Fungi in developing peanut fruits

Summary Tests conducted on developing peanut fruits showed that 84 % of the pegs contained fungi before they entered the ground. Shell invasion remained high (90–100 %) throughout the season; seed invasion rose to 82 %, declining at harvest time.Penicillium, Fusarium andPhoma were the most common shell fungi;Penicillium andGliocladium were most common in seeds. Ecologically, peanut fungi fall into 3 groups: an aerial flora, a terrestrial flora and species which colonize peanut fruits both above and below ground.Journal Series Paper No. 228, University of Georgia College of Agriculture Experiment Station, College Station, Athens.     

Clinical trial with clotrimazole cream (Bay b 5097) in dermatophytosis and onychomycosis

Growth of Aspergillus flavus and Trichoderma viride on agar media was inhibited around embryos of green peanut seeds but not around embryos of cured seeds, intact peanut seeds, or testae. Both fungi were able to colonize intact seeds and testae. Substances inhibitory to A. flavus and T. viride were extracted with acetone from cotyledons of freshly harvested peanut seeds. Four compounds inhibitory to A. flavus were detected in crude acetone extracts. Three of the compounds demonstrated properties of phenolics. Results of this study suggest that inhibitory compounds in peanut cotyledons may play a role in protecting the peanut embryo from fungal infection.Journal Series No. 486, New Mexico State University, Agriculture Experiment Station, Las Cruces. This research was supported in part by ARS, USDA Grant No. 12-14-100-9899(34) Crop Research Division, Beltsville, Maryland.     

Colonization of wounded peanut seeds by soil fungi: selectivity for species from Aspergillus section Flavi

Soil is a source of primary inoculum for Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, fungi that produce highly carcinogenic aflatoxins in peanuts. Aflatoxigenic fungi commonly invade peanut seeds during maturation, and the highest concentrations of aflatoxins are found in damaged seeds. A laboratory procedure was developed in which viable peanut seeds were wounded and inoculated with field soil containing natural populations of fungi, then incubated under different conditions of seed water activity and temperature. Densities of Aspergillus section Flavi in soil used for inoculating seeds were low relative to the total numbers of filamentous fungi (<1%). Aspergillus species from section Flavi present in soil included A. flavus morphotypes L and S strains, A. parasiticus, A. caelatus, A. tamarii and A. alliaceus. Wounding was required for high incidences of fungal colonization; viability of wounded seeds had little effect on colonization by Aspergillus species. Peanut seeds were colonized by section Flavi species as well as A. niger over broad ranges of water activity (0.82-0.98) and temperature (15-37 C), and the highest incidences of seed colonization occurred at water activities of 0.92-0.96 at 22-37 C. A. parasiticus colonized peanut seeds at lower temperatures than A. flavus, and cool soil temperatures relative to temperatures of aerial crop fruits might explain why A. parasiticus is found mostly in peanuts. Other fungi, dominated by the genera Penicillium, Fusarium and Clonostachys, colonized seeds primarily at water activities and temperatures suboptimal for section Flavi species and A. niger. Eupenicillium ochrosalmoneum frequently sporulated on the conidial heads of section Flavi species and showed specificity for these fungi. The inoculation of wounded viable peanut seeds with soil containing natural populations of fungi provides a model system for studying the infection process, the interactions among fungi and those factors important in aflatoxin formation.     

Mycoflora of developing peanut pods in Oklahoma

Starr and Argentine peanut cultivars were grown in soil fungicide treated irrigated and non-irrigated plots in a 2 year study designed to determine possible differences in invasion of developing seed pods byAspergillus flavus and other mycoflora. Many genera and species were isolated from whole pods and half shells throughout each season. Fungi were seldom isolated from kernels. No significant differences in populations between fungicide treatments, irrigation, or cultivars were found. Significant shifts in frequency of isolation of dominant genera (Fusarium andPenicillium) occurred during 1965 and 1966.Trichoderma viride, a minor component of the population at the first sampling in 1966, became a sub-dominant member by the last sampling. The reverse was true withA. niger. Several species of fungi, never before reported as occurring in peanut pods, were found in pods in this study:Actinomucor elegans, A. sclerotiorum, Sordaria fimicola, S. humana, andSporormia australis.Journal Article No. 1914, Oklahoma State University, Agricultural Experiment Station, Stillwater, Oklahoma.     

Purified moniliformin does not affect the force or rate of contraction of isolated guinea pig atria

Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fries and A. parasiticus Speare can invade peanut kernels and under certain environmental conditions produce unacceptable levels of the mycotoxin aflatoxin. A concerted effort is underway to reduce aflatoxin contamination in peanut and peanut products. A potentially effective method of control in peanut is the discovery and use of genes for resistance to either fungal invasion or aflatoxin formation. The objective of the present experimental study was to develop an effective and efficient procedure for screening individual plants or pods of single plants for resistance to invasion by the aflatoxigenic fungi and subsequent aflatoxin production. Methods of obtaining adequate drought-stress and fungal infection were developed through this series of experiments. By completely isolating the pods from the root zone and imposing drought-stress only on pegs and pods, high levels of fungal infection were observed. High amounts of preharvest aflatoxin accumulation were also produced by completely isolating the pods from the root zone. Mid-bloom inoculation with A. parasiticus-contaminated cracked corn and drought-stress periods of 40 to 60 days were the most effective procedures. This technique was used to assess peanut genotypes previously identified as being partially resistant to A. parasiticus infection or aflatoxin contamination, and segregating populations from four crosses. Variability in aflatoxin contamination was found among the 11 genotypes evaluated, however, none were significantly lower than the standard cultivars. Broad-sense heritability of four crosses was estimated through evaluation of seed from individual plants in the F₂ generation. The heritability estimates of crosses GFA-2 × NC-V11 and Tifton-8 × NC-V11 were 0.46 and 0.29, respectively, but mean aflatoxin contamination levels were high (73,295 and 27,305 ppb). This greenhouse screening method could be an effective tool when genes for superior aflatoxin resistance are identified.Cooperative investigation of the USDA-ARS and the University of Georgia, College of Agriculture.     

Contamination of humic acid by silica gel and sodium bicarbonate

Summary The extent of contamination of soil humic fractions by silica gel, sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate was investigated by infrared spectroscopy. Humic fractions were extracted with 0.1 N NaOH from a surface sample of a Davidson soil (Rhodic Paleudult, Reddish-brown Lateritic soil). After careful purification, the humic preparations were characterized by scanning with the Beckman IR-18A spectrophotometer using the micro KBr pellet technique. The spectra of the various humic fractions corresponded to the respective spectra reported in the literature. No indications were obtained for the presence of silica gel, sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate. Strong absorption at 1000 cm^-1, as exhibited by non-purified humic acid, could be caused by Si-O vibrations. However, this band disappeared after washing humic acid with HCl-HF.Contribution of the University of Georgia, College of Agric. Expt. Sta., College Sta., Athens, Georgia, USA.Contribution of the University of Georgia, College of Agric. Expt. Sta., College Sta., Athens, Georgia, USA.     

A centrifugation technique for separating ascospores from soil

Summary A centrifugation technique employing sucrose density gradient columns has been developed for separating fungus spores from soil mineral particles. Four pyrenomycetes plus a number of sterile isolates have been obtained by the use of this technique. The technique may be applicable to other types of fungi producing large, readily identifiable spores.Contribution from the Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, in cooperation with the Washington Agricultural Experiment Station. Scientific Paper 2830, Washington State University, College of Agriculture.     

Protoplast formation from selected species of ectomycorrhizal fungi

Summary Conditions for the formation of protoplasts from selected species of ectomycorrhizal fungi are described. The age of the fungal culture and extent of incubation in a lytic enzyme mixture are critical factors for efficient formation of protoplasts. There is a correlation between the distribution of nuclei in hyphal fragments and protoplasts and the frequency of protoplast regeneration. Protoplasts from at least two of the species studied are formed in sufficient numbers and regenerate at suitable frequencies to be useful for development of genetic transformation and cell fusion systems. These fungi can now be considered in experiments designed for the improvement of ectomycorrhizal associations through genetic manipulation of the fungal component.Dedicated to Professor Dr. Dr. hc. K. Esser on the occasion of his 65th birthdayThis research was supported in part by the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Program and is published as Alabama Agriculture Experiment Station Journal No. 6-881863P     

Enantioselective hydrolysis of racemic methyl jasmonate using microorganisms and isolated enzymes

A variety of microorganisms were used to hydrolyze racemic methyl jasmonate [I] with varying degrees of enantioselectivity. The fungi tested included species from the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Talaromyces. All fungi tested showed a preference for the [1S,2S(Z)]-(+)-isomer. The yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans showed no activity. A number of bacterial genera were also tested. No activity could be shown for members of the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Nocardia, and Thermoactinomyces. Hydrolytic activity was found in the genera Streptomyces and Mycobacterium. S. henetus showed the same enantioselectivity as the fungi, while M. phlei hydrolyzed the [1R,2R(Z)]-(−)-isomer preferentially. A number of isolated enzymes were also screened for activity. Varying degrees of hydrolytic activity and enantioselectivity were found.     

内蒙古赤峰地区的锈菌 Ⅱ.鞘锈菌属等8属

报道了内蒙古赤峰地区的锈菌8属23种,其中明痂锈菌属(Hyalopsora)和疣双胞锈菌属(Tranzschelia)为内蒙古新记录属,6个种为内蒙古新记录种;3种植物为中国新记录寄主;列出了锈菌种名、寄主植物、采集地点及标本号。所有引证标本均保存于赤峰学院菌物标本室(CFSZ)。     

Manganese toxicity to peanuts in autoclaved soil

Summary The interveinal leaf chlorosis occurring in Argentine peanuts growing in autoclaved soil is the result of manganese toxicity. The toxic level of manganese results from two mechanisms: the direct release of manganese complexed with the organic fraction of the soil, and the killing of microorganisms that normally transform available manganese into higher oxides. Propylene oxide treatment of soil resulted in a gradual increase in available manganese but selectively blocked microbial conversion of divalent Mn to a nonavailable state. Methyl bromide had no measureable effect. Journal Series Paper No.813, University of Georgia College of Agriculture Experiment Stations, Georgia Station, Experiment, Georgia 30212.     

Prevalence and development of storage fungi in peanut Arachis hypogaea seed

Summary A batch of peanutArachis hypogaea seed were divided into 4 2-kilogram portions and stored 6 months at 22–28° C. One portion was stored with the moisture content slowly increasing from 4 to 28 %; the other portions were maintained at approximately 4.5, 8.9 and 11.5 %. After 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 months storage, 100 seed of each treatment were cultured on malt-10 % NaCl agar and the fungi isolated identified. The storage fungi present after intervals of storage were compared with those initially present. In seed stored at 4.4 % moisture,Aspergillus species remained about the same andPenicillium decreased. At 8.9 % moistureA. flavus, A. repens andPenicillium were reduced, andA. amstelodami andA. ruber increased. At 11.5 % moisture, 100% of the seed yieldedA. ruber after 4 months storage and the other storage fungi decreased to 0–2 %. The moisture content of seed stored at 99 % R. H. increased slowly to 28 % and resulted in monthly changes in the dominant fungi. Under such a circumstance with competition between these storage fungi,A. ruber grew best at 12–15 %,A. repens at 18.5 %,A. flavus andPenicillium at 20 %, andA. amstelodami between 20–28 %.Fusarium increased very rapidly as moisture content increased above 18 %.This investigation was supported by Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Contract No. 12-14-100-8179 (34), administered by the Crops Research Division, Beltsville, Maryland.Former Research Associate, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N. C., currently Research Plant Pathologist, Market Quality Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture; and Professor, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C.Paper number 2489 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina State University Agricultural Experiment Station, Raleigh, North Carolina.     

西藏接合菌物种多样性初探

【背景】接合菌在自然界广泛分布,在工业、食品、医药、生物防治等方面扮演着重要的角色,部分接合菌为有害菌。西藏地区接合菌只有少数零星的报道,其系统调查研究几乎还是空白,大量潜在的物种需要分离、鉴定、认识、保藏和开发。【目的】了解西藏地区的接合菌物种多样性和生物资源现状,为该地区有害接合菌的控制和有益接合菌的开发利用奠定基础。【方法】对西藏全境7个地区19个代表县的701个样品采用平板稀释分离法得到单菌落,然后进行形态和分子(SSU、ITS和LSU r DNA)鉴定,并在此基础上进行生物多样性以及优势和稀有属种分析。【结果】得到西藏接合菌10属26种,包括5个西藏已知种和21个西藏新记录种;其中4个为中国新记录种,分别是:类变形被孢霉(Mortierella amoeboidea)、球孢高山被孢霉(M.globalpina)、灰褐毛霉(Mucor brunneogriseus)、暗色毛霉(M.fuscus)。西藏接合菌的多样性指数分析表明,不同地区间的物种数量和组成存在显著差异,排在前4位的分别是波密县、米林县、当雄县和八宿县。属种分析显示,西藏接合菌的2个优势属为被孢霉属(Mortierella)和毛霉属(Mucor);3个优势种为高山被孢霉(Mortierella alpina)、冻土毛霉(Mucor hiemalis)、匍枝根霉(Rhizopus stolonifer);常见属8个,分别是犁头霉属(Absidia)、放射毛霉属(Actinomucor)、小克银汉霉属(Cunninghamella)、根毛霉属(Rhizomucor)、根霉属(Rhizopus)、共头霉属(Syncephalastrum)、伞形霉属(Umbelopsis)和接霉属(Zygorhynchus);常见种9个,稀有种14个。【结论】西藏地区接合菌资源丰富,各地区生物多样性差异显著,稀有物种占一半以上的比例提示西藏自然环境保护的重要性。     

栅锈菌属一新种

本文报告在包头市采于茜草科六月雪[Serissa serissoides(DC.)Druce]上的锈菌一新种——六月雪栅锈菌[Melampsora serissicola Shang,R.X.Li et D.S.Wang]。茜草科和六月雪属为栅锈菌属真菌的新报道寄主科、属。     

Deterioration and spoilage of peanuts and desiccated coconuts from two sub-Saharan tropical East African countries due to the associated mycobiota and their degradative enzymes

A broad variety of fungi (84 species belonging to 36 genera) were identified with more taxa infesting peanut seed samples from two tropical countries (29 genera and 61 species) compared to those found in desiccated coconuts (20 genera and55 species) on both DRBC and DG18 media. This may be due to the higher moisture levels in peanuts (5.07–7.97%) compared with coconuts (1.5–4.17%). More taxa and propagules were recovered on DG18 in both cases. The dominant fungi from both substrates on both isolation media were Aspergillus andPenicillium, with other fungi from only one substrate/medium. The aflatoxigenic species (A. flavus) dominated Kenyan samples more so than Ugandan samples on both substrates. However only71.5% and 87% of the peanut kernels, on DRBC and DG18, respectively, were found to be infested with fungi. The aflatoxigenic species (A. flavus/parasiticus)were found in 75% of the samples, however only 15.75% and 13%of the kernels analyzed were infested. The most frequently isolated species from peanuts were A. niger followed by A. flavus and M. phaseolina. E. repens, E. amstelodami,E. rubrum and E. chevalieri dominated peanut seeds on DG18, and R. stolonifer, A. parasiticus,F. solani, L. theobromae and P. chrysogenumon DRBC. The mean count of fungal propagules in coconut samples were approximately 0.7× 10³ and 0.8× 10³on DRBC and DG18, respectively, with a high proportion of those propagules recorded for the aflatoxigenic species (about 0.17×10³ and 0.25× 10³ colonies/g). The mycobiota of desiccated coconut was dominated by A. niger, A. flavusand P. chrysogenum. Also A. ochraceu,P. waksmanii, Paecilomyces variotii,P. islandicum and R. mucilaginosa were more frequent on DRBC, while, species of Cladosporium,Chrysosporium and Eurotium were more frequent on DG18. Enzyme indices (or the activities) for each specific strain, when determined after 5 and 8 days of incubation, proved to be similar. A recommendation is given. The proteolytic and lipolytic potentialities of the most commonly encountered species from both peanuts and coconuts were studied. The most interesting observation is that most of the positive isolates, in both commodities had high enzymic activity compared to those reported earlier for isolates of the same species. Such capabilities suggest that these commodities are expected to deteriorate, since climatic conditions in tropical areas favour fungal proliferation. Emphasis on the proper harvesting, drying, handling, transportation and/or storage; and also education of the populace, especially those are dealing with these foods, should be taken into consideration by the relevant authorities. The contaminated foods constitute a health hazard for human consumption. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The mycoflora of peanuts in Egypt

Twenty-six genera and Sixty-six species, in addition to two varieties of Aspergillus nidulans and one variety of Humicola grisea were isolated from 80 peanut seed (uncovered or covered within shell at the time of sampling) samples and 40 samples of shells collected from different places in Egypt.At 28 °C, the broadest spectrum of genera and species was recorded in the shells (21 genera and 53 species), followed by the naked seeds (16 genera and 38 species) and the covered seeds (17 genera and 33 species). Aspergillus and Penicillium were regularly the most common genera in the three substrates. A. niger, A. fumigatus, A. flavus A. terreus, A. ochraceus and P. funiculosum were generally the most common fungal species recovered from the three substrates. A. flavus was represented in 80%, 60% and 80% of the samples constituting 16.1%, 8.4% and 27.2% of the total count of fungi of the shells, covered and uncovered seeds respectively.At 45 °C, nine genera and sixteen species were collected of which Aspergillus fumigatus was extremely dominant in the three substrates, followed by A. terreus and A. niger. Penicillium was completely eliminated.     

柄翅缨小蜂属一新种及一中国新记录种记述(膜翅目:缨小蜂科)

记述采自新疆的柄翅缨小蜂属Gonatocerus Nees菱胸柄翅缨小蜂种团G.SULphuripes groups 1新种:直茎柄翅缨小蜂Gonatocerus orthopennitus,sp.nov.;报道该属1中国新记录种:菱胸柄翅缨小蜂Gonatocerus sulphuripes(Fōrster),1847...     

Growth rate in Neurospora crassa: Linkage of polygenes

Part of the polygenic system controlling the response to selection for fast linear growth rate in Neurospora crassa is linked to the aurescent locus on chromosome I. This genotypic material accounts for approximately 18 percent of the total response to selection. There was no evidence of linkage to the yellow locus on chromosome VI.Journal Series Paper No. 890. University of Georgia College of Agriculture Experiment Stations, College Station, Athens.     

Mycoflora and mycotoxins of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seeds in Egypt. 1-sugar fungi and natural occurrence of mycotoxins

Sixty-four species and 2 varieties which belong to nineteen genera of fungi were identified from 40 peanut seed samples collected from different places in Egypt by using a dilution-plate method on glucose-Czapek's medium. The most frequent genera were Aspergillus (21 species & 2 varieties), Penicillium (16 species) and Fusarium (6 species). A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, P. chrysogenum and F. oxysporum were the most common fungal species. Forty seven percent of the samples proved to be toxic to brine shrimp (Artemia salina) larvae. Thin-layer Chromatographic analysis revealed that peanuts were contaminated by aflatoxins (11 samples), thrichothecene-toxins (10 samples), zearalenone (one sample) and citrinin (one sample). We believe that this is the first report of the natural occurrence of zearalenone and trichothecene-toxins in peanuts.     

Mycoflora of activated sewage sludge

Thirty-eight species of fungi were identified in pure culture after isolation from activated sewage sludge by serial dilution. Nine species and genera were identified that had not been previously reported.In 1963, Cooke (1) published an excellent laboratory guide on the identification of fungi from polluted water, sewage, and sewage treatment systems; of approximately 30 papers cited only one (2) dealt with fungi from activated sewage sludge. Later (1970), Cooke & Pipes (3) enumerated 47 fungi consisting of 4 genera of yeasts and 33 genera of filamentous fungi that had been isolated from activated sludge. This paper reports the mycoflora of anaerobically digested sludge from a residential area in Auburn, Alabama.