Search Results (21)

Mediterranean agroforestry systems (AFSs), typified by the Iberian Dehesas and Portuguese Montados, are multifunctional landscapes where Quercus species act as ecological keystones sustaining biodiversity, soil fertility, and rural livelihoods. These systems are increasingly affected by complex oak decline syndromes driven by drought, soil degradation, and climate-induced pathogen outbreaks. Conventional chemical controls are often ineffective and environmentally detrimental, underscoring the need for ecologically sound management alternatives. This review synthesizes recent advances in the application of microbial biological control agents (MBCAs) to manage diseases in Mediterranean Quercus species, including Q. ilex, Q. suber, Q. faginea, and Q. pyrenaica. We conducted a structured literature review using predefined keyword searches in Web of Science and Scopus, followed by the screening of records to identify 22 relevant peer-reviewed studies on microbial disease control in Mediterranean Quercus species. We identified 20 peer-reviewed studies that reported that MBCAs—primarily from Bacillus, Serratia, Streptomyces, Trichoderma, Simplicillium and Alternaria—exert biocontrol effects through antibiosis, mycoparasitism, competition for ecological niches, and the induction of host defense responses. Although most experiments were conducted in vitro, some demonstrated significant disease suppression in seedlings infected by Phytophthora cinnamomi, Diplodia corticola, and Biscogniauxia mediterranea. Future research should integrate field-based validation and microbiome-oriented forest management approaches to enable the operational use of microbial-based disease control strategies in AFS landscapes. Full article

The efficient compounding of microbial agents for use in aerobic composting processes is a pressing problem that needs to be addressed. This work focused on the lack of effective oil-degrading microorganisms and the challenges in formulating microbial consortia during the composting of food waste (FW). Following the isolation of three bacteria and three fungi with high oil-degrading ability, a simplex-lattice mixture design methodology was used to conduct compounding within and between groups of bacteria and fungi. Three special cubic response models were successfully developed and validated by performing an analysis of variance. From our analysis, it was demonstrated that the three models had high R² values of 96.06%, 97.18%, and 96.27%. The global solution of the mixture optimization predicted the optimal value for a blend comprising 11.83% Agrobacterium tumefaciens, 8.10% Pseudomonas geniculata, 10.97% Luteibacter rhizovicinus, 20.9% Simplicillium cylindrosporum, 22.3% Fusarium proliferatum, and 25.9% Simplicillium lanosoniveum. Thus, these proportions were considered the optimal combination of strains for oil degradation during FW composting. Composting verification in a 60 L fermenter revealed that the composite microbial agent group had a 31.3% higher oil degradation efficiency than the control group. This work provides valuable insights for the compounding of microbial agents and the resource utilization of rural FW. Full article

Soybean rust, caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is a major foliar disease that often escapes fungicide control, necessitating alternative strategies. We investigated whether phyllosphere arthropods, such as mites and thrips, facilitate the secondary dispersal of the mycoparasitic fungus Simplicillium under controlled conditions. Detached soybean leaves inoculated with P. pachyrhizi were subjected to either arthropod-exposed or arthropod-excluded treatments. Simplicillium isolates were significantly more abundant in the presence of arthropods. Molecular identification revealed identical ITS genotypes of S. lamellicola from both infected pustules and thrips, indicating vector-mediated fungal transmission. While some Simplicillium strains persisted epiphytically without vectors, their spread was minimal. These results highlight a promising approach to enhance the effectiveness of Simplicillium-based biocontrol through natural arthropod-mediated dissemination, warranting field validation of this self-disseminating strategy. Full article

This study was undertaken to identify foodborne bacteria and fungi from different parts of eggs depending on their storage duration, organoleptic properties, total viable count, and antibiotic resistance profile. Thirty-two samples were randomly collected from commercial layer farms in Mymensingh. Following the protocol of sample preparation, outer-surface and inner-content samples were streaked onto various selective media. Isolation and identification were carried out by observing Gram staining and biochemical properties. Molecular detection was confirmed through a PCR assay using specific primers for Salmonella spp., E. coli, Staphylococcus spp., and fungus (Simplicillium spp. and Saccharomyces spp.). To determine the antibiotic resistance profile, the disk diffusion method was followed against nine antibiotic disks. The isolation rate of E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus spp. was 53.13%, 40.63%, and 40.63%, respectively, in the outer eggshell and 15.63%, 25%, and 15.63%, respectively, in the inner content of the eggs. Regarding the fungus content (yeast and mold), 100% was obtained in the outer eggshell, whereas there was an absence of fungus in the inner content. It was observed that all the isolates of E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus spp. were highly sensitive to either Ciprofloxacin or Levofloxacin and extremely resistant to Amoxicillin or Azithromycin drug disks or both. The data also shows that storage duration had a proportional relationship with TVC and an inversely proportional relationship with organoleptic properties. This study indicates that eggs harbor multidrug-resistant foodborne bacteria, which might constitute a public health hazard if these antibiotic-resistant bacteria are transferred to humans. Full article

Neocosmospora (Nectriaceae) is a globally distributed fungal genus, traditionally recognized as a group of plant pathogens, with most members known to cause severe plant diseases. However, recent studies have demonstrated that many of these fungi can also colonize plants endophytically, with certain strains capable of promoting plant growth and stimulating the production of secondary metabolites. In this study, 13 strains of Neocosmospora were isolated from the stems and leaves of Dracaena cambodiana and D. lourei in Yunnan Province, China. To clarify the taxonomic placement of these strains, morphological examination and multi-gene (ITS, nrLSU, tef1, rpb1, and rpb2) phylogenetic analyses were performed. Based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, four new species are introduced and described here: N. hypertrophia, N. kunmingense, N. rugosa, and N. simplicillium. This study expands our understanding of the fungal diversity associated with Dracaena, provides essential data for the taxonomy of Neocosmospora, and serves as a resource for the future development and utilization of Neocosmospora endophytes. Full article

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most agriculturally and economically important crops in the world. Wheat fungal diseases are becoming more severe and frequent due to global climate change, threatening wheat yields and security. While fungal diseases such as fusarium head blight, stripe rust, and powdery mildew have been extensively studied, the newly emerged fungal pathogens in wheat are still under-researched. In May 2023, black mold symptoms were observed on wheat spikes in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China. However, the causal agent of this disease was not known. We employed a combination of morphological examination and molecular techniques to identify the pathogen. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), and actin (act) genes of the fungus were partially sequenced (accession no. OR186209, PQ271633 and PQ271632) and showed 99.59–100% identity with the previously reported Cladosporium cladosporioides, which affects wheat, pokeweed, and black-eyed pea. The pathogenicity of this fungus was confirmed by fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Through a rigorous screening process, we found Simplicillium aogashimaense, Trichothecium roseum, and Bacillus velezensis as effective biocontrol agents, with B. velezensis demonstrating the most potent antagonistic activity against the Cladosporium mold. This discovery showed the potential of B. velezensis as a biocontrol agent for wheat disease management. The findings underscore the importance of the present study in advancing the control of this disease. Full article

Characterization of fungal spider pathogens lags far behind their insect counterparts. In addition, little to nothing is known concerning the ecological reservoir and/or fungal entomopathogen community surrounding infection sites. Five infected spider cadavers were identified in the neo-tropical climate of north-central Florida, USA, from three of which viable cultures were obtained. Multi-locus molecular phylogenetic and morphological characterization identified one isolate as a new Gibellula species, here named, Gibellula floridensis, and the other isolates highly similar to Parengyodontium album. The fungal entomopathogen community surrounding infected spiders was sampled at different habitats/trophic levels, including soil, leaf litter, leaf, and twig, and analyzed using ITS amplicon sequencing. These data revealed broad but differential distribution of insect-pathogenic fungi between habitats and variation between sites, with members of genera belonging to Metarhizium and Metacordyceps from Clavicipitaceae, Purpureocillium and Polycephalomyces from Ophiocordyceps, and Akanthomyces and Simplicillium from Cordycipitaceae predominating. However, no sequences corresponding to Gibellula or Parengyodontium, even at the genera levels, could be detected. Potential explanations for these findings are discussed. These data highlight novel discovery of fungal spider pathogens and open the broader question regarding the environmental distribution and ecological niches of such host-specific pathogens. Full article

Amentotaxus yunnanensis H.L.Li is a threatened conifer distributed only in China, Laos, and Vietnam, whose fungal endophytes have not been exploited yet. The aims of this study were to screen and characterize antioxidant metabolites from endophytic fungi obtained from A. yunnanensis. Using the surface sterilization method, sixteen endophytic fungi were isolated from A. yunnanensis and classified into seven genera including Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Diaporthe, Neopestalotiopsis, Purpureocillium, and Simplicillium through the analysis of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene sequences. Among the ethyl acetate crude extracts, Fusarium foetens AQF6 contained the highest amount of polyphenol (117.76 ± 0.94 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and flavonoid (169.01 ± 2.09 mg quercetin equivalent/g). Importantly, 400 µg/mL AQF6 extract exhibited 95.75 ± 1.1% and 85.66 ± 1.91% of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activities, respectively. Chemical investigation led to the isolation and identification of a new bisabolane-type sesquiterpene fusafoetriol (FUS) and 14 known compounds, among which six pure compounds showed free-radical scavenging activity against DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. Under H₂O₂ stress, the yeast model Saccharomyces cerevisiae treated with 4 mM FUS showed 43.31% increase in viability. FUS has the potential to be applied in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and food technological applications. Thus, this is the first report demonstrating the presence of endophytic fungi inhabiting A. yunnanensis and their potential as a prolific source of antioxidant metabolites. Full article

(1) The fungal genus Simplicillium (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales) has an extensive distribution and a broad spectrum of hosts and substrates. The species Simplicillium lanosoniveum is a mycoparasite with potential for biological control of coffee leaf rust, Hemileia vastatrix. Morphologically, Simplicillium closely resembles mycoparasitic and entomopathogenic Lecanicillium fungi, often resulting in misidentification. A fungal isolate was obtained from leaf-rust-infested coffee plants from Cienfuegos Province, Cuba. (2) Combined analyses of morphology and molecular markers (ITS, LSU, EF-1alpha) were used for fungal identification. (3) In the NJ, ML, and BI phylogenies which were reconstructed, the isolate LBSim-01 was located in the Simplicillium lanosoniveum clade. This species-level identification was supported by morphological features. (4) The isolate LBSim-01 was assigned to the species Simplicillium lanosoniveum. This is the first description of a Simplicillium fungus associated with coffee leaf rust in Cuba. The presented results hold implications for the biological control of this economically relevant plant disease. Full article

Marine natural products are well-recognized as potential resources to fill the pipeline of drug leads to enter the pharmaceutical industry. In this circumstance, marine-derived fungi are one of the unique sources of bioactive secondary metabolites due to their capacity to produce diverse polyketides and peptides with unique structures and diverse biological activities. The present review covers the peptides from marine-derived fungi reported from the literature published from January 1991 to June 2023, and various scientific databases, including Elsevier, ACS publications, Taylor and Francis, Wiley Online Library, MDPI, Springer, Thieme, Bentham, ProQuest, and the Marine Pharmacology website, are used for a literature search. This review focuses on chemical characteristics, sources, and biological and pharmacological activities of 366 marine fungal peptides belonging to various classes, such as linear, cyclic, and depsipeptides. Among 30 marine-derived fungal genera, isolated from marine macro-organisms such as marine algae, sponges, coral, and mangrove plants, as well as deep sea sediments, species of Aspergillus were found to produce the highest number of peptides (174 peptides), followed by Penicillium (23 peptides), Acremonium (22 peptides), Eurotium (18 peptides), Trichoderma (18 peptides), Simplicillium (17 peptides), and Beauveria (12 peptides). The cytotoxic activity against a broad spectrum of human cancer cell lines was the predominant biological activity of the reported marine peptides (32%), whereas antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and various enzyme inhibition activities ranged from 7% to 20%. In the first part of this review, the chemistry of marine peptides is discussed and followed by their biological activity. Full article

Coumarins, isocoumarins and their derivatives are polyketides abundant in fungal metabolites. Although they were first discovered over 50 years ago, the biosynthetic process is still not entirely understood. Herein, we report the activation of a silent nonreducing polyketide synthase that encodes a C₇-methylated isocoumarin, similanpyrone B (1), in a marine-derived fungus Simplicillium lamellicola HDN13-430 by heterologous expression. Feeding studies revealed the host enzymes can change 1 into its hydroxylated derivatives pestapyrone A (2). Compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate radical scavenging activities with ED₅₀ values of 67.4 µM and 104.2 µM. Our discovery fills the gap in the enzymatic elucidation of naturally occurring C₇-methylated isocoumarin derivatives. Full article

Drought stress poses a serious threat to Pinus massoniana seedling growth in southern China. Trichoderma species, as beneficial microorganisms, have been widely used in agriculture to enhance plant growth and drought tolerance, but the interaction mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate the effect of drought-resistant Trichoderma longibrachiatum inoculation on P. massoniana growth under drought stress, the plant physiological indicators and rhizosphere microbiome diversity were measured to identify Trichoderma-activated mechanisms. Trichoderma longibrachiatum inoculation significantly promoted P. massoniana growth under drought treatment, and enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium absorption compared with those of non-inoculated seedlings. Trichoderma longibrachiatum treatment alleviated the damage to cell membranes and needle tissue structure, and significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities, osmotic substance contents, and photosynthesis in P. massoniana in response to drought stress. Soil nutrient contents, activities of sucrase, phosphatase, and urease as well as the relative abundances of the dominant genera Burkholderia, Rhodanobacter, and Trichoderma were elevated in the rhizosphere soil of P. massoniana inoculated with T. longibrachiatum under drought stress. A network analysis showed that certain crucial dominant taxa driven by T. longibrachiatum inoculation, including Penicillium, Trichoderma, Simplicillium, Saitozyma, Burkholderia, Bradyrhizobium, Sinomonas, and Mycobacterium, had more correlations with other microorganisms in the soil. Trichoderma longibrachiatum enhanced P. massoniana seedling growth under drought stress by regulating physiological responses and soil microbial community. Full article

A fungal strain (JC-1) of Simplicillium was isolated from a pod of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) infested with the blackleg pathogen Leptosphaeria biglobosa. This study was done to clarify its taxonomic identity using morphological and molecular approaches, to characterize its antifungal activity through bioassays and genome-based identification of antifungal metabolites, and to determine its efficacy in inducing systemic resistance (ISR) in oilseed rape. The results showed that JC-1 belongs to Simplicillium lamellicola. It displayed a strong antagonistic relationship with L. biglobosa, Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (stem rot). The cultural filtrates of JC-1 showed a high efficacy in suppressing infection by S. sclerotiorum on detached leaves of oilseed rape. Genome analysis indicated that JC-1 has the capability of producing multiple antifungal metabolites, including aureobasidin A1, squalestatin S1 and verlamelin. Inoculation of JC-1 on seeds of oilseed rape caused a suppressive effect on infection by L. biglobosa on the cotyledons of the resulting seedlings, suggesting that JC-1 can trigger ISR. Endophytic growth, accumulation of anthocyanins, up-regulated expression of CHI (for chalcone isomerase) and PR1 (for pathogenesis-related protein 1), and down-regulated expression of NECD3 (for 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase) were detected to be associated with the ISR. This study provided new insights into the biocontrol potential and modes of action of S. lamellicola. Full article

Wheat stem rust is one of the wheat diseases caused by Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici (Pgt). This disease has been responsible for major losses to wheat production worldwide. Currently used methods for controlling this disease include fungicides, the breeding of stem rust-resistant cultivars, and preventive agricultural measures. However, the excessive use of fungicides can have various deleterious effects on the environment. A hyperparasitic fungus with white mycelia and oval conidia, Simplicillium lanosoniveum, was isolated from the urediniospores of Pgt. When Pgt-infected wheat leaves were inoculation with isolates of S. lanosoniveum, it was found that S. lanosoniveum inoculation inhibited the production and germination of urediniospores, suggesting that S. lanosoniveum could inhibit the growth and spread of Pgt. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that S. lanosoniveum could inactivate the urediniospores by inducing structural damage. Overall, findings indicate that S. lanosoniveum might provide an effective biological agent for the control of Pgt. Full article

Pit mud, a specific fermented soil, is an essential material for the fermentation of Chinese strong-flavour liquor. However, few studies to date have sought to characterize the spatial profiles of pit mud fungal communities in fermentation cellars from Chinese strong-flavour liquor distilleries. In this analysis, differences in fungal community structures and physicochemical properties in pit mud samples from different spatial positions within fermentation cellars were analyzed, revealing unique characteristic multidimensional pit mud fungal community profiles. Penicillium roqueforti, Pichia kudriavzevii, Aotearoamyces nothofagi, Penicillium robsamsonii, Alternaria arborescens, Trichosporon insectorum, Seltsamia ulmi, Trichosporon coremiiforme, Malassezia restricta were dominant in the pit mud samples form the upper cellar wall, whereas Metarhizium frigidum, Calonectria pseudoreteaudii, Penicillium clavigerum, Fusarium equiseti, Simplicillium chinense, Aspergillus intermedius, Trichosporon coremiiforme, Fusarium circinatum, Alternaria radicina, Aspergillus heterocaryoticus were predominant in the middle cellar wall. Alternaria radicina, Cladosporium chasmanthicola, Alternaria helianthiinficiens, Penicillium argentinense, Antarctomyces psychrotrophicus, and Trichosporon inkin are majorly present in the down cellar wall layer. Bipolaris axonopicola, Ramgea ozimecii, Penicillium argentinense, Calonectria queenslandica, Metarhizium robertsii, and Penicillium roqueforti were identified as the dominant fungi in pit mud samples from the cellar bottom. Additionally, Alternaria destruens and Alternaria doliconidium are present at notably high levels in all layers of pit mud samples. Moisture, pH, PO₄³⁻, acetic acid, humus, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, butyric acid, and caproic acid levels in these different pit mud positions exhibited a rising incremental pattern from the upper wall layer to the bottom layer, whereas lactic acid levels were significantly lower in the bottom pit mud layer relative to these other layers. Moisture, pH, and NH₄⁺-N were identified as the three most significant factors associated with fungal community composition through a redundancy analysis. Overall, these findings may offer a theoretical foundation for future efforts to improve or standardize artificial pit mud. Full article