Pub Date : 2025-10-05DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101668
Mahmuda Binte Monsur, Ido Bar, Jonathan Wanderley Lawley, Rebecca Ford
The necrotrophic fungus Ascochyta rabiei poses a significant threat to chickpea cultivation worldwide, leading to severe yield losses and quality reduction. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the pathogenicity of A. rabiei is essential for developing effective management strategies. This study employed transcriptomic analyses to compare the gene expression profiles among two A. rabiei isolates with differing pathogenicity levels (highly pathogenic AR0231 and low pathogenic AR0225) during interaction of PBA HatTrick chickpea genotype at the early podding stage. PBA HatTrick is classified as moderately susceptible to A. rabiei based on field trial ratings from the GRDC National Variety Trials. Like most cultivated chickpea varieties, its resistance to A. rabiei is generally considered polygenic and quantitative in nature, with no major resistance gene identified to date. A total of 105 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 57 upregulated and 48 downregulated in AR0231. Notably, effector-related genes were prominent among the upregulated DEGs, including EKO05_0002468, a homolog of the CoNIS1 effector gene that suppresses plant immunity, and EKO05_0010552, a homolog of PsGIP2/PsGIP1 encoding a glucanase inhibitor that protects fungal cell walls from host enzymes. Additionally, EKO05_0001368, homologous to PesCDA/VdPDA1, encodes a chitin-binding effector linked to immune evasion. Downregulated DEGs included EKO05_0006947, a LysM-domain effector homolog implicated in masking fungal chitin from host detection. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms employed by A. rabiei during infection of mature chickpea tissue and highlight candidate genes for future research on improving chickpea resistance to Ascochyta blight.
{"title":"Effector molecules and pathogenicity-associated gene expression in Ascochyta rabiei","authors":"Mahmuda Binte Monsur, Ido Bar, Jonathan Wanderley Lawley, Rebecca Ford","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101668","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101668","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The necrotrophic fungus <em>Ascochyta rabiei</em> poses a significant threat to chickpea cultivation worldwide, leading to severe yield losses and quality reduction. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the pathogenicity of <em>A. rabiei</em> is essential for developing effective management strategies. This study employed transcriptomic analyses to compare the gene expression profiles among two <em>A. rabiei</em> isolates with differing pathogenicity levels (highly pathogenic AR0231 and low pathogenic AR0225) during interaction of PBA HatTrick chickpea genotype at the early podding stage. PBA HatTrick is classified as moderately susceptible to <em>A. rabiei</em> based on field trial ratings from the GRDC National Variety Trials. Like most cultivated chickpea varieties, its resistance to <em>A. rabiei</em> is generally considered polygenic and quantitative in nature, with no major resistance gene identified to date. A total of 105 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 57 upregulated and 48 downregulated in AR0231. Notably, effector-related genes were prominent among the upregulated DEGs, including EKO05_0002468, a homolog of the CoNIS1 effector gene that suppresses plant immunity, and EKO05_0010552, a homolog of PsGIP2/PsGIP1 encoding a glucanase inhibitor that protects fungal cell walls from host enzymes. Additionally, EKO05_0001368, homologous to PesCDA/VdPDA1, encodes a chitin-binding effector linked to immune evasion. Downregulated DEGs included EKO05_0006947, a LysM-domain effector homolog implicated in masking fungal chitin from host detection. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms employed by <em>A. rabiei</em> during infection of mature chickpea tissue and highlight candidate genes for future research on improving chickpea resistance to Ascochyta blight.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 8","pages":"Article 101668"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145236617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101666
Yi Lin , JingJing Wang , Lin Lin , Tao Li , Yan Yan , Wei Wei , Dongzhi Wei
Penicillium brevicompactum is an industrial fungus used to produce mycophenolic acid (MPA), which has a strong Mevalonate (MVA) pathway metabolic flux. However, there are currently limited genetic manipulation tools available and few reports on metabolic regulation analysis for P. brevicompactum. In the synthesis of MPA, the MVA pathway is an important metabolic pathway, and it bifurcates at HMG-CoA, a critical node directing metabolic flux toward either MPA biosynthesis via HMG-CoA reductase or a bypass route mediated by HMG-CoA lyase (HMGCL). While metabolic engineering strategies for enhancing MPA have focused on upregulating the MVA pathway, suppression of competing HMG-CoA lyase-driven carbon diversion remains underexplored. Here, we employ RNA interference (RNAi) to silence hmgcl in P. brevicompactum, redirecting flux toward farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), the MPA precursor. Plasmid-based RNAi knockdown reduced hmgcl transcript levels to 6.3 % of wild-type, yielding a 59 % increase in MPA titer (4.36 g/L). Our findings establish RNAi-mediated pathway balancing as a potent strategy for optimizing isoprenoid biosynthesis and underscore the untapped potential of silencing competing enzymes in fungal secondary metabolism. This approach provides a scalable framework for enhancing high-value metabolites in non-model filamentous fungi.
{"title":"Improved production of mycophenolic acid in Penicillium brevicompactum by RNAi-mediated hmgcl gene silencing","authors":"Yi Lin , JingJing Wang , Lin Lin , Tao Li , Yan Yan , Wei Wei , Dongzhi Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101666","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101666","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Penicillium brevicompactum</em> is an industrial fungus used to produce mycophenolic acid (MPA), which has a strong Mevalonate (MVA) pathway metabolic flux. However, there are currently limited genetic manipulation tools available and few reports on metabolic regulation analysis for <em>P. brevicompactum</em>. In the synthesis of MPA, the MVA pathway is an important metabolic pathway, and it bifurcates at HMG-CoA, a critical node directing metabolic flux toward either MPA biosynthesis via HMG-CoA reductase or a bypass route mediated by HMG-CoA lyase (HMGCL). While metabolic engineering strategies for enhancing MPA have focused on upregulating the MVA pathway, suppression of competing HMG-CoA lyase-driven carbon diversion remains underexplored. Here, we employ RNA interference (RNAi) to silence <em>hmgcl</em> in <em>P. brevicompactum</em>, redirecting flux toward farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), the MPA precursor. Plasmid-based RNAi knockdown reduced <em>hmgcl</em> transcript levels to 6.3 % of wild-type, yielding a 59 % increase in MPA titer (4.36 g/L). Our findings establish RNAi-mediated pathway balancing as a potent strategy for optimizing isoprenoid biosynthesis and underscore the untapped potential of silencing competing enzymes in fungal secondary metabolism. This approach provides a scalable framework for enhancing high-value metabolites in non-model filamentous fungi.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 8","pages":"Article 101666"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145322429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101637
Shuangzhen Zhou, Chenchen Guo, Wen Tang, Zhiqiang Liu, Xiaoyu Li
Maize anthracnose, caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum graminicola, is among the most devastating diseases affecting maize production. Homeobox transcription factors (HTFs) regulate key developmental and physiological processes in eukaryotes, including fungal pathogenesis. In this study, we identified two HTFs, CgrHtf1 and CgrAfh1, in C. graminicola. Both CgrHtf1 and CgrAfh1 contain a conserved homeobox domain and exhibit distinct nuclear localization, consistent with their predicted roles as transcriptional regulators. Disruption of Cgrhtf1 sharply reduced conidial production while increasing melanin biosynthesis. In contrast, deletion of Cgrafh1 not only impaired conidiation but also abolished the formation of functional appressoria and hyphopodia. Notably, overexpression of Cgrafh1 enhanced appressorium formation compared to the wild-type strain, suggesting its crucial role in the morphogenesis of appressoria. Transcriptome analysis revealed that CgrHtf1 regulates many genes associated with melanin biosynthesis, fungal development and cell cycle control, while CgrAfh1 predominantly modulates the expression of genes linked to signal transduction, cell cycle progression and autophagy processes. Collectively, we demonstrate that CgrHtf1 controls conidiation and melanin biosynthesis, whereas CgrAfh1 governs appressorium development, revealing hierarchical regulation of infection-related morphogenesis in C. graminicola.
{"title":"Two homeobox transcription factors CgrHtf1 and CgrAfh1 hierarchically regulate asexual sporulation and appressorium formation in the maize anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum graminicola.","authors":"Shuangzhen Zhou, Chenchen Guo, Wen Tang, Zhiqiang Liu, Xiaoyu Li","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101637","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101637","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Maize anthracnose, caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum graminicola, is among the most devastating diseases affecting maize production. Homeobox transcription factors (HTFs) regulate key developmental and physiological processes in eukaryotes, including fungal pathogenesis. In this study, we identified two HTFs, CgrHtf1 and CgrAfh1, in C. graminicola. Both CgrHtf1 and CgrAfh1 contain a conserved homeobox domain and exhibit distinct nuclear localization, consistent with their predicted roles as transcriptional regulators. Disruption of Cgrhtf1 sharply reduced conidial production while increasing melanin biosynthesis. In contrast, deletion of Cgrafh1 not only impaired conidiation but also abolished the formation of functional appressoria and hyphopodia. Notably, overexpression of Cgrafh1 enhanced appressorium formation compared to the wild-type strain, suggesting its crucial role in the morphogenesis of appressoria. Transcriptome analysis revealed that CgrHtf1 regulates many genes associated with melanin biosynthesis, fungal development and cell cycle control, while CgrAfh1 predominantly modulates the expression of genes linked to signal transduction, cell cycle progression and autophagy processes. Collectively, we demonstrate that CgrHtf1 controls conidiation and melanin biosynthesis, whereas CgrAfh1 governs appressorium development, revealing hierarchical regulation of infection-related morphogenesis in C. graminicola.</p>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 6","pages":"101637"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145015001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-08-07DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101638
Daniela Cedano Giraldo, Derya Mumcu Kucuker
The spatial prediction of edible fungi is essential for the conservation and sustainable use of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) and contributes to the understanding of fungal biodiversity in forest ecosystems. This study compares multiple species distribution modeling (SDM) techniques to predict the spatial distribution of Lactarius deliciosus (L.) Gray in the Refahiye and Tekçam Forest Planning Units (FPUs) in Türkiye. Using the Biomod2 platform, we implemented five modeling algorithms: generalized linear models (GLM), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), classification tree analysis (CTA), boosted regression trees (BRT), and random forests (RF). Among these, the RF model outperformed the others, demonstrating superior accuracy across all performance metrics, likely due to its ability to handle non-linear relationships, categorical predictor variables, and complex interactions without requiring extensive parameter tuning. The resulting RF-based suitability map provides valuable guidance for sustainable mushroom harvesting, forest management planning, and the conservation of mycological resources.
{"title":"Comparative analysis of Biomod2 statistical and machine learning methods for Lactarius deliciosus distribution in Refahiye, Turkiye.","authors":"Daniela Cedano Giraldo, Derya Mumcu Kucuker","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101638","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101638","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The spatial prediction of edible fungi is essential for the conservation and sustainable use of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) and contributes to the understanding of fungal biodiversity in forest ecosystems. This study compares multiple species distribution modeling (SDM) techniques to predict the spatial distribution of Lactarius deliciosus (L.) Gray in the Refahiye and Tekçam Forest Planning Units (FPUs) in Türkiye. Using the Biomod2 platform, we implemented five modeling algorithms: generalized linear models (GLM), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), classification tree analysis (CTA), boosted regression trees (BRT), and random forests (RF). Among these, the RF model outperformed the others, demonstrating superior accuracy across all performance metrics, likely due to its ability to handle non-linear relationships, categorical predictor variables, and complex interactions without requiring extensive parameter tuning. The resulting RF-based suitability map provides valuable guidance for sustainable mushroom harvesting, forest management planning, and the conservation of mycological resources.</p>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 6","pages":"101638"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145014981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101665
Khaled Abdrabo El-Sayid Abdrabo , Guan Jie Phang , Yu-Hsuan Fan , Yin-Tse Huang
The Ophiostomataceae family encompasses numerous species that exhibit yeast-hyphae dimorphism, including well-known pathogens like the causal agents of Dutch elm disease, blue-staining fungi, and sporotrichosis. This dimorphism is not only observed in pathogenic interactions but also plays a crucial role in symbiotic relationships, such as ambrosia fungi. The ability to switch between these morphological forms may contribute to their adaptability and ecological functions within different environments and host interactions. This study seeks to elucidate the intricate interplay between dimorphism and fungal lifestyles across the species within the Ophiostomataceae family. We investigated six Ophiostomataceae genera: Raffaelea, Harringtonia, Leptographium, Ophiostoma, Heinzbutinia, and Esteya, representing four contrasting fungal lifestyles: ambrosia, non-ambrosia, pathogenic, and non-pathogenic. Under standardized growth conditions using a chemically defined medium with DL-proline as the sole nitrogen source, all strains, except one, exhibited increased yeast morphotype growth (≥50%). Our tested species exhibited varied responses to inoculum size, highlighting inter-species variation in response to inoculum size effects. Moreover, we traced the evolutionary history of dimorphism across the Ophiostomataceae family. Our results suggest that dimorphism was likely a trait of the common ancestor of Ophiostomataceae. Our analyses revealed that the dimorphic trait shows a strong phylogenetic signal, i.e., its presence or loss is conserved within specific phylogenetic lineages. Moreover, we found that dimorphism and ambrosia lifestyle are evolutionarily correlated across the Ophiostomataceae phylogeny. This study deepens our understanding of how the interplay between dimorphism and lifestyle has shaped the evolutionary trajectory of the Ophiostomataceae
{"title":"Phylogeny and ecological roles shaping yeast-hyphae morphogenesis in Ophiostomataceae","authors":"Khaled Abdrabo El-Sayid Abdrabo , Guan Jie Phang , Yu-Hsuan Fan , Yin-Tse Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101665","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101665","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The <em>Ophiostomataceae</em> family encompasses numerous species that exhibit yeast-hyphae dimorphism, including well-known pathogens like the causal agents of Dutch elm disease, blue-staining fungi, and sporotrichosis. This dimorphism is not only observed in pathogenic interactions but also plays a crucial role in symbiotic relationships, such as ambrosia fungi. The ability to switch between these morphological forms may contribute to their adaptability and ecological functions within different environments and host interactions. This study seeks to elucidate the intricate interplay between dimorphism and fungal lifestyles across the species within the <em>Ophiostomataceae</em> family. We investigated six <em>Ophiostomataceae</em> genera: <em>Raffaelea</em>, <em>Harringtonia</em>, <em>Leptographium</em>, <em>Ophiostoma</em>, <em>Heinzbutinia</em>, and <em>Esteya</em>, representing four contrasting fungal lifestyles: ambrosia, non-ambrosia, pathogenic, and non-pathogenic. Under standardized growth conditions using a chemically defined medium with DL-proline as the sole nitrogen source, all strains, except one, exhibited increased yeast morphotype growth (≥50%). Our tested species exhibited varied responses to inoculum size, highlighting inter-species variation in response to inoculum size effects. Moreover, we traced the evolutionary history of dimorphism across the <em>Ophiostomataceae</em> family. Our results suggest that dimorphism was likely a trait of the common ancestor of <em>Ophiostomataceae.</em> Our analyses revealed that the dimorphic trait shows a strong phylogenetic signal, i.e., its presence or loss is conserved within specific phylogenetic lineages. Moreover, we found that dimorphism and ambrosia lifestyle are evolutionarily correlated across the <em>Ophiostomataceae</em> phylogeny. This study deepens our understanding of how the interplay between dimorphism and lifestyle has shaped the evolutionary trajectory of the <em>Ophiostomataceae</em></div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"130 1","pages":"Article 101665"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145972884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101664
E. Corbett , H. Grogan , B. McGuinness , A. Tumbure , G. Young , M.T. Gaffney
Wood fibre, uncomposted bark and windrow-composted bark were tested in two replicate experiments at amendment rates of 30, 50 and 70 % v/v with commercial peat-based mushroom casing. Their performance in terms of crop yield and mushroom quality was compared to an industry standard peat-based control. Hydro-physical behaviour (i.e. matric potential) between casing treatments was monitored during the crop by recording matric potential (Ψm) using solid-state tensiometers. Emerging and developing mushrooms utilised casing-contained water resulting in decreasing Ψm during a ‘flush’. Differences in the magnitude and duration of Ψm evolution between treatments were correlated to mushroom cropping performance and quality metrics.
Wood fibre treatments closely matched peat-based controls in water availability and crop timing, with Ψm values showing a similar rate of decrease over each flush (not exceeding −34.4 kPa). Class A mushrooms from these treatments were likewise indistinguishable from the controls in yield and quality.
Conversely, bark-based casings diverged from peat-based control treatments with their timing and water dynamics strongly influenced by management conditions such as case-run length. Increasing rates of bark addition in some instances was correlated with incrementally delayed cropping (by as much as 4 days relative to control treatments). Additionally, the comparatively open pore-structure of bark containing treatments resulted in poor water retention, overpinning (during 1st flush) and pore-structure degradation over time, requiring careful crop management. A lack of available water occurred within these casing treatments (particularly in Trial 1, flush 2), was evidenced not only by the slow development of water-stressed mushrooms (e.g. premature opening, split stipes), but was also correlated with a pattern of stalling or halted Ψm evolution, as cropping progressed. Water stress in these casing treatments ultimately led to a higher relative proportion of Class B graded mushrooms. Averaged over two trials, Class B mushrooms constituted 53 % and 47 % of the total yield for uncomposted and composted bark respectively. Comparatively peat averaged just 24 %.
In order to maintain yield, crop timing and stagger similar to that of commercial peat-based casing, peat-amended treatments must demonstrate similar expression of hydro-physical behaviour as well as an ability to retain structure over repeated flushing and watering cycles. Herein, it is demonstrated that sensor-monitored Ψm evolution coincides with substantial variation in the growth and progression of the crop and consequently in the yield of harvested mushrooms.
{"title":"Real-time matric potential dynamics in peat casings amended with wood fibre and bark, and their relationship to Agaricus bisporus yield and quality","authors":"E. Corbett , H. Grogan , B. McGuinness , A. Tumbure , G. Young , M.T. Gaffney","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101664","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101664","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wood fibre, uncomposted bark and windrow-composted bark were tested in two replicate experiments at amendment rates of 30, 50 and 70 % v/v with commercial peat-based mushroom casing. Their performance in terms of crop yield and mushroom quality was compared to an industry standard peat-based control. Hydro-physical behaviour (i.e. matric potential) between casing treatments was monitored during the crop by recording matric potential (Ψ<sub>m</sub>) using solid-state tensiometers. Emerging and developing mushrooms utilised casing-contained water resulting in decreasing Ψ<sub>m</sub> during a ‘flush’. Differences in the magnitude and duration of Ψ<sub>m</sub> evolution between treatments were correlated to mushroom cropping performance and quality metrics.</div><div>Wood fibre treatments closely matched peat-based controls in water availability and crop timing, with Ψm values showing a similar rate of decrease over each flush (not exceeding −34.4 kPa). Class A mushrooms from these treatments were likewise indistinguishable from the controls in yield and quality.</div><div>Conversely, bark-based casings diverged from peat-based control treatments with their timing and water dynamics strongly influenced by management conditions such as case-run length. Increasing rates of bark addition in some instances was correlated with incrementally delayed cropping (by as much as 4 days relative to control treatments). Additionally, the comparatively open pore-structure of bark containing treatments resulted in poor water retention, overpinning (during 1st flush) and pore-structure degradation over time, requiring careful crop management. A lack of available water occurred within these casing treatments (particularly in Trial 1, flush 2), was evidenced not only by the slow development of water-stressed mushrooms (e.g. premature opening, split stipes), but was also correlated with a pattern of stalling or halted Ψ<sub>m</sub> evolution, as cropping progressed. Water stress in these casing treatments ultimately led to a higher relative proportion of Class B graded mushrooms. Averaged over two trials, Class B mushrooms constituted 53 % and 47 % of the total yield for uncomposted and composted bark respectively. Comparatively peat averaged just 24 %.</div><div>In order to maintain yield, crop timing and stagger similar to that of commercial peat-based casing, peat-amended treatments must demonstrate similar expression of hydro-physical behaviour as well as an ability to retain structure over repeated flushing and watering cycles. Herein, it is demonstrated that sensor-monitored Ψ<sub>m</sub> evolution coincides with substantial variation in the growth and progression of the crop and consequently in the yield of harvested mushrooms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 7","pages":"Article 101664"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145216743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. xcambivora are serious phytopathogens, namely causing root rot/ink in chestnut trees, which severely threatens this historical crop. Oomycetes produce mycelium but are hard to control with traditional fungicides or BCAs. Recent research revealed Wickerhamomyces anomalus, a yeast endophyte, as a strong antagonist of key pre- and post-harvest fungal pathogens in laboratory settings. This study shows it also inhibits Phytophthora growth. Microscopy revealed that W. anomalus cells adhere to and are found inside Phytophthora hyphae, accumulating within collapsed areas, possibly nourishing on hyphal contents. These interactions occur without the intervention of volatile compounds, siderophores, or hydrolytic enzymes, leaving hyphal walls intact. SEM and TEM of hyphae from P. cinnamomi when co-cultured with W. anomalus showed numerous intrahyphal structures formed in response to the yeast-imposed stress. Otherwise, the yeast shows polarised cells, nuclei fusion, irregularly numbered spores and intercellular bridges, indicating a disrupted reproductive cycle. This is consistent with P. cinnamomi and W. anomalus recognising each other's pheromones, triggering a mating-like response leading to the yeast's attachment and internalisation without damaging the hyphal cell wall. This W. anomalus specific mode-of-action, different from the ones previously reported, suggests potential as a BCA for the pre-harvest management of Phytophthora.
{"title":"Wickerhamomyces anomalus is a predator of the Castanea spp. ink disease-causing oomycetes Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. xcambivora. Based on morphological evidence, a model illustrating a specific mode of action is provided","authors":"Mariana Amorim-Rodrigues , Rogélio Lopes Brandão , Fernanda Cássio , Cândida Lucas","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Phytophthora cinnamomi</em> and <em>P.</em> x<em>cambivora</em> are serious phytopathogens, namely causing root rot/ink in chestnut trees, which severely threatens this historical crop. Oomycetes produce mycelium but are hard to control with traditional fungicides or BCAs. Recent research revealed <em>Wickerhamomyces anomalus</em>, a yeast endophyte, as a strong antagonist of key pre- and post-harvest fungal pathogens in laboratory settings. This study shows it also inhibits <em>Phytophthora</em> growth. Microscopy revealed that <em>W. anomalus</em> cells adhere to and are found inside <em>Phytophthora</em> hyphae, accumulating within collapsed areas, possibly nourishing on hyphal contents. These interactions occur without the intervention of volatile compounds, siderophores, or hydrolytic enzymes, leaving hyphal walls intact. SEM and TEM of hyphae from <em>P. cinnamomi</em> when co-cultured with <em>W. anomalus</em> showed numerous intrahyphal structures formed in response to the yeast-imposed stress. Otherwise, the yeast shows polarised cells, nuclei fusion, irregularly numbered spores and intercellular bridges, indicating a disrupted reproductive cycle. This is consistent with <em>P. cinnamomi</em> and <em>W. anomalus</em> recognising each other's pheromones, triggering a mating-like response leading to the yeast's attachment and internalisation without damaging the hyphal cell wall. This <em>W. anomalus</em> specific mode-of-action, different from the ones previously reported, <em>s</em>uggests potential as a BCA for the pre-harvest management of <em>Phytophthora</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 7","pages":"Article 101663"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145216744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101660
Vanessa F. Soares , Aline C. Velho , Isabela M. Doria , Antonio J. Andrello , Mateus Brusco de Freitas , Marciel J. Stadnik
Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) holds significant importance within the small fruits group of temperate climates. However, its high susceptibility to diseases, particularly anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum isolates, can severely limit production. This study aimed to identify and characterize Colletotrichum species causing strawberry anthracnose in Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Isolates were collected from strawberry plants exhibiting typical anthracnose symptoms on different plant parts, in both organic and conventional fields. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted using six loci, including actin (ACT), β-tubulin (TUB2), calmodulin (CAL), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH), glutamine synthetase (GS), and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), to identify the Colletotrichum isolates. Morphological and cultural characteristics, including conidia size, shape, and sexual reproductive structures were assessed. Pathogenicity tests were performed on detached leaves, fruits, and whole plants of the cultivars (cvs.) Albion, Pircinque, and San Andreas. Additionally, lipolytic, lipase, and cutinase activities were evaluated. The multilocus phylogenetic analysis identified the isolates as Colletotrichum nymphaeae, Colletotrichum siamense, and Colletotrichum karstii. Six groups of colony color were observed. Colletotrichum siamense and C. karstii predominantly exhibited cylindrical conidia shapes, while most C. nymphaeae isolates were fusiform. Furthermore, the presence of sexual structures, such as asci and ascospores, was exclusively noted in C. karstii. Pathogenicity tests on leaves and fruits showed that all isolates caused leaf spots and fruit rot in the three tested cvs., except for two isolates of C. nymphaeae (M135 and M165), which did not cause leaf spots on the adaxial leaf surface of cultivar (cv.) San Andreas. Whole plant assays indicated that the isolates caused anthracnose symptoms on leaves, petioles, fruits, flowers, and crowns, with the most prominent symptoms on petioles and fruits. Colletotrichum karstii showed a three-fold higher halo diameter (10.2 mm), indicating increased lipolytic activity, while C. nymphaeae (M133) exhibited a twelve-fold higher lipase activity, and C. siamense had a twenty-eight-fold higher cutinase activity compared to controls. These findings provide new insights into the distribution and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum species causing strawberry anthracnose in Santa Catarina. The molecular, morphological, and enzymatic characterizations enhance our understanding of species-specific virulence factors, which can support the development of targeted disease management strategies for strawberry production.
{"title":"Molecular, morphophysiological, and pathogenic characterization of Colletotrichum isolates from strawberry plants in Santa Catarina, Brazil","authors":"Vanessa F. Soares , Aline C. Velho , Isabela M. Doria , Antonio J. Andrello , Mateus Brusco de Freitas , Marciel J. Stadnik","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Strawberry (<em>Fragaria × ananassa</em>) holds significant importance within the small fruits group of temperate climates. However, its high susceptibility to diseases, particularly anthracnose caused by <em>Colletotrichum</em> isolates, can severely limit production. This study aimed to identify and characterize <em>Colletotrichum</em> species causing strawberry anthracnose in Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Isolates were collected from strawberry plants exhibiting typical anthracnose symptoms on different plant parts, in both organic and conventional fields. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted using six loci, including actin (ACT), β-tubulin (TUB2), calmodulin (CAL), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH), glutamine synthetase (GS), and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), to identify the <em>Colletotrichum</em> isolates. Morphological and cultural characteristics, including conidia size, shape, and sexual reproductive structures were assessed. Pathogenicity tests were performed on detached leaves, fruits, and whole plants of the cultivars (cvs.) Albion, Pircinque, and San Andreas. Additionally, lipolytic, lipase, and cutinase activities were evaluated. The multilocus phylogenetic analysis identified the isolates as <em>Colletotrichum nymphaeae</em>, <em>Colletotrichum siamense</em>, and <em>Colletotrichum karstii</em>. Six groups of colony color were observed. <em>Colletotrichum siamense</em> and <em>C. karstii</em> predominantly exhibited cylindrical conidia shapes, while most <em>C. nymphaeae</em> isolates were fusiform. Furthermore, the presence of sexual structures, such as asci and ascospores, was exclusively noted in <em>C. karstii</em>. Pathogenicity tests on leaves and fruits showed that all isolates caused leaf spots and fruit rot in the three tested cvs., except for two isolates of <em>C. nymphaeae</em> (M135 and M165), which did not cause leaf spots on the adaxial leaf surface of cultivar (cv.) San Andreas. Whole plant assays indicated that the isolates caused anthracnose symptoms on leaves, petioles, fruits, flowers, and crowns, with the most prominent symptoms on petioles and fruits. <em>Colletotrichum karstii</em> showed a three-fold higher halo diameter (10.2 mm), indicating increased lipolytic activity, while <em>C. nymphaeae</em> (M133) exhibited a twelve-fold higher lipase activity, and <em>C. siamense</em> had a twenty-eight-fold higher cutinase activity compared to controls. These findings provide new insights into the distribution and pathogenicity of <em>Colletotrichum</em> species causing strawberry anthracnose in Santa Catarina. The molecular, morphological, and enzymatic characterizations enhance our understanding of species-specific virulence factors, which can support the development of targeted disease management strategies for strawberry production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 7","pages":"Article 101660"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145216742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-15DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101662
Yanling Ma , Muyuan Zhuang , Tanvir Ahmad , Yuhong Yan , Weitian Yuan , Mingxuan Li , Guangyou Tan , Yingyao Deng , Yang Liu
Ochratoxin A (OTA), a potent carcinogenic mycotoxin, is produced by fungi from the Aspergillus and Penicillium genera. Reducing OTA contamination in food remains a global challenge. Osmotic stress is a key factor that influencing fungal development and secondary metabolism, particularly in Aspergillus species. In this study, we explored regulatory role of the OTAbZIP gene, a bZIP-type transcription factor, in growth and OTA biosynthesis under varying NaCl-induced osmotic conditions. Using RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR, we analyzed the transcriptomic responses of wild-type (WT) and ΔOTAbZIP mutant strains of Aspergillus westerdijkiae fc-1 exposed to 0, 20, and 100 g/L NaCl. Deletion of OTAbZIP significantly altered the expression of genes involved in DNA replication, sugar metabolism, ribosome function, and arginine and proline metabolism. The ΔOTAbZIP mutant exhibited greater sensitivity to osmotic stress and lower expression of OTA biosynthetic genes (otaA–D) than the WT. Although components of the HOG-MAPK pathway (Hog1, Gpd1, Cdc28, and Ctt1) were differentially expressed, OTAbZIP deletion did not block Hog1 activation, suggesting OTAbZIP may function in a distinct regulatory role upstream or parallel to this pathway. Overall, our findings highlight OTAbZIP as a key regulator of osmotic stress response and OTA biosynthesis in A. westerdijkiae, offering potential molecular targets to reduce OTA contamination in food and feed.
{"title":"Role of the OTAbZIP gene in regulating growth and OTA production in Aspergillus westerdijkiae fc-1 under osmotic stress","authors":"Yanling Ma , Muyuan Zhuang , Tanvir Ahmad , Yuhong Yan , Weitian Yuan , Mingxuan Li , Guangyou Tan , Yingyao Deng , Yang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101662","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101662","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ochratoxin A (OTA), a potent carcinogenic mycotoxin, is produced by fungi from the <em>Aspergillus</em> and <em>Penicillium</em> genera. Reducing OTA contamination in food remains a global challenge. Osmotic stress is a key factor that influencing fungal development and secondary metabolism, particularly in <em>Aspergillus</em> species. In this study, we explored regulatory role of the <em>OTAbZIP</em> gene, a bZIP-type transcription factor, in growth and OTA biosynthesis under varying NaCl-induced osmotic conditions. Using RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR, we analyzed the transcriptomic responses of wild-type (WT) and <em>ΔOTAbZIP</em> mutant strains of <em>Aspergillus westerdijkiae</em> fc-1 exposed to 0, 20, and 100 g/L NaCl. Deletion of <em>OTAbZIP</em> significantly altered the expression of genes involved in DNA replication, sugar metabolism, ribosome function, and arginine and proline metabolism. The <em>ΔOTAbZIP</em> mutant exhibited greater sensitivity to osmotic stress and lower expression of OTA biosynthetic genes (<em>otaA–D</em>) than the WT. Although components of the HOG-MAPK pathway (<em>Hog1</em>, <em>Gpd1</em>, <em>Cdc28</em>, and <em>Ctt1</em>) were differentially expressed, <em>OTAbZIP</em> deletion did not block <em>Hog1</em> activation, suggesting <em>OTAbZIP</em> may function in a distinct regulatory role upstream or parallel to this pathway. Overall, our findings highlight <em>OTAbZIP</em> as a key regulator of osmotic stress response and OTA biosynthesis in <em>A. westerdijkiae</em>, offering potential molecular targets to reduce OTA contamination in food and feed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 7","pages":"Article 101662"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145216745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Esca Complex of Diseases (ECD) is widespread in viticultural areas worldwide, posing a serious risk to modern viticulture. The role of basidiomycetes in the onset of foliar symptoms has recently been reconsidered, highlighting a link between the reduction in these symptoms and the presence of Fomitiporia mediterranea in vines. As several basidiomycetes have been associated with wood decay in grapevine, understanding their degradation mechanisms could help unravel the role of wood degradation in ECD. Thus, a collection of ECD-associated basidiomycetes, including F. capensis, F. langloisii, F. polymorpha, F. australiensis, Tropicoporus texanus, Inonotus vitis, and Stereum hirsutum, was examined in addition to F. mediterranea. Our study investigates the production and activity of lignocellulosic enzymes (particularly class-II peroxidases and laccases), along with the low molecular weight compounds (LMWC) in the secretome of these fungi, to assess their ability to perform the Chelator-Mediated-Fenton (CMF) pathway. Results highlight the production of ligninolytic enzymes with low production of active manganese peroxidases and a virtually total absence of lignin peroxidase activity. Additionally, the study confirms that the CMF mechanism is widespread among these fungi, with all LMW secretomes fulfilling the required steps of the CMF mechanism. This study provides critical insights into the degradation strategies of ECD-associated white rot agents, offering potential new perspectives on studying ECD symptomatology and developing targeted control strategies. The findings emphasize the need to consider the CMF mechanism in the context of fungal wood degradation and its potential role in ECD development.
{"title":"Around the world in eight white rot species: Assessment of enzymatic and non-enzymatic wood decay pathways of worldwide Esca Complex of Diseases (ECD) associated basidiomycetes","authors":"Alessandro Puca , Samuele Moretti , Mary-Lorène Goddard , Jacques Lalevée , Hanns-Heinz Kassemeyer , Sibylle Farine , Laura Mugnai , Christophe Bertsch","doi":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101661","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101661","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Esca Complex of Diseases (ECD) is widespread in viticultural areas worldwide, posing a serious risk to modern viticulture. The role of basidiomycetes in the onset of foliar symptoms has recently been reconsidered, highlighting a link between the reduction in these symptoms and the presence of <em>Fomitiporia mediterranea</em> in vines. As several basidiomycetes have been associated with wood decay in grapevine, understanding their degradation mechanisms could help unravel the role of wood degradation in ECD. Thus, a collection of ECD-associated basidiomycetes, including <em>F. capensis</em>, <em>F. langloisii</em>, <em>F. polymorpha</em>, <em>F. australiensis</em>, <em>Tropicoporus texanus</em>, <em>Inonotus vitis</em>, and <em>Stereum hirsutum</em>, was examined in addition to <em>F. mediterranea</em>. Our study investigates the production and activity of lignocellulosic enzymes (particularly class-II peroxidases and laccases), along with the low molecular weight compounds (LMWC) in the secretome of these fungi, to assess their ability to perform the Chelator-Mediated-Fenton (CMF) pathway. Results highlight the production of ligninolytic enzymes with low production of active manganese peroxidases and a virtually total absence of lignin peroxidase activity. Additionally, the study confirms that the CMF mechanism is widespread among these fungi, with all LMW secretomes fulfilling the required steps of the CMF mechanism. This study provides critical insights into the degradation strategies of ECD-associated white rot agents, offering potential new perspectives on studying ECD symptomatology and developing targeted control strategies. The findings emphasize the need to consider the CMF mechanism in the context of fungal wood degradation and its potential role in ECD development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12683,"journal":{"name":"Fungal biology","volume":"129 7","pages":"Article 101661"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145266577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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