A preliminary survey of cycloheximide-resistant airborne fungi in Turin,Italy

Numbers and type of the cycloheximide-resistant part of the aerially transmitted mycoflora of Turin were studied. Samples from three areas characterized by differing human usage were taken in the first week of March. During each sampling, 12 m³ of air were aspirated, using an one-stage volumetric sieve sampler. Fifty-two mesophilic species and eight thermotolerant were isolated. Propagule load varied from 2.92 to 120.31 cfu m^–3. The following species appear not to have been reported previously from air samples:Ascotricha bosei, Blastobotrys navarrensis, Cryptendoxyla hypophloia, Chrysosporium an.gymnoascus demonbreunii, Ophiostoma piceae, Penicillium vulpinum, Phialophora mustea, Rhinocladiella pedrosoi, Scopulariopsis croci, S. komngii andSesquiallium candelabrum. A significant number of potential opportunistic pathogens was isolated.Abbreviations CH Cycloheximide - RH relative humidity     

Variation between freshwater and terrestrial fungal communities on decaying bamboo culms

Fungal communities on decaying culms of a bamboo host (Phyllostachys bambusoides) from freshwater and adjacent terrestrial habitats were identified. Collections were made at Xiao Bai Long Mountain, Yiliang, Yunnan, China in the winter and summer. In each collection, 100 similar-sized bamboo culms were collected, comprising 50 submerged samples from a stream and 50 terrestrial samples from adjacent riparian vegetation. A total of 82 fungal taxa were recorded from the samples, including 30 ascomycetes and 52 anamorphic fungi. The frequency of occurrence of these fungi were recorded and the Shannon–Weiner indices (H′) were applied to evaluate fungal diversity. The results showed that variation of the fungal diversity between the summer and winter collections was insignificant (0.2<p<0.5). Fungal diversity on submerged bamboo however, was significantly higher than that on terrestrial bamboo (p<0.001). Further findings were that: (1) some commonly recorded freshwater and terrestrial taxa were found in both habitats, but overall there were only 15 overlapping species between the two habitats; (2) the dominant species in each habitat were considerably different, and (3) only a few fungi were dominant, while most species were rare, being recorded only once or twice. Factors responsible for the distribution patterns and variations in composition of the fungal communities are discussed.     

Mycoflora and trichothecene toxins of paddy grains from Egypt

120 species and 38 genera were collected from 64 samples of paddy grains on glucose- and cellulose-Czapek's agar at 28 °C. The total count of glycophilic and cellulose-decomposing fungi fluctuated between 216–29760; and 124–11320 colonies/g paddy grains on the two media, respectively.On glucose agar, the most common species were Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. sydowi, A. terreus, A. fumigatus, A. ochraceus, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. corylophilum, Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Trichoderma viride and Mucor racemosus.On cellulose agar with pH 5.5 & 8.0, the most prevalent fungi were Stachybotrys chartarum, S. bisybi, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, Drechslera sativus and Acremonium strictum.Extracts from 64 paddy samples were tested against brine shrimp larvae (Artemis salina). Of these 9 displayed varying degrees of toxicity. Trichothecene-toxins were detected in the extracts of three paddy samples only. Diacetoxyscirpenol and T-2 toxin were detected in two samples and only T-2 toxin in the other.     

Diversity and abundance of nematode-trapping fungi from decaying litter in terrestrial, freshwater and mangrove habitats

Nematode-trapping fungi are ubiquitous in terrestrial habitats in dung, soils, litter and woody debris and they also occur in freshwater, but only one species has been found in marine habitats. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate whether nematode-trapping fungi occurred in mangrove habitats. To achieve this we assessed the diversity of nematode-trapping fungi on decaying litter from mangroves, freshwater and terrestrial habitats (22 sites) in Hong Kong. Composite samples (n = 1,320) of decaying litter (wood and leaves) were examined and a total of 31 species of nematode-trapping fungi belonging to four genera, Arthrobotrys, Monacrosporium, and Dactylella were recorded. Twenty-nine species reported in this study are new records for Hong Kong and 16 species are new records from mangrove habitats worldwide. Nematode trapping fungi are therefore present in marine environments. Commonly encountered taxa were Arthrobotrys oligospora and Monacrosporium thaumasium which are abundant in all habitats. A. oligospora, M. thaumasium and Arthrobotrys musiformis were frequent (F > 10%). Twenty-six species were rare (0.16–9.32%). Species richness and diversity was higher in terrestrial than in freshwater and mangrove habitats (ANOVA, P < 0.001). A higher mean diversity was observed on decaying leaves as compared to decaying wood in all habitats (P < 0.001). Based on Shannon diversity index, it was also observed that taxa characterized by adhesive nets were more frequent in all habitats. This can be explained by the fact that these taxa may have a better competitive saprotrophic ability which would allow them to compete favourably in nutrient limited environments. Abiotic factors that could be linked to differences in species diversity between decaying wood and leaves are also discussed.     

Frequency of occurrence of mangrove fungi from the east coast of India

This paper describes the frequency of occurrence and biodiversity of fungi from mangroves of the Godavari and Krishna deltas, on the east coast of India. Seventy three species were identified from Godavari and 67 from the Krishna mangroves. Fifty five species were common to both sites, 18 were found only at Godavari and 12 at Krishna mangroves. Verruculina enaliawas found to be very frequent at both sites with a higher frequency of occurrence at Godavari. Eutypa bathurstensis was very frequent at Godavari but only frequent at Krishna. Cirrenalia pygmea and Cryptosphaeria mangrovei were frequent at the Godavari mangrove, but were recorded occasionally at Krishna. Decaying samples of Rhizophora and Avicennia were studied in detail. Forty three species were common to both hosts, while 22 species were recorded only from Avicennia and 20 only from Rhizophora. Verruculina enalia was the only very frequent fungus recorded on both hosts with a lower percentage occurrence (14.8%) on R. apiculata as compared to Avicennia spp. (24.3%). Eutypa bathurstensis was the next most frequent fungus on Avicennia, while Rhizophila marina was next most frequent on Rhizophora. Dactylospora haliotrepha which was recorded frequently on Rhizophorawas infrequent on Avicennia.     

Acanthophysis-like structures from wood submerged in freshwater streams in the tropics

Acanthophysis-like structures which commonly occur on submerged wood in the tropics are described and illustrated at the light microscope level. These are produced on fibre-like or rope-like strands and produce numerous detachable spinulose cells at their ends. These cells lack contents, do not germinate, and do not appear to be dispersal propagules. The acanthophysis-like structures may function as rhizomorphs enabling the fungus to colonize adjacent woody tissue, or serve to uptake oxygen from the water and these possibilities are discussed.     

Three new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Craspedodidymum</Emphasis> from palm in Thailand

Three new species of Craspedodidymum, C. siamense, C. licualae, and C. microsporum, are described and illustrated based on specimens collected on decaying trunks and sheaths of the palm, Licuala longecalycata, in Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Forest, Narathiwat, Southern Thailand. They are compared with similar species, and a key to the genus is provided.     

Hongos queratinofílicos en suelos de parques de la ciudad de Corrientes,Argentina

BackgroundThe soil is a natural reservoir of keratinophilic fungi, which are a small but important group of filamentous fungi, some of which typically develop on keratinized tissues of living animals. There are numerous species of saprophytic fungi with recognized keratinophilic abilities, and several studies have been undertaken in order to link their presence to possible human disease.AimsTo know the biota of geophilic fungi in general and of keratinophilic fungi particularly in soils from two public parks.MethodsSoil samples from two public parks of Corrientes city, Argentina, were studied during two seasons, using the hook technique and serial dilutions for fungal isolation.ResultsUsing the hook technique, 170 isolates were classified into 17 genera and 21 species, among which it is worth mentioning the presence of Microsporum canis. Shannon index for keratinophilic fungi in autumn was 2.27, and 1.92 in spring. By means of the serial dilutions technique, 278 fungi isolated were identified into 33 genera and 71 species. Shannon index in autumn was 3.9, and 3.5 in spring.ConclusionsThe soils studied have particularly favorable conditions for the survival of pathogens and opportunistic geophilic fungi for humans and animals.     

Keratinophilic fungi isolated from children's sandpits in the Nablus area,West Bank of Jordan

The keratinophilic fungi of 29 sandpits from kindergarten schools and public parks in the city of Nablus was analysed to evaluate their role in the epidemiology of diseases caused by these fungi. Seventy two species were recovered 28 of which were common to both kindergartens and public parks sandpits. High percentage (57.4%) of fungal isolates found had been identified as the causes of various types of mycoses. Eight species of dermatophytes and closely related fungi were recovered, of which the followings were the most commonly found species in sandpits: Chrysosporium keratinophilum (20.7%), Microsporum gypseum (17.2%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (6.9%), and C. evolceanui (6.9%).     

中国海南省木生大型真菌多样性研究

本研究于2010至2021年对海南省各自然保护区、森林公园和植物园内的木生大型真菌进行了调查,共采集标本2 212份,经形态和分子系统研究,发现木生大型真菌702个种,根据最新分类系统隶属于19个目、68个科、256个属。其中多孔菌科、锈革菌科、炭角菌科、炭团菌科和丝齿菌科等16个科为优势科,共529个种,约占总数的75%;炭角菌属、锈革菌属、木层孔菌属、环纹炭团菌属、褐孔菌属、多年卧孔菌属、栓菌属和灵芝菌属等32个属为优势属,共357个种,约占总数的51%。此外,共有3个新属和92个新种是本研究根据采自海南省的模式标本发现发表的。这些物种中22种为食用菌,71种是药用菌,6种是有毒菌类。     

The effect of copper on the growth of wood-rotting fungi and a blue-stain fungus

The effect of copper (II) ions on the growth of three brown-rot fungi, six white-rot fungi and one blue-stain fungus in solid medium was evaluated. The fungi were grown in malt extract agar with different concentrations of copper added, and the radial growth rate was determined. At the end of the incubation period, the mycelial biomass and the media pH were determined. The white-rot and blue-stain fungus grew up to 3 mM and 6 mM copper, respectively and the brown-rot fungi were the only ones that grew up to 10 mM, with higher growth rates than those shown by the other fungi. In general, the brown-rot fungi produced greater acidification in the culture media than the white-rot fungi and blue-stain fungus, and the acidification increased when the amount of copper was increased. The biomass production for the different species, in the absence or presence of copper, was not related to the radial growth rate, and the fungal species that produced the greatest biomass amounts did not correspond to those that presented the highest growth rates. The brown-rot fungi Wolfiporia cocos and Laetiporus sulfureus and blue-stain fungus Ophiostoma sp. demonstrated greater tolerance to high copper concentrations in solid medium than the white-rot fungi, determined as radial growth rate. On the other hand, the highest biomass producers in solid medium with copper added were the white-rot fungi Ganoderma australe and Trametes versicolor and the brown-rot fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum.     

赣西北食(药)用菌的种质资源

报道了赣西北地区的食 (药 )用真菌 12 4种 ,其中 7种为江西的新记录种。为本地区大型野生真菌资源的开发与利用提供可靠依据。     

Keratinolytic and keratinophilic fungi of children's sandpits in the city of Turin

Soils rich in keratinic residues constitute a permanent or occasional reservoir for dermatophytes and keratinolytic and keratinophilic fungi, and are a source of potential infection for man and animals.The keratinolytic and keratinophilic mycoflora of 28 sandpits in Turin was studied to evaluate the risk of fungal skin infections that is run by children as they play in public parks and to lay the ground-work for a next epidemiological study of soil- and animal-inhabiting dermatophytes found in cities, and their impact on human dermatophytoses. Fifty seven species were isolated and a high percentage (52%) showed keratinolytic activity. Species of Microsporum, Trichophyton, Mariannaea, Aphanoascus, Chrysosporium, Malbranchea and Geomyces showed the most active keratinolysis.Work n. 315 performed under the auspices of the Centro di Studio sulla Micologia del Terreno del C.N.R. at the Dipartimento di Biologia vegetale dell Università di Torino.     

Keratinophilic fungi of school playgrounds in the Nablus area,West Bank of Jordan

The distribution of keratinophilic fungi in the soil of 57 school playgrounds in the Nablus area was studied with relation to human presence. A total number of 73 species was recovered. Thirteen of these species were dermatophytes and closely related fungi. The most common and frequent species of the latter fungi were: Arthroderma cuniculi (found in 32.1% of school playgrounds), Chrysosporium keratinophilum (32.1%), Microsporum gypseum (10.7%), T. terrestre (7.1%), and C. asperatum (7.1%). Twenty eight of the isolated species had been reported to be pathogenic; these comprised 64.3% of the keratinophilic mycoflora of school playgrounds.     

菌物的种类多样性

本文在物种的层次上概述全世界的菌物多样性并试论菌物多样性调查及保护的必要性。     

Interactions of fungi with other organisms

Living organisms establish complex networks of mutualistic and antagonistic interactions in nature, which impact strongly on their own survival and on the stability of the whole population. Fungi, in particular, can shape natural as well as man-managed ecosystems due to their ubiquitous occurrence and the range of interactions they establish with plants, animals and other microbes. This review describes some examples of mutualistic and antagonistic fungal interactions that are of particular interest for their ecological role, or because they can be exploited by man to improve plant health and/or productivity in sustainable agriculture and forestry.     

The entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana has epiphytic and endophytic activity against the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta

The recent introduction and rapid spread of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East poses a severe threat to future cultivation of tomato and other Solanaceae. Among the best practicable means for effective and sustainable control of this invasive insect pest are entomopathogenic fungi, which can either prevent a further spread of this insect to new areas or keep population densities below an economic threshold level. Here, we report on the efficacy of a commercially available mycoinsecticide based on the entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) against all four larval stages of T. absoluta. In bioassays, high mortality rates and significantly reduced longevity of larvae were obvious when larvae had fed for a period of around 15 days on leaves with B. bassiana propagules present on the surface as an epiphyte with mortality values corrected for variance in control mortality of 90–100%. In addition, a second mode of action of B. bassiana against T. absoluta larvae was evident in bioassays in the form of an endophytic establishment of this fungus in treated tomato plants. Longevity of T. absoluta L4 larvae was significantly lower in individuals which had fed on surface‐sterilized tomato leaves obtained from plants treated 18 days before the bioassay with a B. bassiana suspension compared to larvae feeding on control plants treated with water. Corrected mortality reached values between 30% and 50% for all larval instars. Growth of tomato plants was not inhibited due to colonization by endophytic B. bassiana and a weak systemic translocation of fungal propagules in non‐treated leaves was evident in the assays. Accordingly, entomopathogenic fungi like B. bassiana express different modes of action again target insect pests, which is of particular relevance for the design of efficient management strategies for invasive pests like T. absoluta.     

安徽大别台区虫生真菌区系的物种多样性研究

对安徽大别山区虫生真菌区系的物种多样性进行了研究。结果表明该地区虫生真菌资源十分丰富 ,共有虫生真菌 5 0种 ,隶属于 4目 4科 16属。科从大到小依次为麦角菌科 (Clavicipitaceae) (2 7种 ,占 5 4 % )、丝孢科 (Hy phomycetaceae) (15种 ,占 30 % )、虫霉科 (Entomophthoraceae) (5种 ,占 10 % )、束梗孢科 (Stilbellaceae) (3种 ,占 6 % )。含 3个种以上的优势属依次为虫草属 (Cordyceps) (2 6种 ,占 5 2 % )、拟青霉属 (Paecilomyces) (6种 ,占 12 % )、白僵菌属 (Beauveria) (3种 ,占 6 % ) ,共计 35种 ,占总种数的 70 % ;含 2个种的属为刺束梗孢属 (Akanthomyces)和虫瘟霉属 (Zoophthora) ;其余 11个属皆为单种属。优势种依次为粉拟青霉 (Paecilomycesfarinosus)、细脚拟青霉 (P .tenuipes)、下垂虫草 (Cordycepsnutans)、球孢白僵菌 (Beauveriabassiana)、金龟子绿僵菌小孢变种 (Metarhiziumanisopliaevar.anisopliae)。区系地理成分划分为 7大类型 :世界分布种 (42 .11% )、欧亚大陆分布种 (10 .5 3% )、亚热带—热带分布种 (5 .2 6 % )、东亚分布种 (7.89% )、东亚—新几内亚分布种 (5 .2 6 % )、中国—日本分布种 (5 .2 6 % )和特有成分 (2 3.6 8% ) ,表现出明显的东亚区系特征 ,而且本区及