Leaf spot diseases caused by
species have been reported worldwide in plants in the Brassicaceae family. However, there is little information on
species causing diseases in horseradish. In the present ...study, 89
spp. isolates from
, sampled from nine districts in Serbia, were characterized based on their morphology, physiology, and molecular markers. Morphological characterization and molecular analyses based on
,
,
, and
sequences identified three distinct species associated with the disease:
,
, and
. For all species, growth and sporulation rates at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C showed a quadratic response, with
having the widest temperature optimum (20 to 30°C) while
had higher optimum temperatures (20 to 25°C) than
(15 to 20°C). To gain a better understanding of the pathogenicity of these species, the influence of leaf age, host susceptibility, and ability to infect artificially wounded and nonwounded leaves were tested. The pathogenicity test identified
and
as the main causal agents of horseradish leaf spot disease. Results indicated that young and intact leaves of horseradish and cabbage were less susceptible to infection and also suggested the potential for cross-infection between these two hosts. Haplotype networks showed haplotype uniformity for
, two haplotype groups of
, and eight haplotype groups of
in Serbia and suggest the possible association of some haplotypes with the geographic area. This study is the first to investigate Alternaria leaf spot disease on
in Serbia and is the first record of
on horseradish in this country.
In the last several decades, amphibian populations have been declining worldwide. Many factors have been linked to global amphibian decline, including habitat destruction, pollution, introduced ...species, global environmental changes, and emerging infectious diseases. Recent studies of amphibian skin infections were mainly focused on the presence of chytridiomycosis, neglecting other members of the frogs’ skin communities. The diversity pattern of fungal dwellers on the skin of green frogs (
Pelophylax esculentus
complex) was investigated. A total of 100 adults were sampled from three localities in South Banat (northern Serbia) over three consecutive years and detected fungal dwellers were identified using light microscopy and
ITS
and
BenA
gene sequencing. Structures belonging to fungi and fungus-like organisms including a variety of spores and different mycelia types were documented in the biofilm formed on amphibian skin, and are classified into 10 groups. In total, 42 fungal isolates were identified to species, section, or genus level. The difference in mycobiota composition between sampling points (localities and green frog taxa) was documented. The highest number of fungal structures and isolates was recorded on the hybrid taxon
P. esculentus
and locality Stevanove ravnice. Parental species showed a markedly lower diversity than the hybrid taxon and were more similar in diversity patterns and were placed in the same homogenous group. The locality Stevanove ravnice exhibited more pronounced differences in diversity pattern than the other two localities and was placed in a distinct and separate homogenous group. Among the fungal isolates, the highest isolation frequency was documented for
Alternaria alternata
,
Aspergillus
sp. sect.
Nigri
,
Epicoccum nigrum
,
Fusarium proliferatum
, and
Trichoderma atroviride
. Among the documented species, dematiaceous fungi, causative agents of chromomycosis in amphibians, were also recorded in this research with high isolation frequency. Also, some rare fungal species such as
Quambalaria cyanescens
and
Pseudoteniolina globosa
are documented for the first time in this research as microbial inhabitants of amphibian skin.
Ganoderma applanatum is a widely-distributed wood decaying species whose ligninolytic enzyme system has not been sufficiently studied. The aims of the study were to profile its Mn-oxidizing ...peroxidases and laccases and defining of wheat straw and oak sawdust delignification extents depending on cultivation type. Activities of these enzymes were higher in submerged than in solid-state cultivation. Oak sawdust induced the highest activities of Mn-dependent (5545.5 U L−1) and Mn-independent peroxidases (5810.0 U L−1), and wheat straw stimulated laccase activity (11007.0 U L−1). The isoelectric focusing profiles of enzymes and extent of lignocellulose degradation were affected by plant residue as well as type and period of cultivation. Submerged cultivation induced the synthesis of a higher number of enzyme isoforms and the maximum levels of lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose degradation (40.9%, 32.7% and 27.4%) were reached during this oak sawdust fermentation. However, selectivity in fiber mineralisations was the highest during solid-state fermentation of wheat straw, which is important for possible application in various biotechnological processes that require accessible cellulose, such as production of more digestible feed, paper pulp and bioethanol.
•Submerged fermentation maximally expressed the activity of tested enzymes.•Oak sawdust favoured activities of Mn-dependent and Mn-independent peroxidases.•Wheat straw was better substrate than oak sawdust for laccase activity.•Fibers degradation was maximall on 14th day of oak sawdust submerged fermentation.
•Pleurotus spp. were the best laccase producers, but the weakest lignin degraders.•MnIP was reported in Lenzites betulinus, Fomitopsis pinicola and Dichomytus squalens.•Dichomytus squalens is ...promising lignin degrader.•Key role in lignin degradation is attributed to Mn-oxidizing peroxidases.
As biological decomposition of plant biomass represents a popular alternative environmental-friendly and economically justified process, screening of ligninolytic enzyme systems of various fungal species is a topical study area. The goal of the study was to obtain clear insight into the dynamics of laccase, Mn-dependent peroxidase, and Mn-independent peroxidase activity and levels of wheat straw lignin degradation in seven wood-rotting fungi. The best laccase producers were Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii. Lenzites betulinus and Fomitopsis pinicola were the best Mn-dependent peroxidase producers, and P. ostreatus the weakest one. The peak of Mn-independent peroxidase was noted in Dichomytus squalens, and the minimum value in P. ostreatus. The profiles of the three enzymes, obtained by isoelectric focusing, were variable depending on the species and cultivation period. D. squalens was the best lignin degrader (34.1% of total lignin amount), and P. ostreatus and P. eryngii the weakest ones (7.1% and 14.5%, respectively).
The study aimed to evaluate the antiradical and antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) potentials of ethanol mycelial extracts of selected Ganoderma species and strains and to define interand ...intraspecies diversity among Ganoderma species and strains. Ganoderma lucidum strains were good DPPH• scavengers (neutralizing up to 57.12% radicals), contrary to G. applanatum (20.35%) and G. carnosum (17.04%). High correlations between the activities and contents of total phenols in the extracts showed that these compounds were carriers of the activity. Results obtained by both discdiffusion and microdilution methods indicated that the extract of G. lucidum BEOFB 433 was the most potent antibacterial agent that inhibited growth of almost all bacterial species at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. Salmonella typhimurium was the most sensitive species to the mycelium extracts. Extracts of G. lucidum BEOFB 431 and BEOFB 434 showed the best antifungal activity since in concentration of 0.5 mg/mL inhibited the growth of Aspergillus glaucus (BEOFB 431) and the growth of A. glaucus and Trichoderma viride (BEOFB 434). Extracts of G. applanatum and G. lucidum BEOFB 431 had the strongest fungicidal effects, with lethal outcomes for A. glaucus and T. viride, respectively, being noted at a concentration of 1.17 mg/mL. Aspergillus niger was proved as the most resistant species.
Pears are one of the oldest and the third most important fruit species grown in temperate regions. They are consumed because of their nutritional and health benefits, in fresh form or as various ...processed products. This article resolves the etiology of the
-like mold symptoms on pear fruits in Serbia. Samples of pear fruits with blue mold and other
-like mold symptoms were collected in Serbia from 2016 to 2019, from four storages. The recovered isolates were identified and characterized according to a polyphasic approach. Morphological and physiological analyses were performed on three media and five temperatures, respectively. Four loci (internal transcribed spacer, beta-tubulin, calmodulin, and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II second largest subunit) were used for sequencing, genetic identification, and phylogenetic analyses. The results of the identification by conventional and molecular methods were in agreement, and they revealed that the obtained isolates belong to five species:
,
,
,
, and
. In a pathogenicity test,
,
,
, and
produced decay on artificially inoculated pear fruits, and
induced tissue response lesions. The results of this study are the first reports of
and
as postharvest pear pathogens. Also, these are the first world records of
,
, and
on fruits of European pear. Furthermore, this is the first finding of
,
,
,
, and
on pear fruit in Serbia.
The potential antifungal effects of Thymus vulgaris L., Thymus tosevii L., Mentha spicata L., and Mentha piperita L. (Labiatae) essential oils and their components against 17 micromycetal food ...poisoning, plant, animal and human pathogens are presented. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodestillation of dried plant material. Their composition was determined by GC-MS. Identification of individual constituents was made by comparison with analytical standards, and by computer matching mass spectral data with those of the Wiley/NBS Library of Mass Spectra. MIC's and MFC's of the oils and their components were determined by dilution assays. Thymol (48.9%) and p-cymene (19.0%) were the main components of T. vulgaris, while carvacrol (12.8%), a-terpinyl acetate (12.3%), cis-myrtanol (11.2%) and thymol (10.4%) were dominant in T. tosevii. Both Thymus species showed very strong antifungal activities. In M. piperita oil menthol (37.4%), menthyl acetate (17.4%) and menthone (12.7%) were the main components, whereas those of M. spicata oil were carvone (69.5%) and menthone (21.9%). Mentha sp. showed strong antifungal activities, however lower than Thymus sp. The commercial fungicide, bifonazole, used as a control, had much lower antifungal activity than the oils and components investigated. It is concluded that essential oils of Thymus and Mentha species possess great antifungal potential and could be used as natural preservatives and fungicides.
Microfungi are causal agents of numerous diseases and disorders of agricultural plants, farm mushrooms and animals as well as human, which results are serious global reduction of the food amount, ...decrease of life quality, the severe life-threatening diseases and enormous economic losses.
In spite of organism innate ability to combat against pathogens, in invasions of some pathogens, support of additional antimycotic agents to defence system is required. Nowadays, common "fighters" against the microfungi are numerous synthetic fungicides that, besides benefits, have also side effects on host and environment and can cause the development of fungicide resistance in the pathogens. Therefore, the creation of new natural fungicides with different modes of action, strengthening the defense system and increase of organism resistance to pathogens are the main requirements of modern society.
Numerous mushrooms produce chemically various intra- and extracellular metabolites with antifungal potential, among which the most potent ones are polysaccharides, proteins, and phenolic compounds. They act as immunostimulators, inhibitors of pathogen development and virulence and/or activators of pathogens` autolytic system.
Therefore, mushroom-based antimycotic agents could be successfully applied in the diseases treatments as accessories or alternatives to commercial therapies and in such a way contribute to environmentally friendly combat against pathogens, i.e. decrease or complete substitution of commercial synthetic fungicides with natural ones.
An extensive aeromycological survey was performed in the premises of a cultural heritage conservation facility to estimate fungal propagule concentrations in both indoor and outdoor air and seasonal ...dynamics with regard to temperature and air humidity. The highest average propagule concentration in indoor air was documented in spring, and for outdoor air, in summer. Increased propagule loads were documented in most rooms during winter, fall and spring, and in all examined rooms in summer. Very high propagule concentrations (>25,000 CFU m−3) were reported in ground-floor rooms. The total mycobiota was comprised of 74 fungal species, with a prevalence of Aspergilli and Penicillia. Cladosporium and Penicillium isolates were found to be the most abundant in all seasons in both indoor and outdoor air samples. Among the identified fungi, potential human pathogens, allergens and mycotoxin producers were present. Numerous documented species play an important role in the deterioration of cultural heritage artifacts and are known producers of extracellular enzymes, acids and pigments. Application of a selective medium (M40Y) allowed isolation of various xerophiles and xerotolerant species. Aeromycological analyses are mandatory for determining the appropriate conditions for the protection of the health of conservators, as well as the objects of cultural heritage.
•Aeromycological survey was performed in cultural heritage conservation facility.•Highest average spore concentrations were documented in spring and summer.•Very high spore loads (>25,000 CFU m−3) were reported in ground floor rooms.•Total mycobiota was comprised of 74 fungal species.•Cladosporium and Penicillium isolates were found most numerous during all seasons.
Essential oils obtained from resins of Boswellia carteri Birdw. and Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl., commonly known as frankincense and true myrrh respectively, have been used extensively since 2800 ...BCE for the treatment of skin sores, wounds, teeth, inflammation, and urinary tract diseases in traditional medicine; for preparation of mummification balms and unguents; and also as incense and perfumes. Since ancient times, burning of frankincense and myrrh in places of worship for spiritual purposes and contemplation (a ubiquitous practice across various religions) had hygienic functions, to refine the smell and reduce contagion by purifying the indoor air.
The general purpose of the study was to assess the in vitro antimicrobial potential of the liquid and vapour phases of B. carteri and C. myrrha essential oils and burn incense, as well as to test the effectiveness of their in situ application to cleanse microbially-contaminated air within the ambient of an investigated 17th-century church.
The chemical composition of B. carteri and C. myrrha essential oils, obtained by hydrodistillation of frankincense and true myrrh oleo gum resins was determined using GC/MS, and antimicrobial properties of their liquid and vapour phases were assessed by the broth microdilution and microatmosphere diffusion methods. Chemical analysis of burn incense fume obtained using bottle gas washing with dichloromethane as a solvent was performed by GC/MS, while its antimicrobial activity was evaluated using a modified microatmosphere diffusion method to evaluate germination inhibition for fungi and CFU count reduction for bacteria. The in situ antimicrobial activity of B. carteri burn incense and essential oil vapour phase was assessed in the sealed nave and diaconicon of the church, respectively.
The dominant compounds of B. carteri EO were α-pinene (38.41%) and myrcene (15.21%), while C. myrrha EO was characterized by high content of furanoeudesma-1,3-diene (17.65%), followed by curzerene (12.97%), β-elemene (12.70%), and germacrene B (12.15%). Burn incense fume and soot had α-pinene (68.6%) and incensole (28.6%) as the most dominant compounds, respectively. In vitro antimicrobial assays demonstrated high bacterial and fungal sensitivity to the liquid and vapour phases of EOs, and burn incense fume. In situ application of B. carteri EO vapour and incense fume resulted in reduction of air-borne viable microbial counts by up to 45.39 ± 2.83% for fungi and 67.56 ± 3.12% for bacteria (EO); and by up to 80.43 ± 2.07% for fungi and 91.43 ± 1.26% for bacteria (incense fume).
The antimicrobial properties of essential oil derived from frankincense, a compound with well-known traditional use, showed that it possesses a clear potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. Moreover, the results suggest possible application of B. carteri EO vapour and incense fume as occasional air purifiers in sacral ambients, apart from daily church rituals.
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