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The study focussed on the phylogenetic relationship of hydrocarbon degrading fungi species in bioremediation. Hydrocarbon degrading fungi species were isolated from soil polluted with crude oil and treated with varying concentrations of agro-wastes. DNA sequencing was done on the consortia of fungi isolated. The evolutionary history was inferred by using the Maximum likelihood method based on the Tamura-Nei model. Initial tree(s) for the heuristic search were obtained automatically as follows. When the number of common sites was < 100 or less than one fourth of the total number of sites, the maximum parsimony method was used; otherwise BIONJ method with MCL distance matrix was used. The tree was drawn to scale, with branch lengths measured in the number of substitutions per site. The phylogenetic relationship between the fungal species revealed that the organisms were grouped into two clusters, cluster 1 consist of Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus flavus, Talaromyces solicola, Penicillium purpurogenum, Penicillium citrium and Penicillium daleae while cluster 2 consist of Cunninghamella polymorpha and Cunninghamella bertholletiae. The results revealed that Aspergillus oryzae differs from Aspergillus flavus, while other organisms had high relationship with each other. The Cunninghamella polymorpha and Cunninghamella bertholletiae were highly related. The sequencing and phylogenetic of the fungi species revealed the specific identity of the organism and showed the similarity between the identified species.

The present investigation reports the isolation, molecular identification and screening of manganese (Mn) solubilizing fungal strains from low-grade Mn mine tailings. Six morphologically distinct Mn solubilizing fungal strains were isolated on MnO2-supplemented agar plates with Mn concentration of 0.1% (w/v). The biochemical characterization of the isolated fungal strains was carried out. The molecular identification by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing identified the strains as Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus oryzae, Penicillium sp., Penicillium sp., Penicillium daleae and Penicillium sp. with GenBank accession numbers KP309809, KP309810, KP309811, KP309812, KP309813 and KP309814, respectively. The ability of the isolated fungal strains to tolerate and solubilize Mn was investigated by subculturing them on Mn-supplemented plates with concentration ranging from 0.1 to 0.5% (w/v). Mn solubilizing ability of the fungal isolates is possibly due to the mycelia production of biogenerated or...

The investigation of microbiological characteristics has been carried out in the sands of different storage duration in the tailing dumps of the apatite-nepheline processing plants. The total population density of bacteria ranged within 0.34–0.60 billion CFU/g in the sands without vegetation cover, and within 2.6–7.2 billion CFU/g in the reclaimed sands. Microfungi mycelium length varied from 5 to 280 m/g in the recultivated nepheline sands. Low biodiversity of fungi in the initial sands and absence of species-dominants in their complex have been revealed. Nepheline sands recultivation has given preconditions for forming the fungi complexes, which are typical for the regional podzol soils on the moraine sediments. Species diversity of the microfungi complexes in the recultivated sands is represented by 26 species, while only 11 species were isolated from the freshly pumped sands. The largest number of fungi species belonged to the Penicillium genera. Umbelopsis longicollis, Juxtiphoma eupyrena, Penicillium daleae were found to be the most commonly seen genera. The areas where the natural overgrowing processes take place are characterized by a higher algae population—up to 450 thousand cells per 1 g of the substrate in the 40-year-old sands under the sedge and crowberry plant groups, and up to 1.9 million cells in 1 g under the moss cover and in the young cryptogamous crusts. The research has revealed 69 algae and cyanobacteria species. In the 40-year-old sands, with the dominance of green algae, cyanobacteria and diatoms have played the significant role.

Mosquitoes can transmit the terrible diseases to human beings. Soil-borne fungal products act as potential source for low-cost chemicals, used for developing eco-friendly control agents against mosquito-vector borne diseases. The prime aim of study was to check the larvicidal potential of fungus mycelia (by ethyl acetate solvent) extract from Penicillium daleae (KX387370) against Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti and to test the toxicity of brine shrimp Artemia nauplii, by observing the physiological activity. The ethyl acetate extract of P. daleae mycelia (after 15 days) from Potato dextrose broth (PDB) medium revealed better result with least LC50 and LC90 values of I-IV instars larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus (LC50 = 127.441, 129.087, 108.683, and 93.521; LC90 = 152.758, 158.169, 139.091, and 125.918 μg/ml) and Ae. aegypti (LC50 = 105.077, 83.943, 97.158, and 76.513; LC90 = 128.035, 106.869, 125.640, and 104.606 μg/ml) respectively. At higher concentration (1000 μg/ml) of extracts, mortality begins at 18 h of exposure and attained 100% mortality after 48 h exposure. Overall, the activity was depends on the dose and time of exposure to the extracts. The stereomicroscopic and histopathological analysis of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae treated with mycelium ethyl acetate extract showed complete disintegration of abdominal region, particularly the midgut and caeca, loss of cuticular parts and caudal hairs. Morphological characterization of the fungi was performed and taxonomically identified through 5.8s rDNA technique. The phylogenetic analysis of rDNA sequence was carried out to find out the taxonomic and the evolutionary sketch of isolate in relation to earlier described genus Penicillium. Behavior and swimming speed alteration was analyzed together with mortality. The results of the experiment indicates that swimming behavior recorder (SBR) is a appropriate tool to detect individual swimming speed of the A. nauplii organisms, since the values have been obtained in accordance with control monitored results showed the 2.75 mm s-1 and after 24 h treated found to be 0.72 mm s-1, respectively. The extract-exposed to A. nauplii showed changes in body structures, i.e., intestine enlargement, eye formation, outer shell malformations and loss of antennae. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the toxicity of the ethyl acetate extract of P. daleae on A. nauplii larvae by performing the mortality, behavior and alterations in swimming responses. This is the first time report on the larvicidal efficacy of P. daleae ethyl acetate extract against Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti larvae.

Thirty one different genera of fungi were isolated from the wood of roots of 5O·year·old oak (Quercus robur). The most frequently isolated fungi were: Mycelium radicis atrovirens alpha (MRAA), Clonostachys sp. and Penicillium daleae, Beauveria bassiana, Clonostachys sp., Cryplosporiopsis rodicicolo, Geotrichum candidum, Mortierella vinacea, MRAA, P. daleae, P. janczewskii P. spinulosum, Sporothrix schenckii and Tolypocladium niveum significantly enhanced Armillaria mellea rhizomorph initiation and growth from oak branch segments in vitro. The biggest stimulation effect was noticed when the dematiaceous hyphomycetes, e.g. MRAA, P. dimorphospora and S. schenckii were studied.

The aim of work was to investigate the qualitative and quantitative characteristic features of soil fungi associations occurring in I class pine stands threatened by pathogens of tree roots in Zielonka Experimental Forest District. During the mycological analyses of soil, a total of 694 isolates of fungi representing 33 species were obtained. The most numerously represented species was Penicillium daleae which made 75% of all isolates. The second place in the ranking belonged to Penicillium janczewski amounting to 11%. In order to define the qualitative and quantitative similarity between the studied areas, a proportional inconformity was determined. The greatest similarity occurred between the associations of soil fungi obtained from site 64c and 35b.

Two fungi, responsible for the degradation of starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) biocomposite films were isolated from aerobic compost environment by extensive screening. ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) sequencing of the two fungi samples showed 99% identity at 99% coverage with the sequence from Penicillium daleae, and 100% identity at 100% coverage with the sequence from Aspergillus flavus. An extensive weight loss study was performed using these two fungi on starch/PVA films separately. In comparison to the weight loss observed in the compost (nearly 60%), starch/PVA films exhibited a higher weight loss (nearly 71%) by these two fungi after 30 days of degradation. The borax crosslinked films exhibited 85% degradation by A. flavus. After 15 days of degradation by fungus closely related to P. daleae, the borax crosslinked films disappeared completely. This study showed that the A. flavus and fungus with close affinity to P. daleae can degrade such biocomposite films more efficiently in comparison to biodegradation in compost.

Leaf infection of ornamental species by Phytophthora ramorum has a significant impact on the spread of this disease. Fungicides have had limited success at controlling this disease. With increasing concerns that repeated fungicide applications will exacerbate the potential for fungicide resistance and mask symptoms, alternative control measures are desired. The potential of biological control has not been thoroughly examined. Fungi, isolated from soil, were screened in dual culture with P. ramorum for antagonistic activity. Three isolates, identified as Penicillium daleae, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Penicillium herquei, were selected for further testing on the aerial plant parts of rhododendrons. Different factors, including culture age, application timing, dose response, and additives in the formulation were studied to determine their effects on the antagonists to reduce leaf necrosis. Although responses were variable for the different antagonists, this study showed that fungi applied to the leaf surface could reduce necrosis caused by P. ramorum. The method developed can be used for screening potential antagonists in planta.

Several species of the genus Penicillium were isolated during a survey of the mycobiota of leaf litter and soil in Colombian Amazon forest. Five species, Penicillium penarojense sp. nov. (type strain CBS 113178T = IBT 23262T), Penicillium wotroi sp. nov. (type strain CBS 118171T = IBT 23253T), Penicillium araracuarense sp. nov. (type strain CBS 113149T = IBT 23247T), Penicillium elleniae sp. nov. (type strain CBS 118135T = IBT 23229T) and Penicillium vanderhammenii sp. nov. (type strain CBS 126216T = IBT 23203T) are described here as novel species. Their taxonomic novelty was determined using a polyphasic approach, combining phenotypic, molecular (ITS and partial β-tubulin sequences) and extrolite data. Phylogenetic analyses showed that each novel species formed a unique clade for both loci analysed and that they were most closely related to Penicillium simplicissimum, Penicillium janthinellum, Penicillium daleae and Penicillium brasilianum. An overview of the phylogeny of this taxonomically difficult group is presented, and 33 species are accepted. Each of the five novel species had a unique extrolite profile of known and uncharacterized metabolites and various compounds, such as penicillic acid, andrastin A, pulvilloric acid, paxillin, paspaline and janthitrem, were commonly produced by these phylogenetically related species. The novel species had a high growth rate on agar media, but could be distinguished from each other by several macro- and microscopical characteristics.

Meadow chernozemic soil was studied in an idle land-shelterbelt-cropland system. It was found that the long-term agricultural use of chernozems leads to a decrease in the total nitrogen content and to changes in the soil microbial community. The portion of phytopathogenic Fusarium, Aspergillus ustus, Penicillium daleae, and Penicillium rubrum microorganisms in the complex of soil fungi increases, and the phytosanitary state of the soil worsens. The use of biotests made it possible to estimate the role of particular microorganisms in the soil phytotoxicity.

Fungal communities in the rhizospheres of oak roots were shown to change after the trees were felled. The ecological significance of this is considered. Fungal communities were isolated from rhizospheres of thin roots (0.5-1 mm diam.) of living trees and their stumps two years after felling in 30- and 50-year-old stands of Quercus robur, with samples taken at two locations in each stand. In total, 128 species of fungi were isolated. Six species, Absidia cylindrospora, Penicillium adametzii, P. citrinum, P. daleae, P. janczewskii and Umbelopsis vinacea were detected in the rhizospheres of living oaks and stumps at all locations. The abundance of Geomyces spp. + Pseudogymnoascus roseus, Gymnoascus reessii and Zygomycetes was greater, and of Penicillium spp. was smaller, usually significantly, in rhizospheres of stump roots than of living tree roots. Among Zygomycetes, the populations of A. cylindrospora and Mucor hiemalis decreased, while those of Mortierella spp., particularly M. macrocystis, increased after felling. Species of Penicillium favoured by roots are P. adametzii, P. citrinum, P. daleae, P. herquei, P. janczewskii, P. raistrickii. On stump roots they are replaced by P. chrysogenum, P. islandicum and P. spinulosum. The combination of Chalara spp. with oak roots indicates the occurrence of specific relationships, suggesting that the organic food base provided by the plant is a primary factor determining the composition of the fungal community. Edaphic and other environmental factors may be less important in this effect.

A strain of Penicillium daleae has been isolated from a forest soil sample for its ability to degrade monomeric rhamnogalacturonan-II (mRG-II), a complex pectic polysaccharide ubiquitous in the primary plant cell wall. Monomeric RG-II, a most unusual polysaccharide in terms of composition and structure, is resistant to all known pectinolytic enzymes used in the fruit- and vegetable-processing industry. P. daleae has been cultured in a minimum mineral medium supplemented with 0.5% mRG-II as the sole carbon source. The degradation of the substrate in the culture supernatant was followed by high performance size-exclusion chromatography. P. daleae growth was supported by the degradation of 75% of the initial mRG-II. Monomeric RG-II degradation was followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the alditol acetates and trimethylsilylated derivatives of the constitutive monosaccharides at different times in the culturing process. Sequential mRG-II degradation led to a resistant core after 31 days of culture, representing 25% of the initial molecule which has been characterized. The degradation of mRG-II indicated that P. daleae is a potential source of new pectinases whose mode of action requires further elucidation. Such enzymes seemed to be exposed to the surface of fungal cell walls or were present in the periplasmic compartment.

The species composition of soil microfungal populations in adjacent stands of red alder Alnus rubra , conifers Pseudotsuga menziesii, Tsuga heterophylla , and Picea sitchensis , and mixed alder conifer correlated strongly with the dominant vascular vegetation. A total of 92 species were isolated: 55 from the alder stand; 45 from the conifers; and 46 from the mixed alder-conifer, with few species (16.7, and 5 in the three plots, respectively) reaching average frequencies of 50 per cent or higher. Penicillium nigricans, Aureobasidiiim pullulans, Cephalosporium curtipes , and Cladosporium herbarium were present with high frequency at all sites. Penicillium daleae , which occurred with a frequency of 83 per cent in alder soil, appears to be a rare fungus elsewhere. There was little difference in species composition among soil horizons within a stand.

Laboratory-produced spores of two penicillia isolated from soil were placed onto PVC membrane filters, inserted into microholders and buried in the A horizon of an oak-birch forest. After various intervals of time incubation filters were retrieved, stained, and mounted on glass slides for examination. Characteristics of growth and germination of Penicillium daleae and P. bilaii in the laboratory and in the soil were then compared. Spores of these indigenous soil fungi, reinoculated into the soil, germinated slowly, requiring several days for swelling and germ tube protrusion. The most significant observation was the occurrence of a microcycle in which germ tube volume was reduced, mycelial growth was eliminated, and conidiation consisted of a diminution in complexity of reproductive structures by decreasing the number of phialides in the penicillus and reducing spore volume. The typical life cycle of imperfect fungi includes germination from a swollen conidium, formation of mycelium, production of reproductive structures, and sporulation. Under certain environmental conditions, however, this is shortened to a microcycle when the mycelial stage is eliminated. These cycles have been demonstrated in vitro for a variety of microorganisms including Aspergillus niger Micheli (Anderson and Smith, 1971), Penicillium urticae Bain (Sekiguchi et al, 1975) and Phomopsis viticola Sacc. (Pezet et al, 1983). Microcycle conidiation is shown in the present study to also occur in soil. The ecological importance of such a system has significant implications to the survival and activity of fungi in this habitat. The study of microcycle conidiation was based on a new method in which spores of two soil penicillia, Penicillium daleae Zaleski and P. bilaii Chalabuda, are reinoculated into the soil on membrane filters in specially designed micro? holders (Gochenaur and Sheehan, 1980). After various periods of incubation in the soil, filters are removed, stained to assess spore viability and examined under the light microscope. Information derived from such a study is critical for predicting the role of microfungi in secondary productivity (Heal and Maclean, 1975) and in estimating the rate of nutrient turnover and substrate mineralization in litter based ecosystems (Dickinson, 1974).