Journal Description
Journal of Fungi
Journal of Fungi
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of mycology published monthly online by MDPI. The Medical Mycological Society of the Americas (MMSA) and the Spanish Phytopathological Society (SEF) are affiliated with the Journal of Fungi, and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, CAPlus / SciFinder, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Mycology) / CiteScore - Q1 (Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.1 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
4.2 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.5 (2023)
Latest Articles
Four New Species of Jelly Fungi from Northeastern China
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070480 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2024
Abstract
Four new species of jelly fungi were described from northeastern China based on morphological and molecular evidence. These new species were classified into the four genera Sirobasidium (Sirobasidium jilinense), Calocera (Calocera velutina), Dacrymyces (Dacrymyces jauensis), and Dacryopinax
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Four new species of jelly fungi were described from northeastern China based on morphological and molecular evidence. These new species were classified into the four genera Sirobasidium (Sirobasidium jilinense), Calocera (Calocera velutina), Dacrymyces (Dacrymyces jauensis), and Dacryopinax (Dacryopinax manghanensis). Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses were performed using a combined nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and nuc 28S rDNA (nrLSU) dataset for the construction of phylogenetic trees. Morphological descriptions, line illustrations, and the ecological habits of these new species are provided.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Phylogeny and Ecology of Forest Fungi)
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Open AccessArticle
Temporal Dynamics of Airborne Concentrations of Ganoderma Basidiospores and Their Relationship with Environmental Conditions in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis)
by
Juan Manuel López-Vásquez, Sandra Yulieth Castillo, León Franky Zúñiga, Greicy Andrea Sarria and Anuar Morales-Rodríguez
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070479 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2024
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Basal Stem Rot (BSR), caused by Ganoderma spp., is one of the most important emerging diseases of oil palm in Colombia and is so far restricted to only two producing areas in the country. However, despite the controls established to prevent its spread
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Basal Stem Rot (BSR), caused by Ganoderma spp., is one of the most important emerging diseases of oil palm in Colombia and is so far restricted to only two producing areas in the country. However, despite the controls established to prevent its spread to new areas, containment has not been possible. This study aimed to understand BSR’s propagation mechanisms and related environmental conditions by measuring Ganoderma basidiospores’ concentrations at various heights using four 7-day Burkard volumetric samplers in a heavily affected plantation. Meteorological data, including solar radiation, temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed, were also recorded. Analysis revealed higher basidiospore concentrations below 4 m, peaking at 02:00 h, with increased levels towards the study’s end. Spore concentrations were not directly influenced by temperature, humidity, or precipitation, but showed higher releases during drier periods. A significant correlation was found between wind speed and spore concentration, particularly below 1.5 m/s, though higher speeds might aid long-distance pathogen spread. This study highlights the complexity of BSR propagation and the need for continued monitoring and research to manage its impact on Colombia’s oil palm industry.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
CfHMG Differentially Regulates the Sexual Development and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum fructicola Plus and Minus Strains
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Wei Zhang, Wenkui Liu, Xiaofei Liang, Rong Zhang, Mark L. Gleason and Guangyu Sun
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070478 - 11 Jul 2024
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Colletotrichum fructicola shows morphological and genetic differences in plus and minus strains. However, the mechanism of the differentiation between two types of strains is still largely unclear. Our early transcriptome analysis revealed that CfHMG expression differed in plus and minus strains. To define
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Colletotrichum fructicola shows morphological and genetic differences in plus and minus strains. However, the mechanism of the differentiation between two types of strains is still largely unclear. Our early transcriptome analysis revealed that CfHMG expression differed in plus and minus strains. To define the functions of the CfHMG gene, we constructed gene deletion mutants by homologous recombination. We found that a CfHMG deletion mutant of the minus strain, CfHMG-M, could lead to a reduction in perithecium sizes and densities on media and sterile perithecium formation compared with the minus wild type (WT), whereas there was no effect for the plus mutant CfHMG-P. In co-cultures between CfHMG-P and minus WT, CfHMG-M and plus WT, or CfHMG-P and CfHMG-M, the quantities of perithecia were all reduced significantly. When conidial suspensions were inoculated on non-wounded apple fruit, it was found that the virulence of the minus mutant decreased significantly but not for the plus one. Further, we found that the virulence decrease in minus mutants was caused by a decrease in the conidium germination rate. Our results indicate that CfHMG of C. fructicola plays an important role in the mating line formation between the plus and minus strain for both strains and differentially regulates the perithecium size, density, fertilization, and virulence of the minus strain. The results are significant for further detecting the differentiated mechanisms between the plus and minus strains in Colletotrichum fungi.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Development of a Shuttle Vector That Transforms at High Frequency for the Emerging Human Fungal Pathogen: Candida auris
by
Brenden Determann II, Jianmin Fu and Brian L. Wickes
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070477 - 11 Jul 2024
Abstract
Routine molecular manipulation of any organism is inefficient and difficult without the existence of a plasmid. Although transformation is possible in C. auris, no plasmids are available that can serve as cloning or shuttle vectors. C. auris centromeres have been well characterized
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Routine molecular manipulation of any organism is inefficient and difficult without the existence of a plasmid. Although transformation is possible in C. auris, no plasmids are available that can serve as cloning or shuttle vectors. C. auris centromeres have been well characterized but have not been explored further as molecular tools. We tested C. auris centromeric sequences to identify which, if any, could be used to create a plasmid that was stably maintained after transformation. We cloned all seven C. auris centromeric sequences and tested them for transformation frequency and stability. Transformation frequency varied significantly; however, one was found to transform at a very high frequency. A 1.7 Kb subclone of this sequence was used to construct a shuttle vector. The vector was stable with selection and maintained at ~1 copy per cell but could be easily lost when selection was removed, which suggested that the properties of the centromeric sequence were more Autonomously Replicating Sequence (ARS)-like than centromere-like when part of a plasmid. Rescue of this plasmid from transformed C. auris cells into E. coli revealed that it remained intact after the initial C. auris transformation, even when carrying large inserts. The plasmid was found to be able to transform all four clades of C. auris, with varying frequencies. This plasmid is an important new reagent in the C. auris molecular toolbox, which will enhance the investigation of this human fungal pathogen.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fifty Years of Fungi: A Special Issue Honoring the Contributions of Dr. June Kwon-Chung to the Field of Medical Mycology)
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Open AccessArticle
Catalase Deactivation Increases Dermatophyte Sensitivity to ROS Sources
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Sebastian Jusuf and Michael K. Mansour
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070476 - 11 Jul 2024
Abstract
As the leading cause of fungal skin infections around the globe, dermatophytes are responsible for a multitude of skin ailments, ranging from athlete’s foot to ringworm. Due to the combination of its growing prevalence and antifungal misuse, antifungal-resistant dermatophyte strains like Trichophyton indotineae
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As the leading cause of fungal skin infections around the globe, dermatophytes are responsible for a multitude of skin ailments, ranging from athlete’s foot to ringworm. Due to the combination of its growing prevalence and antifungal misuse, antifungal-resistant dermatophyte strains like Trichophyton indotineae have begun to emerge, posing a significant global health risk. The emergence of these resistant dermatophytes highlights a critical need to identify alternative methods of treating dermatophyte infections. In our study, we utilized a 405 nm LED to establish that blue light can effectively inactivate catalase within a variety of both susceptible and resistant dermatophytes. Through this catalase inactivation process, light-treated dermatophytes were found to exhibit increased sensitivity to reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing agents, improving the performance of antimicrobial agents such as H2O2 and amphotericin B. Our findings further demonstrate that light-induced catalase inactivation can inhibit the formation and polarized growth of hyphae from dermatophytes, suppressing biomass formation. Thus, by increasing ROS sensitization and inhibiting hyphal development, catalase-deactivating blue light offers a potential non-invasive and non-drug-reliant method of managing dermatophyte infections, opening new avenues for the potential treatment of these common infections in conjunction with existing treatments.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Immunology and Vaccinology)
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Open AccessArticle
Updating the Species Diversity of Pestalotioid Fungi: Four New Species of Neopestalotiopsis and Pestalotiopsis
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Weishan Zhang, Yixuan Li, Lu Lin, Aoli Jia and Xinlei Fan
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070475 - 11 Jul 2024
Abstract
Pestalotioid fungi are associated with a wide variety of plants around the world as pathogens, endophytes, and saprobes. In this study, diseased leaves and branches of plants were collected from Guizhou and Sichuan in China. Here, the fungal isolates were identified based on
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Pestalotioid fungi are associated with a wide variety of plants around the world as pathogens, endophytes, and saprobes. In this study, diseased leaves and branches of plants were collected from Guizhou and Sichuan in China. Here, the fungal isolates were identified based on a phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) and the beta-tubulin (tub2) of ribosomal DNA, and the morphological characteristics. Ten Neopestalotiopsis isolates and two Pestalotiopsis isolates were obtained, and these isolates were further confirmed as four novel species (N. acericola, N. cercidicola, N. phoenicis, and P. guiyangensis) and one known species, N. concentrica.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Systematics and Evolution of Forestry Fungi, 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Halophilomyces hongkongensis, a Novel Species and Genus in the Lulworthiaceae with Antibacterial Potential, Colonizing the Roots and Rhizomes of the Seagrass Halophila ovalis
by
Xiao Wang, Lorenzo Pecoraro, Jiawei Chen, Yang Tang, Sangwook Lee, Sheng Chen and Hongbin Liu
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070474 - 10 Jul 2024
Abstract
Seagrass serves as a quintessential reservoir for obligate marine Lulworthiaceae fungi. Our current knowledge of the mycological diversity associated with seagrass in Hong Kong remains poor. We analyzed the diversity of fungi associated with the most widely distributed seagrass species in Hong Kong
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Seagrass serves as a quintessential reservoir for obligate marine Lulworthiaceae fungi. Our current knowledge of the mycological diversity associated with seagrass in Hong Kong remains poor. We analyzed the diversity of fungi associated with the most widely distributed seagrass species in Hong Kong Halophila ovalis (Hydrocharitaceae), using a combination of culture-based methods and high-throughput amplicon sequencing. Halophilomyces hongkongensis, a novel fungal species in a newly proposed genus within the Lulworthiaceae family, was isolated from H. ovalis roots and rhizomes. The novel fungus showed distinct morphological characteristics, while both combined 18S-28S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) phylogenetic trees based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods supported its discrimination from other existing Lulworthiaceae members. The ITS2 region in the Illumina sequencing results of multiple H. ovalis compartments, water, and adjacent non-seagrass sediments revealed continuous recruitment of H. hongkongensis by H. ovalis throughout the year despite dramatically fluctuating environmental conditions, with remarkably high proportions of this taxon found in root and rhizome internal tissues, possibly indicating a strong and specialized relationship established between the Lulworthiaceae fungal partner and its seagrass host. The inhibitory abilities exhibited by H. hongkongensis against Staphylococcus aureus SA29213 and ATCC 43300 (methicillin-resistant) may imply its capacity in producing (novel) antibacterial compounds. The discovery of H. hongkongensis as the first novel Lulworthiaceae taxon in Hong Kong, along with its distributional pattern in the seagrass meadow, provides valuable insights into the systematics and ecology of this strictly marine fungal family.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fungal Endophyte Research)
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Open AccessCommunication
Outbreak of Feline Sporotrichosis with Zoonotic Potential in the Seventh Health District of Maceió-AL
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Ana Paula de Castro Pires, Júllia de Oliveira Siqueira, Maria Rafaela Pereira Gomes, Janaína André da Silva, Alisson Luiz da Costa, João Paulo de Castro Marcondes and Aryanna Kelly Pinheiro Souza
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070473 - 10 Jul 2024
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a mycosis with zoonotic potential caused by species of Sporothrix. Once thought rare in northeastern Brazil, the disease has recently been spreading, leading to an emergency health issue. In this paper, we describe an outbreak of feline sporotrichosis in the
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Sporotrichosis is a mycosis with zoonotic potential caused by species of Sporothrix. Once thought rare in northeastern Brazil, the disease has recently been spreading, leading to an emergency health issue. In this paper, we describe an outbreak of feline sporotrichosis in the Seventh Health District of Maceió-AL. We collected samples from 23 domiciled and non-domiciled felines without regard for age, breed, sex, and neutering state. Skin samples were analyzed cytologically under a light microscope and seeded onto Sabouraud dextrose agar at 25 °C for from 15 to 30 days. Fifteen of the twenty-three cats with suspected skin lesions were positive for Sporothrix spp. on either cytological or microbiological evaluation. Most of the infected cats were male, young adults, non-neutered, with free access to external areas, and living in environments with poor sanitation, a high population density, and an accumulation of garbage and organic matter. Three owners were bitten or scratched by infected cats and subsequently developed suspicious cutaneous lesions suggestive of sporotrichosis. The epidemiological features of feline sporotrichosis in the outbreaks of Maceió seemed to share similarities with the data obtained from outbreaks in current hyperendemic areas. Identifying geographical sites of infection and providing compulsory notification of the disease is essential for avoiding an epidemic in Alagoas.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals, 3rd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Evolution and Genetic Differentiation of Pleurotus tuoliensis in Xinjiang, China, Based on Population Genomics
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Peisong Jia, Yarmamat Nurziya, Ying Luo, Wenjie Jia, Qi Zhu, Meng Tian, Lei Sun, Bo Zhang, Zhengxiang Qi, Zhenhao Zhao, Yueting Dai, Yongping Fu and Yu Li
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070472 - 10 Jul 2024
Abstract
Pleurotus tuoliensis is a unique species discovered in Xinjiang, China, which is recognized for its significant edible, medicinal, and economic value. It has been successfully incorporated into industrial production. Controversy has emerged concerning the evolution and environmental adaptability of this species due to
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Pleurotus tuoliensis is a unique species discovered in Xinjiang, China, which is recognized for its significant edible, medicinal, and economic value. It has been successfully incorporated into industrial production. Controversy has emerged concerning the evolution and environmental adaptability of this species due to inadequate interspecific ecology and molecular data. This study examines the germplasm resources of P. tuoliensis in the Xinjiang region. A total of 225 wild and cultivated strains of P. tuoliensis were gathered from seven representative regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that seven populations were notably segregated into three distinct groups, primarily attributed to environmental factors as the underlying cause for this differentiation. Population historical size data indicate that P. tuoliensis underwent two expansion events, one between 2 and 0.9 Mya (Miocene) and the other between 15 and 4 Mya (Early Pleistocene). The ancient climate fluctuations in the Xinjiang region might have contributed to the comparatively modest population size during the Pliocene epoch. Moreover, through the integration of biogeography and ancestral state reconstruction, it was determined that group C of P. tuoliensis emerged initially and subsequently dispersed to groups D and B, in that order. Subsequently, group D underwent independent evolution, whereas group B continued to diversify into groups A and EFG. The primary factor influencing this mode of transmission route is related to the geographical conditions and prevailing wind direction of each group. Subsequent research endeavors focused on assessing the domestication adaptability of P. tuoliensis to different substrates. It was found that the metabolic processes adapted during the domestication process were mainly related to energy metabolism, DNA repair, and environmental adaptability. Processes adapted to the host adaptability include responses to the host (meiosis, cell cycle, etc.) and stress in the growth environment (cysteine and methionine metabolism, sulfur metabolism, etc.). This study analyzed the systematic evolution and genetic differentiation of P. tuoliensis in Xinjiang. The identified loci and genes provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent improvement of germplasm resources and conducting molecular breeding.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Evolution, Biodiversity and Systematics)
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Open AccessArticle
Broad-Spectrum Efficacy and Modes of Action of Two Bacillus Strains against Grapevine Black Rot and Downy Mildew
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Robin Raveau, Chloé Ilbert, Marie-Claire Héloir, Karine Palavioux, Anthony Pébarthé-Courrouilh, Tania Marzari, Solène Durand, Josep Valls-Fonayet, Stéphanie Cluzet, Marielle Adrian and Marc Fermaud
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070471 - 9 Jul 2024
Abstract
Black rot (Guignardia bidwellii) and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) are two major grapevine diseases against which the development of efficient biocontrol solutions is required in a context of sustainable viticulture. This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the efficacy
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Black rot (Guignardia bidwellii) and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) are two major grapevine diseases against which the development of efficient biocontrol solutions is required in a context of sustainable viticulture. This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the efficacy and modes of action of bacterial culture supernatants from Bacillus velezensis Buz14 and B. ginsengihumi S38. Both biocontrol agents (BCA) were previously demonstrated as highly effective against Botrytis cinerea in grapevines. In semi-controlled conditions, both supernatants provided significant protection against black rot and downy mildew. They exhibited antibiosis against the pathogens by significantly decreasing G. bidwellii mycelial growth, but also the release and motility of P. viticola zoospores. They also significantly induced grapevine defences, as stilbene production. The LB medium, used for the bacterial cultures, also showed partial effects against both pathogens and induced plant defences. This is discussed in terms of choice of experimental controls when studying the biological activity of BCA supernatants. Thus, we identified two bacterial culture supernatants as new potential biocontrol products exhibiting multi-spectrum antagonist activity against different grapevine key pathogens and having a dual mode of action.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocontrol of Grapevine Diseases, 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Contrasting Patterns of Fungal and Bacterial Endophytes Inhabiting Temperate Tree Leaves in Response to Thinning
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Beiping Liu, Chunhuan Li, Xiuhai Zhao, Chunyu Zhang, Xinyi He, Laiye Qu and Naili Zhang
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070470 - 5 Jul 2024
Abstract
The phyllosphere is an important but underestimated habitat for a variety of microorganisms, with limited knowledge about leaf endophytes as a crucial component of the phyllosphere microbiome. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of communities and co-occurrence networks of leaf endophytes in
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The phyllosphere is an important but underestimated habitat for a variety of microorganisms, with limited knowledge about leaf endophytes as a crucial component of the phyllosphere microbiome. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of communities and co-occurrence networks of leaf endophytes in response to forest thinning in a temperate forest. As we expected, contrasting responses of fungal and bacterial endophytes were observed. Specifically, the diversity of leaf endophytic fungi and the complexity of their co-occurrence networks increased significantly with thinning intensity, whereas the complexity of endophytic bacterial co-occurrence networks decreased. In particular, microbiota inhabiting damaged leaves seem to be more intensively interacting, showing an evident fungi–bacteria trade-off under forest thinning. In damaged leaves, besides the direct effects of thinning, thinning-induced changes in neighbor tree diversity indirectly altered the diversity of leaf fungal and bacterial endophytes via modifying leaf functional traits such as leaf dry matter content and specific leaf area. These findings provide new experimental evidence for the trade-offs between leaf endophytic fungi and bacteria under the different magnitudes of deforestation, highlighting their dependence on the presence or absence of leaf damage.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Communities in Various Environments)
Open AccessArticle
Two-Sex Life Table Analysis for Optimizing Beauveria bassiana Application against Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
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Junaid Zafar, Rana Fartab Shoukat, Zhanpeng Zhu, Dongran Fu, Xiaoxia Xu and Fengliang Jin
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070469 - 4 Jul 2024
Abstract
Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly dispersive, polyphagous insect pest that severely defoliates crops. Excessive reliance on synthetic insecticides leads to ecological pollution and resistance development, urging scientists to probe eco-friendly biopesticides. Here, we explore the virulence of an entomopathogenic fungus,
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Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly dispersive, polyphagous insect pest that severely defoliates crops. Excessive reliance on synthetic insecticides leads to ecological pollution and resistance development, urging scientists to probe eco-friendly biopesticides. Here, we explore the virulence of an entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, against S. exigua, resulting in 88% larval mortality. Using an age–stage, two-sex life table, we evaluated the lethal and sublethal effects of B. bassiana on the demographic parameters of S. exigua, including survival, development, and reproduction. Sublethal (LC20) and lethal concentrations (LC50) of B. bassiana impacted the parental generation (F0), with these effects further influencing the demographic parameters of the first filial generation (F1). The infected F1 offsprings showed a reduced intrinsic rate of increase (r), mean generation time (T), and net reproduction rate (R0). Larval developmental duration varied significantly between the control (10.98 d) and treated groups (LC20: 10.42; LC50: 9.37 d). Adults in the treated groups had significantly reduced lifespans (M: 8.22; F: 7.32 d) than the control (M: 10.00; F: 8.22 d). Reduced fecundity was observed in the B. bassiana-infected groups (LC20: 313.45; LC50: 223.92 eggs/female) compared to the control (359.55 eggs/female). A biochemical assay revealed elevated levels of detoxification enzymes (esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and acetylcholinesterase) in the F0 generation after B. bassiana infection. However, the enzymatic activity remained non-significant in the F1 generation likely due to the lack of direct fungal exposure. Our findings highlight the enduring effects of B. bassiana on the biological parameters and population dynamics of S. exigua, stressing its use in eco-friendly management programs.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Entomopathogenic and Nematophagous Fungi)
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Open AccessArticle
MaAzaR, a Zn2Cys6/Fungus-Specific Transcriptional Factor, Is Involved in Stress Tolerance and Conidiation Pattern Shift in Metarhizium acridum
by
Jinyuan Zhou, Siqin Wang, Yuxian Xia and Guoxiong Peng
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070468 - 4 Jul 2024
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi are valuable sources of biological pesticides, with conidial yield and quality being pivotal factors determining their broad applications. AzaR, a fungus-specific zinc-cluster transcription factor, is known to regulate the biosynthesis of polyketone secondary metabolites in Aspergillus niger; however, its role
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Entomopathogenic fungi are valuable sources of biological pesticides, with conidial yield and quality being pivotal factors determining their broad applications. AzaR, a fungus-specific zinc-cluster transcription factor, is known to regulate the biosynthesis of polyketone secondary metabolites in Aspergillus niger; however, its role in pathogenic fungi remains unclear. This study investigated the role of MaAzaR in the growth, development, and environmental tolerance of Metarhizium acridum. MaAzaR deletion slowed down conidial germination rate, caused reduction in conidial yield, lowered fungal tolerance to UV radiation, did not affect fungal heat-shock tolerance, and increased fungal sensitivity to the cell-wall-destructive agent calcofluor white. Furthermore, MaAzaR deletion transformed microcycle conidiation to normal conidiation on the microcycle conidiation medium. Transcription profile analysis demonstrated that MaAzaR could regulate transformation of the conidiation pattern by controlling the expression of genes related to cell division, mycelium growth and development, and cell wall integrity. Thus, this study identified a new gene related to fungal conidiation and environmental tolerance, enriching our understanding of the molecular mechanism of microcycle conidiation and providing theoretical support and genetic resources for the development of high-yielding strains.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Entomopathogenic and Nematophagous Fungi)
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Open AccessArticle
A Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for the Rapid Detection of Didymella segeticola Causing Tea Leaf Spot
by
Yiyi Tu, Yuchun Wang, Hong Jiang, Hengze Ren, Xinchao Wang and Wuyun Lv
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070467 - 3 Jul 2024
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Tea leaf spot caused by Didymella segeticola is an important disease that threatens the healthy growth of tea plants (Camellia sinensis) and results in reductions in the productivity and quality of tea leaves. Early diagnosis of the disease is particularly important
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Tea leaf spot caused by Didymella segeticola is an important disease that threatens the healthy growth of tea plants (Camellia sinensis) and results in reductions in the productivity and quality of tea leaves. Early diagnosis of the disease is particularly important for managing the infection. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay is an efficient diagnostic technique with the advantages of simplicity, specificity, and sensitivity. In this study, we developed a rapid, visual, and high-sensitivity LAMP assay for D. segeticola detection based on sequence-characterized amplified regions. Two pairs of amplification primers (external primers F3 and B3 and internal primers FIP and BIP) were designed based on a specific sequence in D. segeticola (NCBI accession number: OR987684). Compared to common pathogens of other genera in tea plants and other species in the Didymella genus (Didymella coffeae-arabicae, Didymella pomorum, and Didymella sinensis), the LAMP method is specific for detecting the species D. segeticola. The assay was able to detect D. segeticola at a minimal concentration of 1 fg/μL genomic DNA at an optimal reaction temperature of 65 °C for 60 min. When healthy leaves were inoculated with D. segeticola in the laboratory, the LAMP method successfully detected D. segeticola in diseased tea leaves at 72 h post inoculation. The LAMP assays were negative when the DNA samples were extracted from healthy leaves. Leaf tissues with necrotic lesions from 18 germplasms of tea plants tested positive for the pathogen by the LAMP assay. In summary, this study established a specific, sensitive, and simple LAMP method to detect D. segeticola, which provides reliable technical support for estimating disease prevalence and facilitates sustainable management of tea leaf spot.
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Open AccessArticle
Preliminary Bioactivity Assessment of Myrothecium Species (Stachybotryaceae) Crude Extracts against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae): A First Approach from This Phytopathogenic Fungi
by
Carlos Granados-Echegoyen, José Abimael Campos-Ruiz, Rafael Pérez-Pacheco, Alfonso Vásquez-López, Ileana Vera-Reyes, Fabián Arroyo-Balán, Alberto Santillán-Fernández, Evert Villanueva-Sánchez, Clemente Villanueva-Verduzco, Alicia Fonseca-Muñoz, Fidel Diego-Nava and Yi Wang
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070466 - 2 Jul 2024
Abstract
Mosquitoes, as insect vectors, play a crucial role in transmitting viruses and parasites, leading to millions of human deaths in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extracts of three species within the genus Myrothecium (
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Mosquitoes, as insect vectors, play a crucial role in transmitting viruses and parasites, leading to millions of human deaths in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extracts of three species within the genus Myrothecium (M. roridum, M. dimerum, and M. nivale) on Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae to assess the inhibitory effect on growth and development, as well as to determine mortality. We quantify the average lethal concentrations and provide a qualitative characterization of the chemical groups responsible for their potential. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids in the ethanolic extracts of the three fungal species. Tannins were found only in the extracts of M. dimerum and M. roridum. We observed a clear dependence of the effects of the crude extracts on mosquito larvae on the concentrations used and the duration of exposure. The toxic effect was observed after 48 h at a concentration of 800 ppm for both M. dimerum and M. nivale, while M. roridum showed effectiveness after 72 h. All three species within the genus Myrothecium exhibited 100% biological activity after 72 h of exposure at 600 ppm. At lower concentrations, there was moderate growth and development inhibitory activity in the insect life cycle. The study highlights the effectiveness of crude Myrothecium extracts in combating mosquito larvae, with effects becoming apparent between 48 and 72 h of exposure. This initial approach underscores the potential of the fungus’s secondary metabolites for further in-depth analysis of their individual effects or synergies between them.
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Open AccessArticle
Recognition of Davidsoniella virescens on Fagus sylvatica Wood in Poland and Assessment of Its Pathogenicity
by
Tadeusz Kowalski and Piotr Bilański
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070465 - 29 Jun 2024
Abstract
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Davidsoniella virescens is so far only known in North America. However, recently in southern Poland, blackish growth consisting of fungal mycelia and sporulation structures was found on the wood of Fagus sylvatica. As a result of isolation, 17 cultures of this fungus
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Davidsoniella virescens is so far only known in North America. However, recently in southern Poland, blackish growth consisting of fungal mycelia and sporulation structures was found on the wood of Fagus sylvatica. As a result of isolation, 17 cultures of this fungus were obtained. All cultures produced an intense sweet odor. This fungus, both in situ and in vitro, abundantly produced perithecia with long necks and asexual stage. Particularly characteristic was the production of variable endoconidia in two types of phialophores differing mainly in the width of the collarette. The nucleotide sequences for five gene fragments of representative cultures were used in phylogenetic analyses: 18S; the internal transcribed spacer regions ITS1 and ITS2, including the 5.8S gene (ITS); 28S region of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA), β-tubulin 2 (TUB2) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1). Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses, the fungus on European beech in Poland was identified as Davidsoniella virescens. The optimal temperature for radial colony growth was 20 °C. However, the differences between colony diameter at 25 °C compared to that at the optimal temperature were not statistically significant. Six D. virescens isolates were used for pathogenicity assay. They were inoculated into wounds on stems of two-year-old seedlings of Fagus sylvatica and Acer saccharum (36 seedlings of each tree species). Final evaluation was performed 4 months after inoculation. No external symptoms were observed in any A. saccharum seedling, neither in the crown nor on the stem. However, 13.9% of F. sylvatica seedlings showed wilting symptoms throughout the entire crown within 3–6 weeks after inoculation. Moreover, after 4 months on the stems of 30.6% beech seedlings, necrotic lesions with a length of 1.3 to 7.2 cm were formed, without any symptoms of wilting. The most noticeable internal symptom was the discoloration of the wood, which was observed in all inoculated seedlings of both tree species. All D. virescens isolates caused greater wood discoloration in F. sylvatica than in A. saccharum. Most of the differences found in the extent of discoloration between host plants were statistically significant. The discoloration caused by all D. virescens isolates in F. sylvatica was significantly greater than in the control. However, none of the isolates tested on A. saccharum caused significantly greater wood discoloration compared to the control. Pathogenicity tests showed that the D. virescens isolates identified in southern Poland may pose a greater threat to native European beech than to foreign sugar maple.
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Open AccessArticle
Unmasking the Antifungal Activity of Anacardium occidentale Leaf Extract against Candida albicans
by
Luis F. Quejada, Andrea X. Hernandez, Luis C. Chitiva, Claudia P. Bravo-Chaucanés, Yerly Vargas-Casanova, Robson X. Faria, Geison M. Costa and Claudia M. Parra-Giraldo
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070464 - 29 Jun 2024
Abstract
Invasive fungal disease causes high morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients. Resistance to conventional antifungal drugs and the toxicity associated with high doses highlight the need for effective antifungal therapies. In this study, the antifungal potential of the ethanolic extract of Anacardium occidentale
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Invasive fungal disease causes high morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients. Resistance to conventional antifungal drugs and the toxicity associated with high doses highlight the need for effective antifungal therapies. In this study, the antifungal potential of the ethanolic extract of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew Leaf) leaves were evaluated against Candida albicans and C. auris. The antifungal activity was tested by the broth microdilution method and growth kinetic test. To further explore its antifungal action mode, spectrofluorophotometry, confocal microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed. Additionally, heterozygous knockout strains associated with resistance to oxidative stress were included in the study. We found that A. occidentale could inhibit the proliferation and growth of C. albicans at concentrations of 62.5 and 125 μg/mL. The doubling time was also drastically affected, going from 2.8 h to 22.5 h, which was also observed in C. auris. The extract induced the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, while it did not show cytotoxicity or hemolytic activity at the concentrations evaluated. Our work preliminarily elucidated the potential mechanisms of A. occidentale against C. albicans on a cellular level, and might provide a promising option for the design of a new treatment for invasive candidiasis.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antifungal Drugs)
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Open AccessArticle
Phytotoxic Strains of Fusarium commune Isolated from Truffles
by
Anton Zvonarev, Vasily Terentyev, Valentina Zhelifonova, Tatiana Antipova, Boris Baskunov, Aleksander Avtukh, Tatiana Abashina, Aleksey Kachalkin, Mikhail Vainshtein and Anna Kudryavtseva
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070463 - 29 Jun 2024
Abstract
Most Fusarium species are known as endophytes and/or phytopathogens of higher plants and have a worldwide distribution. Recently, information discovered with molecular tools has been also published about the presence of these fungi in the microbiome of truffle fruiting bodies. In the present
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Most Fusarium species are known as endophytes and/or phytopathogens of higher plants and have a worldwide distribution. Recently, information discovered with molecular tools has been also published about the presence of these fungi in the microbiome of truffle fruiting bodies. In the present work, we isolated and identified three Fusarium strains from truffle fruiting bodies. All isolates were assigned to the same species, F. commune, and the strains were deposited in the All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms under accession numbers VKM F-5020, VKM F-5021, and VKM F-5022. To check the possible effects of the isolated strains on the plants, the isolates were used to infect sterile seedlings of Sarepta mustard (Brassica juncea L.). This model infection led to a moderate suppression of the photosynthetic apparatus activity and plant growth. Here, we present characteristics of the F. commune isolates: description of the conidial morphology, pigmentation, and composition of the mycelium fatty acids. Overall, this is the first description of the Fusarium cultures isolated from truffle fruiting bodies. Possible symbiosis of the F. commune strains with truffles and their involvement in the cooperative fatty acid production are proposed.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Ecological Interactions of Fungi)
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Identification and Characterization of High-Molecular-Weight Proteins Secreted by Plasmodiophora brassicae That Suppress Plant Immunity
by
Yanqun Feng, Xiaoyue Yang, Gaolei Cai, Siting Wang, Pingu Liu, Yan Li, Wang Chen and Wei Li
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070462 - 29 Jun 2024
Abstract
Plasmodiophora brassicae is an obligate intracellular parasitic protist that causes clubroot disease on cruciferous plants. So far, some low-molecular-weight secreted proteins from P. brassicae have been reported to play an important role in plant immunity regulation, but there are few reports on its
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Plasmodiophora brassicae is an obligate intracellular parasitic protist that causes clubroot disease on cruciferous plants. So far, some low-molecular-weight secreted proteins from P. brassicae have been reported to play an important role in plant immunity regulation, but there are few reports on its high-molecular-weight secreted proteins. In this study, 35 putative high-molecular-weight secreted proteins (>300 amino acids) of P. brassicae (PbHMWSP) genes that are highly expressed during the infection stage were identified using transcriptome analysis and bioinformatics prediction. Then, the secretory activity of 30 putative PbHMWSPs was confirmed using the yeast signal sequence trap system. Furthermore, the genes encoding 24 PbHMWSPs were successfully cloned and their functions in plant immunity were studied. The results showed that ten PbHMWSPs could inhibit flg22-induced reactive oxygen burst, and ten PbHMWSPs significantly inhibited the expression of the SA signaling pathway marker gene PR1a. In addition, nine PbHMWSPs could inhibit the expression of a marker gene of the JA signaling pathway. Therefore, a total of 19 of the 24 tested PbHMWSPs played roles in suppressing the immune response of plants. Of these, it is worth noting that PbHMWSP34 can inhibit the expression of JA, ET, and several SA signaling pathway marker genes. The present study is the first to report the function of the high-molecular-weight secreted proteins of P. brassicae in plant immunity, which will enrich the theory of interaction mechanisms between the pathogens and plants.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Growth and Virulence of Plant Pathogenic Fungi)
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Open AccessArticle
Insights into Aspergillus fumigatus Colonization in Cystic Fibrosis and Cross-Transmission between Patients and Hospital Environments
by
Laís Pontes, Ana Luisa Perini Leme Giordano, Franqueline Reichert-Lima, Caio Augusto Gualtieri Beraquet, Guilherme Leite Pigolli, Teppei Arai, José Dirceu Ribeiro, Aline Cristina Gonçalves, Akira Watanabe, Gustavo Henrique Goldman, Maria Luiza Moretti and Angélica Zaninelli Schreiber
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070461 - 29 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background: Approximately 60% of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are affected by Aspergillus fumigatus infection. This condition is correlated with a decline in lung function and is identified as an independent risk factor contributing to hospital admissions among CF patients. This study investigates
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Background: Approximately 60% of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are affected by Aspergillus fumigatus infection. This condition is correlated with a decline in lung function and is identified as an independent risk factor contributing to hospital admissions among CF patients. This study investigates the dynamic interplay of A. fumigatus within the context of CF patients, tracing its evolution over time, with a specific emphasis on colonization dynamics. Methods: An analysis was conducted on 83 sequential A. fumigatus isolates derived from sputum samples of six patients receiving care at a renowned CF hospital in Brazil. Employing microsatellite genotyping techniques, alongside an investigation into cyp51A gene mutations, this research sheds light on the genetic variations, colonization, and resistance of A. fumigatus within the CF respiratory environment. Results: Our research findings indicate that CF patients can harbor A. fumigatus strains from the same clonal complexes for prolonged periods. Additionally, we identified that clinical isolates have the potential to spread among patients in the same healthcare facility, evidencing hospital contamination. Two patients who underwent long-term Itraconazole treatment did not show phenotypic resistance. However, one of these patients exhibited mutations in the cyp51A gene, indicating the need to monitor resistance to azoles in these patients colonized for long periods by A. fumigatus. We also observed co-colonization or co-infection involving multiple genotypes in all patients over time. Conclusion: This comprehensive examination offers valuable insights into the pathogenesis of A. fumigatus infections in CF patients, potentially shaping future therapeutic strategies and management approaches. This enhanced understanding contributes to our knowledge of A. fumigatus impact on disease progression in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Additionally, the study provides evidence of cross-contamination among patients undergoing treatment at the same hospital.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Investigators of Human Pathogenic Fungi)
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