Ecophysiological Characterization of Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities at Different Root Locations and Plant Developmental Stages of Cucumber Grown on Rockwool

Bacterial communities from the rhizosphere of cucumber were characterized with respect to growth rates and carbon source utilization, in order to develop a selection strategy for biocontrol agents against Pythium aphanidermatum. Rhizosphere samples were collected from different root regions (root tips, the root base, and the intermediate region where lateral roots emerge) and developmental stages (the seedling, vegetative, and generative stage) from plants cultivated on reused rockwool. By colony counts on 1/10 strength TSA on subsequent days after plating, percentages of fast- and slow-growing isolates (i.e., forming visible colonies within 2 days, or after 3 or more days, respectively) were determined for each rhizosphere sample. At all plant developmental stages, root tips had the highest percentages of fast growing isolates, and root bases the lowest. During plant growth, the relative amounts of slowly growing bacteria increased. Community-level carbon source utilization was determined for the different rhizosphere samples with Biolog GN plates. Principal component analysis showed that rhizosphere samples from different developmental stages and root locations had distinct carbon source utilization patterns. Communities from root tips of seedlings showed the highest utilization of several monosaccharides. Communities from tips and intermediate regions of plants in the vegetative stage utilized relatively many amino acids and several organic acids, and in the generative stage, more di- and polysaccharides were used. Root base samples scored low with respect to carbon source utilization, except for some disaccharides. From the different rhizosphere samples, 826 bacteria, randomly collected from 1/10 strength TSA plates, were screened on the utilization of 9 carbon sources. The 9 selected carbon sources were chosen because they are reported to occur in the rhizosphere, to be used by the zoospores of Pythium in the infection process, or appeared to be discriminant in the analysis of community-level carbon source utilization performed in this study. It appeared that monosaccharides (glucose and fucose), amino acids (alanine and asparagine), and organic acids (galacturonic, succinic, and linoleic acid) were used for growth mainly by bacteria from the root tips, and to a lesser extent from the intermediate region, of young plants. Disaccharides were predominantly utilized by isolates from plants in the vegetative stage. Overall, the results indicated that growth rates and carbon source utilization reflect the adaptation of bacteria to the rhizosphere environment. The possibility of using these characteristics to screen for rhizosphere competent biocontrol agents that compete for substrates with P. aphanidermatum is discussed.     

Phenotypic characteristics of root-nodulating bacteria isolated from Acacia spp. grown in Libya

Thirty isolates of root-nodulating bacteria obtained from Acacia cyanophylla, A. karroo, A. cyclops, A. tortilis (subsp.raddiana), Faidherbia albida and Acacia sp., grown in different regions of Libya, were studied by performing numerical analysis of 104 characteristics. Three fast- and one slow-growing reference strains from herbaceous and woody legumes were included. Five distinct clusters were formed. The fast-growing reference strains were separated from the isolates whereas the slow-growing was included in cluster 4. With the exception of one cluster, the majority of clusters were formed regardless of the host plant or site of origin. Based on plant tests, generation times, acid production and carbon utilization the isolates were diverse (fast and slow-growing isolates). Like slow-growing isolates, most of the fast-growing isolates appeared to be non-specific, nodulated many species from the same genus notably F. albida, known to nodulate only with slow-growing strains. Most clusters grew at temperatures 35 °C and 37 °C; some grew at temperatures above 40 °C. The majority of isolates grew at acid and alkaline pH and only one isolate grew below pH 4. Most isolates were able to utilize many amino acids as nitrogen sources and to reduce nitrate. Urea was hydrolysed by all clusters. Monosaccharides and polyols were used by slow and fast-growing isolates as the only carbon sources whereas assimilation of disaccharides varied: Some isolates, like slow-growing isolates, failed to utilize these carbon sources. Most isolates were unable to utilize polysaccharides. Regarding tolerance to NaCl on agar medium, the majority of isolates were unable to grow at a concentration of 2% NaCl, but some were highly resistant and there was one isolate which grew at 8% NaCl. Most isolates were resistant to heavy metals and to antibiotics.     

The effect of silicon on the infection by and spread of Pythium aphanidermatum in single roots of tomato and bitter gourd

The effect of silicon (Si) supply on the infection and spread of Pythium aphanidermatum was studied in the roots of tomato [Lycopersicon esculentum (=Solanum lycopersicum), an Si excluder] and bitter gourd (Mormodica charantia, an Si intermediate accumulator). Individual roots were mounted into PVC compartmented boxes which allowed the application of Si and zoospores to defined root zones. Two days after inoculation, root growth was recorded, and P. aphanidermatum colonization of individual root sections was determined by ELISA. In tomato as well as in bitter gourd the root tip was the root section most sensitive to P. aphanidermatum infection. Application of Si did not affect severe root-growth inhibition by P. aphanidermatum in either species. However, continuous Si supply significantly inhibited the basipetal spread of the pathogen from the infected root apex in bitter gourd but not in tomato. Si application to the roots only during pretreatment or only during/after the infection of the roots failed to inhibit the spread of P. aphanidermatum. Determination and compartmentation of Si in the roots of bitter gourd revealed that apoplastic Si was not, but symplastic Si was, associated with the ability of the plant to reduce the spread of the fungus in roots. It is concluded that accumulation of Si in the root cell walls does not represent a physical barrier to the spread of P. aphanidermatum in bitter gourd and tomato roots. The maintenance of elevated symplastic Si contents is a prerequisite for Si-enhanced resistance against P. aphanidermatum.     

Potentials and limitations of quantification of fungi in freshwater environments based on PLFA profiles

Aquatic fungi are increasingly recognized for their contribution to carbon cycling in aquatic ecosystems, both as saprotrophs and parasites. Their quantification in mixed communities is crucial to assess their ecological significance but remains challenging. We characterized the phospholipid-derived fatty acid (PLFA) composition of fifteen aquatic fungal isolates from Chytridiomycota (chytrids) and Dikarya. Additionally, we identified PLFA patterns of chytrids infecting phytoplankton and their zoospores. PLFA composition of zoospores was highly similar among different taxa, but were distinct from their respective sporangial life-stage. Finally, we applied a fatty acid-based Bayesian mixed model (FASTAR) and tested its potential to quantify fungi in complex mixtures with bacteria and phytoplankton using PLFA profiles. While the quantification of chytrid biomass in low quantities was rather imprecise, the model predicted the contribution of filamentous fungi and other components with fair accuracy, supporting the suitability of this approach to quantify fungal biomass in aquatic environments.     

Diversity and activity of biosurfactant-producing Pseudomonas in the rhizosphere of black pepper in Vietnam

Aims: Phytophthora capsici is a major pathogen of black pepper and zoospores play an important role in the infection process. Fluorescent pseudomonads that produce biosurfactants with zoosporicidal activities were isolated from the black pepper rhizosphere in Vietnam, and their genotypic diversity and potential to control Phy. capsici root rot was determined. Methods: Biosurfactant‐producing pseudomonads were genotypically and biochemically characterized by BOX‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 16S‐rDNA sequencing, reverse‐phase‐high‐performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography‐masss spectrometry analyses. Results: Biosurfactant‐producing fluorescent pseudomonads make up c. 1.3% of the culturable Pseudomonas population in the rhizosphere of black pepper. Although BOX‐PCR revealed substantial genotypic diversity, the isolates were shown to produce the same biosurfactants and were all identified as Pseudomonas putida. When applied to black pepper stem cuttings, several of the biosurfactant‐producing strains provided significant disease control. In absence of the disease, several of the bacterial strains promoted shoot and root growth of black pepper stem cuttings. Conclusions: Biosurfactant‐producing pseudomonads indigenous to the rhizosphere of black pepper plants are genotypically diverse and provide a novel resource for the control of Phy. capsici root rot and growth promotion of black pepper stem cuttings. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results of this study provide a strong basis for further development of supplementary strategies with antagonistic bacteria to control foot and root rot of black pepper and to promote plant growth.     

The contribution of roots and shoots to whole plant nitrate reduction in fast- and slow-growing grass species

The hypothesis was tested that slow-growing grass species perform a greater proportion of total plant NO3- reduction in their roots than do fast-growing grasses. Eight grass species were selected that differed in maximum relative growth rate (RGR) and net NO3- uptake rate (NNUR). Plants were grown with free access to nutrients in hydroponics under controlled-environment conditions. The site of in vivo NO3- reduction was assessed by combining in vivo NO3- reductase activity (NRA) assays with biomass allocation data, and by analysing the NO3- to amino acid ratio of xylem sap. In vivo NRA of roots and shoots increased significantly with increasing NNUR and RGR. The proportion of total plant NO3- reduction that occurs in roots was found to be independent of RGR and NNUR, with the shoot being the predominant site of NO3- reduction in all species. The theoretical maximum proportion of whole plant nitrogen assimilation that could take place in the roots was calculated using information on root respiration rates, RGR, NNUR, and specific respiratory costs associated with growth, maintenance and ion uptake. The calculated maximum proportion that the roots can contribute to total plant NO3- reduction was 0.37 and 0.23 for the fast-growing Dactylis glomerata L. and the slow-growing Festuca ovina L., respectively. These results indicate that slow-growing grass species perform a similar proportion of total plant NO3- reduction in their roots to that exhibited by fast-growing grasses. Shoots appear to be the predominant site of whole plant NO3- reduction in both fast- and slow-growing grasses when plants are grown with free access to nutrients.     

Identification and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry characterization of biosurfactants,including a new surfactin,isolated from oil‐contaminated environments

Biosurfactant‐producing bacteria were isolated from samples collected in areas contaminated with crude oil. The isolates were screened for biosurfactant production using qualitative drop‐collapse test, oil‐spreading and emulsification assays, and measurement of their tensoactive properties. Five isolates tested positive for in the screening experiments and displayed decrease in the surface tension below 30 mN m^?1. The biosurfactants produced by these isolates were further investigated and their molecular identification revealed that they are bacteria related to the Bacillus genus. Additionally, the biosurfactants produced were chemically characterized via UHPLC‐HRMS experiments, indicating the production of surfactin homologues, including a new class of these molecules.     

Control of Pythium root rot on hydroponically grown cucumbers with silver-coated cloth

Silver-coated cloth (SCC) effectively controlled root rot that was caused by Pythium aphanidermatum in hydroponically grown cucumber plants. The presence of SCC in the hydroponic solution reduced the root rot from 100% to 10% 20 days after inoculation with zoospores of P. aphanidermatum. It was suggested that the inhibition of SCC was caused not only by the silver ion dissolved from SCC, but also by the metallic silver and silver compounds formed on the surface of the root.     

Optimization of indole acetic acid production by isolated bacteria from Stevia rebaudiana rhizosphere and its effects on plant growth

The ability to synthesize Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is widely associated with the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The present work deals with isolation and characterization of such bacteria from the rhizosphere of medicinal plant Stevia rebaudiana and optimization of IAA production from its isolates. The optimization of IAA production was carried out at different pH and temperature with varied carbon and nitrogen sources of culture media. Out of different isolates obtained, three of them were screened as efficient PGPRs on the basis of different plant growth promoting attributes. Isolates CA1001 and CA2004 showed better production of IAA at pH 9 (91.7?µg?ml^?1) and at temperature 37?°C (81.7?µg?ml^?1). Dextrose (1%) was found to be the best carbon source for isolate CA1001 with 104?µg?ml^?1 IAA production. Isolate CA 2004 showed best production of IAA 36?µg?ml^?1 and 34?µg?ml^?1 at 1.5% and 1% Beef extract as nitrogen source respectively. Isolate CA 1001 showed 32?µg?ml^?1 IAA production at 0.5% nicotinic acid concentration. From the current study, CA1001 and CA2004 emerged as noble alternatives for IAA production further which also resulted in root and shoot biomass generation in crop plants, hence can be further used as bio-inoculants for plant growth promotion.     

Potential for plant growth promotion in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cv. ALR-2 by co-inoculation of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and Rhizobium

The use of Rhizobium inoculant for groundnut is a common practice in India. Also, co-inoculation of Rhizobium with other plant growth-promoting bacteria received considerable attention in legume growth promotion. Hence, in the present study we investigated effects of co-inoculating the sulfur (S)-oxidizing bacterial strains with Rhizobium, a strain that had no S-oxidizing potential in groundnut. Chemolithotrophic S-oxidizing bacterial isolates from different sources by enrichment isolation technique included three autotrophic (LCH, SWA5 and SWA4) and one heterotrophic (SGA6) strains. All the four isolates decreased the pH of the growth medium through oxidation of elemental S to sulfuric acid. Characterization revealed that these isolates tentatively placed into the genus Thiobacillus. Clay-based pellet formulation (2.5 x 10(7) cf ug(-1) pellet) of the Thiobacillus strains were developed and their efficiency to promote plant growth was tested in groundnut under pot culture and field conditions with S-deficit soil. Experiments in pot culture yielded promising results on groundnut increasing the plant biomass, nodule number and dry weight, and pod yield. Co-inoculation of Thiobacillus sp. strain LCH (applied at 60 kg ha(-1)) with Rhizobium under field condition recorded significantly higher nodule number, nodule dry weight and plant biomass 136.9 plant(-1), 740.0mg plant(-1) and 15.0 g plant(-1), respectively, on 80 days after sowing and enhanced the pod yield by 18%. Also inoculation of S-oxidizing bacteria increased the soil available S from 7.4 to 8.43 kg ha(-1). These results suggest that inoculation of S-oxidizing bacteria along with rhizobia results in synergistic interactions promoting the yield and oil content of groundnut, in S-deficit soils.     

Plant growth promotion and biological control of Pythium aphanidermatum, a pathogen of cucumber, by endophytic actinomycetes

Aims:  To evaluate the potential of Actinoplanes campanulatus , Micromonospora chalcea and Streptomyces spiralis endophytic in cucumber roots, to promote plant growth and to protect seedlings and mature plants of cucumber from diseases caused by Pythium aphanidermatum , under greenhouse conditions.
Methods and Results:  Three endophytic isolates, out of 29, were selected through tests aimed at understanding their mechanisms of action as biocontrol agents and plant growth promoters. When applied individually or in combination, they significantly promoted plant growth and reduced damping-off and crown and root rot of cucumber. The combination of the three isolates resulted in significantly better suppression of diseases and plant growth promotion, than where the plants were exposed to individual strains.
Conclusions:  The three selected actinomycete isolates colonized cucumber roots endophytically for 8 weeks, promoted plant growth and suppressed pathogenic activities of P. aphanidermatum on seedling and mature cucumber plants.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  The results clearly show that the endophytic, glucanase-producing actinomycetes used, especially as a combined treatment, could replace metalaxyl, which is the currently recommended fungicide for Pythium diseases in the United Arab Emirates. These endophytic isolates also have the potential to perform as plant growth promoters, which is a useful attribute for crop production in nutrient impoverished soils.     

Growth and root responses of woody species to rocky substrate: implications for gully rehabilitation

Gullies formed in the Velhas River basin in Brazil have been filled with urban construction waste for physical stabilisation purposes. Aimed at rehabilitating gullies, we selected woody species from the Brazilian Cerrado that can grow on rocky substrates under greenhouse conditions. An assessment was made regarding plant growth in both rocky and natural soil substrates by analysing the height, diameter, fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, plant water content, root occupation and architecture. Principal component analysis and Chi-squared tests segregated rock-tolerant species based on the specific influence on root dry and fresh weights. Fast-growing species reduced the emergence of their lateral roots under rocks, compromising their growth in height and biomass production. In contrast, slow-growing woody species were particularly suitable for gully rehabilitation because these species exhibited a genetic pattern of low lateral root emergence that prevented damage to their roots. Most slow-growing species demonstrated a similar growth pattern in both substrates, and some of them, such as Copaifera langsdorffii, achieved better growth in height and biomass production on rocks than on soil, a finding attributed to the root plastic response involving primary root elongation and lateral root emergence. Therefore, slow-growing species are recommended for gully rehabilitation procedures.     

Characterization of nativeFrankia strains isolated from chilean shrubs (Rhamnaceae)

Nine nativeFrankia strains were isolated from root nodules of four chilean actinorhizal plants (Rhamnaceae). The strains were designated as ChI1, ChI2, ChI3 and ChI4 fromColletia hystrix; ReI4 and ReI6 fromRetanilla ephedra; TqI12 and TqI15 fromTalguenea quinquinervis and TtI42 fromTrevoa trinervis. By scanning electron microscopy, all the strains exhibited similar actinomycetal structures: hyphae, sporangia and vesicles. The growth patterns of the isolates in BAP medium were similar. All showed a lag phase of approximately 6–7 days, then exhibited a logarithmic phase, except the ReI4 strain which seems to follow a linear growth pattern. A common feature of all the strains was a rapid loss of biomass at the end of the growth phase. All native strains grew on BAP medium supplemented with glucose. In six out of nine strains, the glucose was the best of the carbon sources tested. However, the strains differed in their ability to use other carbon sources such as arabinose, mannitol, maltose, succinate, sucrose, pyruvate, propionate and galactose. The isolates were sensitive to six antibiotics assayed (ampicillin, penicillin G, rifampicin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin and kanamycin). Using the acetylene reduction assay, the nitrogenase activity of the strains was determined. All strains grown in BAP medium lacking a combined nitrogen source were able to reduce acetylene ‘in vitro’.     

Candida glycerinogenes不同碳源代谢的初步研究

研究了不同碳源对Candidaglycerinogenes的菌体生长、发酵液pH值及代谢产物的影响,结果发现以葡萄糖、果糖等单糖为碳源时茵体生长较快,最终生物量比以蔗糖、麦芽糖等二糖为碳源时高20％～30％;导致发酵前12h发酵液pH值明显下降的主要因素是乳酸;与葡萄糖为碳源转化为甘油相比,果糖为碳源时更易累积乙醇;以蔗糖、麦芽糖为碳源时,用于转化生成甘油的碳源明显降低,碳源主要用于茵体自身生物合成及HMP途径,以蔗糖为碳源时,用于乳酸、丙酸及柠檬酸生物合成的碳源较麦芽糖明显提高,TCA途径代谢较为活跃。     

Relationships Amongst the Fast-growing Rhizobia of Lablab purpureus, Leucaena leucocephala, Mimosa spp., Acacia farnesiana and Sesbania grandiflora and their Affinities with Other Rhizobial Groups

Colony characteristics, growth in litmus milk, precipitation in calcium glycerophosphate medium and utilization of carbon sources of the root-nodule bacteria isolated from the tropical legumes Leucaena, Mimosa, Acacia, Sesbania and Lablab were similar to fast-growing rhizobia of temperate legumes, particularly Rhizobium meliloti. In agglutination tests, isolates from each host shared antigens with one or more of five Rhizobium strains from Leucaena. Infective characteristics of the fast-growing rhizobia were studied in modified Leonard jars and in agar culture. Cross-infections by rhizobia between these plants were common and the association often effective. Lablab was effectively nodulated by its own fast-growing isolate but only formed root swellings, possibly ineffective pseudonodules, with the other isolates. Slow-growing rhizobia which were able to nodulate Macroptilium atropurpureus were unable to form nodules on these legumes except Lablab which was considered more akin to the cowpea group. All fast-growing isolates nodulated, often effectively, Vigna unguiculata and V. unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis. The isolate from Lablab also effectively nodulated a number of other tropical legumes which have previously only been reported to nodulate with slow-growing nodule bacteria and it also produced ineffective nodulation on Medicago sativa. This is the first record of an effective fast-growing isolate from Lablab.     

环境因素对香蕉叶斑病菌喙突脐蠕孢生长和产孢的影响

为进一步明确香蕉叶斑病菌喙突脐蠕孢的生物学特性,调查了部分环境因素(碳氮源、植物成分培养基)对供试菌株(CLER09、D087和JL05)的营养生长和产孢的影响。结果显示,分生孢子主要先从基部萌芽,在28℃下约培养10h后出现两端萌芽;供试菌株对测试的20种碳源及26种氮源显示相似的生长反应,均可利用除菊糖外的测试碳源及氮源进行营养生长和产孢;测试的6种植物成分培养基对供试菌株的营养生长效果皆优于PDA培养基;除燕麦培养基外,其余5种培养基对菌株CLER09和D087的产孢作用均优于PDA培养基;测试的6种培养基对菌株JL05的产孢作用均优于PDA培养基。不同植物成分培养基对该菌分生孢子形态影响较大,以米糠、象草培养基对菌株D087和JL05的分生孢子长度和玉米粉培养基对菌株CLER09的分生孢子宽度的增长效果最为明显。     

Characterization of Plant Growth–Promoting Traits of Bacteria Isolated from Larval Guts of Diamondback Moth <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plutella xylostella</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Eight bacterial isolates from the larval guts of Diamondback moths (Plutella xylostella) were tested for their plant growth–promoting (PGP) traits and effects on early plant growth. All of the strains tested positive for nitrogen fixation and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) and salicylic acid production but negative for hydrogen cyanide and pectinase production. In addition, five of the isolates exhibited significant levels of tricalcium phosphate and zinc oxide solubilization; six isolates were able to oxidize sulfur in growth media; and four isolates tested positive for chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activities. Based on their IAA production, six strains including four that were 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase positive and two that were ACC deaminase negative were tested for PGP activity on the early growth of canola and tomato seeds under gnotobiotic conditions. Acinetobacter sp. PSGB04 significantly increased root length (41%), seedling vigor, and dry biomass (30%) of the canola test plants, whereas Pseudomonas sp. PRGB06 inhibited the mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum coccodes, C. gleospoiroides, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotia sclerotiorum under in vitro conditions. A significant increase, greater than that of the control, was also noted for growth parameters of the tomato test plants when the seeds were treated with PRGB06. Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that bacteria associated with insect larval guts possess PGP traits and positively influence plant growth. Therefore, insect gut bacteria as effective PGP agents represent an unexplored niche and may broaden the spectrum of beneficial bacteria available for crop production.     

Isolation and characterization of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria induced following exposure of soil to hydrogen gas and their impact on plant growth

In many legumes, the nitrogen fixing root nodules produce H2 gas that diffuses into soil. It has been demonstrated that such exposure of soil to H2 can promote plant growth. To assess whether this may be due to H2-oxidizing microorganisms, bacteria were isolated from soil treated with H2 under laboratory conditions and from soils collected adjacent to H2 producing soybean nodules. Nineteen isolates of H2-oxidizing bacteria were obtained and all exhibited a half-saturation coefficient (Ks) for H2 of about 1 ml l(-1). The isolates were identified as Variovorax paradoxus, Flavobacterium johnsoniae and Burkholderia spp. using conventional microbiological tests and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Seventeen of the isolates enhanced (57-254%) root elongation of spring wheat seedlings. Using an Arabidopsis thaliana bioassay, plant biomass was increased by 11-27% when inoculated by one of four isolates of V. paradoxus or one isolate of Burkholderia that were selected for evaluation. The isolates of V. paradoxus found in both H2-treated soil and in soil adjacent to soybean nodules had the greatest impact on plant growth. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that H2-oxidizing bacteria in soils have plant growth promoting properties.     

Chemical composition of 24 wild species differing in relative growth rate

The chemical composition of 24 plant species which showed a three-fold range in potential growth rate was investigated. The carbon content of whole plants was lower for fast-growing species than for slow-growing ones. Fast-growing species accumulated more organic N-compounds, organic acids and minerals, whereas slow-growing species accumulated more (hemi)cellulose, insoluble sugars and lignin. No correlations with relative growth rate were found for soluble phenolics, soluble sugars and lipids. The costs to construct 1 g of plant biomass were rather similar for fast- and slow-growing species, both when expressed as C needed for C-skeletons, as glucose to provide ATP and NAD(P)H, and as total glucose costs. Therefore, we conclude that, despite the differences in chemical composition between fast- and slow-growing species, variation in the costs of synthesis of whole plant biomass cannot explain interspecific variation in relative growth rate of herbaceous species.     

Carbon utilization profiles of Fusarium virguliforme isolates

Fusarium virguliforme is the cause of sudden death syndrome in soybean. Physiological variability among isolates of the fungus is unknown. One way to measure physiologic variability is to analyze growth on different carbon sources. The carbon source utilization profiles of 18 F. virguliforme isolates were examined using the Biolog FF 96-well microplate, which contains 95 different carbon sources. The utilization of dextrin,D-mannitol, maltotriose,D-lactic acid methyl ester, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, salicin, D-trehalose, and L-alanine differed significantly among isolates (P = 0.05). Carbon sources were grouped into 3 clusters based on their ability to promote growth of F. virguliforme, after calculating Euclidean distances among them. About 12% of the carbon sources promoted a high amount of mycelial growth, 39% promoted a medium amount of growth, and 49% promoted a low amount of mycelial growth; the latter was not significantly different from the water blank control. A hierarchical tree diagram was produced for the 18 isolates based on their carbon source utilization profiles using Ward's hierarchical analysis method. Two main clusters of isolates were formed. One cluster represented greater average mycelial growth on all of the carbon sources than the other cluster. In this study, variability in carbon source utilization among F. virguliforme isolates was evident, but the results were not associated with geographic origin of the isolates, year collected, or published data on aggressiveness. Additional research is needed to determine if these carbon utilization profiles are associated with other biological characteristics, like spore germination, propagule formation, and saprophytic competitiveness.