Metabolic activities and ultrastructure imaging at late-stage of wood decomposition in interactive brown rot - white rot fungal combinations

Basidiomycota brown rot fungus (Fomitopsis pinicola) and two white rot fungi (Phlebia radiata, Trichaptum abietinum) were cultivated on thin slices of spruce wood individually and in interspecies combinations. Within 12 months, F. pinicola substantially decomposed spruce wood observed as mass loss, also in three-species combinations. However, white rot fungi through hyphal interactions negatively affected the brown-rot indicative iron reduction capacity of F. pinicola. Decay-signature gene expression in mycelial interaction zones indicated suppression of brown rot mechanism but stimulation of enzymatic white-rot lignin attack by P. radiata. Wood ultrastructure imaging showed white-rot dominance in the fungal combinations, whereas destructive brown-rot was evident with F. pinicola alone. Our results confirm the dynamic pattern of enzyme production in fungal combinations, and transition from brown to white rot decomposition metabolism during the late stage of wood decay after one year of interspecific interactions.     

Antifungal activity of some plant extracts on some pathogenic fungi

The inhibitory activity of five plant extracts viz. Artemisia absinthium L., Rumex obtusifolius L., Taraxacum officinale Weber ex Wiggers, Plantago lanceolata L. and Malva sylvestris L. were evaluated against the mycelial growth of three fungi Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, Penicillium expansum Link ex Thom. and Mucor piriformis Fisher that cause rot diseases in fruits and vegetables resulting in low yield and quality of fruits and vegetables. Results revealed that all the concentrations of plant extracts brought about significant inhibition in the mycelial growth of these pathogenic fungi. However, the highest concentration caused maximum inhibition in the mycelial growth followed by lower concentrations of plant extracts. The extract of A. absinthium leaves at highest concentration (S) proved highly effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of all these pathogenic fungi followed by other plant extracts. These plants thus may have potential as the new natural fungicide for management of fungal rot diseases.     

Inhibition of phytoplankton species by co-culture with a fungus

Harmful algal blooms are a serious worldwide environmental problem. Algicidal microorganisms, especially bacteria, have attracted extensive attention as possible agents for inhibiting water blooms. Such capabilities, however, are rarely reported for fungi. In this work, a fungal strain, Trichaptum abietinum 1302BG, is studied for its capability to inhibit four phytoplankton species: Microcystis aeruginosa FACH-918, Microcystis flos-aquae FACH-1028, Oocystis borgei FACH-1108, and Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806. The results show that the chlorophyll-a from these phytoplankton species co-cultured with Trichaptum abietinum 1302BG decreases rapidly 24 h after inoculation, and phytoplankton cells almost completely disappear 48 h after incubation. These results suggest that the fungus strain has great potential for the degradation of phytoplankton species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a white-rot fungus that can inhibit harmful algae blooms species.     

Diversity and dynamics of microcystin—Producing cyanobacteria in China's third largest lake, Lake Taihu

Microcystins (MC), the most prevalent group of harmful cyanobacterial hepatotoxins, are primarily produced by strains of cyanobacteria in Microcystis, Anabaena and Planktothrix. Lake Taihu, which is the third largest freshwater lake in China, is a hypertrophic shallow lake in eastern China that has experienced lake-wide cyanobacterial blooms annually during the last few decades. In this study, PCR-DGGE was used to evaluate the diversity of potential MC-producing cyanobacteria and real-time PCR was used to analyze the dynamics of this population based on the presence of the mcy gene in samples collected during a year long study. The results revealed that all MC-producing genotypes detected belonged to the genus Microcystis. In addition, the MC-producing genotype communities were more diverse during the bloom season than the non-bloom season, and the diversity in the late bloom period was lower than the diversity in the early bloom period. Furthermore, the abundance of MC-producing genotypes increased dramatically during the bloom development period, reaching its peak in late summer (September). The results also suggested that the highest mcy gene concentration lagged behind the highest MC concentration, and the potential MC-producing cyanobacterial community shift lagged behind the development of blooms.     

Biosorption of Copper(II) by Live and Dried Biomass of the White Rot Fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Funalia trogii

Biosorption is an innovative and alternative technology to remove heavy metal pollutants from aqueous solution using live, inactive and dead biomasses such as algae, bacteria and fungi. In this study, live and dried biomass of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Funalia trogii was applied as heavy metal adsorbent material. Biosorption of copper(II) cations in aqueous solution by live and dried biomass of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Funalia trogii was investigated to study the effects of initial heavy metal concentration, pH, temperature, contact time, agitation rate and amount of fungus. Copper(II) was taken up quickly by fungal biomass (live or dried) during the first 15 min and the most important factor which affected the copper adsorption by live and dried biomass was the pH value. An initial pH of around 5.0 allowed for an optimum adsorption performance. Live biomass of two white rot fungi showed a high copper adsorption capacity compared with dried biomass. Copper(II) uptake was found to be independent of temperature in the range of 20–45 °C. The initial metal ion concentration (10–300 mg/L) significantly influenced the biosorption capacity of these fungi. The results indicate that a biosorption as high as 40–60 % by live and dried biomass can be obtained under optimum conditions.     

太湖西北湖区2003-2012年间氮磷浓度及浮游植物主要类群变化趋势分析

基于2003-2012年太湖竺山湖和西部沿岸区水体理化指标与浮游植物丰度的逐月监测数据,分析了两个湖区氮磷营养盐状态和浮游植物丰度以及浮游植物主要类群的年际变化趋势及季节变化特征,探讨了浮游植物群落变化与水温及营养盐指标间的关系。结果表明：10年间两个湖区氮磷营养盐浓度总体呈下降趋势,以竺山湖TN、NH₃-N浓度和西部沿岸区NO₃-N浓度下降最为显著;浮游植物丰度总体呈上升趋势,蓝藻在群落结构中日益占据绝对优势;季节变化上,氮营养盐浓度表现为春冬季节高于夏秋季节,TP浓度和浮游植物丰度呈相反的变化趋势。Pearson相关分析显示,水温、NH₃-N浓度和TN/TP是影响蓝藻丰度及其在浮游植物群落中所占比例的主要因素。在温度和营养盐结构的共同作用下,10年间两个湖区蓝藻水华暴发时间逐渐提前,而消退时间逐渐滞后,水华持续时间逐年上升。在全球变暖背景下,太湖水华治理需执行更加严格的氮磷限制阈值,且在重污染的西北湖区控磷依然是关键。     

越冬和复苏时期太湖水体蓝藻群落结构的时空变化

为研究太湖蓝藻在越冬与复苏时期群落结构的时空变化规律,于2008年11月,2009年2月,2009年4月,在太湖富营养化较严重的湖区选取8个采样点 (梅梁湾、竺山湾、贡湖湾、大浦、西太湖、南太湖、湖心和湖湾交汇处),分3层采水样,过滤并提取样品DNA经PCR扩增蓝藻16S rDNA序列,采用T-RFLP(末端标记的限制性酶切片段长度多样性)技术分析蓝藻群落结构和多样性变化。共得到87个不同的T-RFs(末端限制性酶切片段),表明太湖蓝藻具有丰富的基因多样性。T-RF相对丰度和聚类分析结果表明,太湖蓝藻群落结构在垂直空间上相似性较高,相似度 > 50%;在水平空间,与Microcystis spp.对应的信号峰在8个采样点均为最强峰(相对丰度为17.7% 47.5%)。竺山湾蓝藻多样性最低,西太湖最高,但其余采样点间蓝藻群落和Shannon多样性指数没有显著差异(P>0.05)。Microcystis相对丰度与Shannon多样性指数呈显著负相关(皮尔逊相关系数为-0.958)。在时间尺度上,相似性分析(Analysis of similarity,ANOSIM)结果显示太湖蓝藻群落结构存在极显著差异( P<0.01) 。春季复苏时蓝藻多样性最高,秋季衰亡时最低。聚类分析表明样品聚成两大特征类群,秋季衰亡时样品独自聚为1支,而春季复苏期和冬季越冬期样品彼此混杂。     

Carbon and nitrogen acquisition strategies by wood decay fungi influence their isotopic signatures in Picea abies forests

We examined whether sporocarp carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values) reflected different functional strategies in 15 species of wood decay fungi. In Finnish Picea abies forests, we compared sporocarp δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N against log diameter, proximity to ground, and three wood decay types, specifically brown rot, nonselective white rot, and selective white rot (targeting hemicellulose and lignin preferentially). In regression analysis (adjusted r² = 0.576), species accounted for 31% of variability in δ¹³C, with factors influencing wood δ¹³C accounting for the remainder. Brown rot fungi and three white rot fungi that selectively attacked hemicellulose (Heterobasidion parviporum, Phellopilus nigrolimitatus, and Trichaptum abietinum) were higher in δ¹³C than nonselective white rot fungi. This was attributed to greater assimilation of ¹³C-enriched pentoses from hemicellulose by these fungi. The pathogenic white rot fungus Heterobasidion parviporum had higher δ¹⁵N with proximity to ground and increasing log diameter. This suggested that ¹⁵N-enriched soil N contributed to decomposing logs and that Heterobasidion growing from a bigger resource base had increased access to soil N. These isotopic patterns accordingly reflected both functional diversity of wood decay fungi and site-specific factors.     

In vitro efficacy of some fungicides on mycelial growth of Alternaria alternata and Mucor pyriformis

Various chemical fungicides, systemic and non-systemic, were tested against fruit rot pathogens viz. Alternaria alternata and Mucor pyriformis for the evaluation of inhibition of mycelial growth. In A. alternata, among the systemic fungicides used, hexaconozole showed highest inhibition of mycelial growth followed by carbendazim and least effective was myclobutanil. While in M. pyriformis, hexaconozole showed highest inhibition and least effective was bitertanol. Among the non-systemic fungicides tested in both A. alternata and M. pyriformis, mancozeb showed highest inhibition of mycelial growth followed by capton and the least inhibition was shown by zineb.     

Fungitoxic properties of selected South African plant species against plant pathogens of economic importance in agriculture

Thirty‐nine plant species, representing 20 families from the subclasses Rosidae, Asteridae, Commelinidae and Liliidae, were collected from the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Crude extracts were prepared and bioassayed, at equal concentrations, for their antifungal potential by determining the inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of seven economically important plant pathogenic fungi. Statistically significant differences between plants and plant parts were observed as well as the resistance of different fungi to treatment with different plant extracts. The most significant mycelial growth inhibition was obtained with extracts from two species of the subclass Liliidae, namely Aristea ecklonii and Agapanthus inapertus. The crude extract of A. ecklonii performed best of all extracts as it totally inhibited the mycelial growth of all seven of the plant pathogenic test organisms and outperformed the inhibition by a broad spectrum synthetic fungicide (carbendazim/difenoconazole). Crude extracts of A. inapertus showed complete inhibition of four and strong inhibition of the remaining three plant pathogenic fungi. Although not as efficient as the previous two species, the extract of Anisopappus junodii, from the subclass Asteridae, also showed promising antifungal activity by completely inhibiting mycelial radial growth of two and strongly inhibiting that of the remaining five fungi.     

Bacterial Community Composition of Size-Fractioned Aggregates within the Phycosphere of Cyanobacterial Blooms in a Eutrophic Freshwater Lake

Bacterial community composition of different sized aggregates within the Microcystis cyanobacterial phycosphere were determined during summer and fall in Lake Taihu, a eutrophic lake in eastern China. Bloom samples taken in August and September represent healthy bloom biomass, whereas samples from October represent decomposing bloom biomass. To improve our understanding of the complex interior structure in the phycosphere, bloom samples were separated into large (>100 µm), medium (10–100 µm) and small (0.2–10 µm) size aggregates. Species richness and library coverage indicated that pyrosequencing recovered a large bacterial diversity. The community of each size aggregate was highly organized, indicating highly specific conditions within the Microcystis phycosphere. While the communities of medium and small-size aggregates clustered together in August and September samples, large- and medium-size aggregate communities in the October sample were grouped together and distinct from small-size aggregate community. Pronounced changes in the absolute and relative percentages of the dominant genus from the two most important phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were observed among the various size aggregates. Bacterial species on large and small-size aggregates likely have the ability to degrade high and low molecular weight compounds, respectively. Thus, there exists a spatial differentiation of bacterial taxa within the phycosphere, possibly operating in sequence and synergy to catalyze the turnover of complex organic matters.     

冬季太湖表层底泥产毒蓝藻群落结构和种群丰度

应用荧光定量PCR对冬季太湖不同湖区底泥表面有毒微囊藻和总微囊藻种群丰度进行调查,同时基于PCR-DGGE技术对底泥中有毒微囊藻群落结构进行分析。结果表明:微囊藻在太湖底泥表面分布广泛,所有采样点都检测到有毒微囊藻存在,且不同湖区有毒微囊藻和总微囊藻种群丰度存在显著差异,有毒微囊藻和微囊藻基因型丰度范围分别为1.23×10⁴-3.75×10⁶拷贝数/g干重和2.56×10⁴-1.07×10⁷ 拷贝数/g干重,有毒微囊藻与微囊种群丰度的比例为4.8％-35.2％;DGGE指纹图谱显示,冬季太湖不同湖区表层底泥中有毒微囊藻群落结构相似性较高,相似性系数为70.2％-96.0％。虽然不同湖区基因型组成存在差异,但所有样品中占优势的基因型是一致的。同时发现,优势基因型所占的比例与样品的香农多样性指数呈负相关。序列分析表明,mcyA序列长度为291bp,序列相似性超过97％。综合定量PCR结果和底泥中叶绿素a和藻蓝素浓度的测定结果,可以得出2010年冬季太湖蓝藻越冬主要集中在梅梁湾、竺山湾、贡湖湾和湖心。通过建立荧光定量PCR分析方法,为研究湖泊底泥中蓝藻种群丰度动态变化奠定了基础。     

A survey of toxicity of cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Ladoga and adjacent water bodies

Twentyfive cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Ladoga and adjacent water bodies were studied in the summer of 1990–1992. Toxicity of the water bloom material for mice was detected in 9 cases. The maximal tolerable doses (MTD) of the material extracted from biomass varied within 3–30 mg kg^–1 mouse body weight; 50% lethal doses (LD₅₀) were within 45–125 mg kg^–1. Toxic water blooms were registered in Karelian lakes and in the Neva Bay, Gulf of Finland. Cyanobacterial samples collected on the eastern coast of Lake Ladoga proved to be non-toxic. The species identified in toxic bloom material included Anabaena circinalis, A. flos-aquae, A. lemmermannii, Anabaena sp., Aphanizomenonflos-aquae, Gloeotrichia echinulata, G. pisum, Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria sp. These data suggest that toxic forms of cyanobacteria are widespread in Karelian lakes belonging to the drainage basin of Lake Ladoga.     

Seasonal succession of phytoplankton in Lake Yogo over 2 years: effect of artificial manipulation

We studied the seasonal variation in concentrations of nutrients and phytoplankton in Lake Yogo for 2 years, from May 2000 to May 2002, in order to clarify the seasonal succession of phytoplankton and the effect of various manipulations on it. It was revealed that in spite of the installation of aeration systems and the pumping of mesotrophic water from Lake Biwa during the summer season, the trophic state of Lake Yogo overall has not improved during the past few decades. However, the pumping of water from Lake Biwa did affect the concentrations of nutrients and the periods of cyanobacterial bloom during the summer. The pumping period was different in each year, and the cyanobacterial bloom occurred during the period without pumping in both years. The aeration destratification was not strong enough to prevent cyanobacterial blooms. Cyanobacteria and Bacillariophyceae contributed most to the phytoplankton biomass in both years. Aphanizomenon, Anabaena, and Microcystis were the main genera among cyanobacteria. The bloom of Aphanizomenon or Anabaena occurred early in the summer, and was then replaced by Microcystis. Aphanizomenon was almost always present, and often formed bloom even in winter. The seasonal succession of Bacillariophyceae was almost the same in both years and was well categorized: winter-growing species such as Aulacoseira pusilla (F. Meister) Tuji et Houki and species of Thalassiosiraceae, spring-growing species such as Asterionella formosa Hassall, Fragilaria crotonensis Kitton, and Synedra cf. acus, and fall-growing species such as Aulacoseira ambigua (Grunow) Simonsen, and Aulacoseira granulata (Ehrenb.) Simonsen.     

A screening method for detecting iron reducing wood-rot fungi

A plate assay using the Fe(II) selective dye, ferrozine, for detecting wood-rot fungi with Fe(III) reductive abilities, was developed. The assay is fast, simple and, in most cases, more sensitive than the corresponding liquid medium test. The brown rot fungi, Gloeophyllum trabeum and Laetiporeus sulphureus, displayed higher iron reductive capabilities than white rot fungi, Trametes versicolor, Ganoderma australe and Ceriporiopsis subvermispora.     

Growth and viability of mycelial fragments of white-rot fungi on some hydrogels

The viability of mycelial fragments of Trametes versicolor and Irpex lacteus and their growth on selected hydrogels are described. The size of mycelial fragments of the fungi did not significantly influence their viability. Alginate hydrogel films supported fungal growth better than agarose, carrageenan, chitosan and gelatin films, and had the highest mechanical strength but were less hydrophilic than the other hydrogels. All commercial alginates that were tested supported aseptic growth of fungal fragments without prior sterilization of the hydrogel solution. The viability of mycelial fragments in the hydrogel solutions was higher for some commercial alginates than that in laboratory grade alginate. The mechanical strength and hydrophilicity of hydrogels from alginate type Sobalg FD 155 and Meer HV were comparable to that of laboratory grade alginate. Sterilization and pH of the alginate hydrogel did not significantly influence the growth of T. versicolor mycelial fragments but affected the growth of I. lacteus. Concentrations of alginate in the range of 1–2% in the hydrogel did not affect the growth of entrapped mycelial fragments of these fungi. Received 25 June 1997/ Accepted in revised form 07 March 1998     

气候变化与太湖蓝藻暴发的关系

对太湖区域40多年来气温、降水量、日照时数随时间变化的特征进行了分析,并对太湖蓝藻的爆发时间、次数、等级进行了统计,采用对比分析法对气候变化与太湖蓝藻暴发的关系进行了分析。结果表明:太湖区域1961—2007年总的气候倾向率,年平均气温为0.35℃.10a-1,年累计降水量为31.33mm.10a-1,年累计日照时数为-69.00h.10a-1;而突变点,气温在1989年,降水量在1979年,日照时数在1999年,在突变点年份后,气温升高、降水量增加和日照时数减少的趋势更加明显。2000—2007年气候变得异常,主要表现为气温上升速度加快,约为1961—2007年的3.7倍,5月和10月的这种气候倾向性更明显;降水量减少,比1961—2007年减少了178.10mm.10a-1,日照时数增加,比1961—2007年增加了244.23h.10a-1。气候变暖速度加快为太湖蓝藻的生长发育提供了热量条件;降水量减少,加速了太湖水质恶化,为蓝藻暴发提供了有利的水质环境条件;日照时数增多,充足的光照为蓝藻生长发育提供了优良的光合条件;温度偏高、降水量偏少、日照时数偏多的气候变化趋势对应太湖蓝藻暴发的次数也偏多,造成了太...     

Assessment of real-time PCR for quantification of Legionella spp. in spa water

Aim: To identify media and environmental conditions suitable for rapid mycelial growth and sporulation of Diplocarpon mali. Methods and Results: Liquid shake cultures were used to evaluate effects of media and environmental conditions on mycelial growth and conidial production of D. mali. Carrot sucrose broth (CSB), potato and carrot dextrose broth (PCDB) and potato and carrot sucrose broth (PCSB) were most favourable for rapid mycelial growth. PCDB, PCSB, PCB (potato and carrot broth) and carrot dextrose broth (CDB) were favourable for conidial production. All carbon sources tested and peptone favoured for mycelial growth. Carbon and nitrogen sources tested did not significantly stimulate conidial production. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth and conidial production was 25°C. No mycelial growth occurred at 5 or 30°C, but D. mali survived at these temperatures. Active mycelial growth occurred at pH 5–7, and pH 5–8 was favourable for sporulation. Conclusions: PCDB and PCSB incubated at 25°C for 14 day are recommended for mycelial growth and conidial production of D. mali. Significance and Impact of the Study: The information generated in this study will facilitate mycological and pathological research on D. mali and Marssonina leaf blotch of apple caused by D. mali.     

Modulation of biocidal activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calothrix</Emphasis> sp. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anabaena</Emphasis> sp. by environmental factors

An investigation was undertaken to evaluate a set of cyanobacterial strains in terms of production of biocidal compounds exhibiting allelochemical and fungicidal properties. Two cyanobacterial strains — Anabaena sp. and Calothrix sp. were selected for further investigation, on the basis of their larger inhibition zones on the lawn of Synechocystis and Synechococcus sp. and two phytopathogenic fungi — Rhizoctonia bataticola and Pythium debaryanum. The diameter of the inhibition zone was largest when extracellular filtrates of the two cultures incubated at high light intensity (90–100 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) and temperature (40 ± 2 °C) or grown in medium containing two-folds higher P (1.4 mg/L, as compared to 0.7 mg/L in BG 11 medium) were taken. A pH of 8 was the most optimal for both strains, in terms of growth and biocidal activity. Partial purification of ethyl acetate extract using TLC, followed by GLC revealed a single peak. This study highlights the importance of environmental factors in aggravating or reducing the toxic effects of these harmful cyanobacteria and their potential as a biocontrol agent.     

Targeted deep sequencing reveals high diversity and variable dominance of bloom-forming cyanobacteria in eutrophic lakes

Cyanobacterial blooms in eutrophic lakes are severe environmental problems worldwide. To characterize the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of cyanobacterial blooms, a high-throughput method is necessary for the specific detection of cyanobacteria. In this study, the cyanobacterial composition of three eutrophic waters in China (Taihu Lake, Dongqian Lake, and Dongzhen Reservoir) was determined by pyrosequencing the cpcBA intergenic spacer (cpcBA-IGS) of cyanobacteria. A total of 2585 OTUs were obtained from the normalized cpcBA-IGS sequence dataset at a distance of 0.05. The 238 most abundant OTUs contained 92% of the total sequences and were classified into six cyanobacterial groups. The water samples of Taihu Lake were dominated by Microcystis, mixed Nostocales species, Synechococcus, and unclassified cyanobacteria. Besides, all the samples from Taihu Lake were clustered together in the dendrogram based on shared abundant OTUs. The cyanobacterial diversity in Dongqian Lake was dramatically decreased after sediment dredging and Synechococcus became exclusively dominant in this lake. The genus Synechococcus was also dominant in the surface water of Dongzhen Reservoir, while phylogenetically diverse cyanobacteria coexisted at a depth of 10 m in this reservoir. In summary, targeted deep sequencing based on cpcBA-IGS revealed a large diversity of bloom-forming cyanobacteria in eutrophic lakes and spatiotemporal changes in the composition of cyanobacterial communities. The genus Microcystis was the most abundant bloom-forming cyanobacteria in eutrophic lakes, while Synechococcus could be exclusively dominant under appropriate environmental conditions.