Records of chrysophytes with siliceous scales (Mallomonadaceae and Paraphysomonadaceae) from Finnish inland waters

Seventy-three taxa of silica-scaled chrysophytes were found with LM and TEM in 264 samples from 141 Finnish water bodies, including the genera Mallomonas (40 taxa), Synura (9), Chrysosphaerella (3), Spiniferomonas (8) and Paraphysomonas (13). More than half of the taxa are recorded for the first time from Finland and five (Mallomonas actinoloma v. actinoloma, M. favosa, M. mangofera f. gracilis, M. scrobiculata and Spiniferomonas serrata) are new to Europe. Most taxa are illustrated with TEM micrographs and the taxonomy of some interesting species is discussed in detail. The seasonal occurrence of the commonest species is described.     

Diversity of root-endophytic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichoderma</Emphasis> from Malaysian Borneo

Trichoderma species form endophytic associations with plant roots and may provide a range of benefits to their hosts. However, few studies have systematically examined the diversity of Trichoderma species associated with plant roots in tropical regions. During the evaluation of Trichoderma isolates for use as biocontrol agents, root samples were collected from more than 58 genera in 35 plant families from a range of habitats in Malaysian Borneo. Trichoderma species were isolated from surface-sterilised roots and identified following analysis of partial translation elongation factor-1α (tef1) sequences. Species present included Trichoderma afroharzianum, Trichoderma asperelloides, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma guizhouense, Trichoderma reesei, Trichoderma strigosum and Trichoderma virens. Trichoderma asperellum/T. asperelloides, Trichoderma harzianum s.l. and T. virens were the most frequently isolated taxa. tef1 sequence data supported the recognition of undescribed species related to the T. harzianum complex. The results suggest that tropical plants may be a useful source of novel root-associated Trichoderma for biotechnological applications.     

Contributions to the knowledge of African Rotifers I. Rotifers from Senegal

24 plankton samples, collected in different parts of the Republic of Senegal (W. Africa) were examined for their rotifer content. Seventy taxa were identified to species level, some of which were present in different forms. Thirty three taxa and forms are new to Senegal, three species are new to Africa. Attention is paid to a cruciform population of Asplanchnella sieboldi and to a Brachionus quadridentatus population of very small dimensions. Two new taxa are described: Brachionus cf. angularis and Brachionus bidentatus senegalensis Koste & De Ridder.     

A contribution to taxonomy of Turkish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Linum</Emphasis> based on seed surface patterns

Seed samples of eighteen taxa from four sections in Linum were examined for diagnostic and taxonomic utility of the surface microstructures. Considerably different patterns were distinguished at specific and infraspecific levels. Similar sculpturings in closely related taxa and some common surface features for sectional groupings were observed. Smooth surface textures in sect. Linastrum, granulate-ruminate in sect. Dasylinum and rugulose structure in sect. Linum were typical characteristics. Sect. Syllinum exhibited miscellaneous patterns. Seed coat sculptures may be utilized as additional consistent parameters in the infrageneric delimitations and taxonomical association of Linum.     

Coccolithophorids from the west coast of Baja California, Mexico

Studies on coccolithophorids in Mexico are rather scarce, probably due to the use of traditional methods for studying marine phytoplankton (e.g. collection, preservation and analysis). This is the first study of the coccolithophorid flora from west coast of Baja California, Mexico. Bottle samples (4 l) were taken at various depths (5, 25 and 50 m), at fixed stations located on perpendicular transects along the west coast of Baja California, considering three different zones: North, Central and South. A total of 32 samples were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy, yielding 24 taxa identified (17 species and 5 nominal varieties, plus 2 different varieties). The coccolithophorid assemblages are considered subtropical and coastal (with many cosmopolitan taxa). Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica were the most abundant (relative abundance) and widespread species in the study area. We report 15 new records for the Mexican Pacific. The zonal and vertical distribution of some taxa are briefly discussed, as well as the taxonomy of Rhabdosphaera claviger, Helicosphaera carteri, H. hyalina and related taxa.     

Contribution of leaf surface fungi to the air spora

High concentrations of airborne fungal spores frequently occur from spring through fall in temperate areas of the world. Although it is generally assumed that fungi on leaf surfaces are contributors to the air spora, little data are available comparing the types of fungi found on leaf surfaces with those in the atmosphere. Air sampling was carried out with a Burkard Spore Trap located on the roof of a building on the University of Tulsa campus using standard methods. Leaf samples were aseptically collected from Ulmus americana and Quercus palustris trees on campus, placed in sterile plastic bags, and brought to the lab. For each leaf, 4 cm² areas of both upper and lower leaf surfaces were swabbed and plated on malt extract agar with streptomycin. Cultures were incubated at room temperature for 5–7 days and then examined microscopically. Results were expressed as colony forming units (CFU)/cm². Twenty-one fungal taxa were identified from the air samples. The most abundant taxa were Cladosporium, ascospores, basidiospores, and Alternaria; together these four spore types comprised over 90% of the yearly total. Yeasts were the most abundant fungi isolated from both leaf types. Among the mycelial fungi were Phoma species, followed by Cladosporium and Alternaria. Overall twenty genera of filamentous fungi were identified. Yeasts and Phoma are normally splash dispersed and were not identified in the Burkard air samples. However, 10 taxa isolated from leaf surfaces were registered in air samples. Crude estimates of the leaf surface area of each tree suggest that the total fungal load was approximately 5.04×10⁸ CFU for Ulmus and 2.71×10⁸ CFU for Quercus. Of these levels, 19% were from fungi also detected in air samples. The data suggest that some leaf-surface fungi are major contributors to the air spora.     

Genetic and metabolic biodiversity of Trichoderma from Colombia and adjacent neotropic regions

The genus Trichoderma has been studied for production of enzymes and other metabolites, as well as for exploitation as effective biological control agents. The biodiversity of Trichoderma has seen relatively limited study over much of the neotropical region. In the current study we assess the biodiversity of 183 isolates from Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Colombia, using morphological, metabolic and genetic approaches. A comparatively high diversity of species was found, comprising 29 taxa: Trichoderma asperellum (60 isolates), Trichoderma atroviride (3), Trichoderma brevicompactum (5), Trichoderma crassum (3), Trichoderma erinaceum (3), Trichoderma gamsii (2), Trichoderma hamatum (2), Trichoderma harzianum (49), Trichoderma koningiopsis (6), Trichoderma longibrachiatum (3), Trichoderma ovalisporum (1), Trichoderma pubescens (2), Trichoderma rossicum (4), Trichoderma spirale (1), Trichoderma tomentosum (3), Trichoderma virens (8), Trichoderma viridescens (7) and Hypocrea jecorina (3) (anamorph: Trichoderma reesei), along with 11 currently undescribed species. T. asperellum was the prevalent species and was represented by two distinct genotypes with different metabolic profiles and habitat preferences. The second predominant species, T. harzianum, was represented by three distinct genotypes. The addition of 11 currently undescribed species is evidence of the considerable unresolved biodiversity of Trichoderma in neotropical regions. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) of the ribosomal repeat could not differentiate some species, and taken alone gave several misidentifications in part due to the presence of nonorthologous copies of the ITS in some isolates.     

Fungicides and some biological controller agents effects on the growth of fusarium oxysporum causing paprika wilt: Wirkung von fungiziden und einigen biologischen kontrollwirkstoffen auf das wachstum des paprikawelke verursachenden fusarium oxysporum

Soil samples from both healthy and diseased paprika roots were tested to identify their mycoflora. Thirty-one species belonging to 16 genera were collected from rhizosphere and rhizoplane samples. The most frequently isolated fungi were Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium jensenii and Trichoderma harzianum. Fusarium oxysporum was the most common Fusarium species in the rhizoplane samples of diseased roots and identification was confirmed by RAPD-PCR technique. Trichoderma harzianum, T. pseudokoningii and Glioclaium roseum were chosen to study their biological control efficiency against Fusarium oxysporum. These fungal species reduced the percentage of seedling infection to 25, 40 and 50%, respectively. With the increasing of fungicide (Folicur and Ridomil) doses the dry weight of F. oxysporum decreased. Also, the increasing of fungicide dose lead to a slight decrease in the dry weight of T. harzianum, T. pseudokoningii and Glioclaium roseum.     

Patterns of allozyme variation in Nordic Pilosella

Patterns of allozyme variation have been investigated in 101 clones representing most of the morphological variation (and taxa) found in the amphi-apomictic genus Pilosella Hill. in the Nordic countries. Levels of variation were very high, both within narrowly defined taxa and within the whole data-set, but the correlation between a morphology-based taxonomy and patterns of allozyme variation was very weak. Almost all enzyme bands were found in more than one taxon and the differences between broadly defined species in terms of the frequency of bands were generally small. Cluster analyses did not perfectly recover any taxon but there were some tendencies for samples of some broadly defined taxa (e.g. P. officinarum s. l., and P. cymosa ssp. cymosa) to cluster together. It is concluded that there is considerable gene-flow among virtually all Nordic morpho-types of Pilosella and this is considered an argument for applying a very broad species concept in this genus.Financial support for the present study has been recieved from Stiftelsen Harald E. Johanssons minnesfond at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.     

Diversity in soil fungi from undisturbed and disturbed Celtis tala and Scutia buxifolia forests in the eastern Buenos Aires province (Argentina)

The rhizospheric soil microfungi from a native forest (undisturbed and disturbed) were studied using soil dilution plate and soil washing methods. Fungi were isolated using slightly acid and alkaline culture media. 54 taxa were isolated: 49 from undisturbed forest soil and 37 from disturbed forest soil. Acremonium sp., Aspergillus ustus, Coemansia pectinata, Doratomyces stemonitis, Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, Gliocladium roseum, Humicola fusco-atra, Mortierella sp., Penicillium lilacinum, Trichoderma harzianum, and T. koningii, showed the highest frequency, in both, undisturbed and disturbed forests. In undisturbed soil forest the biodiversity index was 3.97 whereas in disturbed ones was 3.89.     

Mesozooplankton of the Kosi Bay lakes,South Africa

The Kosi coastal lake system, a chain of four interconnected basins, is located in the subtropical north-eastern corner of South Africa. Little information is available on zooplankton of the system and the main aim of this study is to report on zooplankton samples collected during 2002 and 2003. The set of samples consists of seasonal, subsurface mesozooplankton samples that were collected during nighttime in each of the lakes. A well-developed salinity gradient was evident along the interconnected lakes in the subsurface water during all seasons, ranging from freshwater in the upper lake Amanzamnyama to a maximum of 22 recorded in Lake Makhawulani. The zooplankton community structures of the lakes reflected the salinity gradient of the system, with some coastal marine taxa recorded in the lakes closer to the mouth and only freshwater taxa recorded in Lake Amanzamnyama. Mesozooplankton diversity and abundance were relatively low compared to other estuarine systems along the eastern coast of South Africa. The dominant taxa were calanoid copepods Acartiella natalensis and Pseudodiaptomus stuhlmanni and the mysid Mesopodopsis africana in the lower lakes, whereas cyclopoids Mesocyclops sp. and Thermocyclops sp. dominated the freshwater lake Amanzamnyama.     

粮食上木霉菌的分离鉴定及其生防效果

【背景】粮食在生长和收储期极易受到病原真菌或产毒真菌的污染,造成严重的损失。众多实践证明木霉属(Trichoderma)可以有效防治植物病原真菌。【目的】鉴定和筛选能有效抑制粮食常见危害真菌的木霉生防菌株,开发生防菌剂,保障粮食生产安全。【方法】从粮食上分离筛选出35株木霉,通过多基因系统发育分析和形态学观察方法进行菌种鉴定,利用平板对峙试验筛选出对粮食常见危害真菌有抑制作用的菌株。【结果】35株木霉分属于8个种,分别为非洲哈茨木霉(Trichodermaafroharzianum)、类棘孢木霉(Trichodermaasperelloides)、 Trichoderma amoenum、近深绿木霉(Trichoderma paratroviride)、Trichoderma obovatum、长枝木霉(Trichoderma longibrachiatum)、东方木霉(Trichodermaorientale)和深绿木霉(Trichodermaatroviride)。对峙试验结果表明,这8种木霉对于粮食上分离到的10种危害真菌均具有较好的抑制效果。非洲哈茨木霉(T.afroharzi...     

Trichoderma songyi sp. nov., a new species associated with the pine mushroom (Tricholoma matsutake)

A new species, Trichoderma songyi, was found to be associated with the pine mushroom (Tricholoma matsutake) in Korea. This species was isolated from three different substrates: Tricholoma matsutake basidiomata, as well as roots of Pinus densiflora and soil in the fairy ring. Based on its molecular and phenotypic characteristics, we demonstrate that Trichoderma songyi is unique and distinguishable from closely related species. We performed phylogenetic analyses based on two molecular markers, the genes for both translation elongation factor 1-alpha and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. Phylogenetic analyses showed that Trichoderma songyi is closely related to Trichoderma koningii aggregate and Trichoderma caerulescens. Morphologically, Trichoderma songyi can be distinguished from these closely related taxa by its growth rates, colony morphology on PDA in darkness, and coconut-like odour. Due to the economic importance of the pine mushroom, the relationship between Trichoderma songyi and Tricholoma matsutake should be studied further.     

Associated community with the zoanthid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Palythoa caribaeorum</Emphasis> (Duchassaing &; Michelotti, 1860) (Cnidaria,Anthozoa) from littoral of Pernambuco,Brazil

The community associated with the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum on shores (Porto de Galinhas and Guadalupe) in northeastern Brazil were analysed. Seasonal samples (dry and wet) were made in both beaches throughout one year. This preliminary study identified 28 taxa and recognized two modes of existence, endobionts (three taxa) and hypobionts (25 taxa). Among hypobionts two patterns of ecological relationships were found: those fixed to the rocky substrata or on the base of the zoanthid colony (11 taxa) and the free-living (14 taxa). In some of these relationships, the organisms observed (Carijoa riisei and barnacles), were under the mat as victims of the zoanthid overgrowth (spatial competition). The more abundant taxa were: Mollusca (28%), Crustacea (25%), Nematoda (24%) and Polychaeta (16%). Among all samples species richness, abundance, similarity and diversity were different, especially the dry season of Porto de Galinhas. Porto de Galinhas in the dry season showed the lowest diversity with only one record. After evaluating the different ecological parameters of the P. caribaeorum-associated community, we conclude that the Guadalupe shore maintains annual homogeneity, while Porto de Galinhas shore is notably different during the year. The only environmental difference between them seems to be the effect of human activity from tourism (reef walkers, fishery and diving), that could be directly and indirectly affecting some ecological parameters of this zoanthid-associated community, such as abundance, richness and diversity of species.     

Colonization of a headwater stream during three years of seasonal insecticidal applications

We investigated recolonization by insects of a small headwater stream in the southern Appalachian Mountains that was treated along its entire length with an insecticide (methoxychlor). Initial treatment (December 1985) resulted in massive insect drift. Applications continued seasonally for three years, and drift was measured during each treatment. Taxonomic composition of the drift indicated several responses: (1) Some taxa were eliminated. (2) A number of taxa occurred only sporadically following initial treatment. (3) Early instars for some taxa showed seasonal occurrences which closely paralleled known life cycles and flight periods of adults. Groups which provided strong evidence for aerial recolonization included several Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera (Peltoperlidae and Isoperla spp.), and Trichoptera (Parapsyche cardis, Diplectrona modesta, Pycnopsyche spp., and Lepidostoma spp.). (4) Some long-lived taxa survived and exhibited distinct growth through several treatment periods. These include Odonata (Lanthus and Cordulegaster), some Ephemeroptera, and some Diptera (Tipulidae, Ceratopogonidae, and Tanypodinae). (5) Some taxa which were not present at the time of initial treatment appeared during the experiment. Chironomidae dominated the drift in all samples, and the number of genera did not decrease during the three-year treatment period. Of the 27 chironomid genera identified, only Micropsectra decreased in proportional abundance during treatment. In contrast, several genera (Corynoneura, Meropelopia, Parametriocnemus, and Tvetnia) showed little change in relative abundance. Larsia (Tanypodinae) increased in proportional abundance during the treatment period.     

Anaerobic growth ability and alcohol fermentation activity of microscopic fungi

The method proposed in this study was used to isolate fungi grown under anaerobic conditions and to reveal distinctions in their abundance and species composition in different habitats. The ability of micromycetes of different taxa to grow under anaerobic conditions and ensure alcohol fermentation was determined for a representative sample (344 strains belonging to more than 60 species). The group of fungi growing under anaerobic conditions included species with high, moderate, and low fermentation activity. The ability for anaerobic growth and fermentation depended on the taxonomic affiliation of fungi. In some cases, the expression of these characteristics depended on the habitat from which the strain was isolated. The maximum level of ethanol accumulation in culture liquid (1.2–4.7%) was detected for Absidia spinosa, Aspergillus sp. of group flavus, Aspergillus terreus, Acremonium sp., Mucor circinelloides, Mucor sp., Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. sambucinum, Rhizopus arrhizus var. arrhizus, Trichoderma atroviride, and Trichoderma sp.     

Desmids of the Basrah District,South Iraq

79 taxa of desmids belongig to 17 genera were observed in 17 samples collected from several parts in Basrah district, South Iraq. 3 genera viz. Actinotaenium, Docidium and Spondylosum, and 41 taxa are new records for Iraqi waters. Distribution of taxa in the area studied as well as in the whole country (when available) are given. Some slight morphological variations in desmids were observed due to the alkaline nature of water.     

Heterotrophic bacterial diversity in aquatic microbial mat communities from Antarctica

Heterotrophic bacteria isolated from five aquatic microbial mat samples from different locations in continental Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula were compared to assess their biodiversity. A total of 2,225 isolates obtained on different media and at different temperatures were included. After an initial grouping by whole-genome fingerprinting, partial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was used for further identification. These results were compared with previously published data obtained with the same methodology from terrestrial and aquatic microbial mat samples from two additional Antarctic regions. The phylotypes recovered in all these samples belonged to five major phyla, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Deinococcus-Thermus, and included several potentially new taxa. Ordination analyses were performed in order to explore the variance in the diversity of the samples at genus level. Habitat type (terrestrial vs. aquatic) and specific conductivity in the lacustrine systems significantly explained the variation in bacterial community structure. Comparison of the phylotypes with sequences from public databases showed that a considerable proportion (36.9%) is currently known only from Antarctica. This suggests that in Antarctica, both cosmopolitan taxa and taxa with limited dispersal and a history of long-term isolated evolution occur.     

Trichoderma species form endophytic associations within Theobroma cacao trichomes

Trichoderma species are usually considered soil organisms that colonize plant roots, sometimes forming a symbiotic relationship. Recent studies demonstrate that Trichoderma species are also capable of colonizing the above ground tissues of Theobroma cacao (cacao) in what has been characterized as an endophytic relationship. Trichoderma species can be re-isolated from surface sterilized cacao stem tissue, including the bark and xylem, the apical meristem, and to a lesser degree from leaves. SEM analysis of cacao stems colonized by strains of four Trichoderma species (Trichoderma ovalisporum-DIS 70a, Trichoderma hamatum-DIS 219b, Trichoderma koningiopsis-DIS 172ai, or Trichoderma harzianum-DIS 219f) showed a preference for surface colonization of glandular trichomes versus non-glandular trichomes. The Trichoderma strains colonized the glandular trichome tips and formed swellings resembling appresoria. Hyphae were observed emerging from the glandular trichomes on surface sterilized stems from cacao seedlings that had been inoculated with each of the four Trichoderma strains. Fungal hyphae were observed under the microscope emerging from the trichomes as soon as 6 h after their isolation from surface sterilized cacao seedling stems. Hyphae were also observed, in some cases, emerging from stalk cells opposite the trichome head. Repeated single trichome/hyphae isolations verified that the emerging hyphae were the Trichoderma strains with which the cacao seedlings had been inoculated. Strains of four Trichoderma species were able to enter glandular trichomes during the colonization of cacao stems where they survived surface sterilization and could be re-isolated. The penetration of cacao trichomes may provide the entry point for Trichoderma species into the cacao stem allowing systemic colonization of this tissue.     

Biodegradation of aliphatic hydrocarbon by indigenous fungi isolated from used motor oil contaminated sites

Eighteen indigenous fungal isolates has been successfully isolated from samples of used motor oil, top five centimetres of soil and drainage water contaminated with used motor oil. All of the pure fungal isolates obtained were identified, characterized and subjected to preliminary screening by evaluating the average growth rate of each fungal isolates on minimal media containing 1% (v/v) used motor oil. Trichoderma asperellum strain TUB F-1067 (SA4), Trichoderma asperellum strain Tr48 (SA5), Trichoderma asperellum strain TUB F-756 (SA6), Penicillium species (P1), and Aspergillus species (P9) were further selected for their hydrocarbon biodegradation potential. Among these five fungal isolates selected, P1 strain presented a significant degree of degradation by degrading almost all of the n-alkanes (n-C-₁₅ to n-C-₂₃ range) present in the used motor oil, thus of greater potential in degrading the aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds of used motor oil. The authors would like to certify that the work have not been sent/considered to be published in other journals.