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ABSTRACT Filamentous fungi present significant health hazards to immunocompromised individuals globally; however, the prompt and precise identification of them during infection remains challenging. In this study, a TaqMan probe-based multiplex real-time PCR (M-qPCR) assay was developed to detect simultaneously the target genes of four important pathogenic filamentous fungi: ANXC4 gene of Aspergillus fumigatus, EF1-α gene of Fusarium spp., mitochondrial rnl gene of Mucorales, and hcp100 gene of Histoplasma capsulatum. In this M-qPCR assay, the limit of detection (LoD) to all four kinds of fungi was 100 copies and the correlation coefficients (R2) were above 0.99. The specificity of this assay is 100%, and the minimum detection limit is 100 copies/reaction. In conclusion, an M-qPCR detection assay was well established with high specificity and sensitivity for rapid and simultaneous detection on four important filamentous fungi in the clinic.IMPORTANCEWorld Health Organization developed the first fungal priority pathogens list (WHO FPPL) in 2022. Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucorales, Fusarium spp., and Histoplasma spp. are the four types of pathogenic fungi with filamentous morphology in the critical priority group and high priority group of WHO FPPL. These four filamentous fungal infections have become more common and severe in immunocompromised patients with the increase in susceptible populations in recent decades, which resulted in a substantial burden on the public health system. However, prompt and precise identification of them during infection remains challenging. Our study established successfully a TaqMan probe-based multiplex real-time qPCR assay for four clinically important filamentous fungi, A. fumigatus, Fusarium spp., Mucorales, and Histoplasma capsulatum, with high sensitivity and specificity, which shows promising potential for prompt and precise diagnosis against fungal infection.

Copyright of Research in Agricultural Sciences is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In recent years, the cultivation of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in Europe has aroused interest among farmers for the potential market opportunities of its products; its cultivation has increased from 20,450 ha in 2015 to 33,020 ha in 2022. Thanks to the great versatility of this crop, there are opportunities in the food and nutraceutical fields (gluten free), cosmetics, energy and industrial sectors. As for several crops, hemp seeds may also be contaminated by fungal pathogens compromising its quality and safety. Considering the recent interest of consumers in using hemp for food purposes, in the present work, a small survey on mycotoxin contamination was carried out during 2018–2022 in hemp seed samples cultivated in Italy for food use. The results showed a limited occurrence of the most common regulated mycotoxins (aflatoxins [AFs], fumonisins [FBs], ochratoxin A [OTA], deoxynivalenol [DON] and zearalenone), but very high levels of alternariols, reaching a maximum value of 38510, 308, 226 and 288 ug/kg for tenuazonic acid [TeA], tentoxin [TEN], alternariol [AOH] and alternariol monoether, respectively. In the same period, an investigation carried out in an experimental field showed that fungal contamination and mycotoxin occurrence were influenced by different meteorological conditions and different varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) poses a significant threat to wheat crops, causing substantial grain loss and mycotoxin contamination. While chemical fungicides have been effective in controlling this disease, the need for environmentally friendly alternatives is paramount due to concerns about human health and fungicide resistance. This study delves into the efficacy of Pseudomonas plecoglossicida (NR_114226) as a plant growth‐promoting and biocontrol agent against Fusarium graminearum (ON685926) and Fusarium pseudograminearum (ON687723). Greenhouse experiments demonstrated a significant reduction in disease severity by 66.06% through seed treatment with this rhizobacterial strain in soil already infested with fungal pathogens. Moreover, significant growth enhancement occurred in F. pseudograminearum‐infected seedlings treated with P. plecoglossicida (F4 + P57), increasing plant height from 13.8 to 33.1 cm and root length from 9.56 to 19.62 cm, with notable improvements in fresh and dry weights. The study further validated these findings through enzymatic assays and analysis of synthesized secondary metabolites, including chitinase, protease, hydrocyanic acid, indole acetic acid, phosphate solubilization and siderophore production. These results strongly suggest that P. plecoglossicida has the potential to serve as an effective biocontrol agent against soilborne cereal pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change (CC) is a complex phenomenon that has the potential to significantly alter marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Global warming of 2°C is expected to be exceeded during the 21st century, and the frequency of extreme weather events, including floods, storms, droughts, extreme temperatures, and wildfires, has intensified globally over recent decades, differently affecting areas of the world. How CC may impact multiple food safety hazards is increasingly evident, with mycotoxin contamination in particular gaining in prominence. Research focusing on CC effects on mycotoxin contamination in edible crops has developed considerably throughout the years. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive literature search to collect available studies in the scientific literature published between 2000 and 2023. The selected papers highlighted how warmer temperatures are enabling the migration, introduction, and mounting abundance of thermophilic and thermotolerant fungal species, including those producing mycotoxins. Certain mycotoxigenic fungal species, such as Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum, are expected to readily acclimatize to new conditions and could become more aggressive pathogens. Furthermore, abiotic stress factors resulting from CC are expected to weaken the resistance of host crops, rendering them more vulnerable to fungal disease outbreaks. Changed interactions of mycotoxigenic fungi are likewise expected, with the effect of influencing the prevalence and co‐occurrence of mycotoxins in the future. Looking ahead, future research should focus on improving predictive modeling, expanding research into different pathosystems, and facilitating the application of effective strategies to mitigate the impact of CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated pathogen management incorporates biological control and ecological services of plant growth-promoting bacteria as base components. The biocontrol activity of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D5 ARV toward Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium graminearum, Botrytis cinerea, and Macrophomina sp. was estimated through a confrontation test, and the potential of volatile and non-volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The results of the confrontation test showed 60, 46, 37, and 33% of F. oxysporum, F. graminearum, B. cinerea, and Macrophomina sp. growth inhibition, while VOCs effects reached 30%, 47%, 53%, and 0% growth inhibition, respectively. A collection of non-volatile metabolites was made at a stationary phase; afterward, they were sterilized by filtration or autoclaving. Autoclaving caused a significant loss of non-volatile metabolite antifungal activity. GC-MS analysis of VOCs detected the presence of compounds with antifungal and antimicrobial properties such as pentadecanoic acid, and hexanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester. The multiple antifungal mechanisms revealed in this study are part of the B. amyloliquefaciens D5 ARV arsenal and make it a potentially powerful biocontrol agent against selected phytopathogens.

SAAF Fungicide is a systemic and contact fungicide that is used to prevent leaf spot, blast disease, rust disease, and other types of fungi pests in all kinds of crops, especially on vegetable plant. Hence, the objective of this paper as to compare the effects of Potassium Iodate and SAAF-fungicide on the control of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) and the Yield of Pepper (Capsicum spp L.) using appropriate standard methods. Agronomic data such as number of leaves, plant height and flowers was collected. Disease incidence and severity as well as yield were measured and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Among all the treatment, Gulpinar F1 with KIO3 has the highest height and number of leaves across the experiment while negative control has the least height and number of leaves. De cayenne with SAAF has the highest yield of pepper harvested followed by Gulpinar F1 with KIO3, the negative control has the highest disease infection and severity, there are very mild infection on the treated plots. The two treatments have positive effect on the growth, disease control and yield of pepper. The highest pepper yield was achieved from SAAF treated sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

В результате исследования на поверхностях тела и в физиологических жидкостях H. vigintioctomaculata были обнаружены микроконидии и макроконидии грибов рода Fusarium. На челюстях насекомых наблюдалось большое количество гиф, много микроконидий, небольшое количество макроконидий (0.4–0.9%); в экскрементах — гифы и микроконидии; на ногах — гифы, микроконидии и до 20% макроконидий. Отрыжка содержала 4.6% микроконидий и до 95.4% макроконидий. Самое большое количество макроконидий (30%) с одной, тремя и четырьмя перетяжками наблюдалось в кишечнике. Установлено, что конидии Fusarium spp. сохраняют контагиозность после прохождения пищеварительного тракта картофельной коровки. Максимальный балл повреждения на 14-е сутки после заражения наблюдался на растениях, зараженных содержимым отрыжки и кишечника (96 и 90% развития болезни соответственно), наименьший — для инфицированных содержимым экскрементов (64% развития болезни). Полученные данные свидетельствуют о возможности распространения фузарий в агробиоценозе картофельного поля посредством питания и миграции H. vigintioctomaculata.

SAAF Fungicide is a systemic and contact fungicide that is used to prevent leaf spot, blast disease, rust disease, and other types of fungi pests in all kinds of crops, especially on vegetable plant. Hence, the objective of this paper as to compare the effects of Potassium Iodate and SAAF-fungicide on the control of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) and the Yield of Pepper (Capsicum spp L.) using appropriate standard methods. Agronomic data such as number of leaves, plant height and flowers was collected. Disease incidence and severity as well as yield were measured and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Among all the treatment, Gulpinar F1 with KIO3 has the highest height and number of leaves across the experiment while negative control has the least height and number of leaves. De cayenne with SAAF has the highest yield of pepper harvested followed by Gulpinar F1 with KIO3, the negative control has the highest disease infection and severity, there are very mild infection on the treated plots. The two treatments have positive effect on the growth, disease control and yield of pepper. The highest pepper yield was achieved from SAAF treated sample.

During its passing, money can get contaminated and may thus plays a role in the transmission of microorganisms to other people. Hence this study evaluates the mycological contamination of Nigerian currency naira notes in circulation at Badeggi Town, Niger State, Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. The findings revealed that all samples contain fungal contaminants and higher contamination rates was recorded in low denominations naira notes. The fungi isolated in these studies include Aspergillus niger (16.9%) which was the most prevalent, followed by Mucor spp (13.8%) and Penicillium spp (13%), Aspergillus fumigatus (12.3%), Fusarium spp and Candida glabrata (10%), Rhizomucor spp and Rhinosporidiosis spp (8.4%) and the least Aspergillus flavus (6.9%). The currency notes are fomites, which serve as a vehicle for transmission of pathogenic organisms causing infections. Good hygiene and proper education of Nigerians on the public health risks posed by mishandling naira notes should be done to reduce the spread of pathogens and parasites through naira notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are exposed to a range of biotic and abiotic stresses, including fungal infections and soil salinity. These stresses have negative impacts on plant growth and productivity, resulting in reduced yields and economic losses. To mitigate these effects, researchers have explored the use of biocontrol agents, such as Trichoderma, which can enhance plant growth and protect plants against various stresses. Salicylic acid (SA) is a key signaling molecule in plant defense against pathogens and plays a crucial role in activating the plant defense response. SA signaling pathways are known to be involved in the regulation of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the synthesis of phytohormones, such as jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET). In this review, we evaluated the effect of Trichoderma treatment on SA signaling pathways and molecular markers in plants under salinity and Fusarium stresses. The findings showed that Trichoderma-treated plants exhibited enhanced SA signaling, as evidenced by the upregulation of SA-related genes. This was associated with improved disease resistance, as Trichoderma-treated plants showed lower disease severity and increased survival rates when exposed to Fusarium infection. Moreover, Trichoderma-treated plants also exhibited increased tolerance to salinity stress, as evidenced by improved physiological parameters, such as chlorophyll content and root growth. Molecular markers such as PR proteins and ROS-scavenging enzymes were upregulated in Trichoderma-treated plants, further indicating the activation of plant defense mechanisms. Overall, these findings suggest that Trichoderma-induced SA signaling and molecular markers contribute to the enhanced stress tolerance in plants, highlighting the potential of Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent for sustainable agriculture. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects and to optimize the use of Trichoderma in crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

در پژوهش حاضر، توانایی بازدارندگی از رشد میسلیومی پنج اسانس گیاهی آویشن ‏شیرازی، پونه کوهی، ترخون و دو گونه اسطوخودوس بر علیه جدایه‌های شش گونه مهم بیماریزای Fusarium شاملFusarium graminearum UM29 ، F. graminearum UM89، F. verticillioides، F. brasilicum، F. oxysporum f. sp. lentis و F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici و دو قارچ آنتاگونیست Trichoderma harzianum و T. viride، در پنج غلظت (75، 150، 300، 600 و 1000 میکرولیتر بر لیتر) به روش اختلاط با محیط کشت PDA مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند. اجزای شیمیایی اسانس­ ها با استفاده از دستگاه GC-MS مورد ارزیابی قرار گرفت. همچنین تأثیر بازدارندگی از رشد گونه‌های Trichoderma harzianum T447 و T. viride T125 به دو روش کشت متقابل و اثر ترکیبات فرّار آنها بررسی شد. نتایج آنالیز GC-MS نشان داد که تیمول و کارواکرول، ترکیبات اصلی اسانس آویشن شیرازی و نپتالاکتون و 1،8-سینئول ترکیبات اصلی پونه کوهی محسوب می‏ شوند. اسانس آویشن شیرازی در غلظت 300 میکرولیتر بر لیتر، رشد میسلیومی اغلب گونه­ هایFusarium مورد بررسی را به طور کامل مهار نمود. نتیجه آزمایشات کشت متقابل تیمار‌ها نشان داد بیشـترین درصد بازدارندگی در تعامل بین جدایه T. viride و قارچ بیمـاری‏زای F. brasilicum با میانگین 78/64 درصد و کمترین مقدار آن در تعامل بین جدایه T. harzianum و قارچ‌ بیماریزای F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici با میـانگین 52/36 درصد می­ باشد. با توجه به نتایج تحقیق حاضر، اسانس آویشن شیرازی و T. harzianum T447 و T. viride T125 پتانسیل بالایی در بازداری از رشد میسلیومی قارچ­ های مورد بررسی از جنس Fusarium داشتند. ارزیابی­ های گلخانه­ای و مزرعه ­ای جهت بررسی کارایی آنها در کنترل این بیماگرها ضروری می­ باشد.

Three fungicide alternatives eg., peroxyacetic acid (PAA), potassium silicate )PS) and salicylic acid mixture )SA) were effective to reduce postharvest garlic rot. Fusarium spp that gave the most frequently found genera (65.1% frequency) were concerned in this study. The eight Fusarium isolate were able to rot garlic cloves and isolate F1 and F2 were the most virulent. Identification of the most two virulent isolates was F1 isolate Fusarium subglutinans where isolate F2 in Fusarium soloni. In vitro study showed that all fungicide alternatives were effective to reduce postharvest garlic rot severity under either F.subglutinans or F.solani infection. The highest concentration tested was the most effective than the lowest concentrations.Under field experiments, garlic seed cloves soaking plus foliar spraying improved garlic production that assembly in enhancement of fresh weight, cured weight and cured significant reduction in weight losses. In addition, next planting cloves of fungicide alternatives treated garlic were more out standing against F. subglutinans and F. solani under artificial inoculation

During its passing, money can get contaminated and may thus plays a role in the transmission of microorganisms to other people. Hence this study evaluates the mycological contamination of Nigerian currency naira notes in circulation at Badeggi Town, Niger State, Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. The findings revealed that all samples contain fungal contaminants and higher contamination rates was recorded in low denominations naira notes. The fungi isolated in these studies include Aspergillus niger (16.9%) which was the most prevalent, followed by Mucor spp (13.8%) and Penicillium spp (13%), Aspergillus fumigatus (12.3%), Fusarium spp and Candida glabrata (10%), Rhizomucor spp and Rhinosporidiosis spp (8.4%) and the least Aspergillus flavus (6.9%). The currency notes are fomites, which serve as a vehicle for transmission of pathogenic organisms causing infections. Good hygiene and proper education of Nigerians on the public health risks posed by mishandling naira notes should be done to reduce the spread of pathogens and parasites through naira notes.

Copyright of Iraq Journal of Market Research & Consumer Protection / Al-Mağallaẗ al-ʿIrāqiyyaẗ li-Buḥūṯ al-Sūq wa-Ḥimāyaẗ al-Mustahlik is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences is the property of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Purpose: Disseminated fusariosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the hyaline fungus Fusarium spp. and occurs mainly in patients with leukemia.Case report: Two cases of disseminated fusariosis in pediatric patients are presented.Profound and prolonged neutropenia, fever, myalgia, and skin lesions in the legs werepresent in two girls with leukemia undergoing chemotherapy. In the first case, infectionby Fusarium spp. was confirmed by anatomopathological findings, pathogen isolation, and polymerase chain reaction. In the second case, Fusarium solani infection was confirmed by mass spectrometry using blood cultures and skin lesion samples.Conclusion: It is important to consider disseminated fusariosis in high-risk patients who present with profound and prolonged neutropenia and persistent fever that does not resolve after broad-spectrum antibiotics to initiate antifungal therapy in a timely manner.

[Display omitted] • Near infrared spectroscopy allowed in vitro classification of Fusarium species. • Near-UV light on Fusarium cultures improved spectral differentiation of species. • Classification in vitro of four Fusarium species was possible since 72 h. • F. circinatum was accurately classified (>88 %) using PLS-DA and NIRS. This study explores the application of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy coupled with multivariate techniques for the rapid and accurate identification of four Fusarium species, with emphasis on the detection of Fusarium circinatum , the causative agent of "Pitch canker" disease in forests, cultured in vitro under distinct light conditions. The impact of two different incubation conditions, near-ultraviolet (NUV) and warm light, on the spectral characteristics of cultures was used as a strategy to improve the early fungal detection using spectroscopy. Spectral data were acquired using a portable NIR spectrometer at 48, 72, and 96 h post-cultivation from various zones of mycelial growth. The results showed distinct spectral profiles among Fusarium species, with notable variations depending on incubation light conditions and growth zones. NUV light conditions significantly improved species differentiation, especially in the central and middle zones of mycelial growth at 72 h post-cultivation (hpc). Partial least squares − discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model under NUV light conditions provided the best identification strategy, achieving correct classification rates over 97% for all four species from 72 hpc and 82.5% of correct classification of F. circinatum. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the NIRS methodology supported with multivariate techniques and combined with optimization of light conditions and mycelial growth zone of cultures, for the early and rapid detection of Fusarium species in culture media, with potential implications for plant pathology diagnostics and disease management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filamentous fungi present significant health hazards to immunocompromised individuals globally; however, the prompt and precise identification of them during infection remains challenging. In this study, a TaqMan probe-based multiplex real-time PCR (M-qPCR) assay was developed to detect simultaneously the target genes of four important pathogenic filamentous fungi: ANXC4 gene of Aspergillus fumigatus, EF1-α gene of Fusarium spp . , mitochondrial rnl gene of Mucorales, and hcp100 gene of Histoplasma capsulatum . In this M-qPCR assay, the limit of detection (LoD) to all four kinds of fungi was 100 copies and the correlation coefficients (R 2 ) were above 0.99. The specificity of this assay is 100%, and the minimum detection limit is 100 copies/reaction. In conclusion, an M-qPCR detection assay was well established with high specificity and sensitivity for rapid and simultaneous detection on four important filamentous fungi in the clinic., Importance: World Health Organization developed the first fungal priority pathogens list (WHO FPPL) in 2022. Aspergillus fumigatus , Mucorales, Fusarium spp., and Histoplasma spp. are the four types of pathogenic fungi with filamentous morphology in the critical priority group and high priority group of WHO FPPL. These four filamentous fungal infections have become more common and severe in immunocompromised patients with the increase in susceptible populations in recent decades, which resulted in a substantial burden on the public health system. However, prompt and precise identification of them during infection remains challenging. Our study established successfully a TaqMan probe-based multiplex real-time qPCR assay for four clinically important filamentous fungi, A. fumigatus , Fusarium spp., Mucorales, and Histoplasma capsulatum, with high sensitivity and specificity, which shows promising potential for prompt and precise diagnosis against fungal infection., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Lipids are central at various stages of host–pathogen interactions in determining virulence and modulating plant defense. Free fatty acids may act as substrates for oxidizing enzymes [e.g., lipoxygenases (LOXs) and dioxygenases (DOXs)] that synthesize oxylipins. Fatty acids and oxylipins function as modulators of several pathways in cell-to-cell communication; their structural similarity among plant, fungal, and bacterial taxa suggests potential in cross-kingdom communication. We provide a prospect of the known role of fatty acids and oxylipins in fungi and bacteria during plant–pathogen interactions. In the pathogens, oxylipin-mediated signaling pathways are crucial both in development and host infection. Here, we report on case studies suggesting that oxylipins derived from oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids are crucial in modulating the pathogenic lifestyle in the host plant. Intriguingly, overlapping (fungi-plant/bacteria-plant) results suggest that different inter-kingdom pathosystems use similar lipid signals to reshape the lifestyle of the contenders and occasionally determine the outcome of the challenge.

Background: Infectious corneal ulcers and infectious keratitis are a major global cause of visual impairment and blindness. Although there are numerous antimicrobial agents available, novel methods should be designed to allow for fast and comprehensive microbicidal and microbistatic response on their target with minimum toxic effect to the body in order to preserve vision in patients with severe corneal infections. Purpose: To assess in vitro the antimicrobial effect of photosensitizer-mediated 365-nm ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in combination with 630-670 nm low-energy laser irradiation on the suspensions of Candida albicans and Fusarium spp. Material and Methods: The Mueller-Hinton medium was used to conduct a routine disc diffusion susceptibility test and assess the antimicrobial activity of the preparations. Methods for exerting effect on test strains of Candida albicans and Fusarium spp isolated from the conjunctival sac: The method of low-energy laser irradiation (clinically, photodynamic therapy or PDT) was as follows. A sterile disc was placed, along with test strains of microorganisms, on the surface of the medium. Methylene blue 0.1% was instilled on the surface of the sterile disc until the disc was completely covered. Thereafter, the disc was irradiated with 630-670-nm low-energy laser for three minutes. The method of UV irradiation (clinically, collagen cross-linking or CXL) was as follows. The sterile disc was placed, along with test strains of microorganisms, on the surface of the medium. Riboflavin 0.1% was instilled on the surface of the sterile disc until the disc was completely covered. Thereafter, the disc was irradiated with 365-nm UV light delivered by the UVX 2000 for 10 minutes. Results: Growth inhibition zone analysis found that Candida albicans was susceptible to PDT as well as to CXL. The diameter of the growth inhibition zone after treatment with PDT plus CXL plus fluconazole was significantly, 6.3 mm, larger than for the control disc with fluconazole. Fusarium spp was found to be susceptible to PDT plus CXL as well as to PDT plus CXL plus itraconazole, with the diameter of the growth inhibition zone being significantly, 4.2 mm and 7.8 mm, respectively, larger than for the control disc with itraconazole. Conclusion: In the in vitro experiment, the combination treatment (365-nm UV light using riboflavin 0.1% as a photosensitizer and 630-670-nm low-energy laser irradiation using methylene blue 0.1% as a photosensitizer) we proposed had a demonstrated antimicrobial effect on Candida albicans and Fusarium spp, showing fungal growth inhibition. This experimental study showed that the approach is promising and warrants further research in ophthalmology.

Garlic dry rot caused by Fusarium proliferatum is an emerging postharvest disease that has resulted in severe economic losses, necessitating design and implementation of efficient disease control strategies. Sanitation of planting cloves is critical for preventing garlic dry rot. This study evaluated the efficacy of commercial chemicals and biocontrol agents, applied at planting as spray treatments, for reducing disease severity and the occurrence of Fusarium spp. in garlic, from the field stage then through 9 months of postharvest storage. Tebuconazole was the most effective for reducing disease severity, giving 26.5% reduction of basal plate rots and 44% reduction of bulb rots, and 33.4% reduction in visible symptoms on cloves relative to the untreated controls. Comparable results were obtained by applying B. subtilis and S. griseoviridis. However, none of the active ingredients tested in this study reduced the incidence of F. oxysporum and F. proliferatum on basal plates, although tebuconazole reduced the postharvest incidence of F. proliferatum on cloves by nearly 50%. Incidence of F. proliferatum increased by 37% in bulbs transferred from storage to room temperature (25°C) for 15 days, simulating storage in consumers' homes. These results demonstrate that spray seed clove treatments have inhibitory effects on postharvest garlic dry rot, although further research is required to determine the persistence of these treatments during prolonged storage, especially without low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work was conducted on Fusarium head blight disease of wheat that was caused by Fusarium species. A survey was carried out of several wheat fields at AL-Shirqat district, Saladin Governorate during two growth periods of wheat (Booting to Heading) From the middle of April to May and (Ripening) the second phase of the period from May to the first of June during the growing season 2019-2020. The highest disease incidence on both stages was 33.136 and 51.002%, respectively. The lowest disease incidence in the first period was recorded in 2.936% and increased to 4.18% in the second period. Fusarium graminearum, were isolated from root, crown and spikes of wheat It was isolated from spikes in high frequency at 34.208%. Fusarium spp. were isolated from all wheat fields in both stages. Pathogenicity of the fungus in wheat plants was also confirmed by Koch's postulates. Molecular identification of Fusarium isolates was done by amplifying the internal transcribed spacer ITS region of the conserved ribosomal DNA using primers ITS1 and ITS4. All the ITS sequences were compared for gaps and similarity sequences of the fungus were homologous to those of F. graminearum isolates in the GenBank database with a similarity percentage of 99%, thereby confirming the identity of the causative agent of the disease. This could be the first recording of F. graminearum on the wheat in AL-Shirqat district Saladin Governorate, Iraq. The nucleotide sequence of ITS from the Iraqi isolate has been assigned ýGenBank Accession No MW737662.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems related with biological contamination of plant origin raw materials have a considerable effect on prevention systems at each stage of food production. Concerning the antimicrobial action of phenolic acids, studies were undertaken to investigate antibacterial properties against bacterial strains of Escherichia coli (EC), Pseudomonas fluorescence (PF), Micrococcus luteus (ML) and Proteus mirabilis (PM), as well as antifungal properties targeting microscopic fungi Fusarium spp., extracts of phenolic compounds coming from inoculated grain from various genotypes of cereals. This study evaluated the antimicrobial action of phenolic acids extracts obtained from both naturally infested and inoculated with microorganisms. For this purpose a total of 24 cereal cultivars were selected, including 9 winter and 15 spring cultivars. The analyses showed a bactericidal effect in the case of 4 extracts against Micrococcus luteus (ML), 14 extracts against Pseudomonas fluorescence (PF), 17 extracts against Escherichia coli (EC) as well as 16 extracts against Proteus mirabilis (PM). It was found that 3 out of the 24 extracts showed no antibacterial activity. In turn, fungicidal action was observed in the case of 17 extracts against Fusarium culmorum (FC) (NIV), 16 extracts against FC (3AcDON), 12 extracts against Fusarium graminearum (FG) (3AcDON), while 12 other extracts showed antifungal action against FG (NIV) and 19 extracts against Fusarium langsethiae (FL). Based on the conducted analyses it was found that grain of small-grained cereals exposed to fungal infection is a source of bioactive compounds exhibiting antimicrobial properties. It was observed that the qualitative and quantitative profiles of polyphenols vary depending on the cereal cultivar. This extracts may be used to develop an antimicrobial preparation applicable in organic farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of resistance of 251 soybean cultivars (lines) collected in 2019-2020 to Phytophthora sojae and multiple Fusarium spp., and identify the cultivars (lines) resistant to both P. sojae and Fusarium spp. as resources for soybean root rot disease control and disease resistance breeding. [Methods] The resistance of 251 soybean cultivars (lines) to P. sojae was identified using the modified etiolated hypocotyl-slit inoculation method in laboratory with eight isolates representing different pathotypes of P. sojae. Based on the identified soybean cultivars (lines) exhibiting highly resistance to P. sojae, the resistance to Fusarium spp. was identified using each strong virulence isolate of six frequently identified Fusarium spp. pathogenic to soybean. [Results] Among the 251 soybean cultivars (lines),19 cultivars(lines)were resistant to all eight P. sojae isolates,and a total of 167 cultivars( lines) were resistant to five or more than five P. sojae isolates ( 66. 5%). The soybean cultivars (lines) resistant to P. sojae isolates Ps1,Ps3,Ps5,and PsMC1 were the most abundant, followed by those resistant to Ps4 and USAR2,and those resistant to Ps41-1 and PsJS2 were the least. The 21 selected cultivars( lines) with high resistance to P. sojae showed resistance to 2 to 4 Fusarium spp.,and those resistant to the assayed isolates of Fusarium solani ( Fs-1), F. culmorum ( Fc-4), and F. graminearum ( Fg-1) were relatively abundant, those resistant to F. oxysporum( Fo-2) and F. equseti ( Fe-9) were relatively less, and no cultivars (lines) exhibited resistance to F. proliferatum ( Fp-2). ' Xu 1017-1 Wansu 218 ', ' Zheng 1905' and' Xu 1726' exhibited the best comprehensive resistance to both P. sojae and Fusarium spp. [Conclusions J Although the assayed soybean cultivars( lines) displayed differences in the resistance to the isolates of P. sojae and Fusarium spp., there are relatively abundant soybean resistance resources to he explored. The soybean1 cultivars(lines) with high resistance to both P. soyabean Fusarium spp. identified in this study can he used for the control of soybean Phytophthora root rot and Fusarium root rot in the production and further breeding of disease resistant resources . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Branched broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel) is an achlorophyllous root parasitic plant with a wide host range. Its complex management is leading to the abandonment of tobacco or oilseed rape cultivation in the most affected regions in France. Among broomrape regulation factors, soil microorganisms such as fungi seem to be a relevant biocontrol lever. The aim of this work was to detect potential mycoherbicides among fungal endophytic colonizers of P. ramosa parasitizing tobacco. Our hypothesis was that both the inhibitory of broomrape seed germination and the necrotic activities are characteristic of the fungal isolates whatever their taxonomic position. To test this hypothesis, we analysed the taxonomic and functional diversity of fungal isolates of symptomatic P. ramosa collected from infested tobacco-growing regions in France in order to identify one or more fungal strains for future biocontrol. The fungal isolates were characterized using morphological and molecular identification tools and tested for their ability to inhibit the germination of P. ramosa seeds, their necrotic activity on the stems of the pest and their non-pathogenicity to the host plant. We highlighted the specific richness of fungal colonizers associated with symptomatic P. ramosa. Among the 374 collected isolates, nearly 80% belonged to 19 Fusarium species. Eighty-seven isolates representative of this diversity also showed functional diversity by inhibiting seed germination of the parasite. The 20 best-performing isolates showed differences in germination inhibition of P. ramosa at the intraspecific level. Among these 20 fungal isolates, a set of 15 randomly selected isolates was tested for their necrotic activity on the parasite stems. Fusarium venenatum isolates showed dual competence, i.e. germination inhibition and necrotic activity, and were non-pathogenic to tobacco. This led us to discuss the potential mycoherbicidal effect of this fungal species on P. ramosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enzymatic properties of brewing malts are an important and sometimes limiting factor in malt and beer production. In order to observe malt quality, multiple analytical tests were developed for determining the various enzymatic activities of brewing-related enzymes in brewing cereals and their corresponding malts. When using the prevailing detection methods, little or no attention has been paid to the microbiological status of the processed cereals. Infection of cereals with Fusarium spp. can lead to a deterioration in cereal and malt quality. This weakening in quality during cereal processing is mostly attributed to enzymatic degradations. The enzymes involved can be cereal-borne as well as fungal, in which case enzymes up- or down-regulation can be often ascribed to pathogenesis-related protein secretion or can be a result of host-pathogen interactions. Accordingly, when determining the enzyme activity of infested grain, an increase in enzyme activity is usually detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducción. La pimienta es una especie de la familia de la Piperaceae, originaria de la Costa de Malabar, situada en Kerala al sur de la India. En Costa Rica, las principales plantaciones de pimienta se localizan desde Upala hasta Talamanca, e incluye toda la franja costera y la parte baja de Sarapiquí. Según estudios de factibilidad, el país cuenta con el potencial para producir pimienta con altos parámetros de calidad. Sin embargo, las enfermedades vasculares son una de las principales limitantes del cultivo. Objetivo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue el aislamiento e identificación molecular y morfológica de las especies de Fusarium asociadas al cultivo de la pimienta (Piper nigrum L.) en 2 de las principales zonas productoras del país. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron treinta muestras de plantas enfermas de distintas fincas en las zonas de Sarapiquí y Guatuso, se describieron detalladamente los síntomas observados en el sistema radical y/o la base del tallo para cada una de las plantas recolectadas. Los veintiún aislamientos de Fusarium spp. obtenidos se identificaron molecularmente con la secuencia parcial del gen Factor de Elongación 1α (EF-1α) y para la identificación morfológica se utilizaron los medios de cultivo PDA y Carnation Leaf-piece Agar (CLA). Resultados y conclusiones. Se confirmó la presencia de Fusarium oxysporum en las muestras provenientes de Sarapiquí, así como la presencia de Fusarium solani en ambas zonas muestreadas. Se reporta por primera vez, la presencia de las especies Fusarium concentricum y Fusarium proliferatum asociadas a la marchitez vascular.

Filamentous fungal keratitis is a particularly serious eye infection that often results in ulceration, corneal perforation, and blindness. The cornea acts as a natural barrier against harmful agents due to the close connection of its epithelial cells. In addition, on its surface, there is a large number of substances with anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, such as secretory IgA and mucin glycoproteins, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2) and LL-37, which are especially increased in filamentous fungal keratitis. The interaction between pathogenic fungi and the host's immune mechanisms is a complex process: pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) molecules (chitin, β-glucan, and mannan) found in the fungal cell wall are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) (toll-like receptors {TLRs}, C-type lectin receptors {CLRs}, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors {NLRs}, and scavenger receptors {SR}) found in host defense cells, triggering the secretion of various types of cytokines, such as interleukins (IL), tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), and chemokines, which recruit macrophages and neutrophils to migrate to the site of infection and activate inflammatory responses. In addition, the interaction of hyphae and corneal epithelial cells can activate cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells and induce secretion of T-helper (Th)-type cytokines 2 (IL-4 and IL-13) and IgG., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Mpakosi et al.)

Fusarium spp. are able to cause a wide range of opportunistic infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Thus, new therapeutic options should be considered. We evaluated the antifungal activity of three phytocompounds (cinnamaldehyde, CIN; carvacrol, CRV; and thymol, THY), as well as their activities when combined with amphotericin B (AMB), caspofungin (CAS), itraconazole (ITC) and voriconazole (VRC) against 20 clinical isolates of Fusarium. Broth microdilution (M38-A2) and checkerboard methodologies were used to obtain MICs (Minimum inhibitory concentration) and FICIs (Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index), respectively. The MICs observed for the phytocompounds were: 20–80 for CIN, 40-> 320 for CRV and 40–320 µg/mL for THY. The most effective combinations (synergism rates) were: THY + CAS (96%), CRV + CAS (88%), THY + AMB (76%), CRV + AMB (68%), THY + VRC (68%) and CRV + VRC (60%). Our findings suggest that CRV and THY have potent activity when combined with CAS, AMB or VRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important food legume worldwide, providing a source of high-quality protein. Fifteen chickpea samples showing leaf yellowing and root rot were obtained from southern Alberta, Canada, in 2018. Twenty single-spore Fusarium isolates were obtained from those samples. Based on the morphological characteristics, five species of Fusarium were identified, with F. redolens as the predominant species (11 isolates), followed by F. culmorum (3), F. sporotrichioides (3), F. oxysporum (2) and F. equiseti (1). The identification of each isolate was confirmed using partial sequences of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α) gene. Each EF-1α sequence displayed 99.54% to 100% similarity to sequences for each corresponding species in the GenBank database. The Fusarium isolates were tested for pathogenicity on chickpea 'CDC Frontier' in a greenhouse. Isolates recovered from inoculated plants were confirmed as the respective Fusarium species, fulfiling Koch's postulates. Selected isolates of each Fusarium species were able to infect common crops including barley, corn, canola, and lentil in Alberta. This is the first report of F. redolens on chickpea in Alberta, F. equiseti on chickpea in Canada, and F. culmorum and F. sporotrichioides on chickpea in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Minor Role for Environmental Adaptation in Local–Scale Maize Landrace Distribution: Results from a Common Garden Experiment in Oaxaca, Mexico. Agronomists usually assume that yield is a primary selection trait for farmers practicing traditional agriculture. They hypothesize that the landraces grown in farmers’ fields produce higher yields than other local landraces would, if grown in the same fields. We test this hypothesis in experimental gardens using maize landraces grown by indigenous farmers in a low– to mid–elevation region in Oaxaca, Mexico. We selected four villages, two Chatino and two Mixtec, two in low and two in middle elevations. We planted reciprocal common gardens in each village, in order to test whether or not local maize landraces were higher yielding in their respective villages—a finding that would suggest they are selected because they are better adapted to local conditions than landraces from other villages. We also tested resistance to a fungal disease (ear rot caused by Fusarium) that is cited by farmers in the region as a major problem for maize production. We found that maize samples planted in their villages of origin did not in general have higher yields than samples from other villages. There are significant interactions among common garden site, fertilizer use, and seed source. We found that landraces from the Chatino lowlands village perform well in most sites, with and without fertilizer. Regarding ear rot, there is some evidence that landraces are less susceptible when grown away from their villages of origin. These results suggest that social factors, such as seed networks and ethno–linguistic membership, may be more important than local environmental adaptation in determining the distribution of landraces in this region.

Objetivo. Determinar el efecto citotóxico e inducción de la apoptosis de Deoxinivalenol (DON) sobre la línea celular de hepatocarcinoma humano (HepG2). Materiales y métodos. La línea celular HepG2 se expuso a concentraciones de 10, 25, 50 y 75 µM de DON liofilizado durante 48 y 72 horas. Posteriormente, la actividad citotóxica de DON se evaluó empleando el ensayo MTT (bromuro de 3-(4,5-dimetil-2-tiazolil) -2, 5-difeniltetrazolio). Finalmente, se analizaron los cambios morfológicos propios de la apoptosis en las células HepG2 por microscopía electrónica de transmisión, después del tratamiento con 50 μM de DON durante 48 horas. Resultados. DON, afecta la actividad metabólica y proliferación de las células HepG2 por encima de los 10 µM, en comparación con el control. La concentración inhibitoria media (CI50) de DON sobre las células HepG2, fue de 42.8 µM DE±1.2 y de 29.6 µM DE±3.1 a las 48 horas y 72 horas de tratamiento, respectivamente. Se observaron características morfológicas de la apoptosis en las células HepG2, como la fragmentación nuclear y celular, invaginación de la membrana plasmática y formación de los cuerpos apoptóticos. Conclusiones. DON, es un agente citotóxico sobre las células HepG2 que altera la actividad metabólica celular, con un efecto antiproliferativo significativo de manera dependiente a la concentración y al tiempo de exposición, e induce la muerte celular apoptótica.

[Display omitted] Fusarium species threaten wheat crops around the world and cause global losses. The global trend is toward using biological materials such as selenium (Se) in nano form to control these fungi. Bulk selenium is toxic and harmful at high doses; however, selenium nanoparticles are safe; therefore, the aim of this study to employ the biological selenium nanoparticles (BioSeNPs) synthesized by Lactobacillus acidophilus ML14 in controlling wheat crown and root rot diseases (CRDs) induced by Fusarium spp., especially Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium graminearum , and their reflection on the growth and productivity of wheat. The ability of BioSeNPs to suppress the development and propagation of F. culmorum and F. graminearum and the CRDs incidence were also investigated. The obtained BioSeNPs were spherical with a size of 46 nm and a net charge of –23.48. The BioSeNPs significantly scavenged 88 and 92% of DPPḢ and ABTṠ radicals and successfully inhibited the fungal growth in the range of 20–40 µg/mL; these biological activities were related to the small size of BioSeNPs and the phenolic content in their suspension. Under greenhouse conditions, the wheat supplemented with BioSeNPs (100 µg/mL) was significantly reduced the incidence of CRDs by 75% and considerably enhanced plant growth, grain quantity and quality by 5–40%. Also, photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange parameters were significantly increased as compared to chemical selenium nanoparticles (Che-SeNPs) and control. This study results could be recommended the use of BioSeNPs (100 µg/mL) in reducing CRDs incidence and severity in wheat plants, enhancing their tolerance with drought and heat stress, and increasing their growth and productivity as compared to control and Che-SeNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal corneal ulcers caused by Fusarium spp. are known as sight threatening infection with bad course. Fungus properties, diagnostic difficulties and limited therapeutic ways result in poor outcomes. Three of antimycotic drugs are effective against Fusarium spp.: natamycin, amphotericin B and voriconazole. Natamycin is the only drug approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for treatment of corneal ulcers caused by Fusarium spp. Fungistatic work and limited ocular penetration of antimycotic drugs lead to therapeutic keratoplasty in cases with extremely bad course. Patient with recurrent infections and very advanced inflammation, require enucleation. Currently there is no gold standard way of therapy for Fusarium spp. corneal ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root rot is an important disease of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) on the Canadian Prairies. The composition and alternative crop hosts of fungal and oomycete communities colonizing pea residues from Alberta and Manitoba were studied in field trials over two years. Standing pea residues were sampled from diseased and asymptomatic patches of 17 commercial fields in 2013 and 2014 after harvest and again in early spring the following year prior to seeding. The pea residue was ground to a powder and mixed with sterile Cornell potting mix. Plants of pea, wheat, and canola were grown in this mixture under controlled conditions. The root rot severity on each plant was evaluated and sections from diseased roots were plated on agar medium. Fungal and oomycete communities isolated from symptomatic roots were identified based on culture morphology and PCR analysis. About 3000 fungal isolates, belonging to some 50 species, were identified. Canola was less susceptible to infection than pea or wheat. Fusarium avenaceum (Fr.) Sacc. was the most abundant species infecting the three hosts; F. culmorum (Wm.G.Sm.) Sacc. and Bipolaris sorokiana (Sacc.) Shoemaker were more frequently isolated from wheat, and F. solani (Mart.) Sacc., F. oxysporum Schlecht. and Aphanomyces euteiches Drechsler were more frequently isolated from pea. Pathogen communities from asymptomatic and diseased patches of fields were similar. Overall, composition of the fungal community changed over winter, but the most abundant species did not change. The results show that multiple pathogens, and particularly Fusarium spp., can survive overwinter on pea residue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infectious corneal ulcers and infectious keratitis are a major global cause of visual impairment and blindness. Although there are numerous antimicrobial agents available, novel methods should be designed to allow for fast and comprehensive microbicidal and microbistatic response on their target with minimum toxic effect to the body in order to preserve vision in patients with severe corneal infections. Purpose: To assess in vitro the antimicrobial effect of photosensitizer-mediated 365-nm ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in combination with 630-670 nm low-energy laser irradiation on the suspensions of Candida albicans and Fusarium spp. Material and Methods: The Mueller-Hinton medium was used to conduct a routine disc diffusion susceptibility test and assess the antimicrobial activity of the preparations. Methods for exerting effect on test strains of Candida albicans and Fusarium spp isolated from the conjunctival sac: The method of low-energy laser irradiation (clinically, photodynamic therapy or PDT) was as follows. A sterile disc was placed, along with test strains of microorganisms, on the surface of the medium. Methylene blue 0.1% was instilled on the surface of the sterile disc until the disc was completely covered. Thereafter, the disc was irradiated with 630-670-nm low-energy laser for three minutes. The method of UV irradiation (clinically, collagen cross-linking or CXL) was as follows. The sterile disc was placed, along with test strains of microorganisms, on the surface of the medium. Riboflavin 0.1% was instilled on the surface of the sterile disc until the disc was completely covered. Thereafter, the disc was irradiated with 365-nm UV light delivered by the UVX 2000 for 10 minutes. Results: Growth inhibition zone analysis found that Candida albicans was susceptible to PDT as well as to CXL. The diameter of the growth inhibition zone after treatment with PDT plus CXL plus fluconazole was significantly, 6.3 mm, larger than for the control disc with fluconazole. Fusarium spp was found to be susceptible to PDT plus CXL as well as to PDT plus CXL plus itraconazole, with the diameter of the growth inhibition zone being significantly, 4.2 mm and 7.8 mm, respectively, larger than for the control disc with itraconazole. Conclusion: In the in vitro experiment, the combination treatment (365-nm UV light using riboflavin 0.1% as a photosensitizer and 630-670-nm low-energy laser irradiation using methylene blue 0.1% as a photosensitizer) we proposed had a demonstrated antimicrobial effect on Candida albicans and Fusarium spp, showing fungal growth inhibition. This experimental study showed that the approach is promising and warrants further research in ophthalmology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-mycotoxin analysis of 72 samples of garlic bulbs sold in Zaria markets was carried out using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The results indicated the presence of seven major mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and the fumonisins B1, B2, B3, B4, and B6, at different levels of contamination. AFB1 and OTA were detected in 1 of the 72 samples (1.4%) with median concentrations of 5.48 and 12.3 µg/kg, respectively. FB1 and FB2 were detected in 77% and 100% of the analysed samples, with median concentrations of 401 µg/kg and 491 µg/kg, respectively. The observed levels of AFB1, OTA, FB1, and FB2 were above the EU maximum limit in herbal products. Sterigmatocystin (STC), an AFB1 biosynthetic precursor, was present in all tested samples. The contamination level of mycotoxins and Aspergillus metabolites of marketed garlic in the study area is of public health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium -controlling fungicides are necessary to limit crop loss. Little is known about the effect of antifungal formulations at sub-lethal doses, and their interaction with abiotic factors, on Fusarium culmorum and F. proliferatum development and on zearalenone and fumonisin biosynthesis, respectively. In the present study different treatments based on sulfur, trifloxystrobin and demethylation inhibitor fungicides (cyproconazole, tebuconazole and prothioconazole) under different environmental conditions, in Maize Extract Medium, are assayed in vitro. Several machine learning methods (neural networks, random forest and extreme gradient boosted trees) have been applied for the first time for modeling growth of F. culmorum and F. proliferatum and zearalenone and fumonisin production, respectively. The most effective treatment was prothioconazole, 250 g/L + tebuconazole, 150 g/L. Effective doses of this formulation for reduction or total growth inhibition ranged as follows ED 50 0.49–1.70, ED 90 2.57–6.02 and ED 100 4.0–8.0 µg/mL, depending on the species, water activity and temperature. Overall, the growth rate and mycotoxin levels in cultures decreased when doses increased. Some treatments in combination with certain a w and temperature values significantly induced toxin production. The extreme gradient boosted tree was the model able to predict growth rate and mycotoxin production with minimum error and maximum R2 value. • The effect of three commercial antifungal formulations against Fusarium spp. was assessed. • DMI fungicides were able to inhibit Fusarium spp. growth and mycotoxin production. • Partial fungal growth-inhibition by abiotic factors can induce toxin biosynthesis. • Machine learning methods were a good tool to predict fungal growth and mycotoxin production. • Extreme gradient boosted trees were the best machine learning methods assayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium species cause various diseases of tomato, the most common being vascular wilt and cortical rots. A study was carried out to characterize Fusarium spp. found in the stems of wilted tomato plants from farms in Mwea West Sub-county, Kirinyaga County, Kenya. Isolates were collected from tomato stems showing vascular discolouration. One hundred and one isolates of Fusarium spp. were obtained and classified based on their pathogenicity on the tomato cultivar 'Money Maker'. The 10 most virulent isolates were identified by PCR amplification and sequencing of the TEF-1α gene as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium verticillioides. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici causes vascular wilt in tomato, while F. verticillioides is known to infect maize, causing ear rot. The infection of tomato plants by F. verticillioides may reflect the rotation of tomato with maize in some fields, resulting in the accumulation of inoculum of this fungus and the subsequent infection of the tomato crop. The presence of vascular wilt caused by F. oxysporum and F. verticillioides suggests that strategies must be put in place to manage this disease. There is a need for surveillance by all agricultural stakeholders in order to check the progress of F. verticillioides that can infect tomato and other crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root rot is a concern in the pea growing areas of Canada and elsewhere in the world, since it can cause significant yield loss. Fusarium spp. are considered major pea root rot pathogens. In this study, the pathogenicity and host range of Fusarium species collected from earlier surveys of commercial pea fields in Alberta were evaluated. Forty-five isolates belonging to six Fusarium species were selected for pathogenicity testing under greenhouse conditions. Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi and F. avenaceum were the most aggressive species, followed by F. oxysporum, F. culmorum and F. redolens. Due to their ability to cause severe disease on pea, F. solani f. sp. pisi and F. avenaceum were chosen for further testing on other common rotational crops grown in Alberta, and 10 cereal, oilseed and pulse crops were inoculated with isolates of those species. Both F. solani f. sp. pisi and F. avenaceum caused significant disease symptoms on pea, chickpea, dry bean and faba bean, but not on cereal crops, soybean, green lentil or canola when compared with their respective non-inoculated controls. Fusarium avenaceum, but not F. solani f. sp. pisi, caused significant root rot symptoms on red lentil, although disease severity was low. New information on the host range of these root rot pathogens will be valuable for choosing appropriate disease management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Agricultural soils in the world, including Iraq, have of a wide range of fungi, some of which are useful and some are pathogenic to plants. Fungi are important organisms in their effect and their impact on the environment. Some of them are more common and widespread depending on the physiological, genetic and cellular characteristics of these fungi and soil physical, chemical and biological conditions, also environmental conditions. The useful fungus plays a positive role in the soil by analyzing organic compounds, plant and animal wastes, production of carbohydrate compounds, and recycling of elements such as sulfur, potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen in the soil and conversion of protein compounds to ammonia and simple nitrogen compounds. In contrast, pathogenic fungi infect plants and cause large economic losses. Number of common fungi spread in the Iraqi soil such as genus Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Macrophomina, Phtophthora, Pythium, Rhizoctonia. The aim of the study was to show the importance of pathogenic soil- born fungi and the most important diseases they cause.

نتشر في الاتربة الزراعية في العالم ومنها العراق من انتشار طيف واسع من الفطريات بعضها نافعة وبعضها ممرضة للنبات. وتعتبر الفطريات من الكائنات المهمة في تأثيرها وتأثرها في البيئة. وتعد بعض منها اكثر شيوعاً وانتشاراً اعتماداً على الصفات الفسلجية والوراثية والخلوية لهذه الفطريات وطبيعة الترب الفيزيائية والكيميائية والحيوية والظروف البيئية المحيطة. تلعب الفطريات النافعة دور ايجابي في التربة بتحليلها المركبات العضوية والمخلفات النباتية والحيوانية وإنتاج للمركبات الكاربوهيدراتية وتدوير العناصر كالكبريت والبوتاسيوم والفسفور والنتروجين في التربة وتحويل المركبات البروتينية الى امونيا ومركبات نيوتروجينية بسيطة وبالعكس منها تعمل الفطريات الممرضة على اصابة النباتات والتسبب بخسائر اقتصادية كبيرة تصل الى حد نشوب المجاعات وهجرة الايدي العاملة. تنتشر في التربة العراقية عدد من الفطريات الشائعة مثل انواع تعود الى الاجناس Alternaria، Aspergillus، Fusarium، Macrophomina، Phtophthora، Pythium، Rhizoctonia. وقد هدفت الدراسة الى تسليط الضوء على أهمية الفطريات الممرضة المستوطنة في الاتربة العراقية وأهم الأمراض التي تسببها.

Soil microbial communities are crucial to the functioning of agricultural systems but little information is available on the effects of allelochemicals on soil microorganisms in vivo. Cucumber seedlings grown in soil were treated with different concentrations of vanillin (0.02–0.2 μmol/g soil), a phenolic compound with autotoxic activity. The community structures and abundances of Fusarium and Trichoderma spp. in cucumber rhizosphere were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and quantitative PCR, respectively. Results showed that vanillin changed the community structures of Fusarium and Trichoderma spp. Vanillin decreased the number of bands of Fusarium spp., but increased the number of bands, Shannon–Wiener and evenness indices of Trichoderma spp. (p

Fusarium head blight (FHB) has reemerged as one of the most significant problems affecting wheat worldwide. Polygalacturonase (PG) is an important pectolytic enzyme produced by Fusariumspecies during the infection and colonistation in wheat plants. In this work, the correlationbetween in vitropolygalacturonase (PG) activityand aggressiveness of 15 Fusarium isolates (6 F.culmorum, 6 F. verticillioides and 3 F. solani) was investigated. Isolatesaggressivenesswereevaluated as the percentageof symptomatic spikelets perspike. In addition, isolates ability to produce in vitroPG activities were compared when grown ona solid medium. Aggressive isolates released more PGthanweakly aggressive isolates. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship (r = 0.57, r = 0.60, r = 0.64; P< 0.01; and r = 0.51, r = 0.64, r = 0.81; P< 0.01) between the PG produced by F. culmorum,F. verticillioidesand F. solani isolates and theiraggressiveness on the two wheat cultivars Cham4 and Hourani, respectively. On the other hand, no correlation was found between the PG production and the origin of the isolates. The datademonstrate that production of PGcould influence the aggressiveness of Fusarium spp. isolates towards wheat heads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]