 insects were collected during the rapid assessment. Overall, insect abundance was greater at EMCA, with 3001 insects collected, than 1021 insects collected from Eustis. Although family‐level insect richness was comparable between sites, with 55 families present at EMCA and 56 at Eustis, 529 out of 3001 (17.6%) of the insects collected at EMCA were hosts to parasitic Laboulbeniales fungi, whereas only 2 out of 1021 (0.19%) collected from Eustis were infected. A total of 16 species of Laboulbeniales found at EMCA compared with only one at Eustis. The current number of Laboulbeniales species documented at Eustis was incredibly depauperate compared with the 26 species and two varieties recorded by Thaxter in 1897. These findings suggest the possibility of utilizing Laboulbeniales as indicators of ecosystem health, and future research should investigate this question further. A figure displaying host–parasite records and a species list of Laboulbeniales are presented. Finally, updated occurrence records for species of Ceratomyces and Hydrophilomyces are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood decomposer basidiomycetes are the major agents of lignocellulose decomposition in dead wood. As their interspecific interaction affects wood decomposition, difference in interaction area may alter the magnitude of the effects. This study examines the effects of wood surface area on decomposition by interacting basidiomycetes using laboratory incubation experiments with pine sapwood as a model. Two types of pine wood blocks with equal volume but identical surface area were prepared for colonization by one of four white rot basidiomycete species. The colonized wood blocks were then placed on agar media already colonized by the same strain or one of the other species, simulating fungal monoculture and interspecific interactions on wood surface. Results demonstrated that the decay rate of wood was greater in wood with larger surface, and wood decay was accelerated by the interaction of two fungal species in wood with larger surface but not in wood with smaller surface. In contrast, lignin decomposition was influenced by the competitor in wood with smaller surface but not in wood with larger surface. These results suggest that the observed promotion of decay by fungal interspecific interaction might not be attributable to the resource partitioning between fungal species but to the accelerated carbon of competition cost compensation in this case.

Clonostachys rosea is an important mycoparasite, with great potential for controlling numerous plant fungal diseases. Understanding the mechanisms and modes of action will assist the development and application of this biocontrol fungus. In this study, the highly efficient C. rosea 67-1 strain was marked with the green fluorescent protein (GFP), and the transformant possessed the same biological characteristics as the wild-type strain. Fungal interactions with Botrytis cinerea during co-culture and encounter on tomato leaves were assessed by fluorescence confocal and electron microscopy. The results indicated that once the two fungi met, the hyphae of C. rosea grew alongside those of B. cinerea, then attached tightly to the host and developed special structures, via which the biocontrol fungus penetrated the host and absorbed nutrients, eventually disintegrating the cells of the pathogen. Mycoparasitism to B. cinerea was also observed on tomato leaves, suggesting that C. rosea can colonize on plants and act following the invasion of the pathogenic fungus.

Shoots of Calluna vulgaris, Erica carnea, Juniperus communis subsp. nana, Picea abies, and Pinus mugo subsp. mugo covered with felty, melanized epiphytic mycelia typical for brown felt blight caused by Herpotrichia pinetorum were collected at several locations in the Swiss Alps. Most cultures prepared from the mycelia on J. communis subsp. nana and P. abies were H. pinetorum, whereas the majority of cultures from P. mugo subsp. mugo and C. vulgaris were identified by internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequencing and morphology as Allantophomopsis cytisporea. The fungus tolerates low temperatures, has an optimum between 16°C and 24°C, and ceases to grow at 28°C. 35°C is lethal. A. cytisporea is known as the causal agent of cranberry black rot on Vaccinium macrocarpon but has never been described as a snow mold. A. cytisporea is an endophyte in C. vulgaris but seems able to kill leaflets and whole shoots during winter. The epiphytic mycelium can expand from C. vulgaris to neighboring shoots of P. mugo subsp. mugo and J. communis subsp. nana below the snow where it forms epiphytic mycelial mats reminiscent of H. pinetorum. H. pinetorum has a strong antibiotic effect against A. cytisporea at 4°C and 20°C, whereas A. cytisporea grows faster at these temperatures. The effects of climate change on the interaction between the two snow mold fungi and their consequences on regeneration of woody plants at timberline are discussed.

Shoots of Calluna vulgaris, Erica carnea, Juniperus communis subsp. nana, Picea abies, and Pinus mugo subsp. mugo covered with felty, melanized epiphytic mycelia typical for brown felt blight caused by Herpotrichia pinetorum were collected at several locations in the Swiss Alps. Most cultures prepared from the mycelia on J. communis subsp. nana and P. abies were H. pinetorum, whereas the majority of cultures from P. mugo subsp. mugo and C. vulgaris were identified by internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequencing and morphology as Allantophomopsis cytisporea. The fungus tolerates low temperatures, has an optimum between 16°C and 24°C, and ceases to grow at 28°C. 35°C is lethal. A. cytisporea is known as the causal agent of cranberry black rot on Vaccinium macrocarpon but has never been described as a snow mold. A. cytisporea is an endophyte in C. vulgaris but seems able to kill leaflets and whole shoots during winter. The epiphytic mycelium can expand from C. vulgaris to neighboring shoots of P. mugo subsp. mugo and J. communis subsp. nana below the snow where it forms epiphytic mycelial mats reminiscent of H. pinetorum. H. pinetorum has a strong antibiotic effect against A. cytisporea at 4°C and 20°C, whereas A. cytisporea grows faster at these temperatures. The effects of climate change on the interaction between the two snow mold fungi and their consequences on regeneration of woody plants at timberline are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization of ligninolytic enzyme (LE) activities in a novel fungal co-culture between Pycnoporus sanguineus and Beauveria brongniartii were studied using a Plackett-Burman experimental design (PBED) and a central composite design (CCD). In addition, H2O2 role was analyzed. Laccase (EC. 1.10.3.2) and MnP (EC 1.11.1.14) activities of P. sanguineus increased 6.0- and 2.3-fold, respectively, in the co-culture with B. brongniartii. The H2O2 content was higher in the co-culture (0.33-7.12-fold) than in the P. sanguineus monoculture. The PBED revealed that yeast extract (YE), FeSO4, and inoculum amount were significant factors for laccase and MnP activities and H2O2 production in the co-culture, which increased by 8.2-, 5.2- and 1.03-fold, respectively. The YE and FeSO4 were studied using a CCD to optimize the studied response variables. Laccase activity was enhanced 1.5-fold by CCD, the optimal amount of YE was 0.366 g L−1. Quadratic term of FeSO4 modulated MnP activity and was associated with a 4.28-fold increase compared to the PBED. Both YE and its quadratic term significantly affected H2O2 production; however, the CCD did not enable an increase in H2O2 production. Pearson correlation indicated an increase in laccase (r2=0.4411, p = 0.0436) and MnP (r2=0.5186, p = 0.0198) activities following increases in H2O2 in the co-culture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the industrial biotechnology, ligninolytic enzymes are produced by single fungal strains. Experimental evidence suggests that co-culture of ligninolytic fungi and filamentous microfungi results in an increase laccase activity. In this topic, only the ascomycete Trichoderma spp. has been studied broadly. However, fungal ligninolytic-filamentous microfungi biodiversity interaction in nature is abundant and poorly studied. The enhancement of laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP) activities of Trametes maxima as a function of time inoculation of Paecilomyces carneus and under several culture conditions using Plackett–Burman experimental design (PBED) were investigated. Results: The highest increases of laccase (12,382.5 U/mg protein) and MnP (564.1 U/mg protein) activities were seen in co-cultures I3 and I5, respectively, both at 10 d after inoculation. This level of activity was significantly different from the enzyme activity in non-inoculated T. maxima (4881.0 U/mg protein and 291.8 U/mg protein for laccase and MnP, respectively). PBED results showed that laccase was increased (P

It has long been thought that the life cycle of Streptomyces bacteria encompasses three developmental stages: vegetative hyphae, aerial hyphae and spores. Here, we show interactions between Streptomyces and fungi trigger a previously unobserved mode of Streptomyces development. We term these Streptomyces cells ‘explorers’, for their ability to adopt a non-branching vegetative hyphal conformation and rapidly transverse solid surfaces. Fungi trigger Streptomyces exploratory growth in part by altering the composition of the growth medium, and Streptomyces explorer cells can communicate this exploratory behaviour to other physically separated streptomycetes using an airborne volatile organic compound (VOC). These results reveal that interkingdom interactions can trigger novel developmental behaviours in bacteria, here, causing Streptomyces to deviate from its classically-defined life cycle. Furthermore, this work provides evidence that VOCs can act as long-range communication signals capable of propagating microbial morphological switches.

Streptomyces bacteria employ a newly-discovered cell type, the "explorer" cell, to rapidly colonize new areas in the face of competition.

This investigation was undertaken to determine the atrazine degradation by fungal enzyme extracts (FEEs) in a clay-loam soil microcosm contaminated at field application rate (5 μg g−1) and to study the influence of different soil microcosm conditions, including the effect of soil sterilization, water holding capacity, soil pH and type of FEEs used in atrazine degradation through a 24factorial experimental design. TheTrametes maxima–Paecilomyces carneusco-culture extract contained more laccase activity and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content (laccase = 18956.0 U mg protein−1, H2O2= 6.2 mg L−1) than theT. maximamonoculture extract (laccase = 12866.7 U mg protein−1, H2O2= 4.0 mg L−1). Both extracts were able to degrade atrazine at 100%; however, theT. maximamonoculture extract (0.32 h) achieved a lower half-degradation time than its co-culture withP. carneus(1.2 h). The FEE type (p= 0.03) and soil pH (p= 0.01) significantly affected atrazine degradation. The best degradation rate was achieved by theT. maximamonoculture extract in an acid soil (pH = 4.86). This study demonstrated that both the monoculture extracts of the native strainT. maximaand its co-culture withP. carneuscan efficiently and quickly degrade atrazine in clay-loam soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megaplatypus mutatus(syn. Platypus sulcatus) isanambrosia beetle native to South America, which represents the main forest pest in Argentina of Poplar plantations and is also an emerging pest in Europe, representing a potential risk to forest and fruit plantations globally due to its low specificity. Knowledge of the interactions this insect has with microbes will be important in understanding its impacts and management. In this study, we characterized the fungal diversity associated with M. mutatus in Populus trees in Argentina. The fungal community of 28 attacked trees was studied by evaluating 1104 gallery fragments and 110 fragments of insects. Fungal isolates were identified using morphology and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region of nDNA. Nineteen taxa were identified, the most relevant Fusarium solani species complex, three species of Raffaelea and Graphium basitruncatum. Despite the lower frequency occurred by Raffaelea spp. and G. basitruncatum, we detected a specificity between male/female and location in the gallery. Additionally, the topology of the galleries is described based on analyses with computed tomographyand nuclear magnetic resonance. Enhancing these techniques, an image combining both data was produced, suggesting that the water circulation across outer sections might be involved in the modulation of the gallery topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening for the search of aero-mycoflora, procured from different vertical strata revealed that the air get contaminated with nearly 16 different categories of molds. Out of 16, 06 namely Aspergillus niger, Curvularia lunata, Pestalotia machrotricha, Chaetomium globossum, Bipolaris sorokinianum and Alternaria alternata were taken as test fungal organisms for the study of antagonism. Dual culturing experiments showed that the Chaetomium globossum hindered effectively the growth of all the test fungi and Pestalotia machrotricha was found to synergistic against Curvularia lunata and Bipolaris sorokinianum, while Chaetomium globossum, and Aspergillus niger effectively suppressed the growth of Pestalotia machrotricha. Among all the test fungal species, Bipolaris sorokinianum was found weaker in competition, where as Chaetomium globossum the most stronger and dominating followed by Pestalotia machrotricha and Curvularia lunata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the interaction between the phosphate-solubilizing fungus (PSF) Talaromyces flavus and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Gigaspora rosea in vitro, and whether the in vivo application of T. flavus was able to stimulate the efficiency of the symbiosis between G. rosea and wheat ( Triticum aestivum) . In vitro , the soluble chemical substances released by T. flavus promoted the development of pre-infective mycelium from germinating AMF spores, increasing the length of each branch and the number of branches. In vivo , the inoculation of T. flavus increased plant wet and dry weight of mycorrhizal plants, regardless of the P conditions. AMF root colonization was inhibited under high P conditions but was promoted by T. flavus inoculation. The inoculation of T. flavus also improved the symbiotic efficiency of mycorrhizal plants, measured as APA, and increased the total plant phosphate content and shoot:root phosphate ratio in mycorrhizal plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report where exudates produced by a PSF as T. flavus promote pre-infective development, root colonization and symbiotic efficiency of G. rosea in wheat. Finally, the role of T. flavus in rhizosphere interactions is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the industrial biotechnology, ligninolytic enzymes are produced by single fungal strains. Experimental evidence suggests that co-culture of ligninolytic fungi and filamentous microfungi results in an increase laccase activity. In this topic, only the ascomycete Trichoderma spp. has been studied broadly. However, fungal ligninolytic-filamentous microfungi biodiversity interaction in nature is abundant and poorly studied. The enhancement of laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP) activities of Trametes maxima as a function of time inoculation of Paecilomyces carneus and under several culture conditions using Plackett-Burman experimental design (PBED) were investigated. Results: The highest increases of laccase (12,382.5 U/mg protein) and MnP (564.1 U/mg protein) activities were seen in co-cultures I3 and I5, respectively, both at 10 d after inoculation. This level of activity was significantly different from the enzyme activity in non-inoculated T. maxima (4881.0 U/mg protein and 291.8 U/mg protein for laccase and MnP, respectively). PBED results showed that laccase was increased (P b 0.05) by high levels of glucose, (NH4)2SO4 and MnSO4 and low levels of KH2PO4, FeSO4 and inoculum (P < 0.05). In addition, MnP activity was increased (P < 0.05) by high yeast extract, MgSO4, CaCl2 and MnSO4 concentrations. Conclusions: Interaction between indigenous fungi: T. maxima-P. carneus improves laccase and MnP activities. The inoculation time of P. carneus on T. maxima plays an important role in the laccase and MnP enhancement. The nutritional requirements for enzyme improvement in a co-culture system are different from those required for a monoculture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1998, the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has become a public health problem regarding sporotrichosis, a disease caused by Sporothrix spp. involving contact with infected cats. Efforts to isolate these species from environmental sources are not always successful. In our study, soil from residences situated in cities of Rio de Janeiro where cats with sporotrichosis live was collected and cultured an attempt to isolate Sporothrix spp. but it was not successful. However, other saprophytic fungal species were isolated from soil and identified and among them Purpureocillium lilacinum was the most frequent. From there, we decided to study the in vitro interaction of this species with S. brasiliensis , the principal agent that causes sporotrichosis in this state. The results showed that ten isolates of P. lilacinum inhibited the radial mycelial growth of S. brasiliensis with different percentage of inhibition. The interaction between them revealed the pattern described as overgrowth by antagonist. In conclusion, our data suggest that fungal species with very fast growth and capable of producing metabolites could hinder the growth of Sporothrix spp., it also opens the way for the identification of secondary metabolites with biological activity that could be tested against pathogenic fungi., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Lara da Costa, Escórcio Ferreira, Corrêa-Moreira, Marinho, Benedito de Almeida, Antônio Pereira, Moraes Borba and Marques Evangelista Oliveira.)

In Northeast of Portugal, the macrofungal community associated to chestnut tree ( Castanea sativa Mill.) is rich and diversified. Among fungal species, the ectomycorrhizal Pisolithus tinctorius and the saprotroph Hypholoma fasciculare are common in this habitat. The aim of the present work was to assess the effect of the interaction between both fungi on growth, nutritional status, and physiology of C. sativa seedlings. In pot experiments, C. sativa seedlings were inoculated with P. tinctorius and H. fasciculare individually or in combination. Inoculation with P. tinctorius stimulated the plant growth and resulted in increased foliar-N, foliar-P, and photosynthetic pigment contents. These effects were suppressed when H. fasciculare was simultaneously applied with P. tinctorius. This result could be related to the inhibition of ectomycorrhizal fungus root colonization as a result of antagonism or to the competition for nutrient sources. If chestnut seedlings have been previously inoculated with P. tinctorius, the subsequent inoculation of H. fasciculare 30 days later did not affect root colonization, and mycorrhization benefits were observed. This work confirms an antagonistic interaction between ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi with consequences on the ectomycorrhizal host physiology. Although P. tinctorius is effective in promoting growth of host trees by establishing mycorrhizae, in the presence of other fungi, it may not always be able to interact with host roots due to an inability to compete with certain fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To select Trichoderma strains for enhanced laccase production in Pleurotus ostreatus or Agaricus bisporus cultures. Methods and Results: Laccase production by P. ostreatus and A. bisporus was evaluated in liquid (axenic) and solid (dual cultures) malt extract medium. Oxidation of ABTS, DMP and syringaldazine was evaluated in order to assess the potential of Trichoderma strains to enhance laccase production by basidiomycetes. Selected Pleurotus–Trichoderma interactions yielded higher increases in laccase volumetric activity and an additional laccase isoform was produced. By contrast, Agaricus–Trichoderma interactions lead to smaller increases on laccase volumetric activity, probably as result of repression (or degradation) towards one of the laccases isoforms. Conclusions: The strains of P. ostreatus and A. bisporus assessed in this work showed good potential as laccase producers. The Trichoderma-mediated biological stimulation of laccase production by P. ostreatus and A. bisporus is relevant in order to develop highly productive processes. Significance and Impact of the Study: Extracellular laccases from basidiomycetes are produced only in small amounts. It is therefore important to increase process productivity for potential industrial applications. The results from this study enable the selection Trichoderma strains capable of increasing laccase production by P. ostreatus or A. bisporus in dual cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the colonizing capability and OTA production of different populations of Aspergillus section Nigri spp. in grapes, as affected by the interactions with other fungi, during a simulated in vitro sun-drying. Mature white grapes were divided into two lots of healthy and artificially injured grapes and inoculated with A. section Nigri spp. (A. carbonarius OTA producer, A. niger aggregate OTA producer, A. niger aggregate OTA non-producer), Eurotium amstelodami and Penicillium janthinellum, in different combinations. The drying process was simulated adjusting water activity firstly at 0.98 a w and gradually decreasing it to 0.76 a w for a total of 20 days. Colonizing grape percentages were recorded after 5, 10, 15 and 20 days of dehydration and OTA content was measured after 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17 and 20 days. Colonization of grapes increased with time in all treatments. A. niger aggregate OTA-positive showed the highest colonization percentage, followed by A. carbonarius, and finally their mixed inoculum. When the two OTA-producing strains were combined, addition of any other microorganism increased the percentage of infection by A. section Nigri. A. carbonarius was the highest OTA producer in pure culture, followed by A. niger aggregate OTA-positive. In general, when competing fungi were added to A. carbonarius inoculum, the OTA content was reduced. E. amstelodami was the only competing fungus which increased OTA accumulation. The sun-drying process may be conducive to OTA accumulation in dried grapes. The complex fungal interactions which may take place during this process, may act as an additional control factor, given that the higher presence of A. niger aggregate OTA-negative inhibits OTA accumulation by OTA producing species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to examine the role of melanin in the interaction between the mycoparasite Microsphaeropsis ochracea and the apple scab pathogen Venturia inaequalis. Melanin was extracted from the cell wall of the pathogen and its chemical and physical properties determined on the basis of biochemical tests and visible and infrared spectra. The physical and chemical characteristics of V. inaequalis melanin were similar to the those of synthetic dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) melanin. Precursors of the four known melanin biosynthetic pathways were tested for their ability to restore the pigmentation of an albino strain of V. inaequalis. Scytalone, an intermediate of the 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) pathway, was the only precursor to restore the dark-brown pigmentation. Tricyclazole and pyroquilon, two antipenetrant fungicides, specific inhibitors of DHN melanin synthesis in Pyricularia oryzae, were used to confirm the melanin pathway in V. inaequalis wild type. A reddish-brown pigment was obtained due to the accumulation of shunt products of the DHN melanin pathway instead of a dark-brown pigment, suggesting that the melanin extracted from V. inaequalis was a DHN melanin. Furthermore, growth of an albino mutant of V. inaequalis on scytalone-amended medium resulted in the formation of dark granules similar to those seen in wild-type isolates. Transmission electron microscopic observations of M. ochracea grown in the presence of melanin showed that the granules accumulated gradually along fungal cell walls to form a uniform dark coating.Key words: fungal interaction, biological control, mycoparasitism, apple scab disease.Afin de mieux comprendre le rôle de la mélanine dans l'interaction entre le mycoparasite Microsphaeropsis ochracea et l'agent causal de la tavelure du pommier, Venturia inaequalis, la mélanine de ce dernier a été caractérisée. La mélanine provenant des parois cellulaires de V. inaequalis a été extraite et ses propriétés déterminées en se basant sur des tests biochimiques et les caractères physiques déterminés à partir des spectres visibles et infra rouges. Les caractéristiques physiques et chimiques de la mélanine extraite de V. inaequalis étaient semblables à celle de la mélanine synthétique dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). Des précurseurs connus de la biosynthèse de la mélanine ont été évalués pour leur capacité à rétablir la pigmentation chez une souche de V. inaequalis albinos. La scytalone, un intermédiaire de la biosynthèse du 1,8-dihydroxynaphtalene (DHN) est le seul précurseur qui a rétablit la pigmentation brun foncé. Le tricyclazole et le pyroquilon, deux fongicides anti-pénétrant et inhibiteur de la synthèse de la mélanine DHN chez le Pyricularia oryzae, ont été utilisé pour établir la voie de biosynthèse de la mélanine chez V. inaequalis. Un pigment brun-rouge dû à l'accumulation de produits intermédiaires de la mélanine DHN a été obtenu au lieu d'un pigment brun foncé ce qui suggère que la mélanine extraite du V. inaequalis est de type DHN. De plus, lorsque la souche de V. inaequalis albinos a été cultivée sur un milieu amendé avec de la scytalone, la formation de granules de couleur foncée semblables à celles observées chez les souches non-albinos a été détectée. L'observation en microscopie électronique de M. ochracea cultivé en présence de mélanine a montré que les granules s'accumulaient progressivement le long des parois fongiques pour former une enveloppe uniforme de couleur sombre.Mots clés : interactions fongiques, lutte biologique, mycoparasitisme, tavelure du pommier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consequences of initial spatial organisation of model fungal communities upon their spatio-temporal development were investigated. Dynamics of prescribed two- and three-species ‘communities’ developing on tessellated agar tile model systems were analysed in terms of literal maps, principal component analyses, or as the proportion of species extant within tiles. It was established that for two-species interactions of equal patch size, large-scale (i.e. many constituent tiles) behaviour could be extrapolated from the relevant small-scale (i.e. pairs of tiles) interactions. However, relative patch sizes (scale) of species within tessellations influenced the times taken by individuals to colonise tiles and, hence, temporal behaviour of the system. Outcome of arrangements involving three species of equal patch size and inoculum potential, and prescribed with different mixing patterns, could not be directly extrapolated by reference to the outcome of pair-wise interactions between constituent species. Three-species arrangements attempt to limit assembly of lateral aggregates of individuals (patch size) and hence any effects of tile colonisation times, so as to reveal effects of nearest neighbour context within the complex community. Such arrangements indicate that spatial configuration of inoculum influences community development and reproducibility. They also suggest that spatial distribution of species affects persistence of individuals, which would otherwise be expected to be eliminated from the system. Two-species interactions appeared generally more reproducible than those comprising three species, and the sensitivity of fungal community development to temperature was not solely associated with influence on colony extension rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • A lignin degradation fungal co-cultured consortium was constructed. • The consortium were consisted of three fungi. • The consortium could degraded 39.7% rice straw lignin at 26 °C. • It is feasible for the consortium to be used in bio-pulp paper-making. To improve the lignin degradation efficiency, we established a co-culture consortium (LDFC) consisting of Trametes hirsuta BYL-3, Trametes versicolor BYL-7 and Trametes hirsuta BYL-8. The testing results showed that the constructed consortium showed improved the lignin degradation rate by fungi. The optimal cultivation conditions were mixture at 1:1:1 vol ratio of each fungus, 7% (w/v) of inoculum amount, culture temperature at 26 °C, pH was 6.9 and 10 days of culturing time. Under these conditions, the degradation rate of lignin was 39.7%, which was 9.3% higher than those before optimization (30.4%). Using rice straw for treatment by LDFC to papermaking, the paper tensile strength was 8 N, and the ring pressure index was 2.46 N·m/g, which meets the standards for the production of corrugated paper for packaging. These results indicate that LDFC has potential application value to convert rice straw resources for bio-pulping to make papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungus, Botrytis cinerea, causes decay in apples in postharvest storage. Conidia of B. cinerea on polycarbonate membranes were incubated on filter paper disks saturated with water or suspensions of yeasts (2 × 106 CFU/filter) and then exposed for 24 hr at 22°C to 0–16 μl of ethyl, butyl, or hexyl acetates injected into the headspaces of 500-cc glass jars. Germination of conidia was increased by exposure to 4–16 μl of ethyl acetate compared to the no-ester controls. Conidia were stimulated to germinate by 4 μl of butyl acetate and 8 μl of hexyl acetate, but greater volumes were toxic to germination. The yeasts Cryptococcus laurentii and Sporobolomyces roseus were more effective at reducing the stimulatory effect than Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Acetate esters also stimulated germination of conidia on polycarbonate membranes on apples inside jars. Cryptococcus laurentii or S. roseus suppressed this effect more than S. cerevisiae. Germination of conidia on a membrane on water inside a 3.9-liter jar containing an apple was 2.5-fold greater than the no-apple control. Butyl acetate increased Botrytis infection of apple wounds. Butyl and hexyl acetate were detected by GLC in the headspace of Golden Delicious apples. Results indicated that some acetate esters produced by apple stimulated germination of B. cinerea conidia, and this effect was suppressed by yeasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid biodiversity assessment of insects and associated Laboulbeniales fungi was conducted over the course of five nights in August, 2018, at two central Florida lakes: Lake Eustis and the nearby protected and restored National Natural Landmark, Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area (EMCA), which encompasses a portion of Lake Griffin. Lake Eustis was surveyed for Laboulbeniales in 1897 by mycologist Dr. Roland Thaxter but has not since been investigated. Because Lake Eustis has been urbanized, with the lake perimeter almost entirely altered by human development, the site offers a look into Laboulbeniales diversity across a 121-year timeline, before and after human development. By surveying Lake Eustis and EMCA, a modern case study comparison of Laboulbeniales and insect diversity between a developed and a protected and restored system is made. A total of 4022 insects were collected during the rapid assessment. Overall, insect abundance was greater at EMCA, with 3001 insects collected, than 1021 insects collected from Eustis. Although family-level insect richness was comparable between sites, with 55 families present at EMCA and 56 at Eustis, 529 out of 3001 (17.6%) of the insects collected at EMCA were hosts to parasitic Laboulbeniales fungi, whereas only 2 out of 1021 (0.19%) collected from Eustis were infected. A total of 16 species of Laboulbeniales found at EMCA compared with only one at Eustis. The current number of Laboulbeniales species documented at Eustis was incredibly depauperate compared with the 26 species and two varieties recorded by Thaxter in 1897. These findings suggest the possibility of utilizing Laboulbeniales as indicators of ecosystem health, and future research should investigate this question further. A figure displaying host-parasite records and a species list of Laboulbeniales are presented. Finally, updated occurrence records for species of Ceratomyces and Hydrophilomyces are provided., (© 2021 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Heterobasidion annosum is a very destructive fungal pathogen causing massive losses on forest trees in the northern hemisphere. Tree infection usually takes place through the cut surface after felling. Phlebiopsis gigantea is commonly used as a biological control agent, applied directly after cutting on the stump surface. We investigated the interaction between both fungi in different gas compositions with lowered O2 (0.1% and 0.4%) and enhanced CO2 (15%) concentrations, imitating conditions as present on the wood surface and inside living wood tissue. When grown under 0.1% O2 and 15% CO2, fungal development of both species was altered, growth rate of P. giganteawas decreased and of H. parviporum slightly increased. Low O2 and high CO2 induced the formation of highly hydrophilic tissue with impaired conidia formation and germination capacity. In H. parviporum,this effect was more striking after 7 dpi with 45% reduced vitality, in P. gigantea after 14 dpi with 89% vitality reduction. These observations suggest that entering the tree through the cut surface is accompanied by altering fungal tissue to be more hydrophilic with a concurrent reduction of conidia formation and germination. Expression of the hydrophobin genes HAH1 and HAH2 of H. parviporum at ambient air decreased significantly in response to fungal interaction with P. gigantea. Gene expression was also influenced by O2 and CO2 content. Reduction of O2to 0.4% led to significantly decreased transcription rate of both HAH1 and HAH2 in single and dual cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptomyces bacteria employ a newly-discovered cell type, the "explorer" cell, to rapidly colonize new areas in the face of competition., Competing Interests: The authors declare that no competing interests exist.

It has long been thought that the life cycle of Streptomyces bacteria encompasses three developmental stages: vegetative hyphae, aerial hyphae and spores. Here, we show interactions between Streptomyces and fungi trigger a previously unobserved mode of Streptomyces development. We term these Streptomyces cells 'explorers', for their ability to adopt a non-branching vegetative hyphal conformation and rapidly transverse solid surfaces. Fungi trigger Streptomyces exploratory growth in part by altering the composition of the growth medium, and Streptomyces explorer cells can communicate this exploratory behaviour to other physically separated streptomycetes using an airborne volatile organic compound (VOC). These results reveal that interkingdom interactions can trigger novel developmental behaviours in bacteria, here, causing Streptomyces to deviate from its classically-defined life cycle. Furthermore, this work provides evidence that VOCs can act as long-range communication signals capable of propagating microbial morphological switches., Competing Interests: The authors declare that no competing interests exist.