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Morels (Morchella spp.) are of great economic and scientific value. Paecilomyces penicillatus can cause white mold disease (WMD) widely emerging on morel ascocarps and is also a potential factor causing morel fructification failure. 1-octen-3-ol is a mushroom volatile compound with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to control the morel disease caused by P. penicillatus through suppressing P. penicillatus in the soil cultivated with Morchella sextelata using 1-octen-3-ol. Safe concentration of 1-octen-3-ol was estimated by comparing its inhibitory effect against P. penicillatus and M. sextelata, respectively, with mycelium-growth experiments on agar plates. The results showed that M. sextelata possesses a higher tolerance to 1-octen-3-ol than P. penicillatus with a 1-octen-3-ol concentration between 0 and 200 µL/L. Based on that, a sandy soil was supplemented with low (50 µL/L) or high concentration (200 µL/L) of 1-octen-3-ol. The effects of 1-octen-3-ol on soil microbial communities, WMD incidence, and morel yield were investigated. Compared to the non-supplemented control group, the incidence of WMD and the proportion of Paecilomyces in the soils of low- and high-concentration treatment groups were significantly decreased, corresponding to a significant increase in morel ascocarp yield. It suggests that 1-octen-3-ol effectively suppressed P. penicillatus in the soil, thereby reducing the severity of WMD and improving the morel yield. The diversity of soil bacterial communities was also altered by 1-octen-3-ol supplement. The proportion of Rhodococcus spp. in the soil was positively correlated with the 1-octen-3-ol concentration and ascocarp yield, suggesting its potential role in improving morel yield. KEY POINTS: • A novel method for morel disease suppression was proposed. • Paecilomyces in soil affects white mold disease and fructification yield of morel. • 1-Octen-3-ol suppresses Paecilomyces and alters bacterial community in soil.

Paecilomyces rot of apples is a postharvest disease caused by Paecilomyces niveus, a problematic spoiling agent of fruit juices and derivatives. Processing fruits infected with Paecilomyces rot can lead to juices contaminated with P. niveus ascospores. These ascospores are heat resistant and may survive food processing and germinate in finished products. Because the fungus produces the mycotoxin patulin, juice spoilage by P. niveus is an important health hazard. Little is known about the disease biology and control mechanisms of this recently described postharvest disease. The range of fruit products contaminated by P. niveus and patulin led us to hypothesize that the host range of Paecilomyces rot is broader than previously thought. Following Koch’s postulates, we determined that multiple untested rosaceous fruits and popular apple cultivars are susceptible to Paecilomyces rot infection and that these infected fruits contain significant levels of patulin. We also observed that two closely related food spoiling fungi, Paecilomyces fulvus and Paecilomyces variotti, were unable to infect, cause symptoms in, or grow in wounded fruits. Therefore, we challenge the assumption that P. niveus spoilage inoculum is introduced to foods solely through environmental sources, and we show that other economically important rosaceous fruits, peaches, pears, sweet cherries, and sour cherries, are susceptible to infection and can also be sources of spoilage inoculum. Our results highlight the unique abilities of P. niveus to infect a variety of fruits, produce patulin, and form resistant spores capable of spoiling normally shelf-stable products.

Musca domestica Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae), a well-known pest of both livestock and humans, is a mechanical vector of many animal and human pathogens. The excessive use of chemical insecticide has led to the development of resistance in the housefly population, and a global desire to decrease insecticide use has increased interest in developing alternative control strategies targeting houseflies. The current study was performed to assess the effectiveness of the bioinsecticides; Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus , Verticillium lecanii, botanical extract Azadirachtin-A and synthetic insecticide (Thiacloprid & Deltamethrin) against the pupae, first and third instar larvae of Musca domestica in the Department of Zoology, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey during 2020. Each experiment was carried out in five replicates. All treatments were maintained at 27 oC ± 2 oC and 70% RH with 12L: 12D (h). Dead larvae and pupae were checked and counted daily. Standard probit analysis was used to calculate lethal time values (50% lethal time = LT50 and 90% lethal time = LT90) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Larval and pupal mortality rates in each tested product were analyzed by one way ANOVA. Larval mortality increased significantly with the increase of time of exposure. The highest pupal mortality (98%) was recorded from pupae treated with Metarhizium anisopliae, and the highest percentage of adult emergence (20%) was recorded from pupae treated with Paecilomyces fumosoroseus and Azadirachtin – A. Beauveria bassiana caused the lowest mortality (6%) 24 h after application for third instar larvae, and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus caused the lowest mortality (23%) 24 h after application for first instar larvae. Paecilomyces fumosoroseus had the highest LT50 and LT90 values (4.730 days and 13.92 days, respectively) for first instar larvae. Beauveria bassiana had the highest LT50 and LT90 values (4.090 days and 7.104 days, respectively) for third instar larvae. All commercial bioinsecticides were indicated to be potent efficient in the development stage. Our results showed that the use of bioinsecticide is an effective alternative method in the control of houseflies.

The present work targeted to evaluate the role of entomopathogenic P. lilicanus fungus in overcoming the major okra sucking pests besides the side effect toward their predator.The targeted entomopathogenic fungus was cultured on Sabouraud dextrose yeast agar and prepared three Serial dilutions concentration suspensions to test their efficacy toward Aphids under laboratory and field conditions, while leafhopper was tested under field condition only. The obtained results were cleared that the high concentration 1x108 spore/ml, caused the best mortality percentage toward Aphis gossypii after 7 days of post-treatment. While under field conditions, the treatments were caused reduction ranged between 72.7% and 63.0 % toward A. gossypi population and 88.7%%, 86.7 % in leafhopper population, respectively. On the other side, the predators' population (F/coccinellidae) was also affected due to reducing the population of their prey.

The 5S, 8'R, and 10'R configurations of militarinone B (3), which is a natural product from Paecilomyces militaris, should equal those in its biosynthetic precursor, militarinone C. The configuration at C-1' emerged from syntheses of the militarinone B candidates 1''S- and 1''R-(5S,8'R,10'R)-3 from the building blocks 9, 11, 14, and 15a while introducing TMB as a more acid-labile N-protecting group for s-ketoamides than DMB. Comparisons of 1''S- and 1''R-(5S,8'R,10'R)-3 with natural militarinone B (3; reisolated from Nature) revealed identity versus distinctness.

The presence of fungi in nature is very abundant, but at this time it is still necessary to know and explore the various types that are able to live in various places. Fungi can live in plant tissue, known as endophytic fungi, and can also live on the leaf surface of a plant. Avicennia marina lives on the coast and is used to reduce abrasion, besides being able to live in tidal habitats and high salinity levels. This is supported by the plant's physiology and the help of its microbial symbionts, therefore it is necessary to explore fungi, especially fungi that are able to symbionting with these plants because they are thought to be resistant to high levels of salinity. The purpose of this study was to determine the types of molds that have been isolated and are able to live in the tissue and leaf surface of A. marina. Characterization method was reviewed through macroscopic and microscopic morphology using a microscope and compared with literature from various sources. The characterization results of the 12 isolates obtained several genera, including Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Curvularia, Paecilomyces, Talaromyces, Syncephalastrum, and 1 unidentified isolate. These isolates need to be continued with further research to see their ability to produce metabolites and so on.

Cordycepin is a major bioactive compound found in Cordyceps sinensis that exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities. Here a Paecilomyces hepiali OR-1 strain was initially isolated from plateau soil for the bioproduction of cordycepin. Subsequently, strain modification including 60Co γ-ray and ultraviolet irradiation were employed to increase the cordycepin titer, resulted in a high-yield mutant strain P. hepiali ZJB18001 with the cordycepin content of 0.61 mg/gDCW, showing a 2.3-fold to that from the wild strain (0.26 mg/gDCW). Furthermore, medium screening based on Box-Behnken design and the response surface methodology facilitated the enhancement of cordycepin yield to the value of 0.96 mg/gDCW at 25 °C for 5 days in submerged cultivation with an optimized medium composition. The high cordycepin yield, rapid growth rate and stable genetic characteristics of P. hepiali ZJB18001 are beneficial in terms of costs and time for the industrialization of cordycepin production.

Heavy metal accumulation in crop grains due to hazardous metal contamination is considered a great concern. However, phytobeneficial fungi are reported to have important abilities for the biosafety of crops grown in contaminated soil. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to explore the mutualistic association of plant growth-promoting endophytic fungi in reducing heavy metal concentration in the seeds of soybean plants subsequently grown in contaminated soil, without comprising seed quality and biochemical profile. The results revealed that endophytic Paecilomyces formosus LHL10 and Penicillium funiculosum LHL06 synergistically produced higher amounts of GAs and IAA in a co-cultured medium. Moreover, the co-inoculation of LHL06 and LHL10 to soybean plants grown under multi-metal toxic conditions significantly mitigated the adverse effects of heavy metal toxicity and increased the seed production (number of pods per plants, number of seeds per pod, and 100 seed weight) of soybean plants grown under control and multi-metal toxic conditions. Moreover, the levels of carbohydrates (glucose, sucrose, and fructose), minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium), amino acids (serine, glutamic acids, glycine, methionine, lysine, arginine, and proline), and antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase) were significantly enhanced in sole and co-inoculated plants under control and stress conditions. Whereas organic acids (citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, and succinic acid), lipid peroxidation (MDA) products, multi-metal accumulation (nickel, cadmium, copper, lead, chromium, and aluminum), and stress-responsive endogenous abscisic acid levels were significantly decreased in seeds of soybean plants grown under control and multi-metal toxic conditions upon LHL06 and LHL10 sole and co-inoculation. The current results suggested the positive biochemical regulation in seeds for improving the nutritional status and making it safe for human consumption.

Paecilomyces clematidis Spetik, Eichmeier, Gramaje & Berraf-Tebbal, sp. nov. (Fig. 2) Mycobank number: MB843540 Type: CZECH REPUBLIC, Breclav: Lednice, university garden (48°47’33.3”N, 16°47’55.7”E), isolated from the root of Clematis ‘Snow Queen’ (Ranunculaceae), May 2021, M. Spetik, Holotype: BRNU 677844, ex-type living culture CBS 148466 = MEND-F-0560. Sexual morph: not observed. Asexual morph: Hyphomycetous. Conidiophores hyaline, septate, irregularly branched. Phialides with a cylindrical basal portion tapering to a thin long neck, solitary directly on vegetative hyphae or in groups of two–four per metula. Conidia (2.5–)3.3–3.6(–4.2) × (1.7–)2.2–2.5(–3.2) µm, mean ± SD 3.4 ± 0.4 × 2.4 ± 0.4 µm hyaline, ellipsoidal with flattened base, pyriform, produced in chains. Chlamydospores usually produced laterally or terminally on short side branches of superficial or immersed hyphae, thick-walled, initially smooth later becoming rough and warted, subglobose to globose, dark green, 4.5–6.2 µm diam. Culture characteristics. On PDA after seven days: white to olivaceous, floccose, aerial mycelium, reverse olivaceous, almost no growth at 18 ° C;> 90 mm diam at 25°, 30° and 35 ° C; 42 mm diam at 40 ° C; no growth at 45 ° C. On MEA after seven days: white to olivaceous, floccose, aerial mycelium, reverse olivaceous,> 90 mm diam at 25° and 30 ° C. On OA after seven days: white to olivaceous, floccose, aerial mycelium, reverse olivaceous,> 90 mm diam at 25° and 30 ° C. On CYA after seven days: white to olivaceous, floccose, aerial mycelium, reverse olivaceous,> 90 mm diam at 25° and 30 ° C. Etymology: —refers to the host genus (Clematis). Additional specimens examined: CZECH REPUBLIC, Breclav: Lednice, university garden (48°47’33.4”N, 16°47’55.7”E), isolated from the root of Clematis ‘ Snow Queen’ (Ranunculaceae), May 2021, M. Spetik, living culture MEND-F-0561 .

Paecilomyces clematidis Spetik, Eichmeier, Gramaje & Berraf-Tebbal, sp. nov. (Fig. 2) Mycobank number: MB843540 Type: CZECH REPUBLIC, Breclav: Lednice, university garden (48°47’33.3”N, 16°47’55.7”E), isolated from the root of Clematis ‘Snow Queen’ (Ranunculaceae), May 2021, M. Spetik, Holotype: BRNU 677844, ex-type living culture CBS 148466 = MEND-F-0560. Sexual morph: not observed. Asexual morph: Hyphomycetous. Conidiophores hyaline, septate, irregularly branched. Phialides with a cylindrical basal portion tapering to a thin long neck, solitary directly on vegetative hyphae or in groups of two–four per metula. Conidia (2.5–)3.3–3.6(–4.2) × (1.7–)2.2–2.5(–3.2) µm, mean ± SD 3.4 ± 0.4 × 2.4 ± 0.4 µm hyaline, ellipsoidal with flattened base, pyriform, produced in chains. Chlamydospores usually produced laterally or terminally on short side branches of superficial or immersed hyphae, thick-walled, initially smooth later becoming rough and warted, subglobose to globose, dark green, 4.5–6.2 µm diam. Culture characteristics. On PDA after seven days: white to olivaceous, floccose, aerial mycelium, reverse olivaceous, almost no growth at 18 ° C;> 90 mm diam at 25°, 30° and 35 ° C; 42 mm diam at 40 ° C; no growth at 45 ° C. On MEA after seven days: white to olivaceous, floccose, aerial mycelium, reverse olivaceous,> 90 mm diam at 25° and 30 ° C. On OA after seven days: white to olivaceous, floccose, aerial mycelium, reverse olivaceous,> 90 mm diam at 25° and 30 ° C. On CYA after seven days: white to olivaceous, floccose, aerial mycelium, reverse olivaceous,> 90 mm diam at 25° and 30 ° C. Etymology: —refers to the host genus (Clematis). Additional specimens examined: CZECH REPUBLIC, Breclav: Lednice, university garden (48°47’33.4”N, 16°47’55.7”E), isolated from the root of Clematis ‘ Snow Queen’ (Ranunculaceae), May 2021, M. Spetik, living culture MEND-F-0561 ., Published as part of Spetik, Milan, Berraf-Tebbal, Akila, Gramaje, David, Mahamedi, Alla Eddine, Stusková, Katerina, Burgova, Jana & Eichmeier, Ales, 2022, Paecilomyces clematidis (Eurotiales, Thermoascaceae): a new species from Clematis root, pp. 238-246 in Phytotaxa 559 (3) on pages 242-243, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.559.3.2, http://zenodo.org/record/7021706

The endophytic fungus Paecilomyces sp. (AUMC 15510) was isolated from healthy stem samples of the Egyptian medicinal plant Cornulaca monacantha. We used GC–MS and HPLC analysis to identify the bioactive constituents of ethyl acetate crude extract of Paecilomyces sp. (PsEAE). Six human microbial pathogens have been selected to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of PsEAE. Our data showed that the extract has significant antimicrobial activity against all tested pathogens. However, the best inhibitory effect was observed against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 90274 with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.9 μg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 15.6 μg/ml, for both pathogens. Also, PsEAE exerts a significant inhibition on the biofilm formation of the previously mentioned pathogenic strains. In addition, we evaluated the wound healing efficiency of PsEAE on earthworms (Lumbricus castaneus) as a feasible and plausible model that mimics human skin. Interestingly, PsEAE exhibited a promising wound healing activity and enhanced wound closure. In conclusion, Paecilomyces sp. (AUMC 15510) could be a sustainable source of antimicrobial agents and a potential therapeutic target for wound management.

Tulisan ini mengkaji mikroorganisme penyebab kerusakan gambar cadas di Leang Pettae, Kawasan Karst Maros, Sulawesi Selatan. Mikroorganisme ini tumbuh subur pada kondisi gua yang lembab dan basah. Bentuk kerusakan ditunjukkan dengan lapisan endapan putih pada dinding gua dan gambar cadas. Penelitian ini mengidentikasi mikroorganisme penyebab kerusakan sebagai upaya pencegahan serta pelestarian gua dan gambar cadas. Sampel mikroorganisme diambil dari sekitar gambar cap telapak tangan dan babirusa yang mengalami kerusakan. Pembiakan sampel dilakukan pada media PDA (Potatoes Dextrose Agar) di Laboratorium Biologi Balai Konservasi Borobudur. Analisis berhasil mengidentikasi sampel berupa jamur dari genus Paecilomyces. Jamur jenis ini menghasilkan enzim protease dan dapat mempengaruhi unsur organik gambar cadas yang menyebabkan kerusakan pada banyak gambar cadas. Berdasarkan karakteristik jamur, saran untuk pelestarian gambar cadas di Leang Pettae yakni, mengontrol suhu dan kelembapan, mencegah polusi udara, dan membatasi aktivitas manusia di dalam ruang gua.

Root Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita is the most economically important plant parasitic nematode and biological control using nematophagous fungi has been widely used for its management. To exploit the rich fungal diversity available in nature to identify novel biocontrol species, 81 fungal isolates have been isolated in this study from 17 soil samples collected across different Indian states using Caenorhabditis elegans as bait. Among the various isolated fungi, 28 isolates belonged to nine pathogenic genera (Curvularia, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Rhizoctonia, Alternaria, Penicillium, Chaetomella and Cunninghamella) while 53 could be classified under five non-pathogenic genera (Paecilomyces, Arthrobotrys, Acremonium, Trichoderma and Talaromyces). All these isolates were evaluated against M. incognita under in vitro conditions. The results showed that seven isolates belonging to five pathogenic genera and 17 isolates belonging to five non-pathogenic genera caused juveniles mortality above 95%. On the another hand, 10 isolates of five pathogenic genera and 13 isolates grouped under four non-pathogenic genera caused juvenile mortality between 85 and 94% and the remaining isolates caused less than 84% mortality. Thus, in the present study, C. elegans as bait is very effective in isolating many novel fungi as some of the species are the first reports. Further, considerable variation in the performance of different isolates within a genus is another interesting finding that signifies the utility of this approach in isolating highly promising strains.

Entomopathogenic fungi were isolated parasitizing coffee borer beetle (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) and banana weevils (Cosmopolites sordidus Germar) in different parts of the island of Puerto Rico to be identified and examined for their pathogenicity on pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii Cano). Fungi were isolated and purified in acidulated potato dextroseagar (PDA) in the laboratory of the Plant Disease Clinic at the Agricultural Experiment Station, Juana Díaz. Seven fungal isolates were obtained from the municipality of Comerío, and one from the municipality of Adjuntas. Morphology, DNA sequences of different genetic regions of interest, and microsatellites were used for identification of fungal isolates. Two of the eight isolates were identified as Beauveria bassiana, three as Beauveria caledonica, two as Paecilomyces fumosorosea and one as Paecilomyces lilacinum. Pathogenicity tests were conducted in vitro using conidia suspension (1 x 106 conidia/mL). Insects were inoculated by immersion (10 sec) in the conidia suspension. Daily mortality data was taken (TL50, TL90) and the mean of the treatments were determined. All the fungal species were pathogenic to A. eugenii. The most effective treatments were: P. fumosorosea (Pae1) and B. bassiana (Bb1 & Bb3) with TL50 of 2.39, 2.53 and 2.56 days, respectively, while TL50 for the control was 6.56. A 100% mortality for treatments occurred between the fourth and sixth day compared to control, which reached it in 12 days. These isolates have the potential to be used on an integrated management program for the control of the pepper weevil.

Soil fungi possess a great number of potential benefits that could be applied in various fields. They are well-known for acting as plant-growth promoter, biocontrol agent of plant diseases and involves in bioremediation. In this study, the fungi were isolated from used agricultural soil in Glasshouse and Nursery Complex (GNC), International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang using serial dilution and plating techniques. Around 10 isolates of soil fungi were successfully isolated and the identification of all isolates were based on their cultural and morphological characteristics. The fungi were discovered to be from genus Cladorrhinum, Penicillium, Paecilomyces and Aspergillus.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la efectividad de cinco tratamientos biológicos sobre el manejo de las plagas de Bemisia tabaci y Liriomyza spp. Estos fueron: Gliricidia sepium, Walpers, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Azadiracta indica. Juss y un testigo convencional para efectos comparativos; fueron dispuestos en un diseño completamente aleatorio en terrenos del Centro de Desarrollo Tecnológico Hugo Chávez Frías, San Isidro, Nicaragua durante el periodo del segundo semestre del año 2017 y primer semestre del año 2018. Las variables estudiadas fueron: Número de adultos de Bemisia tabaci y Liriomyza spp por planta, incidencia y severidad de virosis, incidencia y severidad por daños provocados por Liriomyza spp, rendimiento comercial, presupuesto parcial, análisis de dominancia y tasa de retorno marginal. Los resultados indicaron que los tratamientos Beauveria bassiana y Metarhizium anisopliae son más eficientes en el control de adultos de mosca blanca; Paecilomyces fumosoroseus presentó los menores niveles de Liriomyza spp (0.5 adultos/planta), el testigo presentó niveles de incidencia inferiores al de los tratamientos para ambas plagas a los 15 y 45 días después del trasplante, además obtuvo el mayor rendimiento comercial de 31,477 kg/ha, seguido de Beauveria bassiana. Siendo este tratamiento donde se obtuvo el mayor porcentaje de retorno marginal (474%).

A variety of gastrointestinal parasites naturally infect domestic pigs in Panama which may also occur as zoonotic infections in humans. Anthelmintic drug treatment, including mass drug administration, can lead to drug resistance, reflecting a need for alternatives. The objectives of this exploratory and observational study were: (1) to isolate and cultivate natives species of Paecilomyces from natural soils in Panama, and (2) to evaluate isolated strains for their capacity to parasitize endemic gastrointestinal nematode and protozoan parasites recovered from naturally infected domestic pigs by observing cultures for spore adhesion and hyphae penetration phases. Using microcultivation and inoculation techniques, four strains of Paecilomyces were isolated from three locations in Panama, out of which three successfully adhered to and penetrated free-living stages (eggs, cysts and oocysts) of Balantidium suis, coccidia, Trichuris suis and hookworm. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of a nematophagous fungus such as Paecilomyces successfully infecting this range of gastrointestinal parasites, particularly protozoan parasites.

Research to discover new antibacterial agent has been increasing due to the increasing number of pathogenic bacteria become antibiotic-resistant. Microbiomes in soil mold have antibacterial potency by producing secondary metabolites. The aim of this research was to isolate soil molds from the Faculty of Forestry Arboretum at IPB University. Arboretum’s soil was sampled ± 7.5 g from several points with maximum depth of 15 cm from surface. Mold isolate were cultivated for 28 days using waterbath shaker. Cultivated mycelium and soil filtrate were then separated and extracted using different methods and solvents, prior to antibacterial activity test using agar well diffusion method. Six isolates from Aspergillus, Penicillium, Paecilomyces, and Verticilium were used in this research. Cultivatation using sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) contains pepton and dextrose in 25°C capable of stimulating mold growth. The research showed the result of secondary metabolit had antibacterial characteristic toward tested bacteria. The results of antibacterial activity test on both mycelium and soil filtrate extract showed that soil mold isolates had antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Isolate 103A originated from soil filtrate formed the largest inhibition zone on both tested pathogens. Keywords: antibacteria, mycelium, soil filtrate, soil mold

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) tree is an important and valuable forestry species and is also ideal for reforesting programs in some countries. Several field surveys were conducted on neem trees in different landscapes in Bandar Abbas (Hormozgan province, southern coast of Iran) to determine fungal species associated with trunk diseases. Wood samples were collected from branches of trees planted in boulevards, public parks, local streets, sidewalks and roadsides with yellowing, defoliation, dieback, canker, gummosis and internal wood discoloration. Fungal isolations were made from discolored wood tissues on potato-dextrose agar supplemented with 0.5 g/L of streptomycin sulphate. Fungal isolates obtained from neem trees, were identified based on morphological characteristics and DNA sequence comparisons. Curvularia hawaiiensis, Neoscytalidium hyalinum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Paecilomyces formosus, Paecilomyces dactylethromorphus, Phaeoacremonium venezuelense, P. angustius, P. minimum, P. rubrigenum, P. parasiticum and Pleurostoma richardsiae were the main fungal species recovered from neem trees showing disease symptoms. Pathogenicity of selected species was verified by inoculation of shoots of neem trees under controlled conditions. Neoscytalidium hyalinum was the most aggressive species based on the length of vascular necrosis in the wood. All fungal species, with exception of L. theobromae, are reported here for the first time on neem trees.

Fungi are well known for their ability to synthesize secondary metabolites, which have proven to be a rich resource for exploring lead compounds with medicinal and/or agricultural importance. The genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Talaromyces are the most widely studied fungal groups, from which a plethora of bioactive metabolites have been characterized. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the genus Paecilomyces, which has been reported to possess great potential for its application as a biocontrol agent. Meanwhile, a wide structural array of metabolites with attractive bioactivities has been reported from this genus. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of Paecilomyces species, with emphasis on the chemical diversity and relevant biological activities of these metabolic products. Herein, a total of 148 compounds and 80 references are cited in this review, which is expected to be beneficial for the development of medicines and agrochemicals in the near future.

The spores and supernatants of some fungal isolates; Paecilomyces violacea, Trichoderma harzianum andBeauveria bassiana;were evaluated to control the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella biologically at Plant Protection Research Institute, Sharkia branch, (ARC).All fungi were isolated from soil and dead pink bollworm larvae. B. bassiana was the most active isolate caused the greatest larval and pupal mortality, also the highest deformed adult, also, the lowest numbers of eggs and hatchability percentage. Protease and chitinase produced from B. bassiana. strain had high effects on percent of larval mortality, comparing with control. Identification ofBeauvaria sp. was assured by using 18s rRNA with accession number MT644472.1.

A novel glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 36 α-galactosidase gene (designated PtGal36A) from Paecilomyces thermophila was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The deduced sequence of the gene shared the highest identity of 87% with the characterized α-galactosidase from Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4. The recombinant enzyme (PtGal36A) was purified to homogeneity with a purification fold of 11.0 and a recovery yield of 55.2%. PtGal36A was most active at pH 5.0 and 60 °C and was stable within the pH range of 4.5-11.5 and up to 50 °C. PtGal36A displayed strict specific activity towards substrates with α-galactosyl linkages in the nonreducing ends, with the highest activity on stachyose (58.5 U/mg), followed by melibiose (39.2 U/mg) and raffinose (31.4 U/mg). The enzyme efficiently hydrolyzed raffinose family oligosaccharides in soybean meal by more than 95%. Moreover, PtGal36A showed excellent resistance (residual activities >90%) against α-chymotrypsin, proteinase K, subtilisin A, trypsin and papain. Therefore, PtGal36A should be a good candidate for the food and feed industries.

Annotation. The purpose of this work was conducting study of the antibacterial activity of cultural filtrates of 125 micromycete strains isolated from different samples. Different Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as test-organisms have been applicable. Activity of 64 strains has been established. Genus Aspergillus and Penicillium was characterized wide spectrum of activity. The strains of genus Aureobasidium and Paecilomyces as A. pullulans 41, P. variotii 68 have been shown antibacterial action against test-organisms. It is found that strains of M. vinacea exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus 904 and E. coli 906. Most strains did not show antibacterial effect. The results obtained confirm that antibacterial potential of strains of A. pullulans, P. variotii and M. vinacea is the most potential for researches of biologically active substances.

This article presents two cases of contact lens wearers with keratitis caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus. The special feature of these cases was the superficial manifestation of the infection in the upper stromal layer without infiltration into deeper layers. The pathogen was identified following epithelial debridement and corneal scraping. In both cases the fungal keratitis could be successfully managed by intensive topical treatment with voriconazole. Except for an epithelial debridement with EDTA chelation and an amniotic membrane transplantation in one case, no further surgical interventions were necessary.Wir sahen 2 Kontaktlinsenträger mit Keratitiden durch Paecilomyces lilacinus. Die Besonderheit der Fälle liegt in der oberflächlichen Lage der Infiltrate im oberen Stroma ohne Infiltration in die Tiefe. Der Erregernachweis erfolgte durch eine Abrasio bzw. Hornhautscraping. Die mykotische Keratitis konnte in beiden Fällen durch eine intensive topische Therapie mit Voriconazol beherrscht werden. Bis auf eine EDTA-Touchierung und Amnionmembrantransplantation in 1 Fall waren keine weiteren chirurgischen Eingriffe erforderlich.

Airborne bacteria and fungi in hospital environments are of great concern due to their potential role as a source of nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate concentration and diversity of airborne bacteria and fungi in relation to particle mass concentration in sensitive wards of a pediatric hospital. The study was performed in the cardiac care unit (CCU), the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the cancer blood ward (BW), the ENT (ear, nose, throat) operation room (OT1) and the eye operation room (OT2). The air samples were collected by impaction using the single-stage Andersen sampler. The flow rate and sampling time of the pump were adjusted to 28.3 l/min for 5 min. The mean concentration of indoor airborne fungi and bacteria ranged from 0–63 to 19–356 CFU/m3, respectively. OT2 and CCU wards were the most contaminated wards for airborne bacteria and fungi, respectively (243 ± 77 vs. 30 ± 7 CFU/m3). The airborne Gram-positive cocci (Staphylococcus and Micrococcus) were the most detected bacterial genera (75%) in all indoor air samples, and the most prevalent genera in indoor environment were Cladosporium spp. (19%) followed by Penicillium spp. (16%), Aspergillus spp. (16%) and Paecilomyces spp. (10%). Results showed that the outdoor airborne bacteria and PM concentration at different sizes were significantly higher than indoors, suggesting that the indoor airborne particle may have originated from the outdoor air. There were significant positive relationships between indoor airborne fungi concentrations with indoor PM2.5 and PM10.

The harsh environments of desert areas lead to natural selection of resistant creatures with obvious characteristics. This experiment looked for salt-tolerant fungi from native halophyte plants. Forty fungi isolated from three halophyte plant families that were collected from desert areas of Yazd Province in Iran, and the most tolerant isolates were selected at concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 3.5 and 4 molar sodium chloride. Five selected superior isolates were assigned to the phylum Ascomycota based on internal transcribed spacers sequences and β-tubulin gene, as well as morphological characteristics of the genus and species. Aspergillus terreus showed superiority in terms of enzymes and antibacterial properties than other isolates. Other isolates were Acremonium, Paecilomyces, Microascus and Monosorascus. Aspergillus terreus also showed antifungal effects against Aspergillus fumigatus, a human pathogen.

Background: Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi, considered etiological agents of cutaneous mycoses in man and animals. The objective of this work was to isolate dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic fungi in recreational sandboxes (rainy and dry periods) in public day-care centers located in the city of Cuiabá-MT (Middle-west of Brazil). Methods: Samples (n = 200) were collected from the superficial layer of the sandboxes at a depth of 2–5 cm in 10 public nurseries in Cuiabá-MT. Hair baits measuring 1–2 cm were autoclaved and dispersed in 50 g of the sample in sterile plates, incubated at 28 °C, moistened with chloramphenicol solution (50 mg/L). After 6 weeks the baits were inoculated on Sabouraud agar plus 50 mg/L chloramphenicol and 500 mg/L cycloheximide. The fungi were identified according to macroscopic and micromorphological characteristics. Results: From the collected sand samples, 1318 colonies and 56 species of fungi belonging to 22 genera were isolated. The most important genera were Paecilomyces spp. (30.42%), Penicillium spp. (19.12%), Fusarium spp. (11.46%) and Aspergillus spp. (11.15%). Dermatophytes were recovered in 50% of day-care centers in a total of 29 identified colonies, the Trichophyton genus (86.2%) being the most frequently isolated. Conclusions: The dermatophytes in the recreational areas of day-care centers can pose a risk to the health of its users, especially for children and the employees. Work with this profile is very important to guide actions related to health surveillance. Keywords: Public day care, Dermatophytes, Sand, Cutaneous mycoses, Cuiabá-MT

Yellow mite is a serious pest of many field and horticultural crops including jute. As repeated use of acaricides possess problem of resistance, alternatively, the infectivity of talc based formulation of three entomopathogens, i.e., Lecanicillium lecanii (Ll), Isaria fumosorosea (= Paecilomyces fumosoroseus ) (Pf) and Beauveria bassiana (Bb) at 4x10 8 cfu/ml, and 6x10 8 cfu/ml concentrations were evaluated against yellow mite under laboratory condition. In both the concentrations, Pf and Bb recorded significantly higher mortality of yellow mite than Ll. At 3-DPT (days post treatment) significantly highest mortality was observed in Pf (30.35%) followed by Bb (21.59%) and Ll (4.87%). Later on at 4 and 5-DPT period the level of mortality in Pf and Bb treated population was at par but significantly higher than Ll. At 5-DPT, Pf recorded maximum cumulative mortality (40.92%) at par with Bb (35.99%) and significantly higher than Ll (12.92%). Significantly higher cumulative mortality at 6x10 8 CFU/l concentration during 5 days after treatment was 34.35%. The infectivity of talc based formulation of Ll at both the concentrations was significantly less than Pf and Bb. Higher infectivity of I. fumosorosea indicates it to be ideal for yellow mite control in jute.

In this study, we demonstrate that chitosan is produced from Paecilomyces saturatus fungi using ternary monosaccharide carbon sources liquid cultivation via mixture design strategy. Sixteen experiments were carried out to obtain regression equations of fungal dry mycelial biomass (W), chitosan ratio (R), and deacetylation degree (DD) for plotting contour lines. Contour lines reveal that the maximum W, R, and DD can be simultaneously obtained in cultivated media containing 20% glucose, 60% fructose and 20% mannitol rather than pure monosaccharide cultivation. Three additional confirmation experiments based on the maximum FuCS deacetylation degree had been performed to confirm to be 92.3% via Fourier-transform infrared spectra. Accordingly, FuCS possessed much better anti-microbial activity on E. coli than commercial chitosan (CrCS). Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction results confirmed that FuCS possessed both α and γ crystalline peaks while CrCS possessed only α crystalline peak, being collaborated with thermogravimetric analysis results. The superior FuCS was obtained by using ternary monosaccharides system in fungal culture via mixture design for the first time. This study provides a new approach to produce chitosan from fungal cultivation by using the mixture design strategy.

For decades entomopathogenic fungi have garnered interest as possible alternatives to chemical pesticides. However, their ecology outside of agroecosystems demands further study. We assessed the diversity and abundance of entomopathogenic and insect-associated fungi at a loblolly pine forest in North Carolina, USA using culture-dependent and next-generation sequencing libraries. Fungi were isolated using Galleriamellonella larvae, as well as from soil dilutions plated on a selective medium. Isolates were identified using Sanger sequencing of the ITS and LSU rRNA gene regions, and represented 36 OTUs including Metarhizium, Lecanicillium, and Paecilomyces. Additionally, we assessed the chitinolytic potential of isolates and found widespread, variable ability to degrade chitin within and between genera. Phylogenetic analyses resolved several isolates to genus, with some forming clades with other insect-associated taxa, as well as with fungi associated with plant tissues. Saprophytes were widely distributed in soil, while entomopathogens were less abundant and present primarily in the top two cm of the soil. The similarity between culture-dependent and next-generation sequencing results demonstrates that both methods can be used concurrently in this system to study the ecology of entomopathogenic fungi.

The effect of treatment regimens on fungal microbiota is unclear in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Here, we aimed to clarify the effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) treatment on gut fungal microbiota in UC patients. Fifty-seven UC patients, including 20 treatment-naïve and 37 5-ASA-treated, were recruited into an exploration study. We compared the gut fungal profiles of these 2 groups of patients using ITS1-2 rDNA sequencing. Ten out of 20 treatment-naïve UC patients were followed up and enrolled for a validation study and underwent a 5-ASA treatment. We assessed the longitudinal differences of fungal microbiota in these patients before and after 5-ASA treatment. Results acquired from the validation study were accordant to those from the exploration study. Ascomycota was the dominant phylum in both noninflamed and inflamed mucosae. At the phylum level, Ascomycota decreased in inflamed mucosae before 5-ASA treatment. At the genus level, pathogens such as Scytalidium, Morchella, and Paecilomyces increased, and Humicola and Wickerhamomyces decreased in inflamed mucosae. After 5-ASA treatment, Ascomycota and Wickerhamomyces increased and Scytalidium, Fusarium, Morchella, and Paecilomyces decreased in both noninflamed and inflamed mucosae. Additionally, the balanced bacteria–fungi correlation was interrupted in inflamed mucosae, and 5-ASA treatment altered group-specific fungal microbiota and restored bacteria–fungi correlation in UC patients. Our results demonstrated that fungal diversity and composition were altered and the bacteria–fungi correlation was restored in inflamed mucosae after 5-ASA treatment.

Paecilomyces variotii is a commonly occurring species in air and food, and it is also associated with many types of human infections. Tissue forms of the fungus Paecilomyces variotii or their cytoskeletons were revealed in the cytoplasm of erythrocytes in patients with allergy and bronchial asthma in paecilomycosis. Our study was aimed at investigating the role of red blood cells in the mechanisms of the nonspecific protection of the host in conditions of chronic persistent infection of the blood with the fungus of the genus Paecilomyces. We examined a total of eighty-four 16-to-72-year-old patients (39 men and 45 women) presenting with activation of paecilomyces infection in blood. We used laboratory, biochemical, allergic-and-immunological and microbiological methods of study. Fungal cultures were identified phenotypically and by means of phylogenetic analysis.Our findings are suggestive of a new type of the oxygen-dependent mechanism of cytotoxicity of erythrocytes, which is caused by permanent formation of reactive oxygen species as a result of non-enzymatic oxidation of haemoglobin to methaemoglobin. The resulting superoxide anion radical (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (OH-) exhibit a powerful bactericidal action which is, probably, activated when the fungal cells are captured and immersed in the erythrocyte cytoplasm or in a closed cavity formed by RBCs around large fungal cells. In conditions of chronic blood infection with tissue forms of fungi of the genus Paecilomyces oxygen-dependent cytotoxicity of erythrocytes is the main mechanism of readjustment of blood from the infectious agent of Paecilomycosis.

Fungi colonize habitats by means of spores. These cells are stress-resistant compared to growing fungal cells. Fungal conidia, asexual spores, formed by cosmopolitan fungal genera like Penicillium, Aspergillus and Peacilomyces are dispersed by air. They are present in places, where food products are stored and as a result, they cause food spoilage. Here, we determined the heterogeneity of heat resistance of conidia between and within strains of Paecilomyces variotii, a spoiler of foods such as margarine, fruit juices, canned fruits and non-carbonized sodas. Out of 108 strains, 31 isolates showed a conidial survival >10% after a 10-min-heat treatment at 59°C. Three strains with different conidial heat resistance were selected for further phenotyping. Conidia of DTO 212-C5 and DTO 032-I3 showed 0.3% and 2.6% survival in the screening, respectively, while survival of DTO 217-A2 conidia was >10%. The decimal reduction times of these strains at 60°C (D60 -value) were 3.7 ± 0.08, 5.5 ± 0.35, and 22.9 ± 2.00 min, respectively. Further in-depth analysis revealed that the three strains showed differences in morphology, spore size distributions, compatible solute compositions and growth under salt stress. Conidia of DTO 217-A2 are the most heat-resistant reported so far. The ecological consequences of this heterogeneity of resistance, including food spoilage, are discussed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The coculture of marine red algal-derived endophytic fungi Aspergillus terreus EN-539 and Paecilomyces lilacinus EN-531 induced the production of a new terrein derivative, namely asperterrein (1) and a known dihydroterrein (2), which were not detected in the axenic cultures of both strains. The production of the known secondary metabolites terrein (3), butyrolactone I (4), and dankasterone (6), derived from A. terreus EN-539, were depressed significantly in the coculture. Compounds 1–3 exhibited inhibitory activity against Alternaria brassicae, Escherichia coli, Physalospora piricola, and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC values ranging from 4 to 64 μg ml−1.

Decorative coating paint films are susceptible to the microbial attack. Microbes adhere to the surface of film and deteriorate the dry film that destructs the aesthetic and film properties of paint films. The present study divulges the paint deteriorating fungal diversity at different geographical regions of India. The swab samples were collected from fungal-ridden paint films at nine different geographical regions of India and 42 fungi were isolated through conventional approaches. Fungal isolates were identified basis standard macro morphological characteristics like colony texture, color, margin, elevation on Sabouraud dextrose agar plate and micro morphological characteristics like hyphal structure, spore and conidiophore arrangement. Total 42 fungal isolates were identified and categorized to 8 different genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Tritirachium, Nigrospora, Nodulisporium and Paecilomyces. It was observed that 52% of isolates belong to the genera Aspergillus, 14% belongs to genera Cladosporium and 14% belongs to genera Penicillium. Other isolates from genera Alternaria (7%), Paecilomyces (4%), Tritirachium (3%), Nigrosporium (3%) and Nodulisporium (3%) were the least ones on paint films across different regions of India.

Funding Information: The Academy of Finland (grant for CleanSchool, 330150); The Finnish Work Environment Fund (grant for LIIKU, 200068). Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Viable airborne pathogenic fungi represent a potential health hazard when exposing vulnerable persons in quantities exceeding their resilience. In this study, 284 indoor fungal isolates from a strain collection of indoor fungi were screened for pathogenic potential through the ability to grow in neutral pH at 37 °C and 30 °C. The isolates were collected from 20 locations including 14 problematic and 6 non-problematic ordinary buildings. Out of the screened isolates, 170 isolates were unable to grow at 37 °C, whereas 67 isolates growing at pH 7.2 at 37 °C were considered as potential opportunistic pathogens. Forty-seven isolates growing at 30 °C but not at 37 °C were considered as less likely pathogens. Out of these categories, 33 and 33 strains, respectively, were identified to the species level. The problematic buildings included known opportunistic pathogens: Aspergillus calidoustus, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Rhizopus arrhizus and Paecilomyces variotii, as well as less likely pathogens: Aspergillus versicolor, Chaetomium cochliodes, Chaetomium globosum and Chaetomium rectangulare. Opportunistic pathogens such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus tubingensis and less likely pathogens such as Aspergillus westerdijkiae, Chaetomium globosum and Dichotomopilus finlandicus were isolated both from ordinary and from problematic buildings. Aspergillus was the dominant, most diverse genus found during screening for potentially pathogenic isolates in the indoor strain collection. Studies on Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus calidodoustus revealed that tolerance to cleaning chemicals may contribute to the adaptation of Aspergillus species to indoor environments.

Fungi produce secondary metabolites that are not directly involved in their growth, but often contribute to their adaptation to extreme environmental stimuli and enable their survival. Conidial pigment or melanin is one of the secondary metabolites produced naturally by a polyketide synthesis (PKS) gene cluster in several filamentous fungi and is known to protect these fungi from extreme radiation conditions. Several pigmented or melanized fungi have been shown to grow under extreme radiation conditions at the Chernobyl nuclear accident site. Some of these fungi, including Paecilomyces variotii, were observed to grow towards the source of radiation. Therefore, in this study, we wanted to identify if the pigment produced by P. variotii, contributes to providing protection against radiation condition. We first identified the PKS gene responsible for synthesis of pigment in P. variotii and confirmed its role in providing protection against UV irradiation through CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene deletion. This is the first report that describes the use of CRISPR methodology to create gene deletions in P. variotii. Further, we showed that the pigment produced by this fungus, was not inhibited by DHN-melanin pathway inhibitors, indicating that the fungus does not produce melanin. We then identified the pigment synthesized by the PKS gene of P. variotii, as a naptho-pyrone Ywa1, by heterologously expressing the gene in Aspergillus nidulans. The results obtained will further aid in understanding the mechanistic basis of radiation resistance.

Flubendiamide is a new class of chemical pesticide with broad spectrum activity against lepidopteran pests. Due to limited approach and high specificity towards various non targeted organisms, the unrestricted application of this pesticide as a prominent alternate for organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides, causing serious environmental pollution. In this study, wastewater was used for the determination of microbial strains and pesticide degrading fungi. Microbial population and flubendiamide resistant fungal strains were characterized using enriched medium. Aerobic bacteria (6.38 ± 0.23 log CFU/mL), nitrifying bacteria (2.73 ± 0.31 CFU/mL), Lactobaillus (0.72 ± 0.03 log CFU/mL), actinomycetes (5.36 ± 0.27 log CFU/mL) and fungi (4.79 ± 0.22 log CFU/mL) were detected. The prominent fungi genera were, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Cladophialophora, Paecilomyces, Talaromyces, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Candida, Phyllosticta, Mycosphaerella, Ochroconis, and Mucor. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the rapidly growing organism (FR04) revealed its ability to tolerate up to 1250 mg/L flubendiamide concentration. Morphological, biochemical and molecular analysis revealed that the strain was Aspergillus terreus FR04. The residual pesticide was detected using a High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that 89 ± 1.9% pesticide removal efficiency was observed in strain FR04 at optimized culture conditions (96 h, pH 6.5, 30 °C and 300 mg/L pesticide concentration). The strain FR04 degraded pollutants from the wastewater and improved water quality. A. terreu sFR04 is an indigenous fungus and has the ability to degrade trizole pesticides from the wastewater significantly.

This study examined the anti-HSV-1 activity of EPS extracts isolated from mangrove fungus Paecilomyces Lilacinuson after intraperitoneal administration in mice. Mice were experimentally infected with HSV-1 intracranially and treated intraperitoneally with three different doses of EPS extract (6 g/Kg, 8 g/Kg, and 10 g/Kg) for 7 days. One group of 15 mice was infected with HSV-1 but did not receive any treatment, while another group of 15 mice was mock-infected to remain a control group. Animals were observed twice a day for 14 days after virus infection, searching for clinical signs of weight loss, piloerection, isolation, or retardation movement. Compared with the mock-infected group, mortality was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the virus-infected group and the groups that received 6 g/Kg and 8 g/Kg EPS extract. Interestingly, no significant differences in mortality were found between the 10 g/Kg EPS extract and the mock-infected group. Mortality in the 10 g/Kg EPS extract group was substantially improved compared with virus-infected(p < 0.05). Additionally, EPS extracts inhibited HSV-1 replication in the mice brain in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the extracts decreased NF-κB protein and mRNA expression and the production of TNF-α in HSV-1-infected mice brain tissue. These effects were also dose-dependent. Our findings suggest that the EPS extract may be a potential candidate for developing an antiviral drug against HSV-1.

The genus Paecilomyces is known for its potential application in the control of pests and diseases; however, its use in agriculture is limited to few species. Research interest in new formulations based on microorganisms for the control of pathogens is growing exponentially; therefore, it is necessary to study new isolates, which may help control diseases effectively, and to examine their compatibility with established agricultural control methods. We analysed in vitro and in vivo the antagonistic capacity of Paecilomyces variotii against seven phytopathogens with a high incidence in different crops, and we examined its compatibility with 24 commercial fungicides. P. variotii was applied in the following pathosystems: B. cinereal—melon, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum—pepper, R. solani—tomato, F. solani—zucchini, P. aphanidermatum—melon, M. melonis—melon, and P. xanthii—zucchini. The results showed strong control effects on M. melonis and P. xanthii, reducing the disease severity index by 78% and 76%, respectively. The reduction in disease severity in the other pathosystems ranged from 29% to 44%. However, application of metabolites alone did not cause any significant effect on mycelial growth of phytopathogens, apart from F. solani, in which up to 12% inhibition was observed in vitro when the extract was applied at a concentration of 15% in the medium. P. variotii was compatible with most of the tested fungicides, and of the 24 fungicides tested at the maximum authorised dose, 6 acted as fungicides, 4 as fungistatics, and the remaining showed inhibition rates ranging from 18.2% to 95.8%. These results indicate that P. variotii is a potential biological control agent to be used against several aerial and soil diseases, thus it should be integrated into modern pest management strategies.

Fungal pigments are important natural products with a wide range of applications. In this study, the purple-red pigment produced by the fungus

Paecilomyces rot of apples is a postharvest disease caused by Paecilomyces niveus, a problematic spoiling agent of fruit juices and derivatives. The fungus produces ascospores that can survive food processing and germinate in finished fruit products. Processing apple fruits infected with Paecilomyces rot can lead to P. niveus contaminated juices. Because the fungus produces the mycotoxin patulin, juice spoilage by P. niveus is an important health hazard. Little is known about the disease biology and control mechanisms of this recently described postharvest disease. Following Koch’s postulates, we determined that a range of previously untested rosaceous fruits and popular apple cultivars are susceptible to Paecilomyces rot infection. We also observed that two closely related food spoiling fungi, Paecilomyces fulvus and Paecilomyces variotti, were unable to infect, cause symptoms in, or reproduce in wounded fruits. Our results highlight the unique abilities of Paecilomyces niveus to infect a variety of fruits, produce patulin, and form highly-resistant spores capable of spoiling normally shelf-stable products.

Simple, facile and cost effective approach is used for the synthesis of Aspirin based silver oxide nano-particles (SONPs) by chemical wet method. The synthesized SONPs were loaded with Aspirin to form Asp-SONPs, which was confirmed with the help of UV spectroscopy. Characterization was done using spectroscopy techniques FTIR, SEM, TEM and XRD. Antimicrobial assay of Asp-SONPs were carried out against six bacterial strains (E. coli, Protues, Vibrio, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, S. aureus) and fungal strains (Curvularia, Alternaria, Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Helmithosporium, Paecilomyces) by well diffusion method which confirmed its potential application as an antimicrobial agent. Asp-SONPs-PVA also displayed highest insecticidal activity against both tested insects (Tribolium casterium and Callosobruchus chinensis) having LC50 value of 15.917, and 37.6365 and highest percent mortality at 1000 ppm was 67%, and 73%, respectively. PVA coated SONPs displayed encouraging phytotoxicity when exposed to allopathic, where Asp-SONPs coated PVA give excellent anthelmintic activity by killing or paralyzing all the species (earthworm) at 1000 ppm.

Purpureocillium lilacinum can promote the biomineralization of jarosite by secreting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), but the detailed mechanism is not clear. In this study, the biosynthesis process of jarosite induced by P. lilacinum Y3 and hypha cell surface characterization were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that P. lilacinum Y3 could induce the formation of jarosite crystal and enhance mineralization kinetics. The kinetic and isotherm models confirmed that the metal ions transferring from the solution to the mycelium surface was controlled by diffusion process and the active interfacial sites on hypha cell surface played a pivotal role in the biomineralization process. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures illustrated that the P. lilacinum Y3 mainly induced the generation of mineral precipitate extracellularly, but not intracellularly. Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) fluorescence spectrum results further revealed the extracellular compounds such as fulvic-acid-like and protein-like substances participated in the mineralization process.

Patulin (PAT) is a type of mycotoxin produced by the P. expansum, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Paecilomyces fungal species and constitutes serious food-related and environmental health threats to consumers. In this study, a novel magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) adsorbent was successfully synthesized, and its adsorption properties for the efficient removal of PAT from aqueous solution were investigated. The effects of adsorption parameters, such as pH, initial PAT concentration, adsorption time and temperature, were investigated for optimization of the adsorption process. The kinetic and isotherm studies revealed that PAT adsorption was well described by a pseudo-second order model and the Freundlich model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of the as-prepared magnetic MWCNTs reached 640.2 μg/g, which was much higher than that of biological material-based absorbents (p

The fine structure and chain conformation of a heteropolysaccharide (PCIPS3) from mycelium of Paecilomyces cicadae were investigated via the analysis of HPLC, IR, methylation, NMR spectroscopy and multiangle light scattering. It was determined to be a 2.23 × 104 g/mol heteropolysaccharide primarily composed of glucose, galactose and mannose in a molar ratio of 23.8:2.1:1.0. The PCIPS3 backbone consisted of 1,4-linked α- d -Glcp and 1,4-linked 6-O-Me-α- d -Glcp residues, which were occasionally interrupted by branched β-Galf residues through 1,6-linkage. Moreover, the α (0.60) from Mark–Houwink–Sakurada (MHS) equation suggested that PCIPS3 adopted a flexible chain conformation in 0.1 mol/L NaNO3 at 25 °C. The worm-like chains model parameters for PCIPS3 were estimated as following: ML = 437 nm−1, q = 0.46 nm and 0.79 nm, which were further evidenced by AFM. Furthermore, PCIPS3 showed excellent scavenging capacities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, ORAC radical and moderate immunomodulatory activity.

Con el fin de generar un registro de los hongos entomopatógenos con el potencial para el control de insectos plaga en el área agrícola del estado de Tamaulipas. En este estudio se cuantificó la abundancia y determinó la distribución de los hongos entomopatógenos en diferentes localidades y ambientes del sur de Tamaulipas, México. En 2016, los hongos entomopatógenos fueron recolectados en la Brecha de Corpus Christi, Villa Cuauhtémoc, Esteros y Miradores. En cada localidad se seleccionaron los siguientes ambientes: parcelas cultivadas con gramíneas (sorgo y maíz), fabáceas (soya, frijol y jícama), árboles frutales (limón, papaya, litche, mango y naranja), hortalizas (cebolla, chile, tomate y acelga) y parcelas sin cultivar (ambiente natural). En cada ambiente se recolectaron muestras de suelo. Posteriormente, en el suelo recolectado, se trampearon a los hongos entomopatógenos con larvas de Tenebrio molitor L. En total, se recolectaron 134 aislados de los géneros: Beauveria sp., Lecanicillium sp., Metarhizium sp., Paecilomyces sp., Trichoderma sp. e Isaria sp. De los cuales, Beauveria sp. presentó la mayor abundancia y distribución. Mientras que, los otros géneros fueron recolectados en localidades y ambientes específicos. Este resultado indica la posibilidad de que los géneros de los hongos encontrados estén fuertemente adaptados a los factores bióticos y abióticos del ambiente.

Introduction: To analyse the fungal culture results of patients with fungal keratitis over sixteen years and look for variations in the trends over years and distribution across ages, gender and seasons. Materials and methods: Clinical and demographic records and microbiology reports of 18,898 patients of fungal keratitis from 2001 to 2016 were analysed. Results: Overall fungal culture positivity was 21.5%. 67.3% were males and 32.7% were females. Maximum numbers of samples (17.9%) were received from age group 41–50 years, and maximum fungal culture positivity was seen in age group 31–40 years (30.8%). Most common fungus was Aspergillus species (31.1%), followed by Fusarium species (24.5%), Alternaria (10.5%), Curvularia (10.2%), Helminthosporium (5.7%), Bipolaris (5.4%), Penicillium (4.5%), Candida (4.4%), Acremonium (1.2%), Rhizopus (1.0%), Paecilomyces (0.8%), Rhodotorula (0.5%) and Mucor (0.2%). Fungal culture positivity and relative frequency of fungi remained almost stable over the study duration, except Rhodotorula spp, which showed a rise 2014 onwards. Highest numbers of culture proven fungal keratitis cases were seen in monsoon season. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, our study is the largest compilation of epidemiological and microbiological features of fungal keratitis, throwing light on important attributes relevant to management of mycotic keratitis patients. Keywords: Keratomycosis, Fungal culture, Corneal scraping, Pathogenic fungi