Search Results (16,438)

The potential of methanolic extracts from jara (Barkleyanthus salicifolius) and pomegranate carpel membranes (Punica granatum) as biological alternatives for the control of phytopathogenic fungi was evaluated against pathogens associated with commercially important crops in the Ciénega de Chapala region. Extracts were assessed in vitro against Botrytis cinerea and Rhizoctonia solani (strawberry), Curvularia sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., and Fusarium oxysporum (blackberry), Pythium sp. and Fusarium sp. (tomato), and Sclerotium rolfsii (onion). Antifungal bioassays demonstrated that the B. salicifolius extract inhibited the mycelial growth of R. solani, whereas the pomegranate extract inhibited seven of the eight species tested, with the exception of S. rolfsii. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavones, flavonols, chalcones, and quinones in pomegranate, and flavones, flavonols, alkaloids, and sterols in jara. Additionally, phytol and caryophyllene were identified in the latter via GC–MS. Full article

Bamboo is a rapidly renewable lignocellulosic resource widely used in construction, composites, and bio-based materials. However, its practical applications are often limited by high hygroscopicity, biological degradation, and dimensional instability under humid conditions. This review synthesizes current research on bamboo structure, microbial interactions, and material modification strategies to better understand how bamboo-associated microbiomes influence both deterioration and potential material enhancement. We summarize conventional chemical and thermal modification approaches that improve hydrophobicity, durability, and mechanical stability while also discussing their technical limitations. Emerging studies on bamboo-associated microbial communities reveal complex interactions between fungi, bacteria, and lignocellulosic substrates, including enzymatic degradation, nutrient cycling, and potential bioprotective functions. Advances in multi-omics technologies have further provided insights into the functional gene pools and metabolic pathways involved in bamboo–microbe interactions. Recent conceptual developments in microbiome engineering and engineered living materials (ELMs) suggest possible future directions for integrating microbial functionality into bamboo-based materials. However, direct experimental evidence for microbial enhancement of bamboo structural performance remains limited. Future interdisciplinary research integrating material science, microbial ecology, and synthetic biology will be essential to evaluate the feasibility and safety of such biohybrid systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Microbial inoculants effectively alleviate inhibitory factors during plant cultivation; however, the effects and underlying mechanisms of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Chaetomium globosum on the growth, metabolism, and bioactive compound production of A. membranaceus are still poorly understood. Methods: In this experiment, different concentrations of C. globosum (10⁴, 10⁶, 10⁸ spores/mL) (Q1, Q2, Q3), AMF, and their combined treatments (AQ1, AQ2, AQ3) were applied to A. membranaceus seedlings via root irrigation, with an equal amount of sterile water as a control (CK). Results: The results showed that: (1) Under single inoculation with C. globosum, root colonization rate increased with higher inoculation concentrations, reaching its peak at Q3. Additionally, AQ3 significantly enhanced AMF colonization in A. membranaceus, and the presence of C. globosum promoted AMF root colonization and expansion. (2) AQ3 significantly enhanced the growth and photosynthesis of A. membranaceus, while also demonstrating excellent efficacy in alleviating lipid peroxidation-induced damage. (3) AQ3 treatment led to increased accumulation of major bioactive compounds in A. membranaceus, including calycosin-7-glucoside, cycloastragenol, and astragalosides I–III. (4) AQ3 treatment significantly upregulated multiple key structural genes involved in phenylalanine metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, including PAL, 4CL, FLS, and CYP75B1. Conclusions: This upregulation enhanced the metabolic flux allocation from L-phenylalanine toward downstream flavonoid metabolites, thereby promoting the accumulation of major flavonoid constituents of A. membranaceus, such as galangin and luteolin, in both roots and leaves. Full article

An automated air-conditioner cleaning system was developed as a retrofit solution for conventional split-type units to reduce residual moisture in the evaporator section and suppress post-shutdown microbial accumulation. The system was integrated with an 18,000 BTU h⁻¹ air-conditioner and implemented using an Arduino-based closed-loop control platform with temperature and relative humidity monitoring. After shutdown, the indoor fan was operated under low-, medium-, or high-speed conditions to remove retained moisture from the cooling coil. System performance was evaluated in an 18 m³ test room through measurements of electrical consumption, operating cost, relative humidity, and microbial contamination in room air and on the evaporator coil before and after system installation. Low-speed operation showed the lowest current demand, power consumption, and electricity cost, with corresponding values of 0.36 ± 0.01 A, 79.2 ± 0.8 W, and 0.47 THB per 150 min. Post-shutdown humidity reduction was achieved under all tested conditions, while the high-speed mode provided the fastest drying response, reducing relative humidity to approximately 60% within 120 min. In the room air, the greatest reduction in airborne fungi after shutdown was observed at low speed, whereas the greatest reduction in airborne bacteria was observed at medium speed. On the evaporator coil, the strongest bacterial suppression was obtained at low speed, where the bacterial count after 24 h decreased from 633.33 ± 34.27 CFUs before installation to below the detection limit after installation. These results indicate that the proposed system reduced moisture retention and microbial contamination with minimal energy consumption. Full article

Sanghuangporus sanghuang (S. sanghuang) is an important medicinal mushroom rich in bioactive compounds. Selenium (Se) biofortification may further enhance its functional value and industrial profitability; however, evidence-based guidance on Se source selection and dosage for production remains insufficient. Using the strain “Sanghuang Hu2”, we compared sodium selenite, nano-selenium (nano-Se), and selenium-enriched yeast (Se-yeast) at different supplementation levels and comprehensively evaluated their effects on mycelial growth and fruiting body development, Se accumulation and speciation, and nutritional quality. The responses of S. sanghuang were strongly Se-source-specific and concentration-dependent. Se-yeast caused the least inhibition of mycelial growth while achieving the highest Se uptake and biotransformation efficiency. During bag cultivation, supplementation with 15 mg/kg Se-yeast significantly increased single-bag yield and biological efficiency without prolonging full colonization time and exhibited superior input cost performance. This treatment enabled an extremely high proportion of organic Se accumulation (>99.5%), dominated by selenomethionine. Moreover, Se-yeast markedly improved crude protein, crude polysaccharides, and total amino acids in fruiting bodies, with lysine showing the largest increase. Overall, considering growth and yield, Se accumulation/speciation, nutritional enhancement, and economic feasibility, Se-yeast is the optimal Se source for Se-enriched Sanghuang, with a recommended dosage of 15 mg/kg. Full article

Quercus variabilis is one of the primary species for plantation regeneration across China’s warm-temperate and subtropical zones. However, its long-term monoculture leads to ecosystem instability. Soil fungi are essential for nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning, yet their responses to oak-dominated mixed plantations remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated the soil fungal communities among Q. variabilis monoculture (QV), mixed plantations of Q. variabilis and Platycladus orientalis (PO), Q. variabilis and Pinus tabuliformis (PT), and Q. variabilis, P. orientalis and P. tabuliformis (PPQ). The results showed that PO and PPQ plantations contained significantly higher concentrations of SOC, TN, and TP compared to QV monoculture. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were identified as the dominant fungal phyla across four plantation types, with PO exhibiting the highest relative abundance of Ascomycota (60.85%) and fungal alpha diversity. The soil fungal communities across all plantations were predominantly saprotrophic, followed by mixotrophic modes. The relative abundance of saprotrophic fungi was significantly greater in the mixed plantations, peaking in PO at 44.69%. The soil fungal communities in both PO and PPQ plantations exhibited higher network interaction density. The SOC, TN, TP, water content, zinc, and β-glucosidase activity served as key environmental drivers of fungal community composition. Overall, the mixed plantation of Q. variabilis and P. orientalis most effectively improved soil fertility, enhanced fungal diversity, and increased network complexity, suggesting its potential as a sustainable afforestation strategy for oak-dominated ecosystems in the low hilly regions of western Henan. However, these findings are based on a single sampling period, and long-term monitoring is required to confirm its sustained ecological benefits. Full article

Prion diseases are caused by self-propagating and transmissible alternative conformations of certain proteins, which induce neurotoxicity and lead to transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) in mammalian. Prions were also found in fungi, and in particular, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient and plays crucial roles in central nervous system. However, high concentration of manganese is regarded as an environmental neuronal stressor which would induce striatal neurotoxicity. Long-term exposure to high concentration of manganese would increase the proportion of the infectiously pathogenic isoform (PrPSc) of prion protein. Additionally, increase of manganese levels was found to be age-related in human brain. Here, we studied the effect of manganese on prion using budding yeast prion [URE3] as model organism. We found the exposure to manganese can enhance the de novo generation and propagation of yeast prion [URE3], as well as the expression levels of chaperones Hsp104p and Hsp70p, in a dose-dependent manner. Full article

Fungi are the main causative agents of plant diseases and are responsible for substantial and recurrent damage to agricultural systems. Their activity causes significant reductions in crop productivity and food quality, ultimately contributing to plant deterioration and economic losses. It is estimated that phytopathogenic fungi can compromise up to 30% of global agricultural production. To mitigate microbial deterioration, a wide range of control strategies have been employed, with chemical fungicides being one of the most widely used interventions. However, current approaches to fungal control are rapidly transforming owing to the growing prevalence of fungicide resistance, increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks governing chemical applications, and evolving market demands. Taken together, these factors impose new constraints and drive the development of more sustainable alternative options for effective food control. This review examines the diverse strategies used to control fungal diseases in plants, emphasizing advances in biocontrol agents and biofungicides, as well as emerging tools in the molecular biology, genomics, and biotechnology fields. The aim is to highlight recent developments and prospects that can be integrated into comprehensive disease-management approaches. Full article

During a survey on Mucorales fungi from soil in the world’s most biodiverse savanna, the the Brazilian Cerrado, nine specimens belonging to the Cunninghamellace were isolated. Morphological, multiloci analyses (ITS-nLSU-act) and maximum temperature growth data revealed that those specimens represent four new species: two in Absidia and two in Gongronella. Morphological characteristics of the isolates distinguishes them from other species: Absidia rhizoidea sp. nov. forms rhizopodiform rhizoids at the end of stolons, commonly next to the sporangiophores; A. variabilis sp. nov., mostly with slightly dorsiventrally flattened sporangia; Gongronella longapophysata sp. nov., which forms a long apophysis below sporangia; and G. verticilatta sp. nov., with whorled-branched sporangiophores. The maximum temperatures growth (Tmax) of those new species are as follows: A. rhizoidea (33 °C on MEA and 32 °C on PDA), A. variabilis (31 °C on MEA and 32 °C on PDA), G. longapophysata (32 °C on MEA and 33 °C on PDA), and G. verticilatta (31 °C on MEA and PDA). The present study highlights and discusses the micromorphological, physiological (Tmax) and phylogenetic characteristics of the new species. Full article

Diseases caused by Fusarium spp. vary around the world. It is important to determine the causals agents and indigenous antagonists against these pathogens. Thus, this study aimed to (i) determine the pathogens of root rot and yellow leaf disease (RRYLD), (ii) select Trichoderma spp. strains to control the pathogens, and (iii) evaluate methods for preparing the antagonistic fungi. Diseased soil samples were collected from pomelo orchards in Ben Tre province, Vietnam. The experiment isolated 08 Fusarium spp. strains, with the fastest growth in PDA in FP-C16, FP-B18, FP-B16, and FP-B03 (8.33–17.3 mm) on day 4 of culture. They were identified as Fusarium fujikuroi FP-C16, F. verticillioides FP-B18, F. verticillioides FP-B16, and F. incarnatum FP-B03. On the other hand, 25 Trichoderma spp. strains were isolated from the pomelo rhizosphere. Among them, 13 Trichoderma spp. strains showed rapid growth and strong antagonistic activity against two Fusarium spp. strains under laboratory conditions. The two Trichoderma spp. strains TP-C40 and TP-G50 had antagonistic efficiencies against FP-C16 and FP-B16 at 47.7–63.5%. The two selected Trichoderma spp. strains were identified as Trichoderma asperellum TP-C40 and T. yunnanense TP-G50. The two Trichoderma spp. strains TP-C40 and TP-G50 reduced the number of leaves and roots infected by Fusarium spp. Full article

Miang, a traditional fermented tea produced from Camellia sinensis var. assamica, is of notable cultural and socio-economic relevance in Northern Thailand. Traditionally, the non-filamentous fungi-based process (NFP) in western Lanna uses only young tea leaves, resulting in substantial amounts of mature leaves being discarded as agricultural waste. This study aimed to utilize the mature tea leaves by adapting the filamentous fungi growth-based process (FFP) of eastern Lanna using selected tannin-tolerant microorganisms, including Aspergillus niger MLF3, Cyberlindera rhodanensis P3, and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus A14-6. Study on fermentation dynamics and bioactive compound formation based on a 2-step fermentation process: 3-day solid-state fermentation with A. niger MLF3, followed by 7-day submerged fermentation by co-culture of C. rhodaninsis P3, and L. pentosus A14-6 in 500 mL sterile distilled water at 30 °C. Increased activities of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes and organic acids were clearly observed during solid-state fermentation, while the significant changes in polyphenol, antioxidant, and reducing sugar content in cell-free supernatant (CFS) were found after submerged fermentation. The obtained CFS shows inhibitory effects of 90 ± 2.5% and 95 ± 1.8% on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively. Analysis of CFS by E-tongue and E-nose clearly indicated the influence of microbial mixture on the taste and aroma of the fermented products. These results demonstrate not only a high-yielding strategy for the effective biotransformation of mature tea leaves into functional drink products but also significant implications for reducing agricultural waste. Full article

Although microbial biopesticides are expanding rapidly, transforming nematophagous fungi into consistent and shelf-stable products remains a challenge. A key limitation is that fungal propagules must remain viable throughout production, storage, and delivery to ensure their efficacy in the field. This review examines formulation strategies that improve the stability, deployment, and performance of fungal biocontrol agents against gastrointestinal helminths in domestic animals and plant-parasitic nematodes. In veterinary systems, predatory fungi such as Duddingtonia flagrans primarily target infective larvae after surviving gastrointestinal transit and germination in feces. In contrast, ovicidal fungi, including Pochonia chlamydosporia, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma spp., and Mucor spp., primarily act against helminth eggs and coccidian oocysts. This functional complementarity highlights the potential of combined fungal formulations to improve their control efficacy. We also discuss the currently available D. flagrans-based commercial products, BioWorma^® and Bioverm^®, and the practical challenges associated with dosing, administration, and farm adoption. In agriculture, we show that the Brazilian market is dominated by solid fungal nematicides designed to reduce water activity and prolong shelf life, although liquid- and oil-based systems remain relevant for specific applications. Across both sectors, the review identified formulation design, rather than fungal species alone, as a critical determinant of product performance. Emerging advances, such as microencapsulation, UV-protective matrices, improved seed-coating biopolymers, nanobiotechnology, and fungal-derived bioactive products, indicate that future progress will depend on target-oriented formulations capable of increasing stability, controlled release, and resilience under environmentally variable conditions, including those imposed by climate change. Full article

This paper examines how digital infrastructure affects agricultural upgrading in China’s edible fungi industry, focusing on the divergence between output expansion and unit value enhancement. Using a balanced panel of 28 Chinese provinces from 2019 to 2024, we apply a Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) approach, instrumenting digital infrastructure with the 1984 provincial fixed-line telephone penetration rate (first-stage F-statistic = 82.15) to address endogeneity concerns. The results reveal a clear asymmetry between quantity and quality outcomes. Digital infrastructure significantly increases total output (coefficient = 1.540, p < 0.01), primarily through improved market coordination rather than productivity gains. However, it produces no statistically discernible effect on unit output value. This divergence suggests that agricultural digitalization follows a stage-dependent pattern: basic connectivity effectively relaxes constraints on production scaling but is insufficient on its own to shift producers toward higher-value activities. Consequently, scale expansion may proceed without corresponding value creation, raising concerns for long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Achieving genuine agricultural upgrading therefore requires complementary investments in institutional capacity, downstream processing, and brand development alongside digital infrastructure deployment. Full article

The extensive use of agrochemicals and plastic materials has led to the accumulation of persistent pollutants in agricultural soils, raising concerns about agroecosystems through posing potential risks to soil and environmental health. This review synthesizes recent knowledge on these pollutant sources, including their distribution, fate, transformation pathways, and detection methods, as well as their impacts on soil physicochemical properties, microbial populations, plants, and ecosystems. Existing findings indicate that agrochemicals and micro-nano plastics (MPs-NPs) can significantly impede the stability of soil aggregation, increase soil water holding capacity (WHC) and porosity, reduce bulk density and infiltration, alter soil structure, and affect soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), electrical conductivity (EC), and nutrient retention capacity. Moreover, exposure to these pollutants alters soil microbial communities, enzymatic activity, nitrification and denitrification processes, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), thereby affecting carbon pools and fluxes as well as nutrient cycling. However, the magnitude and direction of these effects are strongly influenced by soil type, pollutant class, concentration, and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are negatively affected due to the presence of such persistent pollutants by impairing their physiological processes. Despite these findings, mechanistic understanding remains limited due to a lack of long-term field investigation and proper detection methods, particularly regarding NPs. A comprehensive understanding of agrochemical and MP-NP interactions is essential for developing sustainable soil management strategies and agroecosystems. Future studies should address the development of standardized NP detection methods and the conducting of long-term field studies to elucidate MP-NP and agrochemical interactions, soil impacts, and crop uptake mechanisms. Full article

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are vital for nutrient cycling, but how lithology across bulk soil and the rock–soil interface influence AMF communities remains poorly understood. We investigated the effects of karst (dolomite, limestone) and non-karst (clastic rock) lithologies across bulk soil and the rock–soil interface on AMF diversity, community composition, and co-occurrence networks in southwest China. AMF diversity did not differ among lithologies or between bulk soil and rock–soil interface, whereas community composition showed significant differences across lithology. The relative abundance of Glomus was lower in karst than in non-karst, whereas Paraglomus showed the opposite pattern. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that karst soils exhibited higher numbers of nodes and edges but lower network density, transitivity, betweenness centrality, and average path length compared to non-karst soils. Within the same dolomite and limestone, network properties were similar between the rock–soil interface and bulk soil. Soil pH, exchangeable Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, total nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen were negatively correlated with Glomus and network properties (e.g., number of nodes and edges), while ammonium nitrogen showed positive correlations. Our results indicate that lithology exerts a stronger influence than soil compartment on AMF community composition and interspecific interactions, emphasizing the key role of lithological substrates in regulating AMF communities. Full article