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Biocontrol, which uses antagonistic microorganisms to manage plant diseases, holds promise for reducing postharvest losses but faces challenges due to varied pathogen responses. In response, biocontrol mixtures were proposed to enhance the antagonistic effect. This study evaluates the efficacy of chitosan and extracellular glucanase (EG) from Wickerhamomyces anomalus, both individually and combined, against Thielaviopsis paradoxa, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Rhizopus stolonifer. The maximum inhibition of mycelial growth by chitosan for these fungi was 90.25% at 3 mg/mL, 14.2% at 5 mg/mL, and 56.28% at 3 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, chitosan significantly inhibited spore germination across all fungi. While W. anomalus cells prevented mycelial filament association, EG alone had minimal impact on mycelial development but inhibited spore germination in a concentration-dependent manner. Combining EG with chitosan enhanced spore germination inhibition, notably achieving 98.18%. The biocontrol mixture effectively protected fruit under laboratory-controlled conditions, suggesting a robust biocontrol strategy for postharvest fungal disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of essential oils and new drug delivery systems have been considered two approaches for controlling plant pathogenic fungi. This study aimed to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the antifungal activity of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) incorporating Mentha×Piperita L. Essential oil (MPE) compared to the free MPE. In the present study, the formulations of SLNs incorporating MPE (MPE-SLNs) were synthesized by high-shear homogenization and ultrasound method, and they were assessed by Z-average diameter, particle size distribution, Zeta potential, leakage stability during 6 months of storage, encapsulation efficacy, and morphological properties of the SLN formulations. The results indicated that the particle size of MPE-SLN formulations was 155.5±4.7 nm with a PDI of 0.156±0.012, a Zeta potential of -15.93±0.87 mV, and encapsulation efficacy of about 88±0.88%. They were physically stable for 6 months of storage. The results also showed that the in vitro minimum inhibition concentration for MPE on the fungal microorganisms, Rhizoctonia solani and Rhizopus stolonifer, were 2,000 and 1,000 ppm, respectively, and for MPE-SLNs it was 1,000 and 750 ppm, respectively. Therefore, the antifungal activity of MPE-SLNs was more significant than MPE, and none of the fungi were susceptible to essential oil-free SLNs. Based on the results, MPE-SLNs can be used for the safe preservation of a wide array of foods and agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizopus arrhizus and Rhizopus stolonifer are pathogenic fungi responsible for causing 'soft rot' disease in fruits and vegetables, as well as life-threatening 'mucormycosis' in animals and humans, especially immunocompromised hosts. The use of synthetic fungicides and chemical preservatives to inhibit microbes is being challenged due to their toxic effects on human health and the environment. This has prompted researchers to investigate novel antimicrobials that are natural and safe. Current study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activities of essential oils (EOs), powdered (PWD) forms, and water extracts (WEs) of ten Indian dietary spices (Allium sativum (Als), Brassica nigra (Brn), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ciz), Cuminum cyminum (Cuc), Curcuma longa (Cul), Mentha piperita (Mep), Ocimum sanctum (Ocs), Syzygium aromaticum (Sya), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Trf), and Zingiber ofÏcinale (Zio)) against R. arrhizus (NCIM877) and R. stolonifer (NCIM1139). Spice agar method was used for investigating antifungal potential of PWD spices. Impregnated paper disc method and broth dilution technique were followed for screening the antifungal activities of EOs and WEs. Results revealed that EOs of six spices (Als, Brn, Ciz, Cuc, Mep, Sya), and PWD forms of four spices (Brn, Ciz, Cuc, Sya) inhibited the growth of both fungi in culture media, effectively. WEs of all ten spices remained ineffective in arresting the growth of tested fungal strains. R. stolonifer was found more sensitive compared to R. arrhizus towards tested substances. Based on these findings, further in vivo studies on PWD forms of Ccb, Ccm, and Sya and EOs of Als, Brn, Ccb, Ccm, Mep, Ocs and Sya may establish spices as 'botanical antimicrobials' to prolong the shelf life of valuable horticultural crops by arresting the growth of R. arrhizus and R. stolonifer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal infestations, particularly from Rhizopus stolonifer, pose significant post-harvest challenges for strawberries, compromising their shelf life and quality. Traditional preservation methods, including refrigeration, offer limited protection against such pathogens. This study introduces an innovative approach, utilizing edible films infused with Bacillus subtilis strains GOS 01 B-67748 and HFC 103, known for their antifungal properties. We demonstrate that these bioactive films not only inhibit fungal growth effectively but also enhance the preservation of strawberries at varying temperatures. The inclusion of Bacillus subtilis in edible films represents a significant advancement in extending the viability of strawberries, surpassing the efficacy of conventional methods. Our findings suggest a promising avenue for natural, safe food preservation techniques, aligning with current consumer preferences for additive-free products. This research contributes to the broader understanding of microbial-based food preservation strategies, offering potential applications across a range of perishable commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For centuries, there has been a growing fascination with the application of herbs for fungicidal purposes worldwide. This surge in interest could be attributed to the cost-effectiveness and lower toxicities of these herbal remedies compared to the counterpart antifungal drugs. There is substantial scope to explore the curative effects of various plant components, including roots, stems, leaves and fruits of Calotropis procera, renowned for its pharmacological activities, encompassing anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. Objectives: In the present study, the antimycotic potential of the leaf and root extracts of C. procera on the growth of Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer was investigated. Methods: The antimycotic potential of C. procera was established via the agar well diffusion method after initial preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts. Results: Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids were present, while glycosides and phenolics were tested negative. The leaf extract inhibited the tested organisms in a concentration-dependent manner where at 100% concentration, both A. niger and R. stolonifer showed high mycelia inhibition of 81.1% and 79.4%, respectively. Also, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values of 31.0% and 48.0% were recorded for A. niger, as well as 28.3% and 45.7% were recorded for R. stolonifer. The aqueous root extract exhibited mycelia inhibition of 74.4% and 77.8% against A. niger and R. stolonifer at 100% concentration with respectively MIC and MFC values of 32.7% and 50.3% for A. niger and 30.3% and 52.0% for R. stolonifer. Conclusion: The study provides promising evidence of potential medicinal properties associated with C. procera, supporting its potential therapeutic applications in traditional medicine.

Anthracnose and soft rot, caused by the fungal pathogens Colletotrichum spp. and Rhizopus spp., respectively, stand as prominent diseases impacting strawberries during the postharvest phase, resulting in significant economic losses. The use of conventional treatments involving chemical fungicides has been discouraged since they negatively impact the environment and human health. In this context, alternative strategies, such as biological control, have been required for organic and sustainable agriculture. While bacterial agents, such as Bacillus spp., are successfully used in commercial formulations to control postharvest diseases, there are other bacteria exhibiting antagonistic activities that hold potential in plant disease management. Hence, the current review aims to investigate studies developed over the past decade describing the primary bacterial genera with the potential to inhibit the causal agents of soft rot and anthracnose. Additionally, it aims to provide an overview of biocontrol mechanisms for suppressing these pathogens, detailing methods of application in both pre and postharvest phases, along with strategies for enhancing the efficacy of biocontrol agents. The findings of this review demonstrate that numerous bacterial species possess the ability to effectively control anthracnose and soft rot, both in growing plants and harvested strawberries. This expands the available forms of control and minimises the occurrence of resistant pathogens. Furthermore, the application of postharvest techniques such as edible coatings and bacterial encapsulation proves advantageous, extending fruit shelf life and reducing strawberry decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizopus stolonifer is one of the main pathogens in postharvest storage logistics of more than 100 kinds of fruit, such as strawberries, tomatoes and melons. In this paper, the research on the morphology and detection, pathogenicity and infection mechanism of Rhizopus stolonifer was reviewed. The control methods of Rhizopus stolonifer in recent years was summarized from three dimensions of physics, chemistry and biology, including the nanomaterials, biological metabolites, light control bacteria, etc. Future direction of postharvest Rhizopus stolonifer infection control was analyzed from two aspects of pathogenic mechanism research and new composite technology. The information provided in this review will help researchers and technicians to deepen their understanding of the pathogenicity of Rhizopus stolonifer, and develop more effective control methods in the future.

The application of pectinase in industries will continue to be developed. To broaden the applicability of enzyme manufacturing in new industries, more research to investigate pectinolytic microorganisms with high activity and stability is still required. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain pectinolytic fungi that have the potential as pectinase producers. Pectinolytic fungi were isolated from rotten apple peels and selected based on clear zone formation on pectic agar media after cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) staining. Pectinolytic fungi were identified based on 18S rRNA partial gene sequences and morphological characteristics. Pectinase production used Mandels and Weber medium with citrus pectin 20 g l-1 addition. Pectinase activity was determined based on the measurement of reducing sugars by a colorimetric method. A total of 5 fungal isolates were successfully isolated. All of the isolates had pectinolytic activities with clear zone diameters ranging between 0.99 to 7.32 mm. The isolate A3 showing the highest pectinolytic activity was identified as Rhizopus stolonifer. Microscopically, R. stolonifer A3 showed typical characteristics for Rhizopus, characterized by the presence of rhizoids, stolons and sporangiophores bearing a single spherical sporangium. The pectinase production of R. stolonifer A3 was optimum at initial pH 5.0, temperature 35 °C and incubation period of 3 days with pectinase activity of 14.75 U ml-1. R. stolonifer A3 produced acidic pectinase having optimum activity at pH 5.0 and temperature 50 °C. Thus R. stolonifer A3 has the potential to be used as a producer of acidic pectinase appropriate for use in the processing of fruit products.

Filamentous fungi are known for their significant potential in biotechnology, thanks to their versatile enzyme systems with various applications. However, dealing with their growth patterns and structural configurations presents significant challenges. To tackle these issues, fungal pellets are emerging as potential solutions, providing compact biomass aggregates that offer distinct advantages for bioprocesses. This study delves into characterization and optimizing pellet formation for Pleurotus ostreatus and Rhizopus stolonifer using the Taguchi methodology, aiming to enhance their biotechnological applications. By systematically varying parameters such as agitation level (AL), glucose concentration (GC), and inoculum size (IS), we identified key factors influencing pellet formation. Results indicate that P. ostreatus forms pellets in rich media from mycelium, while R. stolonifer requires a minimal medium with pH modifications for pelletization via a coagulative mechanism. The optimization process reveals that agitation level is a crucial factor for maximizing pellet production in both models, while the other factors do not seem to influence the process significantly but impact the morphology and quantity of pellets. The results suggest that by optimizing parameters using the Taguchi method, it is possible to achieve acceptable pellet formation performance in both fungi. Understanding these factors is essential for improving the efficiency of biotechnological processes involving fungal biomass, providing valuable insights into enhancing fungal pellet production for various applications.

Mucorales are a group of non-septated filamentous fungi widely distributed in nature, frequently associated with human infections, and are intrinsically resistant to many antifungal drugs. For these reasons, there is an urgent need to improve the clinical management of mucormycosis. Miltefosine, which is a phospholipid analogue of alkylphosphocholine, has been considered a promising repurposing drug to be used to treat fungal infections. In the present study, miltefosine displayed antifungal activity against a variety of Mucorales species, and it was also active against biofilms formed by these fungi. Treatment with miltefosine revealed modifications of cell wall components, neutral lipids, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell morphology, and the induction of oxidative stress. Treated Mucorales cells also presented an increased susceptibility to SDS. Purified ergosterol and glucosylceramide added to the culture medium increased miltefosine MIC, suggesting its interaction with fungal lipids. These data contribute to elucidating the effect of a promising drug repurposed to act against some relevant fungal pathogens that significantly impact public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The use of microbial biomasses, such as fungal biomass, to catalyze the transesterification of triglycerides (TG) for biodiesel production provides a sustainable, economical alternative while still having the main advantages of expensive immobilized enzymes. Results Biomasses of Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus stolonifera were used to catalyze the transesterification of TG in waste frying oil (WFO). Isopropanol as an acyl-acceptor reduced the catalytic capability of the biomasses, while methanol was the most potent acyl-acceptor with a final fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) concentration of 85.5 and 89.7%, w/w, for R. stolonifer and A. flavus, respectively. Different mixtures of the fungal biomasses were tested, and higher proportions of A. flavus biomass improved the mixture's catalytic capability. C. sorokiniana cultivated in synthetic wastewater was used as feedstock to cultivate A. flavus. The biomass produced had the same catalytic capability as the biomass produced in the control culture medium. Response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted using central composite design (CCD) to optimize the A. flavus biomass catalytic transesterification reaction, where temperature, methanol concentration, and biomass concentration were selected for optimization. The significance of the model was verified, and the suggested optimum reaction conditions were 25.5 °C, 250 RPM agitation with 14%, w/w, biomass, 3 mol/L methanol, and a reaction duration of 24 h. The suggested optimum conditions were tested to validate the model and a final FAME concentration of 95.53%. w/w was detected. Conclusion Biomasses cocktails might be a legitimate possibility to provide a cheaper technical solution for industrial applications than immobilized enzymes. The use of fungal biomass cultivated on the microalgae recovered from wastewater treatment for the catalysis of transesterification reaction provides an additional piece of the puzzle of biorefinery. Optimizing the transesterification reaction led to a valid prediction model with a final FAME concentration of 95.53%, w/w.

To explore the mechanism of action of Bacillus velezensis against sweet cherry soft rot disease, the inhibitory effect of Bacillus velezensis KT against Rhizopus stolonifer LC-7 in vitro and in inoculated sweet cherry fruits, and the effect of B. velezensis KT on defense-related enzyme activities were investigated. Besides, the expression of genes related to secondary metabolite synthesis and biological control in B. velezensis KT during the interaction with R. stolonifer was also analyzed by transcriptomics. The results showed that the percentage inhibition of 1 × 109 CFU/mL B. velezensis KT suspension against mycelial growth of R. stolonifer LC-7 was 87.12%, and the percentage of spore germination and germ length of R. stolonifer LC-7 in the presence of B. velezensis KT were 21.54% and 11.45 μm, respectively. At 48 h after being treated with 1 × 109 CFU/mL B. velezensis KT suspension, the incidence of soft rot in cherry fruits was about 20% and was about 80% lower than that in the control group. B. velezensis KT suspension inhibited the activity of polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and lipoxidase (LOX), increased the activity of peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) chitinase (CHI) and β-1,3-glucanase (GLU), and improved disease resistance and antioxidant capacity in cherry fruits. It was observed by scanning electron microscopy that after co-cultured with B. velezensis KT, the morphology of the mycelia and spores of R. stolonifer LC-7 was distorted and malformed. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the expression of pksIJ in the biosynthetic gene cluster for antibiotic bacillaene and tuaAGE in the biosynthetic gene cluster for teichuronic acid were up-regulated, and the differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, subunit assembly and ribosomal assembly during biological processes. The B. velezensis KT could directly inhibit R. stolonifer LC-7 probably through nutritional and spatial competition and secreting anti-bacterial substances and could also induce disease resistance in sweet cherry fruits. The results showed that B. velezensis KT had an obvious control effect on sweet cherry soft rot caused by R. stolonifer LC-7, making it a potential biocontrol agent.

The increased susceptibility of ripe fruit to fungal pathogens poses a substantial threat to crop production and marketability. Here, we coupled transcriptomic analyses with mutant studies to uncover critical processes associated with defense and susceptibility in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit. Using unripe and ripe fruit inoculated with three fungal pathogens, we identified common pathogen responses reliant on chitinases, WRKY transcription factors, and reactive oxygen species detoxification. We established that the magnitude and diversity of defense responses do not significantly impact the interaction outcome, as susceptible ripe fruit mounted a strong immune response to pathogen infection. Then, to distinguish features of ripening that may be responsible for susceptibility, we utilized non-ripening tomato mutants that displayed different susceptibility patterns to fungal infection. Based on transcriptional and hormone profiling, susceptible tomato genotypes had losses in the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis, while jasmonic acid accumulation and signaling coincided with defense activation in resistant fruit. We identified and validated a susceptibility factor, pectate lyase (PL). CRISPR-based knockouts of PL, but not polygalacturonase (PG2a), reduced susceptibility of ripe fruit by >50%. This study suggests that targeting specific genes that promote susceptibility is a viable strategy to improve the resistance of tomato fruit against fungal disease.

In this study, we report the complete genome sequence of a novel toti-like virus, tentatively named "Rhizopus stolonifer double-stranded RNA virus 1" (RsDSV1), identified from a phytopathogenic fungal agent of apple fruit rot disease, Rhizopus stolonifer strain A2-1. RsDSV1 has a double-stranded RNA genome. The complete RsDSV1 genome is 5178 nucleotides (nt) in length and contains two open reading frames (ORFs) encoding a putative coat protein (CP) and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Phylogenetic analysis based on RdRp and CP amino acid sequences revealed that RsDSV1 is closely related to unclassified members of the family Totiviridae. In stress-inducing Vogel’s minimal and sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing media, hyphal growth of A2-1 was suppressed, but the accumulation of RsDSV1 RNA increased, indicating that stresses promote RsDSV1 replication. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a mycovirus found in R. stolonifer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gray mold and Rhizopus rot, which is caused by Botrytis cinerea and Rhizopus stolonifer, respectively, are the most destructive forms of postharvest decay of the strawberry fruit. In this work, we tested the effectiveness of the control on the postharvest decay of the strawberry fruit (Fragaria × ananassa Duch cv. 'Monterey') following postharvest applications of six commercial natural compounds: chitosan-based coating compound (1% of 'ChitP', 'ChitS', 'ChitK', 'ChitO'), commercial essential oil (EOs) products based on grapefruit seed extract (0.5% of 'GraFr'), sweet orange (0.5% of 'SwOr'), a product that included eugenol, geraniol, and thymol EO, (0.4% of 'EuGeTh'), an organic compound as humic acid (0.5% w/v of 'HuAc'), and, lastly, methyl jasmonate plant growth regulator (1% v/v 'MeJA'). Strawberries were dipped in solution for 30 s and incubated at room temperature (20 ± 0.5 °C) or at cold storage conditions (4 ± 0.5 °C) following 4 days of shelf life at 20 °C. The treatments with 'ChitP', 'ChitS', and 'ChitO' provided ~30%–40% reduction of gray mold in cold storage conditions, while the 'MeJA', 'SwOr', and 'GraFr' with high activities of volatile substances were more effective at controlling gray mold at room temperature. 'HuAc', 'ChitK', and 'ChitO' were more effective at controlling Rhizopus rot in both cold storage (~50%) and room temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) extracts were tested using the well in agar method against Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizopus stolonifer to find out their antifungal activity. Chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of leaf, stem, and root bark were used in the in vitro studies. All organs of selected plant with different extracts showed variable antifungal activity. Maximum activity was seen with the Leaves alcoholic extract, however minimal activity was found in the root extract (aqueous) with the test fungus. All test organisms showed radial growth inhibition in response to the extracts being added to the culture medium. The test organisms responded differently to the various extracts, but in overall, growth inhibition shows stronger with each extract's concentration. In plant and organisms, the antifungal activity was discovered to be in ascending from root bark then stem bark and highest in leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato peel wastes are generated in high quantities from potato processing industries. They are pollutants to the environment, and they release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The present study assessed the potentiality of hydrolyzing potato wastes by amylase-producing fungi to improve biogas generation from potato peels through the anaerobic digestion process. Different fungal isolates were screened for amylase production on potato wastes, and the highest amylase producer was selected for optimizing the efficacy of producing amylases in high quantities to efficiently allow the conversion of potato organic matter into fermentable sugars that are utilized for the anaerobic digestion process. The best amylase producers were those derived from Rhizopus stolonifer (32.61 ± 0.89 U/mL). The highest cumulative methane yield from hydrolyzed potato peel was 65.23 ± 3.9 mL CH4/g and the methane production rate was 0.39 mL CH4/h, whereas the highest biogas yield from unhydrolyzed potato wastes was 41.32 ± 2.15 mL CH4/g and the biogas production rate was 0.25 mL CH4/h. Furthermore, it was found that the two combined sequential stages of anaerobic digestion (biogas production) followed by biodiesel production (enzymatic esterification) were the most effective, recording 72.36 ± 1.85 mL CH4/g and 64.82% biodiesel of the total analytes. However, one-pot fermentation revealed that biogas yield was 22.83 ± 2.8 mL CH4/g and the biodiesel extracted was 23.67% of the total analytes. The insights of the current paper may increase the feasibility of potato peel-based biorefinery through the biological hydrolysis strategy of potato wastes using eco-friendly enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tempe is a fermented food prepared by fermenting soybeans with Rhizopus species. However, there have recently been concerns about the stable supply of raw soybeans due to global warming and other factors. Moringa is a plant whose cultivation area is expected to expand in the future, and its seeds contain abundant proteins and lipids, and thus could be used as an alternative to soybeans. To develop a novel functional Moringa food, we fermented dehulled Moringa seeds with Rhizopus oligosporus and Rhizopus stolonifer using the solid fermentation method of tempe and investigated changes in the functional components, such as free amino acids and polyphenols, of the respective obtained Moringa tempe Rm and Rs. After 45 h of fermentation, the total content of free amino acids, mainly including gamma-aminobutyric acid and l -glutamic acid, in Moringa tempe Rm was about three times higher, while that in Moringa tempe Rs was almost the same, compared to that in unfermented Moringa seeds. Moreover, after 70 h of fermentation, both Moringa tempe Rm and Rs had approximately four times higher polyphenol content and significantly higher antioxidant activity than did unfermented Moringa seeds. Further, the content of each residual chitin-binding protein of defatted Moringa tempe Rm and Rs was almost the same as that of unfermented Moringa seeds. Taken together, Moringa tempe was rich in free amino acids and polyphenols, exhibited better antioxidant activity, and retained the levels of its chitin-binding proteins, suggesting that Moringa seeds could be used as an alternative to soybean for tempe preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fungal infestations, particularly from Rhizopus stolonifer, pose significant post-harvest challenges for strawberries, compromising their shelf life and quality. Traditional preservation methods, including refrigeration, offer limited protection against such pathogens. This study introduces an innovative approach, utilizing edible films infused with Bacillus subtilis strains GOS 01 B-67748 and HFC 103, known for their antifungal properties. We demonstrate that these bioactive films not only inhibit fungal growth effectively but also enhance the preservation of strawberries at varying temperatures. The inclusion of Bacillus subtilis in edible films represents a significant advancement in extending the viability of strawberries, surpassing the efficacy of conventional methods. Our findings suggest a promising avenue for natural, safe food preservation techniques, aligning with current consumer preferences for additive-free products. This research contributes to the broader understanding of microbial-based food preservation strategies, offering potential applications across a range of perishable commodities.

This study aimed to research the effectiveness and mode of the disease resistance induced by melatonin (MT) treatment in postharvest plum fruit. Plum fruit Cv ‘Fenghuang’ were treated with 10 mmol/L MT and/or inoculated with R. stolonifer, then stored for 5 days (20 ℃). Disease development, the contents of H2O2, total phenol and lignin and the activities of resistance-related enzyme were determined during the storage. The results showed that 10 mmol/L treatment effectively lowered the disease incidence and delayed the increase of lesion diameter of Rhizopus rot caused by R. stolonifer in plums. Single MT treatment could induce the activities of phenylpropanoid metabolic enzymes and the contents of total phenol and lignin in plums. MT treatment combined with R. tolonifer inoculation showed most significantly effects on the induction of H2O2 burst, and the activities of disease-resistance related enzymes such as chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL), cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H), 4-coumaric acid coenzyme A ligase (4-CL), peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) as well as contents of total phenol and lignin in the samples during the storage. These results suggested that the MT treatment could activate the strong and rapid disease resistance upon the pathogenic infection by an induction of priming defence, by which the treatment resultantly maintained the overall quality in plums during the postharvest storage.

الخلوي للفطور مصدراً بديلاً للكيتوزان، ولذلك تمّ استخلاص الكيتوزان من فطر Rhizopus stolonifer. بعد تنميته في وسط ممدد من عُصارة ساق الذرة الرفيعة السكرية Sweet Sorghum Juice (SSJ) بطريقة التخمير المغمور Submerged Fermentation (SmF). حيث تمَّ تمديد الوسط بنسبة 3/7 حجماً بالماء المقطر والتخمير على درجة حرارة 25ºم لمدة 6 أيام. قيست الانحلالية للكيتوزان الناتج عن فطر Rhizopus stolonifer حيث تبيَّن أنَّ النسبة المئوية لانحلال الكيتوزان المستخلص كانت 70% بالمقارنة مع انحلالية تساوي 100% لكيتوزان قشور القريدس التجاري (sigma aldrish) المستخدم كعياري للمقارنة. وبحساب درجة نزع الأستلة %DD الوزن الجزيئي تبيَّن أنَّ الكيتوزان الناتج عن فطر Rhizopus stolonifer يملك درجة نزع أستلة 85% ووزنه الجزيئي 3941.85 دالتون مقارنةً مع كيتوزان من قشور القريدس التجاري الذي يملك درجة نزع الأستلة DD≥90% ووزنه الجزيئي 397 كيلو دالتون. تمَّت دراسة تأثير الكيتوزان الناتج عن فطر Rhizopus stolonifer في تثبيط نوعين من البكتيريا الممرضة للإنسان Escherichia coli و Staphylococcus aureus حيث تبيَّن أنَّ التركيز الأدنى المثبط (MIC) للكيتوزان الفطري هو 600و800 ppmل E.coli وS.aureus على التوالي والتركيز الأدنى القاتل(MBC) للكيتوزان الفطري هو 1200 و800 ppmل E.coli و S.aureusعلى التوالي أي أنَّ فعالية الكيتوزان الفطري المثبطة للبكتيريا أقل من فعالية كيتوزان قشور القريدس المستخدم كعياري في التجربة والذي يملك MIC أقل أو يساوي 200 ppmللبكتيريا المذكورة و MBC 800 و600 ppmلE.coli وS.aureus على التوالي، بذلك نجد أنَّ الكيتوزان الفطري كما كيتوزان قشور القريدس يملك قدرة تثبيطية للبكتيريا موجبة الغرام أكثر من البكتيريا سالبة الغرام.

In the current research, the potential of using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with antimicrobial effects on phytopathogenic fungi in strawberries was investigated. Lactic acid bacteria can be a natural antagonist of pathogenic fungi by releasing lactic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, and CO2 in the medium. In Bulgaria, there are very limited data on the antifungal activity of LAB, isolated from spontaneously fermented doughs. For this purpose, the present study focuses on the characterization of eight strains isolated from doughs from the Rhodope region, in Southern Bulgaria. The new isolates G2, G6, G8, J5, K4, L3, L5, and Q1 were identified by species-specific PCR as Levilactobacillus brevis (L. brevis). The antimicrobial activity of different strains on the development of phytopathogenic fungi Rhizopus stolonifer was studied in vitro and in vivo experiments. As a result of in vivo tests, when the L. brevis G2 was used suppression of the development of soft rot diseases on strawberries caused by Rhizopus stolonifer has been observed. L. brevis G2 strain showed the best suppression of studied phytopathogen in vivo, suggesting its potential use as a biocontrol agent in strawberry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucorales are a group of non-septated filamentous fungi widely distributed in nature, frequently associated with human infections, and are intrinsically resistant to many antifungal drugs. For these reasons, there is an urgent need to improve the clinical management of mucormycosis. Miltefosine, which is a phospholipid analogue of alkylphosphocholine, has been considered a promising repurposing drug to be used to treat fungal infections. In the present study, miltefosine displayed antifungal activity against a variety of Mucorales species, and it was also active against biofilms formed by these fungi. Treatment with miltefosine revealed modifications of cell wall components, neutral lipids, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell morphology, and the induction of oxidative stress. Treated Mucorales cells also presented an increased susceptibility to SDS. Purified ergosterol and glucosylceramide added to the culture medium increased miltefosine MIC, suggesting its interaction with fungal lipids. These data contribute to elucidating the effect of a promising drug repurposed to act against some relevant fungal pathogens that significantly impact public health.

Nowadays, it is very important to find out the protection of plant products as an alternative to synthetic fungicides. The promising alternative is the use of the essential oils (EOs). The aim of our research was to evaluate the antifungal effect of angelica (Angelica archangelica L.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller.), camphore (Cinnamonum camphorum Nees & Eberm), litsea (Litsea deccanensis L.), cumin (Carum carvi L.), dill (Anethum graveolens L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), mint (citrate) (Mentha citrata L.), mint (piperita) (Mentha piperita L.), laurel (Laurus nobilis L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum L.) EOs against three isolates of the genus Rhizopus obtained from moldy plants source the chemical composition of selected EOs was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC – MS) and by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC – FID). The antifungal activity of EOs against the growth of Rhizopus spp. was investigated by gas diffusion method (625 μL/L of air). The mycelium growth inhibition was measured on the 2nd, 4th, and 7th days of cultivation. Six EOs: litsea, mint (citrata), mint (piperita), cumin, thyme and cinnamon completely inhibited the growth of all tested fungi. For these EOs the minimum inhibitory doses were determined. According to probit analyses, the most effective tested EO was thyme and the least effective was cumin. Our results indicated that EOs are effective in the vapor phase and had a potential antifungal activity against Rhizopus stolonifer strains. So, they could be utilized in novel biological fungicide development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic microorganisms are a significant cause of food spoilage, adversely affecting both product quality and human health. This study evaluated the antifungal activities of 34 aldehydes against foodborne and plant pathogenic fungi, identifying 8 promising lead compounds. Among them, E , E -2, 4-nonadienal exhibited optimal effects against Rhizopus stolonifer with an EC 50 of 11.29 μg/mL. In vitro assays demonstrated that E , E -2, 4-nonadienal significantly impact R. stolonifer through both direct contact and fumigation. The preliminary mode of action (MOA) studies indicated that it effectively inhibited spore germination, disrupted ergosterol biosynthesis, and induced oxidative stress, affecting the permeability of the fungal cell membrane and altering mycelial morphology. Additionally, E , E -2, 4-nonadienal significantly reduced soft rot in spore-infected stored cherry tomatoes and showed low toxicity. Thus, aldehydes, exemplified by E , E -2, 4-nonadienal, are potential food and agricultural preservatives, offering efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

This study investigated the influence of chitosan (CH) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (H), along with ultrasound power, on the physicochemical properties, antifungal activity, and stability of oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions containing thymol and cinnamaldehyde in a 7:3 (v/v) ratio. Eight O/W formulations were prepared using CH, H, and a 1:1 (v/v) blend of CH and H, both with and without ultrasonication (U). Compared to untreated samples, U-treated nanoemulsions had lower droplet sizes (433-301 nm), polydispersity index (0.42-0.47), and zeta potential (-0.42-0.77 mV). The U treatment decreased L* and b* values, increased a* color attribute values, and increased apparent viscosity (0.26-2.17) at the same shear rate. After 28 days, microbiological testing of nanoemulsions treated with U showed counts below the detection limits (< 2 log CFU mL -1 ). The U-treated nanoemulsions exhibited stronger antifungal effects against R. stolonifer, with the NE/CH-U and NE/CH-H-U formulations demonstrating the lowest minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations, measured at 0.12 and 0.24 μL/mL, respectively. On day 28, U-treated nanoemulsions demonstrated higher ionic, thermal, and physical stability than untreated samples. These findings suggest that the stability and antifungal efficacy of polysaccharide-based nanoemulsions may be improved by ultrasonic treatment. This study paves the way for innovative, highly stable nanoemulsions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

For sale in the domestic market, Hass avocados are kept in non-biodegradable plastic nets and stored at an ambient temperature. The fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides can cause important losses at this stage. Consequently, formulations based on polylactic acid (PLA)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) 60/40 biodegradable blends added with pine essential oil (PEO) at 10, 12, 14, and 20% and coated with 1% chitosan (CH) were used for the elaboration of nets, which were evaluated on C. gloeosporioides and Rhizopus stolonifer on nutrient media and fruit and on the ripening behavior of Hass avocados at ambient temperature. The spore germination stage of C. gloeosporioides was the most extensively damaged (78% inhibition). The incidence of anthracnose was notably reduced by almost 80% in the avocados stored in the 60/40 PLA/PBAT nets coated with 1% CH. The overall values regarding weight loss, °Brix, and dry matter were c.a. 23.5%, 7.5, and 24.5%, respectively. The changes in firmness, color, and CO2 production were particularly associated with the initial harvest index and storage temperature rather than with the nets. In future research, essays on nets should include evaluations at the commercial levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the fungicidal effect of eight essential oils against five strains of the genus Rhizopus. Strains were obtained from various moldy foods, namely Rhizopus stolonifer KMi 383 from chestnut, R. stolonifer KMi 510 from strawberry, R. stolonifer KMi 511 from nectarine, R. stolonifer KMi 524 from cherry tomatoes, and R. lyococcus KMi 512 from blackberry. The essential oils (EO) used in this study were jasmine EO (extract from Jasminum officinale L.), bergamot EO (Mentha aquatica L. var. citrata (Her.) Fresen), bitter orange EO (from Citrus aurantium L.), grapefruit EO (Citrus paradisi Macfady), sweet flag EO (East Asian Calamus, from Acorus calamus L. var. angustatus Bes), star anise EO (from Illicium verum J.D.Hook), geranium EO (from Pelargonium graveolens), and lemongrass EO (from Cymbopogon citratus DC). The semi-quantitative composition of the essential oil samples was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antifungal activity of essential oils against the strains of R. stolonifer and R. lyococcus was determined during 7 days, using the micro-atmosphere method (0.625 μL.mL-1 of air). Two essential oils, geranium and lemongrass, completely inhibited the growth of all isolates. Bitter orange essential oil inhibited the growth of all isolates of Rhizopus stolonifer, but isolate of Rhizopus lyococcus began to grow after four days of cultivation. In conclusion, certain essential oils are highly effective in the vapor phase. These could be used in further tests of their antifungal activity and could be used in the control of Rhizopus spp. or other fungal pathogens.

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is a climacteric fruit whit a high commercial value, but susceptible to decay. The most important pathogens for jackfruit R. stolonifer and C. gloeosporioides may interact in different ways. The objectives of this study were to examine the interaction between three fungal species isolated from jackfruit and describe their behavior and interactions as a function of temperature. Three pathogen isolates from jackfruit rots, cultivated individually or paired at 4 cm in a natural medium were used. The growth rate was evaluated at 13, 25, and 35 °C. The Baranyi-Roberts model was used to obtain the radial growth rate. Differences between the growth rate of each fungus are the reference to determine the type of interaction. The effect of temperature of the unpaired isolates was studied by Rosso-Robinson’s model. The experiment was validated by infecting fresh jackfruit whit a mix of spores of all isolates. Rhizopus stolonifer is capable of rapidly colonizing the Petri dish thus reducing the space for the other fungi. The growth rates of unpaired and paired fungal isolates were statistically different showing that interactions between them exist. Rhizopus intermingling the others at 13 and 25 °C whereas, at the same temperatures, Colletotrichum AhCx-02 dominates AhCx-03. In contrast, dominance patterns of the Colletotrichum AhCx-03 strain were higher at 35 °C.

The effect of nitrogen (N) nutrition on the occurrence of hull rot (caused by Rhizopus stolonifer) in almonds was measured in a heavily infected commercial orchard in 2011 and 2012. Starting in 2008, trees were grown under differing N rates (140, 224, 392. kg/ha). In 2011 spurs in these trees were tagged by type (non-fruiting, one-fruiting, two-fruiting) and evaluated for hull rot incidence after harvest. It is demonstrated here that N application in excess of tree demand significantly increased the incidence of hull rot in fruiting spurs in both 2011 and 2012. In 2012, hull split rate was also observationally recorded every other day in the N treatments of 140 and 392. kg/ha. N application rate altered the pattern of fruit development and delayed the transition from the 'closed hulls' stage to the 'beginning of hull split' stage. However, this delay was not critical in the increased incidence of hull rot and hull infection rates did not significantly differ as a function of difference in time spent within different hull split stages. In conclusion, excess N resulted in higher hull rot incidence due to a higher susceptibility of the hulls, but not due to a longer residence time within a particular stage once the fruit started to split. Possible causal mechanisms of N effect on hull rot and the significance of the disease are considered.

The effect of nitrogen (N) nutrition on the occurrence of hull rot (caused by Rhizopus stolonifer) in almonds was measured in a heavily infected commercial orchard in 2011 and 2012. Starting in 2008, trees were grown under differing N rates (140, 224, 392. kg/ha). In 2011 spurs in these trees were tagged by type (non-fruiting, one-fruiting, two-fruiting) and evaluated for hull rot incidence after harvest. It is demonstrated here that N application in excess of tree demand significantly increased the incidence of hull rot in fruiting spurs in both 2011 and 2012. In 2012, hull split rate was also observationally recorded every other day in the N treatments of 140 and 392. kg/ha. N application rate altered the pattern of fruit development and delayed the transition from the 'closed hulls' stage to the 'beginning of hull split' stage. However, this delay was not critical in the increased incidence of hull rot and hull infection rates did not significantly differ as a function of difference in time spent within different hull split stages. In conclusion, excess N resulted in higher hull rot incidence due to a higher susceptibility of the hulls, but not due to a longer residence time within a particular stage once the fruit started to split. Possible causal mechanisms of N effect on hull rot and the significance of the disease are considered.

The phytopathogenic fungi Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Rhizopus stolonifer infect different crop plants. Essential oils have been used as an alternative to chemical control methods. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the essential oil chemical composition of the stem bark of Zanthoxylum riedelianum (ZREO) and evaluate its antifungal potential. The ZREO obtained by hydrodistillation was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and evaluated for in vitro antifungal activity. The major components identified in the chemical analysis were E-nerolidol (67.21%), α-selinene (14.94%), and β-selinene (7.41%). The antifungal potential of ZREO against S. sclerotiorum and R. stolonifer was detected at all concentrations evaluated in a dose-dependent manner. The best results were against R. stolonifer, with the concentration of 150 µLmL−1 inhibiting more than 80% of mycelial growth. On the basis of the current knowledge, this study describes for the first time the chemical composition and their antifungal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is a climacteric fruit whit a high commercial value, but susceptible to decay. The most important pathogens for jackfruit R. stolonifer and C. gloeosporioides may interact in different ways. The objectives of this study were to examine the interaction between three fungal species isolated from jackfruit and describe their behavior and interactions as a function of temperature. Three pathogen isolates from jackfruit rots, cultivated individually or paired at 4 cm in a natural medium were used. The growth rate was evaluated at 13, 25, and 35 °C. The Baranyi-Roberts model was used to obtain the radial growth rate. Differences between the growth rate of each fungus are the reference to determine the type of interaction. The effect of temperature of the unpaired isolates was studied by Rosso- Robinson's model. The experiment was validated by infecting fresh jackfruit whit a mix of spores of all isolates. Rhizopus stolonifer is capable of rapidly colonizing the Petri dish thus reducing the space for the other fungi. The growth rates of unpaired and paired fungal isolates were statistically different showing that interactions between them exist. Rhizopus intermingling the others at 13 and 25 °C whereas, at the same temperatures, Colletotrichum AhCx-02 dominates AhCx-03. In contrast, dominance patterns of the Colletotrichum AhCx-03 strain were higher at 35 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tradescantia pallida (Commelinaceae) has shown promising antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. This study aimed at extracting hexane from T. pallida (HE-TP) aerial parts to identify and quantify its volatile compounds by GC-MS and GC-FID and at evaluating its antifungal and antiproliferative activities. (E)-4-Methoxycynnamic acid (50.2%), 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (13.7%) and epijuvabione (10.4%) were the major components identified in HE-TP. HE-TP was incorporated into PDA medium, poured into Petri dishes and transferred to mycelial discs of pathogens. Percentages of inhibition of fungal growth were determined. HE-TP showed remarkable antifungal potential at the dose of 400 µL since it inhibited 100% of Penicillium digitatum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum growth and 92.6% of Rhizopus stolonifer growth. Besides, HE-TP demonstrated cytotoxic activity against different human tumor cell lines with IC50 values between 231.43 and 428.76 µg/mL. Therefore, results showed that HE-TP has potential against fungi of agronomic interest and tumor cells.

Abstract Food loss due to contamination caused by fungi has much impact on agriculture and leads to significant economic losses. Synthetic and natural fungicides have been used for avoiding losses of several food products due to fungal contamination. As a result, species of the genus Capsicum have been used for preserving food because of their chemical compounds with antifungal activity. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying some phenolic compounds found in both ethyl acetate extract (EAE) and methanolic extract (ME) from habanero pepper (C. chinense) ripe fruit by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and at evaluating their antifungal activities against fungi Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Extracts resulted from a sequential process of maceration. Antifungal activity was evaluated by the disk diffusion method (DDM) at the following doses of both diluted extracts: 25 µL, 50 µL, 100 µL and 200 µL. The chemical analysis showed that there were protocatechuic acid, gentisic acid, vanillic acid, kaempferol-3-O-robinobiosideo and naringenin in both extracts. EAE showed high inhibition of mycelial growth at both doses 100µL and 200µL against the three fungi while methanolic exhibited weak activity even at the highest dose under investigation. However, further in-depth studies are needed to reinforce their uses and practical applications to the agricultural field.

The priming of defence responses in pathogen‐challenged model plants undergoes a preparation phase and an expression phase for defence function. However, the priming response in postharvest fruits has not been elucidated. Here, we found that 50 mM β‐aminobutyric acid (BABA) treatment could induce two distinct pathways linked with TGA1‐related systemic acquired resistance (SAR), resulting in the alleviation of Rhizopus rot in postharvest peach fruit. The first priming phase was elicited by BABA alone, leading to the enhanced transcription of redox‐regulated genes and posttranslational modification of PpTGA1. The second phase was activated by an H2O2 burst via up‐regulation of PpRBOH genes and stimulation of the MAPK cascade on pathogen invasion, resulting in a robust defence. In the MAPK cascade, PpMAPKK5 was identified as a shortcut interacting protein of PpTGA1 and increased the DNA binding activity of PpTGA1 for the activation of salicylic acid (SA)‐responsive PR genes. The overexpression of PpMAPKK5 in Arabidopsis caused the constitutive transcription of SA‐dependent PR genes and as a result conferred resistance against the fungus Rhizopus stolonifer. Hence, we suggest that the BABA‐induced priming defence in peaches is activated by redox homeostasis with an elicitor‐induced reductive signalling and a pathogen‐stimulated H2O2 burst, which is accompanied by the possible phosphorylation of PpTGA1 by PpMAPKK5 for signal amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft rot caused by Rhizopus stolonifer is one of the most destructive postharvest diseases inducing massive loss of sweet potato tuberous roots (TRs). Inhibitory effects of 2-methylbutanoic acid (2-ME), isobutyric acid (IS), perillaldehyde (PE) and salicylaldehyde (SA) against R. stolonifer was investigated, to explore their potential in postharvest preservation of sweet potato. The 2-ME, IS, PE and SA completely inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination, destroyed cell membrane integrity, and induced nucleic acids and proteins leakage of R. stolonifer. Compared to 2-ME and IS, SA caused the most severe ultrastructure damage to R. stolonifer , enhanced cell membrane permeability, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced more endogenous ROS production, followed by PE. In addition, SA better controlled R. stolonifer infection, decreased MDA content and increased disease-resistant enzyme activities in TRs during 15 d of storage. Therefore, SA might be a promising alternative to fungicides in postharvest preservation of sweet potato TRs. • 2-ME, IS, PE and SA inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination of R. stolonifer. • Compared to 2-ME and IS, PE and SA induced more nucleic acids and proteins leakage. • SA caused the most severe ultrastructure damage to R. stolonifer , followed by PE. • SA increased cell membrane permeability, decreased MMP and increased ROS production. • SA controlled soft rot of sweet potato TRs, and enhanced their disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan (CS) is a versatile raw material for the production of fibers and biomaterials. As antifungal compound, it has an interesting mechanism related to interactions with the cell membranes, being effective against various fungi. Likewise, Opuntia mucilage (OM) is a polymeric matrix with interesting applications in the agricultural and food field. An edible film based on these materials was designed in this work, as an alternative to defend crops against fungi infections. Various tests of homogeneity and resistance were performed by varying the concentration of chitosan, glycerol and mucilage to select the best composition for the film. Subsequently, structural and rheological studies were carried out as elements for the characterization of the chosen formulation. Finally, in vitro and in situ tests were performed to evaluate the antifungal potential in the protecting the crops of interest. Based on the qualitative and physicochemical characterization, it was determined that the film with better integrity in its structure was obtained at concentrations of 3% glycerol, 2% chitosan and 20% mucilage. The resulting film was homogenous, flexible, luminous, slightly dark, with cumulative viscosity, that means that total viscosity is the result of each component viscosity. The CS-OM film demonstrated a strong antifungal effect against Rhizopus stolonifer in vitro and in situ conditions and increased the shelf-life of tomatoes. The results showed the potential of the use of this biodegradable film in protecting the crops of interest, making it an attractive polymeric product for field application.

For sale in the domestic market, Hass avocados are kept in non-biodegradable plastic nets and stored at an ambient temperature. The fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides can cause important losses at this stage. Consequently, formulations based on polylactic acid (PLA)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) 60/40 biodegradable blends added with pine essential oil (PEO) at 10, 12, 14, and 20% and coated with 1% chitosan (CH) were used for the elaboration of nets, which were evaluated on C. gloeosporioides and Rhizopus stolonifer on nutrient media and fruit and on the ripening behavior of Hass avocados at ambient temperature. The spore germination stage of C. gloeosporioides was the most extensively damaged (78% inhibition). The incidence of anthracnose was notably reduced by almost 80% in the avocados stored in the 60/40 PLA/PBAT nets coated with 1% CH. The overall values regarding weight loss, °Brix, and dry matter were c.a. 23.5%, 7.5, and 24.5%, respectively. The changes in firmness, color, and CO2 production were particularly associated with the initial harvest index and storage temperature rather than with the nets. In future research, essays on nets should include evaluations at the commercial levels.

Effects of ultrasound (US, 300, 400, and 500 W) and slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW, 10, 30, and 50 mg/L) combination on inactivating Rhizopus stolonifer in sweet potato tuberous roots (TRs) were investigated. US at 300, 400, and 500 W simultaneous SAEW with available chlorine concentration of 50 mg/L at 40 and 55 °C for 10 min significantly inhibited colony diameters (from 90.00 to 6.00–71.62 mm) and spores germination (p

Biodiesel, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), is an environmentally friendly alternative fuel produced by transesterification of renewable lipid feedstocks for diesel engines. Methanolysis of waste frying oil (WFO) was catalyzed by Rhizopus stolonifer 1aNRC11 mutant F whole-cell lipase that produced under solid state fermentation (SSF) using wheat bran (WB) and black cumin meal as the main substrate. Cultivation SSF parameters of R. stolonifer mutant were optimized using Plackett-Burman (PB) experimental design and Face-centred Central Composite Design (FCCD), taking FAME yield as a response for whole-cell lipase production ability. PB results showed that cultivation temperature, medium pH and moisture content were the most significant parameters, which were selected for optimization by FCCD. The optimal determined conditions were as follows: WB (10 g), black cumin meal (6%, w/w of WB), fodder yeast (1%, w/w of WB), moisture content (1.5 g water/g solid), inoculum size (3 discs), initial pH (8), and cultivation time (4 day) at 28 °C. With R. stolonifer mutant cultivated in the optimized conditions, the FAME yield reached 82.6% that was close to the predicted yield of 85.7%. The analysis of variance showed that the model was statistically significant (p value of.0001) and could explain 89% of the variability in the response. These results indicated that the optimization conditions increased biodiesel production by about 43% compared to the basal medium (57.60%). The optimization of SSF conditions using low cost components makes the whole-cell lipase production process from the R. stolonifer 1aNRC11 mutant F economically effective for application in biodiesel production from WFO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: With a goal to identify specific essential oils that can control postharvest Rhizopus rot on strawberry and peach fruits, we performed screening for 26 essential oils based on their antifungal activity against Rhizopus stolonifer in vitro and investigated the underlying mechanism. Methods and Results: Mentha spicata (Ms), Mentha piperita (Mp), Thymus vulgaris CT carvacrol (Tc) and Thymus vulgaris CT thymol (Tt) exhibited strong inhibition on R. stolonifer growth in the screening. These essential oils increased plasma membrane permeability of R. stolonifer and resulted in the outflow of intercellular electrolyte, nucleic acid, protein and soluble sugar. Morphology of R. stolonifer mycelia was greatly altered by these essential oils. Hyphae treated by these essential oils exhibited high accumulation of superoxide anion and malonaldehyde. Combination of these essential oils in commercial package reduced Rhizopus rot on strawberry and peach fruits, with Mp showing the strongest efficiency. Conclusion: Ms, Mp, Tc and Tt essential oils inhibited R. stolonifer growth by targeting its plasma membrane and reduced Rhizopus rot on strawberry and peach fruits. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study provides potential applications of natural plant extract, as alternatives to tradition fungicides, to control postharvest decay on fruits and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Synthetic fungicides are most commonly used for controlling postharvest disease of fruit, although they can cause the emergence of drug‐resistant strains, environmental pollution and fruit safety issues. Bacillomycin D (BD), a novel antifungal lipopeptide, and chitosan (CTS) are applied for the preservation of cherry tomato. RESULTS: The combination of BD and CTS showed an additive inhibition on the growth of Rhizopus stolonifer and Botrytis cinerea compared to that of its individual compound. In addition, BD + CTS reduced the incidence of soft rot and gray mold in cherry tomato caused by R. stolonifer and B. cinerea, respectively. Tomato treated with BD + CTS exhibited a lower weight loss and higher firmness and higher contents of total soluble solids, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid compared to those treated with sterile water (control). The kinetics models demonstrated that the shelf life of cherry tomato treated with BD + CTS could be extended by approximately 15 days longer than the control. CONCLUSION: The utilization of BD + CTS provided a novel strategy for reducing postharvest fungal rot and maintaining the storage quality of cherry tomato. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]