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Phellinus Quel. is a member of family Hymenochaetaceae of the order Hymenochaetales. This genus comprises wood-inhabiting, saprophytic and parasitic species. Species of Phellinus sensu lato are known to have large host range and cause white rot of various types to live standing or dead trees from all over the world. The current study is based on a thorough study of literature to document the host range of Phellinus species from India. The study indicated that one hundred and seventy four plant species from 51 families are found to be infected by Phellinus species. The families found to be the most affected are Fabaceae, Combretaceae, Meliaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Anacardiaceae, Myrtaceae, Meliaceae, Lauraceae, Fagaceae, Rosaceae. Many plant (tree) species are affected by Phellinus; this establishes it as a potential pathogen and wood decay fungi. The present study also reports Phellinus from almost all over India and every climatic zones. This indicated the high tolerance and acclimatization of Phellinus towards diverse climatic conditions. The most affected host is Artocarpus followed by Terminalia and Acacia. Although the study reports Phellinus from diverse climatic zones of India, the most affected families and genera are from moist tropical conditions. This indicates that Phellinus has vigorous activity in warm and moist areas and affects diverse plant/tree species in these areas like Maharashtra and Kerala. The states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Union Territories, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland are still left to be explored. The present study has key significance in biodiversity, medicinal as well as the pathogenic study of Phellinus. It provides an overall host range of genus Phellinus, confirming its vast host diversity. The information could further be used in disease, biodiversity and plant pathological assessments.

Pollutants when incorporated in the soil lead to adverse effect on soil quality. Bioaugmentation provides very attractive, eco-friendly, and economic solution to problems associated with hazardous pollutants. The present study conducted biodegradation potential of four fungal species namely; Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium frequentans, Trametes hirsuta, and Trametes versicolor to degrade endosulfan in soil using artificial bed. Individual fungi as well as their consortium are able to degrade endosulfan in soil. Toxicological effect of endosulfan and its degradation products in soil fertility was also evaluated during study. To evaluate the toxicological effect of endosulfan and its degradation products in soil fertility, soil pH, total microbial population and the soil enzymes activity were also analyzed. At the end of 30 days of incubation period, maximum per cent degradation of endosulfan was observed in soil augmented with T. hirsuta (86.23%), followed by T. versicolor (67.35%) which was at par with fungal consortium (63.49%). Degradation of endosulfan in soil treated with C. cladosporioides and P. frequentans was 60.37% and 56.18%, respectively. In addition, degradation of endosulfan decreased in all treatments as its concentration increased in soil. All tested fungi degraded α-endosulfan more efficiently than β-endosulfan. At the end of experiment (after 30 days), maximum degradation of both isomers was recorded in soil augmented with T. hirsuta (α = 93.03 ± 2.86 and β = 79.42 ± 2.71%). Fungi which showed more endosulfan degradation also produced more endosulfan sulfate in soil. However, less endosulfan sulfate was recorded in T. hirsuta and T. versicolor, though they degraded endosulfan more efficiently. pH in natural soil (control) and abiotic control remain at par during the complete incubation period and ranged between 7.45 ± 0.03 to7.49 ± 0.01. In soil treated with T. hirsuta and T. versicolor, pH was decreased significantly to acidic range (6.44 ± 0.04 and 6.64 ± 0.01, respectively). In soil treated with fungal consortium, pH increased initially (7.57 ± 0.04), but later it was found to decrease (7.16 ± 0.03). Usually, after an initial toxic effect, mineralization of endosulfan leads to an increase in microbial populations and enzyme activities in bioaugmented soil, and the efficient fungi caused more pronounced increment.

Recycling of recovered paper is an inevitable process for saving resources and the environment. Due to strict forest conservation regulations and limitations of the agro-forestry sector, the paper industry is facing the woody fiber crisis for decades. The recycling of waste paper for its utilization as a source of cellulosic fibers for papermaking is a resource-saving and eco-friendly approach and is a need of time. Deinking is an important stage in the recycling of recovered paper. In the conventional deinking process, chemicals have been used for removal of inks and other impurities from waste paper pulp slurry with some certain drawbacks like deinking inefficiency, fiber damage and generation of chemicals and fiber-rich effluent. The application of enzymes for deinking purposes is known as biodeinking and is considered as the potent and environmentally friendly deinking approach. The present write-up provides comprehensive information on various aspects of biodeinking.

Background Dalbergia sissoo (shisham), an important multipurpose tree native to the Indian subcontinent and also planted in other countries, has been afflicted with large scale mortality in all age groups due to wilt disease, causing huge economic losses. Fusarium solani f. sp. dalbergiae (Fsd) has been identified as one of the causal organisms for wilt disease in D. sissoo. One of the approaches of disease resistance studies involves co-cultivation of trees and pathogens under controlled conditions to screen resistant tree genotypes. A gnotobiotic condition, where the pathogen is known, enables accurate screening of disease-resistant genotypes. In the present study, ten genotypes of D. sissoo were cloned in vitro and evaluated against two strains of Fsd in a dual culture setup under gnotobiotic conditions with an objective to identify resistant genotypes of D. sissoo against Fsd. Results Callus and plantlets of ten genotypes of host plant multiplied in vitro were inoculated with conidial suspension of two strains of Fsd at three concentrations; 1 × 101, 1 × 103, and 1 × 105 conidia/ml. Gnotobiotic evaluation of dual culture setup shows variations among genotypes in their response towards in vitro Fsd infection; and two genotypes (14 and 66) exhibited resistance against Fsd strains. Callus of genotypes 14 and 66 significantly restricted the fungal mycelium growth whereas callus of remaining genotypes was completely infested by Fsd mycelium within 9 days. Similarly, plantlets of genotype 14 and 66 had lesser disease severity and remained green and had fewer necrotic lesions in roots whereas plantlets of the remaining eight genotypes died within 15 days. Conclusion Gnotobiotic evaluation of callus and plantlets of ten genotypes of D. sissoo against Fsd strains has reduced time and space otherwise required for field trials. Genetic variations amongst the genotypes resulted in varying responses towards virulent Fsd strains and only two out of ten genotypes showed promising resistant characteristics. In dual culture setup, both callus and plantlets of the same genotypes responded similarly against Fsd strains, which signify that in vitro screening can be used as an indirect selection method for disease resistance.

Dalbergia sissoo (shisham), an important multipurpose tree native to the Indian subcontinent and also planted in other countries, has been afflicted with large scale mortality in all age groups due to wilt disease, causing huge economic losses. Fusarium solani f. sp. dalbergiae (Fsd) has been identified as one of the causal organisms for wilt disease in D. sissoo. One of the approaches of disease resistance studies involves co-cultivation of trees and pathogens under controlled conditions to screen resistant tree genotypes. A gnotobiotic condition, where the pathogen is known, enables accurate screening of disease-resistant genotypes. In the present study, ten genotypes of D. sissoo were cloned in vitro and evaluated against two strains of Fsd in a dual culture setup under gnotobiotic conditions with an objective to identify resistant genotypes of D. sissoo against Fsd. Callus and plantlets of ten genotypes of host plant multiplied in vitro were inoculated with conidial suspension of two strains of Fsd at three concentrations; 1 × 101, 1 × 103, and 1 × 105 conidia/ml. Gnotobiotic evaluation of dual culture setup shows variations among genotypes in their response towards in vitro Fsd infection; and two genotypes (14 and 66) exhibited resistance against Fsd strains. Callus of genotypes 14 and 66 significantly restricted the fungal mycelium growth whereas callus of remaining genotypes was completely infested by Fsd mycelium within 9 days. Similarly, plantlets of genotype 14 and 66 had lesser disease severity and remained green and had fewer necrotic lesions in roots whereas plantlets of the remaining eight genotypes died within 15 days. Gnotobiotic evaluation of callus and plantlets of ten genotypes of D. sissoo against Fsd strains has reduced time and space otherwise required for field trials. Genetic variations amongst the genotypes resulted in varying responses towards virulent Fsd strains and only two out of ten genotypes showed promising resistant characteristics. In dual culture setup, both callus and plantlets of the same genotypes responded similarly against Fsd strains, which signify that in vitro screening can be used as an indirect selection method for disease resistance.

Rhizosphere microfungi were isolated by using serial dilution plate method. The highest fungal population was recorded in rainy season as compared to other seasons. Thirty-six fungal species belonging to fifteen genera were recovered throughout the seasons with the highest population and relative abundance of Cuninghamella burtholletiae (8.4%) followed by Mucor varians (7.5%) and Penicillium frequentens (7.2%) and lowest by Cladosporium cladosporioides and sterile mycelia I (0.5% each). The members of ascomycetes (66.67%) were dominant in the study site followed by that of Phycomycetes (20%), Basidiomycetes (6.67%) and sterile mycelia (6.67%). The highest fungal diversity index was found in summer (3.33), followed by rainy (3.17) and winter (2.98) seasons. The greatest similarity index in soil fungi occurred between summer and rainy (88.52) seasons followed by winter and rainy (76.92) and winter and summer (72.72). Significant positive correlations were observed between moisture and available nitrogen with fungal population in winter season, while soil temperature, moisture, organic matter, organic carbon, available nitrogen and available potassium showed positive correlations with fungal population in summer and winter. Isolated saprophytic fungi were also found dominant over the pathogenic isolates of the specie due to their antagonistic behavior against the pathogens.

Pesticides play a vital role in modern farming in order to meet the needs of growing population. However, due to their toxic effects, pesticides cause a serious threat to public health. Pesticides when used excessively and carelessly cause social conflict, as most of the workers are intoxicated by these chemicals. These chemicals not only affect farmers and applicators but also adversely affect surrounding communities, flora and fauna. During the present decade, there is an increased awareness among the people regarding pesticide poisoning. The present chapter highlighted the adverse effect of pesticides on environment and on human health. This review helps to seek the attention of researchers, government, and non-government organizations on health issues that have been associated with the exposure of harmful chemical pesticides and encourage research on finding the new concept in modern agriculture involving a reduction in the use of chemical pesticides.

The current study is an attempt made to overcome the confusion concerning nomenclature and synonym status of Merulius eurocephalus (Berk. and Br.) Petch with Bondarzewia berkeleyi (Fr.) Bond. & Sing. An examination of herbarium specimens and literature review revealed that the two fungi are morphologically and microscopically dissimilar. We recognise M. eurocephalus reported from India as Merulius similis Berk. & Br. with the valid name being Serpula similis (Berk. & Br.) Ginns. We also reached the conclusion that Bondarzewia berkeleyi is not the synonym of M. eurocephalus.

Summary Ganoderma lucidum has been found to be a pathogen on a wide range of tree species in India. Because of large variations found in both macro- and microscopic characters, traditional identification and characterization methods are unreliable for this genus. We analysed nrDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of 52 isolates in the G. lucidum complex by the parsimony method, finding 17 lineages. The maximum parsimony analysis showed that the isolates of G. lucidum from the same host species had high similarity in ITS sequences, compared to isolates from other tree species. The result was also supported by high values of population differentiation parameters such as NST and FST values. Genetic analysis suggests the occurrence of host-mediated genetic differentiation in G. lucidum isolates, which requires further investigation.

Coltriciella dependens a new record of wood rotting fungi is being reported on partially burnt bark of living Pinus kesiya from Meghalaya, India. It is the first record of the genus Coltriciella as well. Macro-microscopical features, photographs, distribution patterns and ecology are discussed.

A giant fungal fruit body of Phellinus pachyphloeus (Pat.) Pat. was recorded from Dehradun. Till date it is the largest fungal fruit body ever recorded from India and second from the world.

A remarkable yield of an alkali-thermo-tolerant endoglucanase (2.93 IU/ml) was obtained from a white rot fungus, Funalia leonina through fermentation process in solid state, optimized by response surface methodology. The three test variables, viz. pH of medium, incubation temperature and incubation time were optimized as they have significant effect on enzyme production. After solving the model equation, the optimum values of medium pH, incubation temperature and incubation period were found to be 5.8, 34°C and 10 days respectively, for maximum endoglucanase production. The consequence of culture preservation medium on enzyme production capacity was also studied and wheat bran agar medium was found the most suitable medium for culture preservation.

Summary A protocol has been developed for inoculation of rust disease in Dalbergia sissoo using urediniospores of Maravilia achroa. This is the first time that disease symptoms caused by M. achroa were artificially produced. The method has been successfully employed for screening 15 clones of D. sissoo against rust disease. Clone S-167 was the most resistant remaining free from infection. Clones S-57, S-106 and S-124 were also resistant. Clones S-19, S-24 and S-89 were susceptible. Resume Un protocole a ete developpe pour l'inoculation de la rouille chez Dalbergia sissoo en utilisant des urediniospores de Maravilia achroa. Il s'agit de la premiere obtention de symptomes de cette maladie par inoculation artificielle de M. achroa. Cette methode a ete utilisee avec succes pour tester la resistance a la rouille de 15 clones de D. sissoo. Le clone S-167 s'est montre le plus resistant, restant indemne. Les clones S-57, S-106 et S-124 sont egalement resistants, tandis que les clones S-19, S-24 et S-89 sont sensibles. Zusammenfassung Es wurde ein Verfahren zur Inokulation von Dalbergia sissoo mit Uredosporen von Maravilia achroa entwickelt. Damit konnten erstmals die durch M. achroa verursachten Krankheitssymptome kunstlich induziert werden. Die Methode wurde mit Erfolg fur Resistenztests an 15 Klonen von D. sissoo gegen diese Rostkrankheit eingesetzt. Der Klon S-167 war am resistentesten und blieb frei von Infektionen. Die Klone S-57, S-106 und S-124 erwiesen sich ebenfalls als resistent, wahrend die Klone S-19, S-24 und S-89 anfallig waren.

A new culm rot disease in bamboo caused by Pterulicium xylogenum is reported for the first time. The disease was recorded on three species of bamboo, i.e., Bambusa vulgaris var. waminii, Dendrocalamus giganteus and Gigantochloa sp. Nearly 45% of culms of B. vulgaris var. waminii and 36% of culms of Gigantochloa were found to be dead or dying due to the disease. The pathogenicity of the fungus was tested and proved. Bioassays were conducted with five fungicides: except Captan all were found effective in inhibiting the growth of P. xylogenum, even at 0.025%. The disease can be controlled to an appreciable level by spraying and drenching with a mixture of 0.05% copper oxychloride and carbendazim (a.i. by weight).

The indigenous people in Chakrata have an immense knowledge of edible and poisonous mushrooms. In the present study the use of mushroom in culinary practices was surveyed among three communities, viz., the natives: Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Scheduled Caste; and Nepali immigrants. The Brahmins & Kshatriyas showed a narrow range of consumption of mushrooms while the Nepalis showed the widest range of consumption. Medicinal and religious uses were reported by the scheduled caste. A total of 63 mushrooms were recorded from the study area. The knowledge of edible as well as medicinal uses of fungi is at risk in this region as the younger generation is not willing to learn this traditional knowledge. In the present study most of the youths were excluded at the end as they did not gave much information.

Ganoderma lucidum caused root rot in an Acacia arboretum. Stumps colonized by the fungus were the source of infection. Among 18 species. Acacia albida, A. aneura, A. decurrens, A. murrayana and A. victoriae were the most susceptible to the disease whereas A. greggii and A. verek showed resistance.

Madhya Pradesh in central India lies between 17°48’N and 26°52’N latitude and 70°2’E and 84°24’E longitude and abounds in biodiversity of flora and fauna due to its rich forest cover. It has a geographical area of 443,446 sq. km, of which 30.5% is under forest (Anon., 1995). It is home to a number of primitive tribes, namely Gond, Bhil, Baigas, Saharia, Kol, Abujhamarias, Bharias, Hill Korwa and Kamar (Tiwari, 1994). The ethanobotanical treasure occurring in the forests of Madhya Pradesh provides sustenance and livelihood to the tribal communities and rural poor which constitute nearly 23% of the population of the state. The higher fungi in particular have an important place in the diet and medicines of the tribes, about which little is known to the socalled civilized world. The present study therefore attempts to provide an insight into the ethnomycology of this region.

Different species of bamboo constitute the major, and in most cases the only, raw material for pulp in India, China and other south-east Asian countries (Maheshwari and Satpathy, 1990). They also have a multitude of other uses, for example building material, construction of huts, fencing material, scaffolding, food, agricultural implements, fishing rods, parquet manufacture, furniture, oars, water conduits, baskets, mats, screens, toys, stabilizer of soil, and in plywood and particle board manufacturing.

The fruiting bodies and the submerged cultured mycelia of 16 higher Basidiomycetes mushrooms- Agaricus bisporus, Armillaria mellea, Auricularia auricula-judae, Ganoderma applanatum, G. lucidum, Laetiporus sulphureus, Lentinus tigrinus, Lycoperdon pyriforme, Phellinus linteus, Pleurotus ostreatus, P. sajor-caju, Polyporus arcularius, Russula brevipes, Schizophyllum commune, Sparassis crispa, and Spongipellis unicolor-from different taxonomic groups were examined for their antioxidant capacity (AOXC) and total phenolics content (TPC). Extraction of the freeze-dried and pulverized fruiting bodies and mycelia with methanol and water (8:2, v/v), followed by evaporation of the solvent under a vacuum, created their extracts, which were analyzed for their AOXC and TPC using a DPPH· scavenging assay and the Folin-Ciocalteu method, respectively. The fruiting bodies and the culture mycelia of all the mushroom species exhibited varied antioxidant capacity; however, the fruiting bodies had more potent DPPH· scavenging than the corresponding mycelia irrespective of the mushroom species, as evident by the effective concentrations of extract that scavenges 50% of DPPH· (EC50) of the former (0.56-1.24 mg mL-1) being lower than those of the latter (2.51-8.39 mg mL-1). TPC in the fruiting bodies (6.08-24.85 mg gallic acid equivalent [GAE] g-1) were higher than those in the mycelia (4.17-13.34 mg GAE g-1). AOXC of the fruiting bodies (r = -0.755) and the culture mycelia (r = -0.903) also was correlated to their TPC. Among the cultured mycelia, A. bisporus, A. mellea, L. tigrinus, P. ostreatus, and S. crispa were highly promising in terms of their highest TPC (10.55, 13.34, 11.00, 10.37, and 10.19 mg GAE g-1, respectively) and the lowest EC50 values (3.33, 2.85, 2.51, 3.65, and 3.17 mg mL-1, respectively) as they relate to the development of antioxidants.