Recent Papers
Volume 6 - 2021
43. Ligninolytic enzymes production by endophytic fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum (Desm.) Sacc. under the influence of different carbon and nitrogen sources
Kumar V, Prasher IB (2021)
42. Optimization of Mycelial Culture Conditions and Fructification of Lentinus Species Using Rice Straw and Sawdust Based Substrates
Kalaw SP et al. (2021)
41. A new record of Pluteaceae (Agaricales) from Pakistan
Khan MB et al. (2021)
40. New record of luminescent Mycena chlorophos (Mycenaceae) from Western Ghats of India
Arya CP et al. (2021)
39. The coral mushrooms Ramaria and Clavaria
Elkhateeb W et al. (2021)
38. Virulence of Pythium deliense causing soft rot in ginger, a new report from Kerala, India
Vafa AL et al. (2021)
37. Aquatic hyphomycetes in the lateritic cave streams of Southwestern India
Sharathchandra K, Sridhar KR (2021)
36. Fungi and insects as models of extraordinary symbiosis
Elkhateeb W et al. (2021)
35. Identification and evaluation of enzymatic ability of fungal endophytes from Citrofortunella microcarpa (Bunge) Wijnands
Reyes RDC et al. (2021)
34. Generation of myxomycete data from three discrete experiments using moist chamber cultures in a Neotropical forest
Rojas C et al. (2021)
Volume 6 - 2021 -
1. Global diversity and distribution of distoseptosporic micromycete Corynespora Güssow (Corynesporascaceae): An updated checklist with current status
Authors: Kumar S, Singh R, Kamal
Recieved: 10 June 2020, Accepted: 11 November 2020, Published: 06 January 2021
A review and updated checklist of Corynespora (Dematiaceous hyphomycetes) diversity and distribution reported from all over the world is prepared and presented over here based on available bibliographic survey upon published data. After critical review and verification, a total of 207 taxonomic records of Corynespora has been found in Index Fungorum, among them 179 spp. (86.47%) have been found as nomenclaurally valid/accepted taxa, while 14 spp. (6.76%) found to be transferred to other different taxa, 11 spp. (5.31%) synonymously transferred to other Corynespora taxa, and 3 spp. (1.44%) found as invalid taxa. In all word-wide recorded Corynespora species, 114 spp. (55.07%) have been found as foliicolous, 90 spp. (43.47%) as lignicolous, 2 spp. (0.96%) as lichenicolous, and 1 sp. (0.48%) from the air. Similarly, 184 spp. (88.88%) have been reported on Angiosperms, 1 sp. (0.48%) on Gymnosperms, 22 spp. (10.62%) recorded on unidentified plant parts/taxa, whereas no one species recorded on Bryophytes and Pteridophytes. Likewise, 166 spp. (80.19%) have been recorded on 54 families of Dicot, 18 spp. (8.69%) on 6 families of monocot, 1 sp. (0.48%) on 1 family of Gymnosperm, and 22 spp. (10.62%) on unidentified plant parts/taxa. Furthermore, the distribution of Corynespora spp. have been recorded from 34 countries, in which the species richness recorded maximum in India (80 spp., 38.64%) followed by China (31 spp., 14.97%), USA (11 spp., 5.31%), and other countries. Besides, distinguishing features of valid Corynespora spp. are also provided along with their hosts/substrate, host’s family, distribution (country), and references. This paper provides an updated checklist of Corynespora spp. reported from all over the world with their current status in the context of current nomenclature. In order to get all collected scientific information at one shop for further scientific study on exploration of Corynespora, this compiled up-to-date checklist with their comparative morphology would be vital and helpful to the researchers of concern fields as well as allied disciplines.
Keywords: comparative morphology – Corynespora – global distribution – hyphomycetes – review – valid taxa
2. Notes on the genus Entoloma s.l. in the Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (XI): a new species in subgenus Entoloma
Authors: Blanco-Dios JB
Recieved: 03 August 2020, Accepted: 11 January 2021, Published: 26 January 2021
Entoloma cedeirense, a new species in subgenus Entoloma, is described from in Galicia (NW of Spain). A detailed macro and micromorphological descriptions, drawings and a discussion with closely related taxa of subgenus Entoloma is provided.
Keywords: Agaricales – Basidiomycota – Entolomataceae – Spain – Taxonomy
3. First record of Eutypella vitis causing branch dieback on new host trees in Canada
Authors: Ilyukhin E, Bulgakov T, Markovskaja S
Recieved: 29 October 2020, Accepted: 31 December 2020, Published: 26 January 2021
Eutypella vitis is reported for the first time on several new host trees viz. Fagus grandifolia, Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Syringa reticulata with associated branch dieback symptoms in the Niagara Region of Southern Ontario, Canada. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of ITS sequence data confirmed the species identification. Eutypella vitis is known as a woody plant pathogen causing dieback of grapevines and other economically important fruit trees widely cultivated in Ontario. The fungus ability to infect several alternate new hosts can promote its faster and wider spread across vineyards and consequently increase a dieback hazard to viticulture in Canada.
Keywords: Diatrypaceae – Eutypa dieback – grapevines – multi-host plant pathogen
4. Endophytic mycobiota of wild medicinal plants from New Valley Governorate, Egypt and quantitative assessment of their cell wall degrading enzymes
Authors: Abdel-Sater MA, Ayat MA Abdel-Latif, Dalia A Abdel-Wahab, Al-Bedak OA
Recieved: 12 April 2020, Accepted: 26 November 2020, Published: 01 February 2021
The present study isolated and identified 32 species of endophytic mycobiota belonging to 18 genera associated with 8 wild medicinal plants collected from El-Kharga Oasis, New Valley Governorate, Egypt. Fusarium was the most common genus followed by Alternaria and Aspergillus. Convolvulus arvensis was the plant with the highest number of endophytes over the other plant species, while Moringa oleifera reported the lowest number of endophytes. In addition, the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana; was recorded for the first time from leaves of Portulaca oleracea. One hundred and twenty-three isolates representing 32 species were screened for their abilities to produce pectinase, carboxy methyl cellulase (CMCase) and avicellase enzymes on sucrose free-Cz supplemented, individually with 1% pectin or 1% CMC or 1% avicel as a sole carbon source, respectively. Ninety-four isolates produced pectinase while 66 isolates produced cellulases. The quantitative assays of the three enzymes for high-producers were performed in submerged fermentation using sucrose-free Cz broth. Aspergillus was the superior in the production of the three enzymes with the potent strains were A. terreus AUMC 14287 for CMCase (22.0 IU/ml/min) and avicellase (47.868 IU/ml/min) and A. terreus AUMC 14278 for pectinase (225.43 IU/ml/min).
Keywords: cellulose – endophytic fungi – medicinal plants – pectinase – submerged fermentation
5. New host and geographic records of five pleosporalean hyphomycetes associated with Musa spp. (Banana)
Authors: Samarakoon BC, Phookamsak R, Karunarathna SC, Jeewon R, Chomnunti P, Xu JC, Li YJ
Recieved: 09 January 2021, Accepted: 03 February 2021, Published: 24 February 2021
A study was undertaken to collect and identify saprobic fungi associated with Musa spp. (banana) from Taiwan, China, and Thailand. Samples were collected during the dry season and their morpho–molecular relationships were investigated. Five brown pleosporalean hyphomycetous taxa in Periconiaceae and Torulaceae viz. Periconia cortaderiae, P. delonicis, Torula chromolaenae, T. fici, and T. masonii were identified for the first time from Musa spp. (Musaceae). Phylogenetic analyses of a combined SSU, LSU, ITS, RPB2 and TEF DNA sequence dataset further justified the taxonomic placements of these five taxa in the above mentioned families. Periconia delonicis is reported for the first time on a monocotyledonous host and T. masonii is the first geographical record from Taiwan.
Keywords: Dothideomycetes – Periconia – Pleosporales – taxonomy – Torula
6. Aquatic fungal diversity in two freshwater ecosystems of Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Mehboob A, Ganie AH, Dar AR, Soni KK
Recieved: 15 May 2020, Accepted: 11 March 2021, Published: 17 March 2021
Aquatic fungi play an important role in litter decomposition in aquatic ecosystems. Keeping in view the importance of aquatic fungi, diversity of these organisms was studied in two freshwater ecosystems of Gaur River and Khurji Nala Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh India. During the present study, 34 fungal species and 6 chromista species have been recorded on decomposing substrates. Highest number of fungal genera were recorded in submerged litter samples of Tectona grandis followed by Dendroclamus strictus. The maximum percentage frequencies of various fungal species which colonize litter of different tree species were also recorded. The cluster analysis revealed that different fungal communities on various plant hosts vary significantly.
Keywords: Colonization – decomposing substrate – fruits – litter – mixed twigs
7. Endophytic fungal diversity of endemic carnivorous plant Nepenthes khasiana in Meghalaya, India
Authors: Naseem F, Kayang H
Recieved: 29 July 2020, Accepted: 03 February 2021, Published: 27 April 2021
The present investigation deals with the isolation of endophytic fungi from leaf, stem, root and pitcher cup tissue segments of the endemic carnivorous plant Nepenthes khaisana collected from its natural habitat for a period of one year at monthly intervals. Out of 576 tissue segments inoculated, a total of 39 fungal endophytes along with mycelia sterilia were isolated from the host plant. To assess the diversity of fungal endophytes, the colonization frequency (%CF) was first recorded using past software and MS excel. The fungal isolates were mainly composed of the phylum Ascomycota, followed by Zygomycota and Oomycota. The highest percentage colonization frequency on an average of three replicates were recorded in pitcher cup tissues followed by root, stem and least was recorded in leaf of the host plant. Among the isolates, Globisporangium irregulare (83.33%) showed high % CF in leaf, Juxtiphoma eupyrena (83.33%) reported to have maximum % CF in the stem, Talaromyces ruber (66.66%) was recorded high % CF in root and mycelia sterilia (white) were showed the highest % CF in the segments of leaf. The diversity index analyses of Shannon-Weiner, Simpson’s index, species richness and species evenness of diversity showed that leaf of N. Khasiana has the highest diversity than the other parts of the plant. So, with the help of the present finding, we conclude that the distribution of fungal endophytes and their % colonization frequencies vary within different tissues of the host plant and thus, this confirms tissue specificity nature of endophytic fungi.
Keywords: Colonization frequency – Diversity indices – Natural habitat – Pitcher plant – Tissue specificity
8. A rare medicinal fungus, Lignosus rhinocerus (Polyporales, Agaricomycetes), new to India
Authors: Vinjusha N, Arun Kumar TK
Recieved: 30 November 2020, Accepted: 25 March 2021, Published: 13 May 2021
Lignosus rhinocerus is one of the most valuable medicinal fungi used throughout South East Asia, and South China. The polypore is characterized by a stipitate basidiomata with orbicular pileus, and an underground sclerotium, a trimitic hyphal system bearing generative hyphae with clamp connections, and globose to subglobose basidiospores. Basidiomata, including the sclerotia of L. rhinocerus are used to treat various ailments. L. rhinocerus is rarely encountered in the wild and has a very restricted geographic distribution. Because of its rarity and importance, domestication and commercial cultivation of the fungus has been attempted. During study of the polyporoid fungi in forests of Kerala State, India, some interesting specimens were collected. Detailed taxonomic study of the collected specimens identified them as L. rhinocerus, with a distribution record new to India. Taxonomic account of the species is presented.
Keywords: Polyporaceae ‒ sclerotia ‒ taxonomy ‒ therapeutic ‒ tiger milk mushroom
9. A study of commonly occurring fungal diseases on stored tomatoes of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Shakya B, Aryal HP
Recieved: 29 October 2020, Accepted: 25 January 2021, Published: 24 May 2021
Fungal pathogens destruct the quality and quantity of tomato production and cause health hazards to the consumers as well as economic loss to the traders. This study was carried out to identify some fungal diseases associated with post-harvest deterioration of stored tomato fruits in three vegetable markets of Lagankhel, Balkhu and Kalimati of Kathmandu Valley. The samples were collected from selected sites in three separate trials and cultured in Potato Dextrose Agar. During investigation, 16 species belonging to 15 genera of fungi were identified. They were Alternaria alternata, A. solani, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium fulvum, Colletotrichum truncatum, Curvularia tetramera, Fusarium oxysporum, Geotrichum candidum, Mucor mucedo, Penicillium notatum, Phytophthora infestans, Phoma exigua, Pullularia pullulans, Pythium aphanidermatum and Rhizopus stolonifer. These were responsible for 15 different diseases of Alternaria fruit rot, Anthracnose, Black mold rot, Botrytis Bunch Rot, Damping off/ fruit rot, Drechslera mold, Fusarium rot, Mucor rot, Penicillium rot, Phoma blight, Phytophthora rot, Rhizopus rot, Russet, Scab and Sour rot. The presence of these fungi and corresponding rot diseases on stored tomato indicate the need for management of fungi, farm sanitation and improved market in order to prevent field-to-storage transmission of pathogens.
Keywords: Consumers – Health hazards – Pathogens – Post-harvest diseases – Traders
10. Cyathus striatus: a new record from Arunachal Pradesh and a checklist of Bird’s nest fungi in India
Authors: Niranjan M, Singh RK
Recieved: 20 November 2020, Accepted: 11 March 2021, Published: 25 May 2021
Twenty four species of Bird’s nest fungi belonging to four genera, namely Crucibulum, Cyathus, Nidula and Sphaerobolus have been reported from India with most of the reports were from Northeastern states in the Eastern Himalaya region that is well recognized for its rich biodiversity. Among these genera, Cyathus is the largest genus with 61 species documented so far in the world including 17 species from India. So far, only Cyathus poeppigii has been reported from the Eastern Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh. In the present paper, another newly recorded species Cyathus striatus, is reported with its detail taxonomic characteristics. It produces comparatively smaller basidiocarps than the earlier reported collection from Darjeeling (West Bengal). Further, the basidiospores are thin walled but comparatively larger in size. The paper also lists all Bird’s nest fungi from India with detailed information
Keywords: Agaricomycetes – Checklist – Cyathus – Eastern Himalaya
11. Diversity of Gasteromycetes in Rajasthan, India-I
Authors: Chouhan R, Panwar C
Recieved: 02 December 2020, Accepted: 16 March 2021, Published: 21 June 2021
In this paper, taxonomic descriptions of eight members of Gasteromycetes belonging to Montagnea, Phellorinia, Podaxis and Tulostoma are given. Among four Podaxis species described, Podaxis africana, P. beringamensis and P. saharianus are new records for India. Phellorinia herculeana subsp. herculeana and P. herculeana subsp. strobilina are also described herein while P. herculeana subsp. strobilina is a new record for India. Taxonomic descriptions of Montagnea haussknechtii and Tulostoma brumale reveal new insights into the rare species of Gasteromycetes confined to arid and semi-arid areas worldwide while M. haussknechtii is a new record for India.
Keywords: edible mushrooms – Montagnea – Phellorinia – Podaxis – Tulostoma
12. Endophytic fungi: a source of potential anticancer compounds
Authors: Palwe SD, Borde MY, Sonawane HB
Recieved: 03 February 2021, Accepted: 19 May 2021, Published: 23 June 2021
Bioactive metabolites produced by different endophytic fungi have wide range of applications in pharmaceutical and herbal medicine research. In contrast to plants, they are barely investigated to their boundless possibilities as storehouses of novel bioactive metabolites. They produce diverse metabolites by different biosynthetic pathways with the host plant. Enthusiasm for endophytes as a characteristic asset for new drugs was roused by the disclosure of paclitaxel-producing endophytic fungi. Anticancer activity is by and large connected with the cytotoxicity of the compounds present in the endophytic fungi. Phylogenetic classification of endophytic fungi is of great interest to mycologists as they can produce novel bioactive compounds with antitumor activity. This article audits anticancer compounds derived from endophytic fungi disengaged from the separate host plant. The endophytic fungi have been grouped by their host plants and anticancer compound synthesized.
Keywords: antitumor activity – bioactive metabolites – classification – host plant – isolation
13. Lichens of the Sirumalai hills, Eastern Ghats with one genus and six species new to India
Authors: Nayaka S, Joseph S, Rajaram SK, Natesan S, Sankar K, David MLR, Upreti DK
Recieved: 13 April 2021, Accepted: 19 June 2021, Published: 05 August 2021
Lichens of Sirumalai hills are reported here for the first time. Lichen biota comprised of 95 species. The genus Japewiella is reported for the first time in India and is represented by J. tavaresiana (H. Magn.) Printzen. Furthermore, the following six taxa including one variety are new to India viz. Arthonia atra (Pers.) A. Schneid., Graphis brevicarpa M. Nakan., Kashiw. & K.H. Moon, Micarea erratica (Körb.) Hertel, Rambold & Pietschm., Pertusaria cicatricosa var. deficiens A.W. Archer, Elix & Streimam, Porina subargillacea Müll Arg., and Pyxine schmidtii Vain. Brief accounts for all the new records to India are provided to facilitate their identification. Arthonia redingeri Grube and Lepraria caesiella R.C. Harris are reported for the first time from south India. Besides all above, 29 species are recorded for the first time from the state of Tamil Nadu. The lichen biota of the area is primarily corticolous in habitats and dominated by crustose form.
Keywords: lichenized fungi – new records – south India – Tamil Nadu – tropical lichens
14. New records of Graphidaceae (lichenized fungi) from the Western Ghats of Kerala state, India
Authors: Biju H, Sabeena A, Nayaka S
Recieved: 08 January 2021, Accepted: 02 March 2021, Published: 05 August 2021
In the present paper, 15 lichenized fungal species belonging to family Graphidaceae are described, of which Ocellularia albomaculata, O. ascidioidea, O. kanneliyensis, O. monosporoides, O. pertusariiformis and O. rhicnopora are new records to Indian lichen biota and Pallidogramme chrysenteron is new to Peninsular India, whereas Asteristion alboolivaceum, Chapsa hiata, Diploschistes rampoddensis, Fissurina rubiginosa, Pseudochapsa phlyctidioides, Thelotrema canarense, T. piluliferum and T. subtile are new to lichen biota of Kerala state.
Keywords: Ascomycota – Biodiversity – Taxonomy
15. Polyurethane-degrading fungi from soils contaminated with rocket propellant and their ability to decompose alkyne terminated polybutadiene with urethane
Authors: Ren GC, Pang AM, Gao Y, Wu SX, Ge ZQ, Zhang TF, Wanasinghe DN, Khan S, Mortimer PE, Xu JC, Gui H
Recieved: 09 April 2021, Accepted: 17 June 2021, Published: 05 August 2021
A large amount of propellant materials are produced every year, and storage and disposal of these propellant materials seriously contributes to environmental pollution. Alkyne terminated polybutadiene with urethane segments (PUPB) is the macromolecule backbone of these propellant materials, and degradation of PUPB is central to the eco-friendly treatment of propellant materials. In this study, we isolated a polyurethane (PU)- and PUPB-degrading fungus from soils contaminated with rocket propellant, and the fungus H14 was identified as Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. based on macro- and micro-morphology as well as phylogenetic analyses. The ability of F. solani H14 to degrade PU film and PUPB patches was evaluated via mass loss, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and enzyme production ability. Mass loss analyses revealed a 25.8 % reduction in mass of PU and 1.3 % reduction in mass of PUPB after F. solani H14 was incubated with PU and PUPB for 90 days, respectively. We found that F. solani H14 mycelia significantly colonized both PU and PUPB. SEM images showed that the surface of PU films and PUPB patches formed holes, underwent folding and experienced damage as well as irregular fissuring from the erosion of fungal hypha. Moreover, two possible degradative enzymes, lipase and esterase, were produced by F. solani. Our study opens a new avenue of research for eco-friendly treatments of explosive materials and propellants. This paper represents the first article on the degradation of PUPB patches.
Keywords: enzyme – Fusarium solani – mass loss – PU – PUPB
16. Research on arbuscular mycorrhizae in Cuba: a historical review and future perspectives
Authors: Furrazola E, Torres-Arias Y, Ojeda-Quintana L, Fors RO, Rodríguez-Rodríguez R, Ley-Rivas JF, Mena A, González-González S, Berbara RLL, Queiroz MB, Hamel C, Goto BT
Recieved: 10 November 2020, Accepted: 04 May 2021, Published: 14 September 2021
This review presents the development of researches on arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) conducted in Cuba, a tropical Caribbean island rich in biodiversity. The key findings from this work are highlighted and presented as a stepping stone for future research. Cuban research has contributed to understand the diversity and functionality of AM in several tropical ecosystems, mainly evergreen forests, agroecosystems, sand dunes and pasturelands. Inventories were conducted in 10 out of 16 provinces reported 79 AM species, representing 25% of the known species worldwide. Cuban researchers have a great deal of expertise in Glomeromycota taxonomy and have described 11 new species, of which six were not reported elsewhere in the world. Furthermore, important studies conducted in Cuba have shed light on the mycotrophic plants, the role of AM in forest ecosystems, and their use in crop production. The contribution of AM to ecosystem processes is a priority line of research. Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary researches are necessary to define the role of AM symbioses and improve biogeochemical models. Recently created Cuban Mycorrhizal Research Network will help to coordinate validation campaigns for various biofertilizers with training courses for Cuban farmers to disseminate the key results on AM. Despite the challenges for Cuban mycorrhizologists, molecular (genomic) techniques, stable isotopes and nuclear magnetic resonance should also be included as priority lines of research in the future.
Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi – diversity – ecosystems – mycorrhizal research – symbiotic associations
17. Contributions to the family Ascobolaceae of India
Authors: Yatoo SF, Phate PV, Wani TA
Recieved: 31 December 2020, Accepted: 04 May 2021, Published: 14 September 2021
The present paper provides a checklist of reported species from genera Ascobolus Pers. and Saccobolus Boud. in India with one additional first record from India, Saccobolus depauperatus. In addition, A. brassicae, A. furfuraceus, A. foliicola, A. saccharifereus, Saccobolus depauperatus and S. glaber are reported for the first time from Kashmir, India and descriptions and photomicroplates of all said species are provided for their easy identification.
Keywords: Ascomata – episporium – operculate – saprobic
18. Diatrypella macrospora, a new host and geographical record from Forlì-Cesena, Italy
Authors: Carpouron JE, Wijesinghe SN, Shang QJ, Perera RH, Camporesi E, Hyde KD
Recieved: 30 December 2020, Accepted: 29 April 2021, Published: 14 September 2021
During a microfungi survey in the Province of Forlì-Cesena, Italy, a diatrypaceous taxon was collected on a dead branch of Quercus cerris (Fagaceae, Fagales). Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS and β-tubulin sequence data identified the taxon as Diatrypella macrospora. This represents a new host and geographical record for D. macrospora. This new collection is similar to the holotype, but differs in having shorter perithecial necks and smaller ascospores with marked curvature. In this account, a detailed description, colour photographs and phylogenetic analyses are provided to represent the new record of D. macrospora.
Keywords: Diatrypaceae – Italy – ITS – morphology – phylogeny
19. Antifungal effects of Ocimum Kilimandscharicum oil on Aspergillus flavus Infecting Maize after Harvest
Authors: Kaguchia SM, Birgen JK, Lang’at-Thoruwa C, Akwa TE
Recieved: 30 March 2021, Accepted: 23 June 2021, Published: 14 September 2021
Maize is consumed throughout the year in Kenya. Storage facilities of Maize vary with the economic status of the producers. Poor resource producers are likely to have unsuitable storage facilities whose conditions may predispose stored maize to post-harvest fungal infections. The most frequently encountered fungus in stored maize is Aspergillus flavus which produces aflatoxins that causes teratogenic, carcinogenic, mutagenic and hepatotoxic problems. Fungicides are used to control post-harvest fungi, but these have health implications. Hence an alternative safe method is the use of plant-based products which have anti-fungal compounds. This study was therefore designed to evaluate growth inhibitory effects of Ocimum kilimandscharicum oil on Aspergillus flavus. The leaves were collected from the plants growing naturally in Ruiru in Kiambu County, and the leaves were air dried in a shed, and oil was extracted through hydro-distillation. A total of 80 kg of threshed stored maize collected from randomly selected farms in Murang’a County were used to isolate Aspergillus flavus. Fungal growth experiments were done on PDA amended with different concentrations of the oil. Significant (p ˂ 0.001) inhibition of fungal radial growth occurred at oil concentration of 3.33 ul/ml. However, concentrations above 6.67ul/ml totally inhibited the growth of the fungus. Similarly, significantly (p ˂ 0.001) large zones of inhibition were observed in the highest concentration of 400 ul/ml. From the results, it can be concluded that O. kilimandscharicum oil acts against Aspergillus flavus and is a potential source for developing an antifungal agent. It is recommended that the efficacy of this oil needs to be tested on other post-harvest fungi.
Keywords: Aflatoxins – Kenya – Mycelia inhibition – post-harvest fungi – storage conditions
20. Cultivation of different strains of Lentinus tigrinus from selected areas of Luzon Island, Philippines
Authors: Kalaw SP, De Leon AM, Damaso Jr. EJ, Ramos JC, del Rosario MAG, Abon MD, Undan JR, Dulay RMR, Reyes RG
Recieved: 11 May 2021, Accepted: 17 June 2021, Published: 14 September 2021
Lentinus tigrinus is a wood-decaying species of macrofungi that belongs to family Polyporaceae. This mushroom is known to be edible and with medicinal attributes. In this study, cultivation of different strains of Lentinus tigrinus using rice straw-sawdust based substrate is reported. Results showed that the shortest incubation period was observed in strain 10 (16.60 days), and the longest was noted in strain 1 (40.50 days). However, strain 10 showed the earliest appearance of fruiting initials (20.70 days), and strain 1 had the longest period (44 days). In terms of fruiting body size, strain 6 recorded the widest mean pileus diameter (72.2 mm), and strain 10 had the longest mean stipe length (41.22 mm). Moreover, strain 6 produced the highest yield of 81.83 g and biological efficiency of 16.37%. Interestingly, although they belong to the same species, cultivation phase and fruiting body performance of different strains of L. tigrinus may also vary depending on geographical origin, which is very important to consider in strain selection.
Keywords: biological efficiency – mushroom – mycelia – spawn – strain
21. Neofomitella guangxiensis and Sebipora aquosa newly recorded white rot polypores from India
Authors: Vinjusha N, Arun Kumar TK
Recieved: 03 July 2020, Accepted: 25 May 2021, Published: 23 September 2021
As a part of the documentation of the polyporoid fungi of Kerala State, India, two interesting polypore specimens were collected. Morphological and molecular characterization revealed the identity of two species as Neofomitella guangxiensis and Sebipora aquosa, which were reported as new records to India. We present the taxonomy of the two species based on morphology and molecular phylogenetic data.
Keywords: Gelatoporiaceae ‒ Polyporaceae ‒ Polyporales ‒ phylogeny ‒ wood decaying fungi
22. Molecular identification and in vitro interaction of molds associated with dry rot of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) collected in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines
Authors: Carreon GAD, Gandalera EE, Waing KGD
Recieved: 09 August 2020, Accepted: 05 May 2021, Published: 23 September 2021
Solanum tuberosum L. from the Solanaceae family is one of the most important agricultural crops grown in the Philippines next to rice. Unfortunately, harvested potatoes were plagued with various fungal diseases resulting to occurrence of dry rot affecting the production and harvest of potatoes. Dry rot in potatoes is caused by several fungal species in the genus Fusarium. Hence, this study aimed to isolate and identify fungal species associated with dry rot disease of potato. Potatoes showing diseased symptoms of dry rot were randomly selected and collected from various traders in La Trinidad, Benguet and were subjected for fungal isolation through serial dilution and plating. Identification was done through observation of cultural and morphological characteristics as well as DNA barcoding using ITS region. A total of six fungal species were subjected into BLAST which revealed the following species: Aspergillus flavus (100.00%), A. fumigatus (100.00%), A. niger (99.82%), Fusarium oxysporum (95.06%), F. solani (100.00%) and Mucor velutinosus (96.45%). To establish possible fungal species as potential biocontrol agent that would lessen the use of harmful chemicals, the identified fungal organisms were interacted with one another through in vitro interaction. Results showed that fungi exhibited antagonistic interaction against each other. Hyphal denaturation, hyphal penetration, hyphal coiling and cell lysis, were observed through microscopic observation. Meanwhile, M. velutinosus showed the ability to penetrate the host hyphae of the F. solani and F. oxysporum. Therefore, Mucor velutinosus could be a potential biological control agent against Fusarium species, which can reduce the use of harmful fungicides in controlling fungal diseases in potato that causes dry rot.
Keywords: antagonism – fungal diseases – hyphal interaction – Mucor velutinosus
23. Claroideoglomus etunicatum and Pantoea dispersa significantly enhance growth and nutrition of broom grass
Authors: Nikhil Sai N, Ashwin R, Bagyaraj DJ, Venugopala Rao R
Recieved: 28 December 2020, Accepted: 03 August 2021, Published: 23 September 2021
Broom grass (Thysanolaena maxima) is an evergreen non-timber forest produce species. This grass is now domesticated for cultivation by farmers. It is a multi-purpose grass providing mainly inflorescence used as brooms for cleaning every household and also fodder for cattle, fuel wood for cooking and thus enhance farmers income. An earlier pot culture study brought out that Claroideoglomus etunicatum as the best arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) and Pantoea dispersa as the best plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for inoculating broom grass. In the present investigation, a pot culture experiment was conducted in glasshouse to study the effect of individual and combined inoculation of C. etunicatum and P. dispersa on the growth of broom grass. The plant height, stem girth, biovolume index, plant dry weight, major and minor nutrient concentrations were significantly higher in plants inoculated with C. etunicatum + P. dispersa compared to inoculation with either of them. It was concluded that dual inoculation with the two selected beneficial microorganisms is best for enhancing the growth and yield of broom grass which in turn will improve the livelihood of the farmers.
Keywords: Microbial consortia – Mycorrhiza symbiosis – Thysanolaena maxima
24. Evaluation of angiosuppressive activity of Pleurotus florida on developing chick embryo using chorioallantoic membrane assay
Authors: Zacarias RC, Kalaw SP, De Leon AM
Recieved: 24 March 2021, Accepted: 14 July 2021, Published: 23 September 2021
Angiogenesis is the proliferation of new blood vessels that enable the normal embryonic development and may also induce growth of numerous pathologies like tumor growth and cancer metastasis. The assays were used for both pro and anti-angiogenic agents. This study evaluated the angiosuppressive activity of Pleurotus florida on the developing chick embryo using chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and used destructive sampling into four different treatment concentrations and a control. The result revealed a decrease in the number of blood vessels branch points formed after 24, 48, and 72 hours at higher treatment concentrations (0.50% and 1%). Statistical analysis showed that 24 hours and 48 hours of exposure to various concentrations have no significant difference. Nevertheless, after 72 hours of exposure, the mean blood vessel branch points formed showed a significant difference among the treatment means between the highest concentration of P. florida (1%) and the control treatment (sterile water). In terms of the percentage of angiosuppressive activity of P. florida with the greatest angiogenic effect, which was the 1% P. florida treatment concentration possesses 35.69% and 36.85% angiosuppressive rate after 48 and 72 hours of exposure respectively. Thus, this study showed that P. florida lyophilized hot water extract exhibits angiosuppressive activity on the developing chick embryo using chorioallantoic membrane assay and is concentration and time exposure dependent.
Keywords: angiogenesis – blood vessels – destructive sampling – embryonic development – pathologies
25. Additions to the lichen flora of Assam with special reference to Astrothelium alboverrucoides, a new record to India
Authors: Daimari R, Islary P, Brahma S, Basumatary S, Goswami JP, Nayaka S, Joseph S
Recieved: 06 October 2020, Accepted: 08 June 2021, Published: 07 October 2021
The present study enumerates the diversity of corticolous lichens from Kokrajhar district of Assam state. The study records 54 species of lichens belonging to 21 genera and 14 families. Majority of the species are crustose (44 species) and 10 are foliose. One of the species, Astrothelium alboverrucoides is a new record to India while five species viz.,Graphis sayeri, Hemithecium croceum, Malmidea piperis, Ocellularia allosporoides and Porina belanospora are new additions to the lichen biota of Assam. Among the species, nine are endemic to India. Graphidaceae is the dominant family and Dirinaria consimilis is frequently found in all the study sites. This indicates its scope for future applications in other studies related to lichens in the region.
Keywords: Corticolous ‒ Enumeration ‒ Ultapani Forest range ‒ University campus
26. Diversity of Gasteromycetes in Rajasthan, India-II
Authors: Chouhan R, Panwar C
Recieved: 19 April 2021, Accepted: 26 September 2021, Published: 27 October 2021
In an attempt to elucidate the gasteromycetes flora of the State of Rajasthan, India, extensive mycofloristic surveys were carried out to record the occurrence of diverse fungi on a wide range of substrates, habitats and environment conditions. Taxonomic descriptions of six species of gasteromycetes resulted from the surveys are presented herein viz. Bovista limosa, B. pusilla, Pisolithus albus, P. arrhizus, Scleroderma bovista and S. citrinum. All the taxa are new records for Rajasthan.
Keywords: ectomycorrhizal – edible – fungi – gleba – peridium – spores
27. Diversity of wood – decaying fungi in Haikou Forestry Farm, Yunnan Province, P.R. China
Authors: He X, Chen JZ, Zhao CL
Recieved: 19 February 2021, Accepted: 06 October 2021, Published: 28 October 2021
Nine field trips carried out in Haikou Forestry Farm, Yunnan Province, P.R. China resulted in 681 specimens of wood-decaying fungi. The present paper summarizes 52 species collected that are distributed in 37 genera, 16 families, 6 orders including their hosts and substrates. A checklist of wood-decaying fungi in Haikou Forestry Farm is also given. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS nrRNA gene region was performed for all the collected samples with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods. The phylogenetic tree showed that fifty-two species nested in sixteen families belonging to six orders in Agaricomycetes.
Keywords: Basidiomycota ‒ biological resources ‒ diversity ‒ Haikou Forestry Farm ‒ mycota
28. Dominance of monoverticillate penicilli in the cold arid soils of Drass valley, India
Authors: Nonzom S, Sumbali G
Recieved: 30 December 2020, Accepted: 25 February 2021, Published: 29 October 2021
During a mycological survey of soil from Drass Valley (3200 msl), more than 40 filamentous fungal isolates belonging to different genera were recovered. Among the recovered isolates, penicilli were found to be the dominant genus and were represented by thirteen species viz., Penicillium adametzi, P. bilaiae, P. citrinum, P. herquei, P. implicatum, P. italicum, P. miczynskii, P. resedanum, P. restrictum, P. roseopurpureum, P. sclerotiorum, P. verrucosum and P. vinaceum. Of these, at least 8 Penicillium species were found to be monoverticillate, 3 biverticillate and 2 were terverticillate. Soils of mountains represent environments that prove challenging for the diverse living entities including the microfungi. Since, Drass is the coldest place in India, it is probable that due to extreme and stress conditions that prevail almost throughout the year, these monoverticillate Penicillium species have adapted and evolved over the years as the simplest reproductive structures that can be produced at low metabolic costs.
Keywords: Higher prevalence – India – low temperature – Penicillium – Taxonomy
29. Talaromyces peaticola (Aspergillaceae, Eurotiales), a new species from the Zoige wetlands, China
Authors: Tian JQ, Wang YF, Sun JZ
Recieved: 10 March 2021, Accepted: 17 July 2021, Published: 01 November 2021
Species in Talaromyces section Trachyspermi are isolated from a wide range of substrates, including soil, house dust, leaf, wood and fruit from temperate region to tropical areas. During a survey of fungal diversity in Zoige wetlands, three isolates with biverticillate adpressed penicilli and spheroidal conidia belonging to Talaromyces are isolated from peat soil. Phylogenetic analyses based on a combined ITS, BenA, CaM and RPB2 sequence data suggests they represent a novel taxon in Talaromyces section Trachyspermi, namely Talaromyces peaticola. In spite of T. peaticola has a close affinity to T. diversus in phylogeny, it is readily distinguished from the later, resulted from growing slowly on CREA at 25ºC, exudating small clear droplets on MEA, and producing smaller conidia than that of T. diversus.
Keywords: 1 new taxon – peatland – Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau – taxonomy
30. Growth promoting effect of microbial inoculants on Acacia nilotica grown under nursery conditions
Authors: Dash S, Gupta N
Recieved: 04 May 2021, Accepted: 20 August 2021, Published: 01 November 2021
Present study was carried out on Acacia nilotica seedlings grown under different bioinoculation treatments by using laboratory grown liquid cultures of 10 fungal isolates, 11 Rhizobium isolates and 5 other bacterial isolates. Microbial cultures were screened for their effects on growth of Acacia nilotica grown in greenhouse conditions. The selected microbial inoculants were assessed as considering their individual performance or in combination with the other inoculants in specific ratios. The higher performance was shown with the combination of Penicillum chrysogenum Thom. 1, B 5 bacterial isolate, R10 and /or R11 isolates of Rhizobium. Further, it was observed that the above microbial mixed culture inoculation was promoted plant growth specifically number of leaves and the leaf biomass. Therefore, nursery application of mixed microbial inoculants, specifically as above could be beneficial for the production of quality planting material (QPM) of Acacia nilotica and subsequent field applications.
Keywords: Acacia nilotica – Aspergillus – Growth – Penicillium – Phosphate solubilization – Rhizobium
31. Global perspectives on the ecological, cultural and socioeconomic relevance of wild edible fungi
Authors: Pérez-Moreno J, Mortimer PE, Xu J, Karunarathna SC, Li H
Recieved: 23 May 2021, Accepted: 03 October 2021, Published: 18 November 2021
Wild edible fungi (WEF), including mushrooms and truffles, comprise a natural source of nutritious and healthy food. The consumption of WEF began at least 18,700 years ago during the Stone Age. Current data from over 100 countries indicates the existence of more than 2,100 edible species, a figure that is continually growing, as vast regions and many cultures remain understudied. However, only around 30 species of WEF are grown commercially at a large-scale. WEF also play a key ecological role in the structure and functioning of natural ecosystems and have significantly contributed in shaping all life on the planet. Either as food, medicine or both, they are important for the survival, cultures, and economies of hundreds of ethnic groups around the globe. Over the last 15 years, there has been a noteworthy increase in the international trade of WEF, which is currently estimated at billions (USD) annually. In 2017, the WEF global trade, of either fresh or processed products, exceeded 1,230,000 tonnes. Due to their ecological, sociocultural and economic importance, the international WEF trade has a role to play in the post-pandemic recovery period. The main challenge of this period will be maintaining natural ecosystems while simultaneously improving human wellbeing. Critical elements of this challenge include ensuring food security, enhancing rural development, creating sustainable jobs, mitigating hunger, and slowing the loss of traditional knowledge generated over millennia. This review analyzes the ways in which sustainable use of WEF could contribute to achieving these goals.
Keywords: Biocultural importance – Edible Wild Mushrooms – Global Sustainable Development – Socioeconomic value – Traditional knowledge
32. Ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with Pinus gerardiana in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Tapwal A, Kapoor KS, Thakur Y, Kumar A
Recieved: 14 December 2020, Accepted: 05 June 2021, Published: 23 November 2021
Investigations on the diversity of ectomycorrhizal macrofungi associated with Pinus gerardiana in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh revealed the associations of 22 ectomycorrhizal fungi belonging to 12 genera in 11 families. The dominant genus was Geastrum (4 species), followed by Russula and Suillus (3 species each); Boletus, Ramaria and Scleroderma (2 species each) and rest of the genera were represented by one species each. Among these, Scleroderma polyrhizum had the highest frequency of occurrence and was recorded in most of the sites. Maximum diversity was recorded beyond 2500m above mean sea level. Morpho-anatomical study of mycorrhizal roots revealed typical ectomycorrhizal association exhibiting well-developed mantle and hartig net.
Keywords: Chilgoza Pine – Ectomycorrhiza – Kinnaur – Macro-fungi
33. Role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in sustainable crop production and forestry in Sri Lanka – A review
Authors: Madhushan KWA, Herath BMMD, Karunarathna SC, Yapa PN
Recieved: 15 June 2021, Accepted: 15 September 2021, Published: 23 November 2021
Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between a soil-borne fungus and plant root. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are the most common type of mycorrhizal associations occurring in plants. AMF can increase plant growth mainly by improving nutrient uptake and making plants resistant to several biotic and abiotic stresses. Thus, AMF could be referred to as an important biofertilizer for the crop production. However, in Sri Lankan context, seems the knowledge and use of AMF is limited, though there is a great potential of using AMF for sustainable crop production and forestry. This review provides an overview on the benefits of AMF for agriculture and forestry with the studies that have been carried out to attain them, in Sri Lanka.
Keywords: Agriculture – Arbuscular mycorrhizae – Biofertilizer – Forestry
34. Generation of myxomycete data from three discrete experiments using moist chamber cultures in a Neotropical forest
Authors: Rojas C, Rollins AW, Valverde R
Recieved: 20 August 2021, Accepted: 26 August 2021, Published: 23 November 2021
The moist chamber technique is widely used in ecological research on myxomycetes. However, limited assessments on the usefulness of the technique have been carried out using empirical data. In the present study, three discrete experiments were carried out in a tropical forest in Costa Rica with the main objective of providing meaningful parameters for the design of future studies in similar environments. All three experiments showed that results could be maximized for representativeness by designing studies that purposedly target ecological components of the studied system. In a comparison of recorded data at three heights above the forest ground, a significantly higher number of records and species were observed in the higher vertical partitions, suggesting that collecting research material from the ground, in this ecological setting, reduces the probability of recording the highest species diversity. However, the ground level was associated with a high number of records and species within the genus Didymium, offering relevant information for studies targeting this genus. Similarly, based on effort, results from the present study suggest that a collecting effort designed to record system variability represents a superior cost-benefit situation for synecological studies than a more intense effort designed only for a limited spatial or temporal space, which in turn would reduce the ecological significance of the resultant data.
Keywords: laboratory isolation – microcosm – research methods – slime molds
35. Identification and evaluation of enzymatic ability of fungal endophytes from Citrofortunella microcarpa (Bunge) Wijnands
Authors: Reyes RDC, Parayao AM, Waing KGD
Recieved: 21 August 2020, Accepted: 02 March 2021, Published: 23 November 2021
the most important marketable fruit crops grown in the Philippines. Aside from being a fruit crop, the plant also houses various endophytic microorganisms which exhibit various symbiotic relationships. Thus, this study isolated fungal endophytes from C. microcarpa stem and leaves and were identified culturally and morphologically. The identities of the fungal species were confirmed using ITS1 and ITS4 sequences. The identified fungal endophytes were tested for their ability to produce fungal enzymes such as amylase, cellulase, laccase and protease. Totally 11 fungal endophytes were isolated from stem and leaves of C. microcarpa namely, Colletotrichum fructicola, Colletorichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum siamense, Fusarium oxysporum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Nigrospora oryzae, Nigrospora rubi, Nodulisporium indicum, Phomopsis azadirachtae, Phyllosticta capitalensis, and an unidentified species under the Order Pleosporales. All the identified endophytic fungal species showed production of amylase. For the cellulose assay, four species namely L. theobromae, N. oryzae, C. gloeosporioides, and the unidentified species had potential for cellulose degradation. Fusarium oxysporum and P. azadirachtae were found to be producers of laccase. Meanwhile, only the unidentified species showed extracellular protease activity.
Keywords: enzymes – extracellular – ITS primers – Pleosporales
36. Fungi and insects as models of extraordinary symbiosis
Authors: Elkhateeb W, Karunarathna SC, Daba GM
Recieved: 16 July 2021, Accepted: 21 November 2021, Published: 09 December 2021
Symbiosis among microorganisms represents an interesting relationship that takes different shapes. Obligatory, facultative, and endosymbiotic relationships have all been reported between different microorganisms. Whether it is mutualism, commensalism, amensalism, or parasitism, understanding every association is of great importance to science and humanity. Knowing how these creatures benefit from each other may be useful for biocontrol purposes, or even for discovery of novel metabolites that result from these associations, and which may not be produced by the individual species. In this review, five examples of symbiosis were presented, including among the Laboulbeniales; Septobasidium; Ambrosia Fungi and Beetles; Leaf-cutter ants and their fungus gardens; and finally, termites and Termitomyces. Moreover, the benefits each partner is getting were highlighted, and uniqueness in every form of those symbiosis models was simply described.
Keywords: Ambrosia Fungi – Beetles – Fungus garden – Laboulbeniales – Leaf-cutter ants –Septobasidium – Symbiosis
37. Aquatic hyphomycetes in the lateritic cave streams of Southwestern India
Authors: Sharathchandra K, Sridhar KR
Recieved: 15 April 2021, Accepted: 01 November 2021, Published: 17 December 2021
For the first time, assemblage and diversity of aquatic hyphomycetes were investigated in four lateritic cave streams of the southwest coast of India. This study includes physicochemical features of cave habitats and stream waters. Species richness, diversity and equitability of aquatic hyphomycetes in foam, water, leaf litter and woody litter (bark and cambium) have been investigated. These cave streams yielded up to 21 species of aquatic hyphomycetes, which is comparable to the population in nearby streams. The leaf litter of cave streams consist of highest number of species, while it was the lowest in the foam samples (15 vs. 7 spp.). Cave stream water, bark and cambium consist of 14, 11 and 9 species, respectively. Simpson’s and Shannon’s diversities were the highest in water samples, while the Pielou’s equitability was highest in foam samples. The species richness as well as the core-group (highly frequent) aquatic hyphomycetes are comparable with nearby streams. Actinospora megalospora, Anguillospora angulata, A. crassa, Condylospora spumigena, Ingoldiella fibulata and Trinacrium subtile were the new records to the coastal region of southwest India.
Keywords: Bark cambium diversity – foam leaf litter water woody litter
38. Virulence of Pythium deliense causing soft rot in ginger, a new report from Kerala, India
Authors: Vafa AL, Anju JV, Rajan PP
Recieved: 23 August 2021, Accepted: 17 November 2021, Published: 21 December 2021
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) rhizome is widely used as a spice and medicine and, its large-scale production is being seriously affected by several fungal and bacterial diseases. Soft rot disease caused by various species of Pythium is the most destructive among them. Samples showing soft rot symptoms were collected from the ginger fields of Kozhikode and Wayanad districts of Kerala. Detailed study of the morphology, growth parameters and molecular characteristics of the fungal isolates confirmed the identity of Pythium deliense. The pathogenicity of the isolates was demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo methods. This is the first report of the pathogen, P. deliense causing soft rot in ginger from Kerala, India.
Keywords: isolation – pathogenicity - rhizome – spice – Zingiber officinale
39. The coral mushrooms Ramaria and Clavaria
Authors: Elkhateeb W, Elnahas M, Wenhua L, Galappaththi MCA, Daba GM
Recieved: 15 August 2021, Accepted: 06 December 2021, Published: 24 December 2021
The need to improve the quality life together with the increase in the frequency of threating diseases direct the attention of many scientists to look for potential foods as a source of nutritional and therapeutical agents. Since ancient times, several mushrooms have been reported as a nutritious food with valuable medicinal properties. The genus Ramaria and Clavaria belonging to coral fungi are a group of edible mushrooms that are distributed all over the world. The studies on different species of Ramaria and Clavaria have revealed their medicinal potentials. This review aims to present the importance of genera Ramaria and Clavaria as both food and medicine, and they offer new insights to researchers to develop new drugs and nutraceuticals.
Keywords: Edible mushrooms – Nutritional value – Therapeutic potential – Wild medicinal mushrooms
40. New record of luminescent Mycena chlorophos (Mycenaceae) from Western Ghats of India
Authors: Arya CP, Ratheesh S, Pradeep CK
Recieved: 14 July 2021, Accepted: 14 December 2021, Published: 27 December 2021
An interesting luminescent Mycena was collected from dead bamboo culms on several occasions from an evergreen forest in Kerala State, India. Detailed morphological and molecular studies with nrITS sequence data confirmed it as Mycena chlorophos. A reappraisal of the species along with comprehensive description, photographs and a discussion with related species is provided. This forms the first record of this species from India.
Keywords: Bioluminescent – new record – nrITS – Omphalotaceae – Pleurotaceae – Physalacriaceae
41. A new record of Pluteaceae (Agaricales) from Pakistan
Authors: Khan MB, Ishaq M, Fiaz M, Saba M, Wenhua L, Galappaththi MCA, Khalid AN
Recieved: 03 August 2021, Accepted: 28 October 2021, Published: 28 December 2021
During a survey of agarics from the Himalayan moist temperate regions in Pakistan, a new record Volvariella taylorii was collected. Full description, color images of basidiocarps, drawings of microscopic features, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of the taxon are provided.
Keywords: phylogeny – pink gills – taxonomy – volva – Volvariella taylorii
42. Optimization of Mycelial Culture Conditions and Fructification of Lentinus Species Using Rice Straw and Sawdust Based Substrates
Authors: Kalaw SP, Dulay RMR, Damaso EJ, Ramos JC, del Rosario MAG, Abon MD, De Leon AM, Undan JR, Reyes RG
Recieved: 15 August 2021, Accepted: 05 December 2021, Published: 28 December 2021
Lentinus (Basidiomycota, Polyporaceae) species are naturally-occurring mushrooms with nutritional and pharmacological importance. Unlike shiitake Lentinula edodes, a widely cultivated mushroom, Lentinus species are often ignored because they are underutilized and unpopular. However, like shiitake, Lentinus spp. could also be valuable resources of functional food and bioactive compounds. It is therefore of high interest to understand their cultural requirements leading to their efficient biomass production. Thus, this study established the optimal culture conditions for the maximum mycelial growth of seven wild strains under four Lentinus species. Their cultivation potentials were also determined using rice straw and sawdust (7:3 v/v) substrate formulation. Mycelia of all Lentinus strains evaluated favorably grew on coconut water gulaman (local crude agar) and other culture media for specific strain with suitable pH ranging from 5.0 to 8.0. Aeration was not a major physical factor for all Lentinus strains except L. squarrosulus strain 1, which favored sealed condition. Both lighted and dark conditions were found suitable for both strains of L. sajor-caju, L. strigosus strain 2 and L. swartzii whereas both strains of L. squarrosulus and L. strigosus strain 1 favorably grew in lighted condition. However, all Lentinus strains evaluated recorded the highest mycelial growth rates and thick mycelia at 30°C. In terms of fruiting body production, all Lentinus strains demonstrated cultivation potential. The seven Lentinus strains completely colonized the substrate for 18.0–25.6 days and initiated primordia for 21.6–33.5 days. The highest yield (52.5 g bag-1) and biological efficiency (10.5%) was recorded in L. strigosus strain 1, whereas the lowest was noted in L. strigosus strain 2 with 21.1 g bag-1 yield and 4.2% biological efficiency. L. sajor–caju strain 2 and L. squarrosulus strain 1 showed the widest cap diameter and longest stipe, respectively. The mycelial growth and fruiting body performance of Lentinus may vary depending on species and strains. Altogether, the seven new wild strains of Lentinus can be artificially cultivated by providing the nutritional and physical requirements.
Keywords: fruit body – formation medicinal mushrooms – mycelia – nutritional requirements – physical factors
43. Ligninolytic enzymes production by endophytic fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum (Desm.) Sacc. under the influence of different carbon and nitrogen sources
Authors: Kumar V, Prasher IB
Recieved: 13 October 2021, Accepted: 03 December 2021, Published: 29 December 2021
Endophytic fungi are being investigated for their ability to create industrially relevant secondary metabolites. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in these fungi as a source of novel enzymes, particularly hydrolytic enzymes. The present study investigated the effect of different carbon, organic and inorganic nitrogens on the growth and ligninolytic enzyme production by the endophytic fungus Diaporthe phaeolorum. The fungus was isolated from the leaves of Dillenia indica and analyzed by morpho-molecular basis. The fungus showed promising results for in vitro production of ligninolytic enzymes. Sucrose was the most favorable carbon compound for growth among all the carbon compounds tested. It displayed maximum lignin peroxidase (Lip) activity in fructose (3.5 U/ml), followed by pectin (2.60 U/ml) and glucose (2.53 U/ml). Glucose gave the highest manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity i.e., 6.88 U/ml followed by starch, sucrose and raffinose. Similarly, the maximum laccase activity was 44.5 U/ml in pectin. Potassium nitrate and L-asparagine were the best inorganic and organic nitrogen for growth. In the case of ligninolytic enzyme production, ammonium acetate and ammonium phosphate were the best media for LiP and MnP, whereas laccase production was highest in ammonium nitrate supplemented medium. In organic nitrogen sources, medium supplemented with DL-tryptophan gave the highest Lip production, whereas MnP and laccase production was observed in the medium containing L-tyrosine and L-asparagine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report related to the growth and ligninolytic enzyme production by Diaporthe phaseolorum. The findings from the study will assist researchers in improving the production of ligninolytic enzymes by this fungus under in vitro conditions on an industrial scale.
Keywords: Hydrolytic enzymes – Industrially – In vitro – Manganese peroxidase – Morpho-molecular analysis
