2020
New Record of Rust Disease Caused by Puccinia oxalidis on Oxalis latifolia from India
Rajnish Kumar Verma, Ajay Kumar Gautam, Ankit Singh, Shubhi Avasthi, Indu Bhushan Prasher, Mohan Chandra Nautiyal, Harpreet Singh
MycoAsia 2020/01. [Article Link]
Abstract: A severe rust infection caused by Puccinia oxalidis was observed on Oxalis corniculata (Oxalidaceae) in Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh, as well as on O. latifolia, known as garden pink-sorrel, in Uttarakhand, northern India. Detailed morphological examination of the diseased leaf samples confirmed the identity of the pathogen. This paper provides a taxonomic account of Puccinia oxalidis, describing rust symptoms on the host plants and offering a taxonomic key for the identification of Puccinia species reported from Oxalis species. Additionally, the global host range and worldwide distribution of P. oxalidis are discussed. This study represents the first detailed taxonomic account of P. oxalidis on Oxalis corniculata from Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh in northern India. Furthermore, it presents a new record of P. oxalidis from O. latifolia in India.
Plain Language Summary: A severe rust fungus, Puccinia oxalidis, was found infecting two types of sorrel plants (Oxalis) in northern India. Researchers confirmed the fungus’s identity by studying diseased leaves from Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Uttarakhand. This study provides a detailed description of the rust and its symptoms on the plants. It also offers a guide to identify different rust species on Oxalis and discusses the fungus’s global distribution. This is the first detailed report of this fungus on Oxalis corniculata from these regions and marks the first-ever discovery of this rust on garden pink-sorrel in India.
Diatrype: New Records from Andaman Islands and a Checklist from India
M. Niranjan, Vemuri Venkateswara Sarma
MycoAsia 2020/02. [Article Link]
Abstract: The fungal genus Diatrype, belonging to the family Diatrypaceae, Xylariales, Sordariomycetes, was explored during a study conducted in the Andaman Islands, India, from 2015 to 2018. Six fungi belonging to the genus Diatrype were identified, including D. buteae M.S. Patil & S.D. Patil, D. ilicina Lar. N. Vassiljeva & S.L. Stephenson, D. stigma (Hoffm.) Fr, D. stigmaoides Kauffman, D. subundulata Lar. N. Vassiljeva & H.X. Ma, and D. syzygii Narendra & V.G. Rao. These findings represent new records of these fungal species from the Andaman Islands, India. This paper provides detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of these species.
Plain Language Summary: During a four-year survey (2015–2018) in India’s Andaman Islands, researchers studied a group of fungi known as Diatrype. They successfully identified six different species that had never been previously recorded in this region. This discovery is a new contribution to the known fungal diversity of the islands. To help other scientists, the research paper provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of these newly found fungi, officially documenting their presence and appearance. This work expands our understanding of the unique ecosystems found in the Andaman Islands.
The Genera of Coelomycetes: Including Genera of Lichen-Forming, Sexual Morphs, and Synasexual Morphs with Coelomycetous Morphs (Genera A–C)
Nalin N. Wijayawardene, Dong-Qin Dai, Ye Tian, Li-Zhou Tang, Patricia Oliveira Fiuza, Flavia Rodrigues Barbosa, Taimy Cantillo-Perez, Kunhiraman C. Rajeshkumar
MycoAsia 2020/03. [Article Link]
Abstract: The identification, classification, and nomenclature of asexual fungi, including coelomycetes, have been rapidly changing. However, the nomenclatural changes of coelomycetous fungi have not been thoroughly discussed since Sutton (1977). Therefore, it is essential to compile all scattered data and revisit the list of generic names. This study aims to compile all published generic names of coelomycetous taxa, including invalid and illegitimate names. Additionally, sexual genera that have coelomycetous asexual morphs are also provided. This paper is part of a series of papers on coelomycetous genera.
Plain Language Summary: The way scientists name and classify a group of fungi called coelomycetes has become complex and confusing over time. A major update on their naming rules hasn’t been done in over 40 years, leaving information scattered across many publications. This study aims to solve that problem by gathering all of this data into one place. Researchers are creating a complete list of every scientific name ever given to these fungi—including names that are now considered incorrect. This comprehensive catalog will serve as a vital, updated resource for scientists studying these important microorganisms.
A Preliminary Study on L-asparaginase from Mangrove Detritus-Derived Fungi and Its Application in Plant Growth Promotion
Varada S. Damare, Kiran G. Kajawadekar
MycoAsia 2020/04. [Article Link]
Abstract: L-asparaginase is an enzyme with wide applications in medicine, the food industry, and the development of biosensors. However, its potential as a plant growth promoter remains poorly studied. In this preliminary study, we investigated the plant growth-promoting characteristics of L-asparaginase derived from two filamentous fungi, Peroneutypa sp. GU-S and Lecanicillium sp. GU-G, isolated from mangrove detritus in Goa, India. The enzyme produced by these fungi was active at room temperature and 37°C and showed higher activity under aeration. The optimal pH for asparaginase activity was determined to be 8. The enzyme from Peroneutypa sp. GU-S exhibited greater stability at lower pH (4) and was further processed. Economical sources, such as powdered soya and grass, were used for enzyme production via solid-state fermentation. Germinating seeds of pea (Pisum sativum) inoculated with the crude enzyme extract displayed enhanced seedling quality compared to un-inoculated seeds. Within twenty days of incubation, the shoot and root lengths of the test plants were 1.2 and 2.2 times greater, respectively, than those of the control plants. This study demonstrates the plant growth-promoting ability of L-asparaginase and encourages further investigation on other plant species.
Plain Language Summary: An enzyme called L-asparaginase is commonly used in medicine and the food industry, but its potential to help plants grow is not well understood. In this preliminary study, scientists investigated L-asparaginase produced by two types of fungi isolated from mangrove forests in Goa, India. They grew these fungi on low-cost materials like powdered soya and grass to produce the enzyme. When this enzyme was applied to pea seeds, the seedlings showed significantly better growth. After twenty days, the treated plants had shoots that were 1.2 times longer and roots that were more than twice as long compared to untreated plants. This research demonstrates that L-asparaginase from these fungi shows great promise as a natural agent for promoting plant growth.
Species Listing and Diversity of Myxomycetes from Mt. Makulot and Napayong Island in Taal Lake, Batangas, Philippines
Margareth Del E. Isagan, Mariah Kristianne C. Carbonell, Yonnalyn A. Dalangin, Ana Joramae L. Lapira, Melissa H. Pecundo, Thomas Edison E. dela Cruz
MycoAsia 2020/05. [Article Link]
Abstract: The rich vegetation of volcanic forests offers a unique habitat for exploring myxomycetes (slime molds). This study investigates the occurrence and diversity of myxomycetes in the forest areas of Taal Volcano Crater Rim (Mt. Makulot) and Napayong Island in Taal Lake, Batangas, Philippines. A total of 1,110 moist-chamber cultures were prepared using decayed aerial and ground leaf litter, twigs, and woody vines collected from the study areas. Thirty-five species belonging to 14 genera were identified, including Arcyria, Ceratiomyxa, Clastoderma, Collaria, Comatricha, Cribraria, Diachea, Diderma, Didymium, Hemitrichia, Lamproderma, Perichaena, Physarum, and Stemonitis. Five species were unique to Mt. Makulot, while seven species were exclusively recorded in Napayong Island. Napayong Island exhibited higher species diversity compared to Mt. Makulot, with the highest species diversity observed in ground litter collected from Napayong Island. This study provides the first species listing of myxomycetes in Napayong Island, a small island within Taal Lake, which itself is located within an island.
Plain Language Summary: Scientists explored the unique volcanic forests around Taal Volcano in the Philippines to discover what types of slime molds live there. They collected dead leaves and twigs from two locations: the crater rim (Mt. Makulot) and a small island within Taal Lake called Napayong Island. By growing and studying the samples in a lab, they identified 35 different species of slime molds. The study found that Napayong Island had a greater variety of these organisms. This research is the first-ever record of slime molds on this unique “island within a lake on an island,” adding important new information about biodiversity in volcanic habitats.
Antagonistic Activities of Needle-Leaf Fungal Endophytes against Fusarium spp.
Ronel Brandon C. De Mesa, Isabel Rafaela Espinosa, Ma. Carmella Romana R. Agcaoili, Marie Antonette T. Calderon, Ma. Victoria B. Pangilinan, Jewel C. De Padua, and Thomas Edison E. dela Cruz
MycoAsia 2020/06. [Article Link]
Abstract: The utilization of beneficial living microbes and their products for controlling plant pathogens offers a safer alternative to chemical treatments. This study focuses on the isolation of needle-leaf fungal endophytes (NLE) from symptom-free needle leaves of two host plants collected in Cavite and Batangas, Philippines. Seventy-three NLEs were isolated from three tree samples of the angiosperm Casuarina equisetifolia Engl. and the gymnosperm Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon, and they were identified as belonging to 17 morphospecies. Seven NLEs, predominantly isolated from C. equisetifolia, were evaluated for their antagonistic activities against three potential plant pathogens, namely Fusarium oxysporum s. l. Smith & Swingle, F. solani s. l. (Mart.) Sacc., and F. moniliforme s. l. J. Sheld., using the dual-culture method with three strategies. The results showed that the NLEs inhibited F. oxysporum on contact through preventive, eradicative, and simultaneous approaches, suggesting the potential of fungal endophytes as biocontrol agents against F. oxysporum s. l.
Plain Language Summary: Using helpful microbes to manage plant diseases offers a safer alternative to chemicals. This study explored fungi that live harmlessly inside the needles of healthy pine and casuarina trees in the Philippines. Researchers isolated 73 of these fungi and tested seven of them to see if they could fight three types of harmful, disease-causing fungi. By growing them together in a lab dish, they found that the helpful fungi successfully stopped the growth of one of the pathogens, Fusarium oxysporum, upon contact. This suggests these needle-leaf fungi have potential as natural biocontrol agents to protect plants.
Ingoldian Fungi in Terrestrial Damp Woody Litter of Five Tree Species
Kodandoor Sharathchandra, Kandikere Ramaiah Sridhar
MycoAsia 2020/07. [Article Link]
Abstract: Ingoldian fungi are known to occur beyond their preferred lotic habitats. While their occurrence in tree canopies (stemflow, throughfall, and tree holes) and terrestrial leaf litter has been reported, this study aimed to assess the assemblage and diversity of Ingoldian fungi in terrestrial damp woody litter of five tree species grown in scrub jungles of southwest India. Bubble (2 days) and damp chamber (14 days) incubations were conducted using segments of bark and cambium samples. Conidia released into water were trapped using Millipore filters, stained, and assessed. A total of 30 fungal species were recorded, with higher species richness observed in the bubble chamber incubation method compared to the damp chamber method (25 species vs. 18 species). The bubble chamber incubation method yielded more species from bark samples than cambium samples (19 species vs. 16 species). Furthermore, the bubble chamber incubation method showed a higher number of exclusive species in bark samples compared to cambium samples (8 species vs. 6 species). Simpson and Shannon diversities were higher in bark samples than cambium samples in the bubble chamber incubation, with low Pielou’s equitability. The frequency of occurrence of the top three species (Anguillospora longissima, Flagellospora curvula, and Triscelophorus acuminatus) and top two species (A. longissima and F. curvula) were the same in both bubble and damp chamber incubations, respectively. Among the tree species, the bark samples of Terminalia paniculata and cambium samples of Ficus benghalensis showed the highest number of average species in the bubble chamber incubation. Acacia auriculiformis bark samples and F. benghalensis cambium samples exhibited the highest number of average species in the damp chamber incubation, while Artocarpus heterophyllus cambium samples showed the highest number of average species. All tree species exhibited a higher number of average conidia in bark samples compared to cambium samples in the bubble chamber incubation, with Anacardium occidentale displaying the highest frequency. In the damp chamber incubation, Acacia auriculiformis bark and F. benghalensis cambium samples exhibited the highest average conidia. The bubble chamber incubation method proved to be a rapid and efficient means of assessing Ingoldian fungi in damp woody litter.
Plain Language Summary: Ingoldian fungi are a group of fungi that are normally found in freshwater streams. This research looked for them in an unusual habitat: damp, dead wood on the floor of forests in southwest India. Scientists used two different lab methods to find the fungi in samples from five tree species. A rapid, two-day ‘bubble chamber’ technique proved more efficient than a 14-day ‘damp chamber’ method, finding more species overall. In total, 30 species were identified, confirming these typically aquatic fungi also live on land. Bark samples tended to have a slightly greater variety of fungi than the inner wood.