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Fusarium spp.: A Trans-Kingdom Fungus
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Fusarium spp.: A Trans-Kingdom Fungus

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental and Ecological Interactions of Fungi".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2024) | Viewed by 8938

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Richard Calderone

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
Interests: pathogenesis of human yeast infections; molecular pathogenesis; antifungals; drug resistance; bioinformatics; mitochondria
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A number of environmental and pathogenic fungi are collectively referred to as trans-kingdom pathogenic fungi, meaning that they cause both human and plant (crop) diseases. The loss of crop production due to organisms such as Fusarium threatens food security. These environmental organisms likely do not fall into the category of other fungal pathogens such as the Candida species Cryptococcus neoformans, or the endemic fungi, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, causing significant human, but not crop diseases. The Fusarium and Aspergillus species rank among the most important of the trans-kingdom pathogens. Throughout the recent decade, interesting studies have described molecular pathogenesis, azole resistance, soil and plant microbiomes as sources of potential new antifungals and the relationships to human disease, especially regarding patients with life-threatening underlying conditions. Current data describe the azole resistance of the environmental isolates of both fungal groups. These data have posed the possibility of the air-borne transfer of azole-resistant isolates from the environment to patients, since azoles are used to protect crops from fungal diseases.

Prof. Dr. Richard Calderone
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biology
  • host interactions
  • the microbiome
  • virulence
  • molecular pathogenicity
  • clinical observations
  • azole resistance

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 3351 KiB  
Article
Identification and Characterization of Endophytic Fungus DJE2023 Isolated from Banana (Musa sp. cv. Dajiao) with Potential for Biocontrol of Banana Fusarium Wilt
by Longqi Jin, Rong Huang, Jia Zhang, Zifeng Li, Ruicheng Li, Yunfeng Li, Guanghui Kong, Pinggen Xi, Zide Jiang and Minhui Li
J. Fungi 2024, 10(12), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10120877 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 947
Abstract
This study characterized an endophytic fungus, DJE2023, isolated from healthy banana sucker of the cultivar (cv.) Dajiao. Its potential as a biocontrol agent against banana Fusarium wilt was assessed, aiming to provide a novel candidate strain for the biological control of the devastating [...] Read more.
This study characterized an endophytic fungus, DJE2023, isolated from healthy banana sucker of the cultivar (cv.) Dajiao. Its potential as a biocontrol agent against banana Fusarium wilt was assessed, aiming to provide a novel candidate strain for the biological control of the devastating disease. The fungus was isolated using standard plant tissue separation techniques and fungal culture methods, followed by identification through morphological comparisons, multi-gene phylogenetic analyses, and molecular detection targeting Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) race 1 and race 4. Furthermore, assessments of its characteristics and antagonistic effects were conducted through pathogenicity tests, biological trait investigations, and dual-culture experiments. The results confirmed isolate DJE2023 to be a member of the Fusarium oxysporum species complex but distinct from Foc race 1 or race 4, exhibiting no pathogenicity to banana plantlets of cv. Fenza No.1 or tomato seedlings cv. money maker. Only minute and brown necrotic spots were observed at the rhizomes of banana plantlets of ‘Dajiao’ and ‘Baxijiao’ upon inoculation, contrasting markedly with the extensive necrosis induced by Foc tropical race 4 strain XJZ2 at those of banana cv Baxijiao. Notably, co-inoculation with DJE2023 and XJZ2 revealed a significantly reduced disease severity compared to inoculation with XJZ2 alone. An in vitro plate confrontation assay showed no significant antagonistic effects against Foc, indicating a suppressive effect rather than direct antagonism of DJE2023. Research on the biological characteristics of DJE2023 indicated lactose as the optimal carbon source for its growth, while maltose favored sporulation. The optimal growth temperature for this strain is 28 °C, and its spores can germinate effectively within the range of 25–45 °C and pH 4–10, demonstrating a strong alkali tolerance. Collectively, our findings suggest that DJE2023 exhibits weak or non-pathogenic properties and lacks direct antagonism against Foc, yet imparts a degree of resistance against banana Fusarium wilt. The detailed information provides valuable insight into the potential role of DJE2023 in integrated banana disease control, presenting a promising candidate for biocontrol against banana Fusarium wilt. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fusarium spp.: A Trans-Kingdom Fungus)
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20 pages, 3847 KiB  
Article
Biofilm Formation in Clinical Isolates of Fusarium
by Ray Zhang, Nathan Wiederhold, Richard Calderone and Dongmei Li
J. Fungi 2024, 10(11), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10110766 - 4 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1660
Abstract
Many microbial pathogens form biofilms, assemblages of polymeric compounds that play a crucial role in establishing infections. The biofilms of Fusarium species also contribute to high antifungal resistance. Using our collection of 29 clinical Fusarium isolates, we focused on characterizing differences in thermotolerance, [...] Read more.
Many microbial pathogens form biofilms, assemblages of polymeric compounds that play a crucial role in establishing infections. The biofilms of Fusarium species also contribute to high antifungal resistance. Using our collection of 29 clinical Fusarium isolates, we focused on characterizing differences in thermotolerance, anaerobic growth, and biofilm formation across four Fusarium species complexes commonly found in clinical settings. We investigated the role of carbon sources, temperature, and fungal morphology on biofilm development. Using fluorescence microscopy, we followed the stages of biofilm formation. Biofilms were screened for sensitivity/resistance to the antifungals voriconazole (VOR), amphotericin B (AmB), and 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). Our findings revealed generally poor thermotolerance and growth under anaerobic conditions across all Fusarium species. VOR was more effective than AmB in controlling biofilm formation, but the combination of VOR, AmB, and 5-FC significantly reduced biofilm formation across all species. Additionally, Fusarium biofilm formation varied under non-glucose carbon sources, highlighting the species’ adaptability to different nutrient environments. Notably, early stage biofilms were primarily composed of lipids, while polysaccharides became dominant in late-stage biofilms, suggesting a dynamic shift in biofilm composition over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fusarium spp.: A Trans-Kingdom Fungus)
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24 pages, 4587 KiB  
Article
Pathogenicity, Host Resistance, and Genetic Diversity of Fusarium Species under Controlled Conditions from Soybean in Canada
by Longfei Wu, Sheau-Fang Hwang, Stephen E. Strelkov, Rudolph Fredua-Agyeman, Sang-Heon Oh, Richard R. Bélanger, Owen Wally and Yong-Min Kim
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050303 - 23 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3290
Abstract
Fusarium spp. are commonly associated with the root rot complex of soybean (Glycine max). Previous surveys identified six common Fusarium species from Manitoba, including F. oxysporum, F. redolens, F. graminearum, F. solani, F. avenaceum, and F. [...] Read more.
Fusarium spp. are commonly associated with the root rot complex of soybean (Glycine max). Previous surveys identified six common Fusarium species from Manitoba, including F. oxysporum, F. redolens, F. graminearum, F. solani, F. avenaceum, and F. acuminatum. This study aimed to determine their pathogenicity, assess host resistance, and evaluate the genetic diversity of Fusarium spp. isolated from Canada. The pathogenicity of these species was tested on two soybean cultivars, ‘Akras’ (moderately resistant) and ‘B150Y1′ (susceptible), under greenhouse conditions. The aggressiveness of the fungal isolates varied, with root rot severities ranging from 1.5 to 3.3 on a 0–4 scale. Subsequently, the six species were used to screen a panel of 20 Canadian soybean cultivars for resistance in a greenhouse. Cluster and principal component analyses were conducted based on the same traits used in the pathogenicity study. Two cultivars, ‘P15T46R2′ and ‘B150Y1′, were consistently found to be tolerant to F. oxysporum, F. redolens, F. graminearum, and F. solani. To investigate the incidence and prevalence of Fusarium spp. in Canada, fungi were isolated from 106 soybean fields surveyed across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec. Eighty-three Fusarium isolates were evaluated based on morphology and with multiple PCR primers, and phylogenetic analyses indicated their diversity across the major soybean production regions of Canada. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into host resistance and the pathogenicity and genetic diversity of Fusarium spp. in Canadian soybean fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fusarium spp.: A Trans-Kingdom Fungus)
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11 pages, 1440 KiB  
Article
Antifungal Effect of Metabolites from Bacterial Symbionts of Entomopathogenic Nematodes on Fusarium Head Blight of Wheat
by Julius Leumo Kgosiemang, Tshimangadzo Ramakuwela, Sandiswa Figlan and Nicolene Cochrane
J. Fungi 2024, 10(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10020148 - 12 Feb 2024
Viewed by 2035
Abstract
Fungal diseases such as Fusarium head blight (FHB) are significant biotic stressors, negatively affecting wheat production and quality. This study explored the antifungal activity of the metabolites produced by the bacterial symbionts of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) against FHB-causing Fusarium sp. Fusarium graminearum. [...] Read more.
Fungal diseases such as Fusarium head blight (FHB) are significant biotic stressors, negatively affecting wheat production and quality. This study explored the antifungal activity of the metabolites produced by the bacterial symbionts of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) against FHB-causing Fusarium sp. Fusarium graminearum. To achieve this, the symbiotic bacteria of nine EPN isolates from the EPN collection at the Agricultural Research Council-Small Grains (ARC-SG) were isolated from the cadavers of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae after infection with EPNs. Broth cultures (crude) and their supernatants (filtered and autoclaved) of each bacterial isolate were used as bacterial metabolite treatments to test their inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth and spore germination of F. graminearum. Mycelial growth inhibition rates varied among both bacterial isolates and treatments. Crude metabolite treatments proved to be more effective than filtered and autoclaved metabolite treatments, with an overall inhibition rate of 75.25% compared to 23.93% and 13.32%, respectively. From the crude metabolite treatments, the Xenorhabdus khoisanae SGI 197 bacterial isolate from Steinernema beitlechemi SGI 197 had the highest mean inhibition rate of 96.25%, followed by Photorhabdus luminescens SGI 170 bacteria isolated from Heterorhabditis bacteriophora SGI 170 with a 95.79% mean inhibition rate. The filtered metabolite treatments of all bacterial isolates were tested for their inhibitory activity against Fusarium graminearum spore germination. Mean spore germination inhibition rates from Xenorhabdus spp. bacterial isolates were higher (83.91 to 96.29%) than those from Photorhabdus spp. (6.05 to 14.74%). The results obtained from this study suggest that EPN symbiotic bacterial metabolites have potential use as biological control agents of FHB. Although field efficacy against FHB was not studied, the significant inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination suggest that the application of these metabolites at the flowering stage may provide protection to plants against infection with or spread of F. graminearum. These metabolites have the potential to be employed as part of integrated pest management (IPM) to inhibit/delay conidia germination until the anthesis (flowering stage) of wheat seedlings has passed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fusarium spp.: A Trans-Kingdom Fungus)
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