Search Results (183)

This study was focused on the assessment of fungal occurrence, mycotoxin dynamics, aflatoxin carry-over, and associated biochemical responses in dairy cattle. Moisture emerged as the dominant factor for fungal communities, promoting the co-proliferation of fungal genera adapted to high water activity conditions (a_w > 0.90) and antagonism against xerotolerant and xerophilic species. Aspergillus spp. dominated dry substrates (a_w < 0.75), Fusarium spp. showed strong positive associations with high-moisture matrices (a_w > 0.90), and Penicillium spp. exhibited intermediate, substrate-dependent behavior. Mycotoxin levels fluctuated non-linearly, independently of fungal counts: ochratoxin A (OTA) concentrations in corn silage increased from approximately 12 μg/kg at the onset of the ensiling period to >240 μg/kg at silo opening, indicating dynamic mycotoxin accumulation during storage, while zearalenone (ZEA) oscillated from 40 to 170 µg/kg. Despite the variation in total aflatoxins (AFLA-T) across feed matrices, aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk remained low (0.0020–0.0093 μg/kg), confirming limited carry-over. Serum biochemical parameters—alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (BIL-T), total protein (PROT-T)—remained within physiological limits, yet multivariate analyses revealed metabolic modulation linked to aflatoxin exposure. AFM1 explained >7% of the variance in serum biochemical profiles according to PERMANOVA (p = 0.002), showed significant MANOVA effect (Pillai = 0.198), and displayed a significant canonical association (p < 10⁻¹³). Linear discriminant analysis further separated Normal vs. Borderline hepatic profiles, indicating subclinical physiological adaptation to chronic low-dose exposure. Full article

The consumption of nuts is widespread globally and constitutes a significant component of the human diet due to its nutritional value. However, the presence of mycotoxins in food products, including nuts, is a global public health concern. Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by contaminating fungi such as Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp., which can contaminate crops during growth, harvesting, storage, or transport. The aim of this study was to conduct monitoring for the presence of mycotoxins in nuts already on the market. Specifically, secondary metabolites produced by Penicillium spp., including ochratoxin A, patulin, citrinin, cyclopiazonic acid, citreoviridin, griseofulvin, meleagrin, mycophenolic acid, penitrem A, roquefortine C, penicillins G and V, sulochrin, andrastin A, asterriquinone, chaetoglobosin A, cyclopenin, cyclopenol, and viridicatin, were investigated. Commercial products were purchased from various retail outlets in different formats, origins, and cultivation methods to assess potential influences of these factors on mycotoxin presence. Regarding Penicillium-toxins, 37% of the samples showed the presence of at least one of them, and 9% showed the simultaneous presence of two or more Penicillium-toxins. Peanuts had the highest incidence of Penicillium-toxin contamination, with at least one metabolite detected in 60% of the analyzed samples. The most common secondary metabolite among the samples was patulin (14%), while the secondary metabolite with the highest concentration was viridicatin in a walnut sample (151.40 ± 64.30 µg/kg). Besides Penicillium-toxins, aflatoxins were also analyzed with another validated LC-MS/MS method, but they were not detected in any sample. Although most Penicillium-toxins, and in particular patulin in nuts, are not currently regulated in the international legislation, they exert toxic effects on humans and animals, and their occurrence can represent a food safety risk. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) are promising bio-preservatives for oilseeds; however, their high volatility and strong aroma limit practical applications. In this study, we developed a dual-size microencapsulated formulation of oregano (Origanum compactum) and myrtle (Myrthus communis) EOs (75:25, w/w) using gelatin–gum arabic complex coacervation, and evaluated its antifungal efficacy and effect on seed viability in peanuts. GC-MS analysis of the EO blend identified carvacrol (33.83%) as the dominant constituent. The microcapsules exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 83.56% and were produced in a 70% small/30% large particle ratio to ensure both immediate and sustained vapor release. In vapor-phase assays against toxigenic A. flavus (RP-6), both free and encapsulated EOs inhibited fungal growth in a dose-dependent manner and achieved complete suppression at concentrations ≥0.2 µL mL⁻¹, whereas the wall material alone showed no activity. In a 120-day microcosm storage experiment (0.2 mg EO g⁻¹ kernels; 0.96 mg microcapsules g⁻¹), treated peanuts showed an immediate reduction in total fungal load from 3.52 to 1.48 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ (≈58%), which stabilized near 1.42–1.43 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ up to 90 days, while the control samples increased to 4.25 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ by day 120. The formulation effectively suppressed major storage fungi, including Aspergillus sections Flavi and Nigri, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus, Fusarium, and Alternaria. The antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) was retained after encapsulation (IC₅₀: 0.52 mg mL⁻¹ encapsulated vs. 0.58 mg mL⁻¹ free). Germination power remained comparable to the control throughout storage (≈50–52%), indicating no adverse impact on seed viability. These findings demonstrate that vapor-active, dual-size microencapsulation of oregano-myrtle EOs offers a practical and sustainable approach to enhance peanut safety during storage without compromising germination potential. Full article

Over the last few decades, the frequency of outbreaks of Ips acuminatus has rapidly increased in Latvia. These beetles are commonly associated with blue-stain fungi, which increase tree mortality and decrease the timber quality of affected trees. The aims of this study were: (i) to identify fungi associated with I. acuminatus in Latvia and (ii) to determine the influence of different factors (such as locality, month of beetle capture, beetle sex) on the diversity of associated fungi. From a total of 590 analysed I. acuminatus beetles, 564 resulted in fungal growth and yielded 1247 fungal isolates, representing 36 fungal taxa. Among the fungi isolated, the most common were Akanthomyces muscarius, followed by Penicillium spp., Mucor spp., Cladosporium cladosporioides, Leptographium cucullatum, Ophiostoma minus, and Graphilbum acuminatum. No significant differences in fungal diversity between different locations and between male and female I. acuminatus were observed. However, significant seasonal differences were observed between months in which I. acuminatus beetles were captured and fungal communities isolated from them. More research is needed on the potential of the entomopathogenic fungi isolated in this study for the biological control of I. acuminatus. Also, the pathogenicity of isolated Ophiostomatoid fungi and their ability to cause blue-stain in Pinus sylvestris timber could be further evaluated. Full article

Analysis of the apple tree rhizosphere and phylloplane microbiota revealed the presence of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic micromycetes: Penicillium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Mucor, Trichotecium, Alternaria. The application of microbial fertilizers (MFs)—Azafok, Enzymocid, and Nitragin—reduced their abundance in the soil. This occurred due to the beneficial bacteria contained in the biopreparations (Bacillus spp., Bacillus aryabhattai, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bradyrhizobium japonicum), which possess fungicidal activity and the ability to improve the mineral nutrition of plants, thereby enhancing their immune status. Nitragin also reduced the colonization of leaves by pathogenic fungi. The greatest reduction in contamination was achieved by the combined application of MFs with foliar feeding using mineral substances, particularly when using Azafok. The influence of MFs on the state of the epiphytic microbiota is associated with their indirect action through the activation of the host plant’s functional activity and the stimulation of its defense mechanisms. The MFs introduced into the soil stimulated an increase in the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium in the leaves. We also noted the influence of MFs on modifying the effect of foliar feeding on the nutrient content in the leaves. The leaf nitrogen content with the combined application of soil-applied Azafok and FF was lower than with soil application alone. Furthermore, the use of foliar fertilizing reduced the phosphorus and potassium content in the leaves against the background of Azafok and Enzymocid, although the relative level of these nutrient contents remained very high. Only the application of foliar fertilizing against the background of Nitragin stimulated an increase in the phosphorus and potassium content in the leaves. Further research is needed to clarify the nature of this modification. Full article

This study analyzed the microbiome of three varieties differing in genotype and technical purpose: Cristal, Riesling, and Avgustin, all exhibiting decline symptoms of unknown etiology. A total of 92 symptomatic and asymptomatic grapevines were analyzed using ITS and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and molecular genetic methods. Phytoplasmas and the pathogenic bacteria Xylella fastidiosa and Xylophilus ampelinus were not present in the samples. The decline symptoms were associated with a cocktail of fungal pathogens that cause grapevine trunk diseases. In particular, the analysis revealed the causative agents of Botryosphaeria dieback (Sphaeropsis spp. and Botryosphaeria spp.), fungi associated with the Esca complex (Phaeomoniella spp., Phaeoacremonium spp., Inonotus spp., Seimatosporium spp., Stereum spp., and Cadophora spp.), and the causative agents of Phomopsis dieback (Diaporthe spp.). The symptoms of decline may be increased by several facultative grapevine pathogens that have been identified in microbiome (genera Stemphylium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Talaromyces, and Fusarium). The metagenomic data of the grapevine microbiome provides opportunities for developing disease control strategies, which is important for the sustainable management of vineyards. Full article

Postharvest fungal diseases represent a major constraint to the storage, transport, and marketability of peach (Prunus persica) fruits. Pathogens such as Monilinia spp. (Brown rot), Penicillium expansum (Blue rot), Rhizopus stolonifera (Soft rot), Botrytis cinerea (Gray rot), and Geotrichum candidum (Acid rot) cause significant economic losses globally. Traditional control methods primarily rely on chemical fungicides, which are increasingly challenged by issues of resistance development, consumer health concerns, and regulatory restrictions. This review critically synthesizes the biology, infection mechanisms, and optimal environmental conditions of key fungal pathogens affecting postharvest peaches. It further evaluates the current landscape of chemical, physical, and biological control methods, emphasizing novel approaches including essential oils, microbial antagonists, induced resistance, and eco-friendly sanitizers. Comparative efficacy, sustainability, and practical implementation of these strategies are discussed. Integrated management approaches that combine multiple interventions under low-residue or residue-free systems are highlighted as the most promising direction. This review concludes that the future of peach postharvest protection lies in tailor-made, multi-faceted integrated programs that are both effective and environmentally sound. Full article

Almonds are an essential crop for the economy of California. However, mold and mycotoxin contamination of this commodity has a serious impact on food safety and international trade. The contamination levels of molds and the aflatoxigenic potential of Aspergillus section Flavi isolates were studied on almonds collected at a processing plant in California. The mean total fungal count for 80 samples was 1.0 × 10⁴ CFU/g, while 62 samples (77.5%) had a total mold count less than 1.0 × 10⁴ CFU/g. The most common fungal contaminants were Aspergillus section Nigri (100% of samples), followed by Penicillium (57.5%) and Cladosporium (52.5%) species. Rhizopus, Fusarium and Alternaria spp. were less frequent. A total of 26 A. section Flavi strains were identified, with most strains (23) belonging to the L morphotype of A. flavus. In addition, two S morphotypes of A. flavus, and one A. tamarii strain were observed. Other Aspergillus species, including A. terreus and A. ochraceus were rare. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that 9 out of 13 isolated A. flavus strains produced aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) on yeast extract sucrose media. The highest levels of AFB₁ were produced by two A. flavus isolates belonging to the S morphotype (78 and 260 µg/kg). Increasing temperatures and drought conditions may change the population dynamics of toxigenic mold strains on almonds, emphasizing the need to continue monitoring these fungal populations. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) from oregano (Origanum vulgare), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), and basil (Ocimum basilicum) possess antifungal properties. This study aimed to evaluate their ability to inhibit the growth of fungi isolated from the rot of banana peel (Musa paradisiaca) to control or reduce fungal growth in bananas. The methodology involved preparing dilutions of EOs and inoculating them onto Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium amended with chloramphenicol to prevent bacterial contamination. Fungal species, including Trichoderma spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Fusarium spp., were isolated, purified, and characterized macroscopically and microscopically. Their growth was assessed ex vivo and the inhibition percentage was measured in vitro. The ex vivo analysis revealed that the severity of fungal infection, ranked from highest to lowest, was as follows: Penicillium spp., Trichoderma spp., Fusarium spp., and Aspergillus spp. The results showed that rosemary and basil oils did not inhibit fungal growth, whereas clove oil, cinnamon, and oregano were effective against the four tested fungi at 800, 400, and 200 ppm, respectively. These findings suggest that certain EOs, including clove, cinnamon, and oregano, have strong antifungal potential and could serve as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides in banana postharvest disease management. Full article

Plant secondary metabolites are an interesting source of natural antifungals and offer an alternative to synthetic preservatives. In this study, the activity of 218 secondary metabolites was evaluated against nine Penicillium species and one Aspergillus species, isolated from spoiled par-baked bread. By comparing agar and liquid-based assays, it was found that the hydrophobic nature of these compounds led to an underestimation of the activity in agar-based assays. In liquid medium, it was possible to evaluate the effect quantitatively and differentiate between strong and weak inhibitors. Of the most interesting compounds, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined, and synergistic interactions were studied. This revealed an interesting interaction between benzyl isothiocyanate and carvacrol, which was further investigated through validation in par-baked bread. Antifungal efficacy was assessed in a shelf life and challenge test, revealing that spray application of 200 to 400 µg/mL benzyl isothiocyanate and 1000 to 2000 µg/mL carvacrol significantly increased shelf life. Furthermore, application of benzyl isothiocyanate and carvacrol was as effective as 0.15% propionic acid was incorporated in the dough. A sensory triangle test indicated that benzyl isothiocyanate and carvacrol influenced the flavour of fully baked bread; however, the effect was not perceived negatively. Full article

The extensive application of fungicides in citrus packinghouses to mitigate economic losses has resulted in the emergence of fungicide-resistant biotypes of Penicillium spp. Furthermore, many countries have implemented strict monitoring of fungicide residues to protect consumer health and the ecosystem. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) have been established in accordance with Codex Alimentarius standards, which present challenges for exports, as exceeding MRLs may restrict market access. This study aimed to identify fungicide-resistant strains of Penicillium spp. in a Moroccan citrus packinghouse and to assess the efficacy of GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) salts as eco-friendly alternatives for controlling these resistant strains through in vitro and in vivo tests. A total of 31 Penicillium isolates, labeled H₁ to H₃₁, were collected; 10 were identified as P. digitatum and 21 were identified as P. italicum. Resistance to thiabendazole (61.3%) and imazalil (58.1%) was notable, with some isolates showing dual resistance. In vitro, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and sodium tetraborate salts were highly effective at inhibiting the mycelial growth of resistant isolates, at a concentration of 0.3% (p < 0.0001). In vivo tests on ‘Nadorcott’ fruits demonstrated that 2% and 4% salt solutions effectively prevented the development of green and blue molds caused by Penicillium spp. and showed strong curative effects, resulting in nearly 100% inhibition of most fungal isolates. Additionally, preventive salt treatments increased the accumulation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, while in fruits treated with sodium benzoate, chitinase and peroxidase activities were significantly enhanced. Full article

Plant-based extracts and elicitors (signaling molecules that activate the fruit’s innate defense responses) have emerged as promising and sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals for preserving postharvest fruit quality and extending shelf life. This review provides a comprehensive analysis, uniquely complemented by a bibliometric assessment of the research landscape from 2005 to 2025, to identify key trends and effective solutions. This review systematically examined the efficacy of various natural compounds including essential oils (complex volatile compounds with potent antimicrobial activity such as lemongrass and thyme), phenolic-rich botanical extracts like neem and aloe vera, and plant-derived elicitors such as methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid. Their preservative mechanisms are multifaceted, involving direct antimicrobial activity by disrupting microbial membranes, potent antioxidant effects that scavenge free radicals, and the induction of a fruit’s innate defense systems, enhancing the activity of enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD). Applications of edible coatings of chitosan or aloe vera gel, nano-emulsions, and pre- or postharvest treatments effectively reduce decay by Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium spp.), delay ripening by suppressing ethylene production, minimize water loss, and alleviate chilling injury. Despite their potential, challenges such as sensory changes, batch-to-batch variability, regulatory hurdles, and scaling production costs limit widespread commercialization. Future prospects hinge on innovative technologies like nano-encapsulation to improve stability and mask flavors, hurdle technology combining treatments synergistically, and optimizing elicitor application protocols. This review demonstrates the potential of continued research and advanced formulation to create plant-based preservatives, that can become integral components of an eco-friendly postharvest management strategy, effectively reducing losses and meeting consumer demands for safe, high-quality fruit. Full article

This study characterised the diversity of filamentous fungi and yeasts during Malbec grape fermentation in the Southern Oasis of Mendoza (Argentina) winegrowing region, under different sanitary conditions and SO₂ treatments, using morphological and ITS-RFLP-based molecular methods. Alternaria, Cladosporium and Penicillium were present in both sound and damaged grapes, while Aspergillus and Botrytis were primarily found in damaged grapes. The predominant yeast species in both sound and damaged grape must, at lower and higher maturity levels, were Aureobasidium pullulans and Hanseniaspora spp. At higher grape ripening levels species diversity increased, with Hanseniaspora vineae, Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Candida membranifaciens dominating, and others such as Pichia kudriavzevii and Issatchenkia terricola appearing. A. pullulans and M. pulcherrima were highly tolerant to SO₂. Notably, the species Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Zygoascus hellenicus and Hanseniaspora uvarum were exclusively present in damaged grape must, while Zygosaccharomyces bailii was also found in sound grape must. Hanseniaspora spp. and P. kudriavzevii predominated at mid-fermentation and persisted at the end of the process, highlighting their resistance to wine conditions and their potential to influence post-fermentative dynamics. These findings emphasise the significant influence of grape sanitary status on mycobiota composition, with important implications for fermentation behaviour and final wine quality. Full article

Few studies have investigated gastrointestinal (GI) and external parasites, as well as environmental fungi, in rabbits using a One Health approach. Between September 2023—May 2024, fecal, hair and skin scraping samples were collected from 72 rabbits that attended clinical consultations and from private owners and breeders in Portugal. Diagnostic techniques included Mini-FLOTAC, direct immunofluorescence antibody, and the analysis of the virulence profile of fur fungi. A total of 58% of the rabbits were positive for GI parasites, namely Eimeria spp. (45%), Cryptosporidium spp. (32%), Trichostrongylus retortaeformis (17%), Passalurus ambiguus (13%), Graphidium strigosum (13%), and Giardia spp. (9%), with only 12% of the infected animals showing clinical signs (diarrhea). In addition, 10% of the animals were positive for Cheyletiella sp. infestations. Environmental fungi of the genera Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Scopulariopsis were isolated from 7% of these animals, with the Scopulariopsis sp. isolate S1 testing positive for proteinase, lecithinase, and gelatinase activities. Frequent sanitization and regular deworming emerged as essential factors to minimize parasitic frequency. This integrated diagnosis procedure proved to be effective in the search for parasitic and fungal agents in rabbit medicine. Further research is needed to improve the knowledge on the transmission and pathogenicity of these agents in rabbits. Full article

Canvas paintings are prone to biodeterioration due to their complex chemical composition, which can support fungal growth even under controlled conditions. This study evaluated the susceptibility of common synthetic restoration materials—Lascaux glues (303 HV, 498 HV), Acrylharz P550, BEVA 371, Laropal A81, and Regalrez 1094—to degradation by fourteen xerotolerant/xerophilic fungal strains. All tested Aspergillus and Penicillium species extensively colonized, especially artificially aged materials. FTIR-PAS analysis revealed chemical changes in carbonyl and C–H bonds in Laropal A81 and Regalrez 1094 colonized by Aspergillus spp. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging showed thinning of Lascaux glues and deformation of Regalrez 1094. Transcriptomic profiling of A. puulaauensis grown on Lascaux 498 HV and Regalrez 1094 identified altered expression of genes coding for esterases and oxidases, enzymes involved in synthetic polymer degradation. Esterase activity assays using 4-nitrophenol-based substrates confirmed significant enzymatic activity correlating with the presence of ester bonds. These findings highlight the vulnerability of synthetic restoration materials, specifically Laropal A81, Regalrez 1094, and Lascaux glues, to extremophilic fungi thriving in environments with low water activity. The results emphasize the urgent need for specific knowledge on fungi and their metabolic pathways to use/develop more durable conservation materials and strategies to protect cultural heritage objects from biodeterioration. Full article