Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Diversidade de fungos em morcegos de fragmentos florestais urbanos de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.

Excellent appearance of Dao-di Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and interaction mechanism between genetic and environmental factors: a review / 中国中药杂志

Dao-di medicinal materials produced in a specific environment always present excellent appearance and high quality. Because of the unique appearance, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma is regarded as a paradigm in the research on excellent appearance. This paper systematically summarized the research progress in the genetic and environmental factors influencing the formation of the excellent appearance of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, aiming to provide reference for the quality improvement of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and the scientific connotation of Dao-di Chinese medicinal materials. The Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma with high quality generally has a robust and long rhizome, a large angle between branch roots, and the simultaneous presence of a robust basal part of rhizome, adventitious roots, rhizome bark with circular wrinkles, and fibrous roots with pearl points. The cultivated and wild Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma have significant differences in the appearance and no significant difference in the population genetic diversity. The differences in the appearance are associated with cell wall modification, transcriptional regulation of genes involved in plant hormone transduction, DNA methylation, and miRNA regulation. The rhizosphere soil microorganisms including Fusarium and Alternaria, as well as the endophytes Trichoderma hamatum and Nectria haematococca, may be the key microorganisms affecting the growth and development of Panax ginseng. Cultivation mode, variety, and root exudates may be the main factors influencing the stability of rhizosphere microbial community. Ginsenosides may be involved in the formation of the excellent appearance. However, most of the available studies focus on the partial or single factors in the formation of Dao-di medicinal materials, ignoring the relationship within the complex ecosystems, which limits the research on the formation mechanism of Dao-di medicinal materials. In the future, the experimental models for the research involving genetic and environmental factors should be established and mutant materials should be developed to clarify the internal relationship between factors and provide scientific support for the research on Dao-di medicinal materials.

Identification and biological characterization of pathogen causing black spot of Pseudostellaria heterophylla in Fujian province / 中国中药杂志

In Zherong county, Fujian province, the black spot of Pseudostellaria heterophylla often breaks out in the rainy season from April to June every year. As one of the main leaf diseases of P. heterophylla, black spot seriously affects the yield and quality of the medicinal material. To identify and characterize the pathogens causing black spot, we isolated the pathogens, identified them as a species of Alternaria according to Koch's postulates, and then tested their pathogenicity and biological characteristics. The results showed that the pathogens causing P. heterophylla black spot were A. gaisen, as evidenced by the similar colony morphology, spore characteristics, sporulation phenotype, and the same clade with A. gaisen on the phylogenetic tree(the maximum likelihood support rate of 100% and the Bayesian posterior probability of 1.00) built based on the tandem sequences of ITS, tef1, gapdh, endoPG, Alta1, OPA10-2, and KOG1077. The optimum conditions for mycelial growth of the pathogen were 25 ℃, pH 5-8, and 24 h dark culture. The lethal conditions for mycelia and spores were both treatment at 50 ℃ for 10 min. We reported for the first time the A. gaisen-caused black spot of P. heterophylla. The results could provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and control of P. heterophylla leaf spot diseases.

Identification, biological characteristics, and fungicide screening of pathogen of black spot in Aconitum carmichaelii / 中国中药杂志

In Hezhang county, Guizhou province, black spot tends to occur to Aconitum carmichaelii in the hot rainy summer, with the incidence up to 50%-70%, seriously impacting the yield and quality of the medicinal material. Thus, this study aims to clarify the pathogen and the occurrence characteristics. To be specific, the pathogen was isolated and identified according to Koch's postulates and the pathogenicity and biological characteristics were determined. In addition, the sensitivity of the pathogen to four microbial fungicides, four botanical fungicides, and five chemical fungicides was determined with the mycelium growth rate method for the purpose of screening out optimal fungicides. The pathogen was identified as Alternaria alternate, as evidenced by the similar colony morphology and microscopic characteristics and 99.55%-100% similarity in sequences of rDNA-ITS, LSU, 18S, and TEF of the two. The optimum growth conditions for A. alternata were 28 ℃, pH 8, and continuous darkness. Bacillus subtilis had strong inhibitory effect on the pathogen, and the inhibition rate was more than 90% when the concentration was 1 mg·L~(-1). In addition, difenoconazole and quinoline copper can also control the pathogen, with median effective concentration(EC_(50)) of 2.92 and 9.02 mg·L~(-1), respectively. This study lays a theoretical basis for the field control of black spot in A. carmichaelii.

Higienización y eliminación fúngica en instalaciones industriales para la disminución de riesgos ocupacionales / Sanitization and fungal elimination in industrial facilities to reduce occupational risks

Se ha comprobado que la exposición a bioaerosoles se asocia con varios efectos sobre la salud, como enfermedades pulmonares y alergias. El presente estudio transversal tuvo como objetivo investigar la contaminación por hongos en varias superficies pertenecientes a dos industrias de alimentos. La toma de muestra se realizó en tres semanas, inmediatamente después de realizada la limpieza y desinfección y antes de iniciar la producción. Se recolectaron 400 muestras de superficie (vidrio, acero inoxidable, aluminio, goma y plástico), también se evaluó la eficacia del programa de higienización en el control de la población de hongos. Todas las muestras presentaron recuentos fúngicos <10 ufc/cm2, sin haber diferencias significativas entre los tipos de superficie, sin embargo, las superficies plásticas exhibieron mayor crecimiento logarítmico de los hongos. Se determinó que 49,60% de las especies identificadas correspondieron al género Penicillium. Aunque los niveles de hongos en las industrias estudiadas fueron inferiores a los niveles recomendados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, algunas medidas de salud ambiental como lavar y desinfectar las superficies después de cada turno de trabajo, y se recomiendan inspecciones periódicas para garantizar la seguridad de los trabajadores y de los productos que allí se manufacturan(AU)

It has been proven that exposure to bioaerosols is associated with several health effects, such as pulmonary diseases and allergies. The present crosssectional study aimed to investigate fungal contamination on various surfaces belonging to two food industries. The sampling was carried out in three weeks, immediately after cleaning and disinfection and before starting production. 400 surface samples were collected (glass, stainless steel, aluminum, rubber and plastic), the effectiveness of the sanitation program in controlling the fungal population was also evaluated. All the samples presented fungal counts <10 cfu / cm2, with no significant differences between the types of surfaces, however, the plastic surfaces exhibited higher logarithmic growth of the fungi. It was determined that 49.60% of the identified species corresponded to the Penicillium genus.Although the levels of fungi in the studied baths were lower than the levels recommended by the World Health Organization, some environmental health measure ssuch as washing and disinfecting surfaces after each working shift and periodic inspections are recommended ensuring the safety of the workers and the products that are manufactured there(AU)

A novel nano-sulphur and essential oil-based room freshener

Introducción: Alternaria spp y Candida spp. son hongos patógenos de ambientes interiores como la casa, la oficina, el aula, etc., causan enfermedades como asma crónica e infecciones sistémicas en individuos inmunodeprimidos a través de la secreción de diversas sustancias tóxicas. Los ambientadores a base de productos químicos disponibles comercialmente que se utilizan para controlar la carga de hongos en el ambiente interior no son beneficiosos para la salud humana. Objetivo: proporcionar una alternativa viable en forma de enfoque basado en nanopartículas para el manejo de hongos transmitidos por el aire. Metodología: aislamiento, identificación microscópica y bioquímica de hongos de interior; Síntesis de nanopartículas de azufre (SNP) mediadas por Azadirachta indica, su detección y caracterización; y evaluación in vitro de SNP contra hongos aislados presentes en el ambiente interior. Resultado: Los hongos aislados se identificaron como especies de Alternaria spp y Candida spp. Los SNP mostraron máximos de absorbancia a 291 nm. El análisis NTA mostró un tamaño medio de 188,4 nm y un potencial zeta de -4,94 mV, lo que representa una síntesis de SNP estables. El patrón XRD confirmó la naturaleza cristalina cúbica centrada en la cara de los SNP. El espectro FTIR representó la presencia de compuestos polihidroxilo, nitrilo, ceto, aromáticos y carboxílicos que estabilizaron los SNP. Los ensayos antifúngicos demostraron la actividad significativa de los SNP formulados y del ambientador infundido con aceite de eucalipto. Conclusión: Los SNP mediados por A. indica se pueden aplicar en la formulación y fabricación de un ambientador ecológico para el manejo de hongos patógenos de interior como Alternaria spp y Candida spp.

Introduction: Alternaria spp. and Candida spp. are the main fungal pathogen of indoor environment like house, office, classroom, etc. These may cause various diseases and infections like systemic infections, or chronic asthma in immunocompromised individuals through secretion of various toxic substances. Chemical-based commercially available room fresheners used to control the fungal load of indoor environment are not beneficial to human health. Objective: was to provide viable alternative in the form of nanoparticle-based approach for the management of air-borne fungi. Methodology: The present study primarily focuses on the isolation, microscopic and biochemical identification of indoor fungi; Azadirachta indica-mediated sulphur nanoparticles (SNPs) synthesis, their detection and characterization; and in vitro assessment of SNPs against isolated fungi present in indoor environment. Result: The isolated fungi were identified as Alternaria spp and Candida spp. The SNPs showed absorbance maxima at 291 nm. NTA analysis showed average size of 188.4 nm, and zeta potential of -4.94 mV which represented synthesis of stable SNPs. XRD pattern confirmed the face centered cubic, crystalline nature of SNPs. FTIR spectrum depicted the presence of polyhydroxyl, nitrile, keto, aromatic and carboxylic compounds which stabilized the SNPs. The antifungal assays demonstrated the significant activity of the formulated SNPs and eucalyptus oil infused air freshener. Conclusion: It can be concluded that A. indica-mediated SNPs can be applied in the formulation and manufacture of an ecofriendly air freshener for the management of indoor fungal pathogens like Alternaria spp. and Candida spp.

Afectación intestinal por un hongo dematiáceo / Intestinal disease by a dematiaceous fungi

Resumen Introducción: Los hongos dematiáceos se caracterizan por la presencia de abundante melanina en su pared celular. Presentan una distribución mundial, siendo más comunes en climas tropicales y subtropicales. Producen infecciones cutáneas y subcutáneas, además de enfermedades alérgicas, neumonías, abscesos cerebrales o infecciones diseminadas. Caso Clínico: Presentamos el caso de un paciente con adenocarcinoma de recto intervenido quirúrgicamente con hallazgo incidental de divertículo de Meckel y en el cual en el estudio anatomopatológico reveló la presencia de un hongo dematiáceo

Introduction: Dematiaceous fungi are characterized by the presence of brown melanine or melanine like pigments in their cell wall. They are generally distributed worldwide, being more common in tropical and subtropical climates. The clinical syndromes are often cutaneous and subcutaneous infections, but can be also responsible of allergic diseases, pneumonias, cerebral abscesses or disseminated infections. Clinical Case: We present the case of a patient with a diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma intervening surgically and with an incidental finding of Meckel's Diverticulum. The anatomopathological study revealed the presence of a dematiaceous fungi.

Tolerance of dark septate endophytic fungi (DSE) to 1 agrochemicals in vitro / Tolerancia de hongos endofíticos septados oscuros a agroquímicos in vitro

Abstract Dark septate endophytes (DSE) are a heterogeneous group of fungi, mostly belonging to the Phylum Ascomycota, that are involved in a mutualistic symbiosis with plant roots. The aim of this study is to evaluate the behavior of two strains of DSE isolated from wheat roots of two cropping areas in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, against some agrochemicals. Of all the isolates obtained, two strains were identified as Alternaria alternata and Cochliobolus sp. These DSE were found to be tolerant to glyphosate, carbendazim and cypermethrin when evaluated at the recommended agronomic dose (AD), 2 AD and, in some cases, 10 AD. This work contributes to the study of the biology of this group of fungi and their tolerance in the presence of xenobiotics widely used in agriculture.© 2019 Asociaci´on Argentina de Microbiolog´ıa. Published by Elsevier Espa˜na, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync-nd/4.0/).

Resumen Los endófitos septados oscuros (DSE) son un grupo heterogéneo de hongos que participan de una simbiosis mutualista con raíces de plantas, perteneciendo principalmente al Phylum Ascomycota. El objetivo de este estudio fue aislar DSE de raíces de trigo proveniente de dos áreas de cultivo de la provincia de Buenos Aires y evaluar el comportamiento de dos cepas de DSE aisladas de raíces de trigo frente a algunos agroquímicos en dos áreas de cultivo de la provincia de Buenos Aires. De todos los aislamientos obtenidos se seleccionaron dos cepas que se identificaron como Alternaria alternata y Cochliobolus sp. Se encontró que estos DSE son tolerantes al glifosato, el carbendazim y la cipermetrina, evaluados a las dosis agronómicas recomendadas (AD), a 2x AD y, en algunos casos, a 10x AD. Este trabajo contribuye al conocimiento de la biología de este grupo de hongos y su tolerancia a xenobióticos ampliamente utilizados en la agricultura.

Anaphylaxis to Agaricus bisporus ingestion / Anafilaxia por ingestão de Agaricus bisporus

ABSTRACT A 33-year-old male with house dust mite allergic rhinitis and asthma reported an episode of facial and lip angioedema, dyspnea, cough and dysphagia at the age of 25, minutes after eating a mushroom ( Agaricus bisporus ) pizza. He denied any drug intake, hymenoptera stings or other possible triggers, and no identifiable cofactors were present. Since then he avoided all types of mushrooms, however an accidental contact occurred with mushroom sauce that resulted in angioedema of the lip within minutes. The allergy workup included measurements of total IgE and specific IgE to mushroom, and skin prick test to aeroallergens sources, possible food allergen sources and mushroom extract, a prick to prick test with raw and cooked A. bisporus , in addition to a SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting assay. The study revealed a specific IgE to mushroom of 0.76kUA/L positive skin prick test to mushroom extract, and prick to prick test positive to white and brown A. bisporus (raw and cooked). The immunoblotting identified two IgE binding proteins with 10kDa and 27kDa. We report a case of A. bisporus anaphylaxis probably due to primary mushroom sensitization. We detected two IgE-reactive proteins with 10kDa and 27kDa as possible culprit allergens.

RESUMO Paciente do sexo masculino, 33 anos, com asma e rinite alérgica desencadeadas por ácaros, relatou episódio de angioedema facial e labial, dispneia, tosse e disfagia aos 25 anos, minutos após a ingestão de uma pizza de cogumelo ( Agaricus bisporus ). O paciente negou consumo de medicamentos, picadas de himenópteros, ou quaisquer outros possíveis desencadeadores ou cofatores que pudessem estar presentes. Desde então, evita todos os tipos de cogumelos, até a ocorrência de um contato acidental com molho de cogumelo, que resultou em angioedema labial minutos após. O estudo imunoalergológico incluiu doseamento de IgE total e específica para cogumelos, testes cutâneos para aeroalérgenos, possíveis alérgenos alimentares e extrato de cogumelos, teste prick to prick com A. bisporus cru e cozido e teste de SDS-PAGE immunoblotting . O estudo revelou IgE específica para cogumelos de 0,76kUA/L, teste cutâneo positivo para extrato de cogumelos e teste prick to prick positivo para A. bisporus branco e castanho (cru e cozido). O immunoblotting identificou duas proteínas de ligação de IgE, de 10kDa e 27kDa. Relatamos, assim, um caso de anafilaxia por ingestão de A. bisporus , provavelmente explicado por sensibilização primária a cogumelos. Detectamos duas proteínas IgE-reativas de 10kDa e 27kDa como os possíveis alérgenos responsáveis.

Efeito combinado de carvacrol e tiabendazol contra Colletotrichum gloesporioides, Fusarium solani e Alternaria alternata / Combined effect of carvacrol and thiabendazole against Colletotrichum gloesporioides, Fusarium solani and Alternaria alternata

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a atividade antimicrobiana do carvacrol e sua combinação com tiabendazol no controle de fungos patogênicos deteriorantes de frutas (Colletotrichum gloesporioides, Fusarium solani e Alternaria alternata). O carvacrol apresentou uma concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) de 282 a 563 μg mL-1 para os fungos testados. Quando avaliado em conjunto com o tiabendazol apresentou efeito aditivo contra C. gloesporioides e F. solani (FICI 0,5 e 1,0, respectivamente) e sinérgico contra a A.alternata (FICI 0,1). Houve redução da CIM do carvacrol de 50 a 88%. Este estudo mostra o potencial do uso.

Infectious Crystalline Keratopathy Caused by Alternaria

PURPOSE: To report a case of infectious crystalline keratopathy caused by Alternaria in the corneal center. CASE SUMMARY: A 66-year-old male visited our clinic with right ocular pain and visual loss after corneal trauma caused by a foreign body hitting his right eye while performing farm work 1 month prior to his visit. The patient had no history of corneal surgery and long-term use of topical corticosteroid. A corneal epithelial defect and whitish snowflake margin infiltration around the corneal stroma were observed in the corneal center, but there was an absence of conjunctival injection and anterior segment inflammation. Cultures and a biopsy of the corneal scrapings revealed Alternaria species fungus. The patient was treated with 1% topical voriconazole and 0.5% moxifloxacin, together with oral voriconazole (400 mg/day). After 2 months of treatment, the disease was completely cured, with a minute corneal opacity. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully treated a rare case of infectious crystalline keratopathy caused by Alternaria, which has not been previously reported in the Republic of Korea.

Isolation and identification of endophytic fungi from Chelidonium majus and their antifungal activity / 中国中药杂志

In order to find new source of antifungal agents, eleven cultivable endophytic fungi were isolated from the roots,stems and leaves of Chelidonium majus by traditional method. Seven of them were identified as Colletotrichum(L1, L2, L3, S1, S3, S4, S5), and three of them were identified as Fusarium(R1,R2,R3) by morphological features and molecular biological technology. The antifungal activity test showed that all the tested fungi displayed some inhibitory activity against five common plant pathogens(C. gloeosporioides, Curvularia lunata, Pyricularia oryza, Alternaria alternate and A. brassicae), and their inhibition rate of some test items were over 60%. Among them, R1, S2, S3 and S4 were more potent than others. This study enriches the understanding of endophytes from Ch. majus and provides a basis for the study of new microbial fungicides.

Isolation,screening and identification of endophytic fungi and detection of its antifungal effects against Alternaria panax / 中国中药杂志

To obtain biocontrol fungus for Alternaria panax,the antifungal effects of one strain of endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of healthy ginseng were screened and evaluated by using dual-culture method,and the taxonomic assignment of the screened strain was identified based on the morphological characters and ITS sequence analysis. The results of dual-culture showed that one of the endophytes marked as FS-01 had good antifungal effects and the inhibitory rates of FS-01 strain to A. panax was( 60. 21±0. 12) %.The hyphae junction of the both strains,A. panax dissolved,broke and winded,while the hyphae of FS-01 strain remained normal. The inhibitory rates of non-sterilized FS-01 strain fermentation liqud was( 13. 94±0. 21) %. Strain FS-01 identified as Chaetomium globosum.

Unusual Presentation of Subcutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis by Alternaria alternate

The Alternaria species are dematiaceous fungi. Human infection due to dematiaceous fungi is uncommon. Most reported cases of alternariosis have occurred in patients with immunodeficiency. The majority of cases were solid-organ transplantation recipients. Cutaneous alternariosis lesions are usually asymptomatic solitary nodules, plaques of ulcers or subcutaneous cysts. Here we report a case of a 77-year-old female who presented with hemorrhagic skin necrosis in right arm that had developed from hemorrhagic bullae. Her prior medical history included iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, hypertension, interstitial lung disease and congestive heart failure. Following administration of itraconazole, her lesions improved.

Association of Sensitization to Different Aeroallergens With Airway Function and Nasal Patency in Urban Children

PURPOSE: Children with sensitization to aeroallergens have decreased lung function and nasal patency. Our purpose was to determine the association of sensitization to different aeroallergens with airway function and nasal patency. METHODS: Four hundred and eighty-six randomly selected 11 year-old children who lived in Seongnam City were examined. Serum specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels against 6 common allergens (Dermatophagoidesfarinae, birch, cat, dog, Japanese hop and Alternaria), impulse oscillometry (IOS) results for the evaluation of airway dysfunction, and acoustic rhinometry for the determination of nasal airway patency were obtained. RESULTS: IOS indicated that children sensitized to Alternaria (n = 38, 7.8%) and dog dander (n = 69, 14.2%) had decreased lung function, based on resistance at 10 Hz (Rrs10; aβ = 0.0072; 95% CI, 0.017, 0.127; P = 0.010) and 1 Hz (Rrs1; aβ = 0.038; 95% CI, 0.001, 0.074; P = 0.042). Children sensitized to D. farinae (n = 281, 57.8%) had decreased post-decongestant nasal volume at 0 to 5 cm (aβ = −0.605; 95% CI, −1.005, −0.205; P = 0.003), but normal IOS results at all measured frequencies (P > 0.05). Increased serum eosinophil level was associated with Rrs1 (P = 0.007) and Rrs2 (P = 0.018) and post-decongestant nasal volume at 0 to 5 cm (aβ = −0.885; 95% CI, −1.331, −0.439; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sensitivity to specific aeroallergens, serum eosinophil count and total IgE level had different associations with upper and lower airway dysfunction in urban children.

Alternaria yunnanensis sp. nov., a New Alternaria Species Causing Foliage Spot of Rubber Tree in China

A new species of Alternaria causing leaf spots on the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) in Yunnan, China, was isolated, examined, and illustrated. Morphologically, it belongs to the section Porri of Alternaria, which produces relatively large conidia and a simple or branched, filamentous long beak. It is, however, characterized by conidiophores gradually enlarging near the apex into a clavate conidiogenous cell and long ellipsoid to obclavate, smooth-walled conidia with a long filamentous beak. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS rDNA, GAPDH, and TEF1-alpha sequences demonstrate that the phytopathogen falls in the clade of the section Porri, being most closely related to A. sidae, A. sennae, A. deseriticola, A. cyamopsidis, A. rostellata, A. nitrimali, A. crassa, and A. thunbergiae.

Effect of fungal incidence on physiological quality of tobacco seeds used in Brazil / Efeito da incidência de fungos na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de tabaco utilizadas no Brasil

The objectives of the present project were to evaluate the sanity and germination of tobacco seed samples cultivated in Brazil and to identify potential pathogenic fungi to the culture. Thirty-four representatives samples of tobacco seeds were evaluated through germination and sanity test by the blotter-test. On the germination test, results were expressed in percentage of seedlings considered normal, abnormal and non-germinated seeds. The percentage of seeds germination varied between 54.5 and 90%. According to sanity test, it was verified the incidence of Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium spp., Fusarium spp., and Phoma spp. The incidence of A. alternata varied from 3 to 67%, and Fusarium spp. varied from 0 to 19%. There was significative positive correlation between the incidence of A. alternata and the percentage of seed germination. Species of Alternaria and Fusarium can be potential pathogens to tobacco culture and an alarm for the necessity of seed treatment of the seeds that are transporting these fungi.(AU)

Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram avaliar a sanidade e a germinação de amostras de sementes de tabaco utilizadas no Brasil e identificar fungos potencialmente fitopatogênicos à cultura. Foram avaliadas 34 amostras representativas de lotes de sementes de tabaco, por meio dos testes de germinação, do método do rolo de germinação, e sua sanidade pelo método do papel de filtro. Os resultados do teste de germinação foram expressos em porcentual de plântulas consideradas normais, anormais e sementes não germinadas. A porcentagem de germinação das sementes variou entre 54,5 e 90%. Mediante o teste de sanidade, foi verificada a incidência dos fungos Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium spp., Fusarium spp. e Phoma spp. A incidência de A. alternata variou de 3 a 67%, e Fusarium spp., de 0 a 19%. Houve correlação significativa positiva entre a incidência de A. alternata e a porcentagem de germinação das sementes. Espécies dos gêneros Alternaria e Fusarium podem ser potenciais patógenos para a cultura do tabaco, alertando para a necessidade do tratamento das sementes portadoras desses fungos.(AU)

Pathogenicity and transmission of fungi detected on Passiflora alata seeds / Patogenicidade e transmissão de fungos detectados em sementes de Passiflora alata

Passion fruit is usually propagated by seeds because of the ease and lower cost in seedling production. However, the seed is the most efficient agent for the spread of pathogens. The damages from seed-borne diseases occur mainly during the germination stages or at the formation of seedlings in nurseries. Considering the need for knowledge on the pathology of sweet passion fruit seeds, the objective was to evaluate the transmission and pathogenicity of the fungi Alternaria sp., Botrytis fabae, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium spp. and Lasiodiplodia theobromae, known as potentially pathogenic to this crop, and isolated from sweet passion fruit seeds. Therefore, tests on seed health, germination and seedling emergence in a sterilized commercial substrate were conducted using seeds from this species, inoculated with those fungal isolates. Leaves, stems and fruit from this plant were also inoculated with the same fungi. Alternaria sp., Fusarium spp. and L. theobromae were identified in seedlings obtained from inoculated seeds, confirming the transmission of these fungi by seeds. L. theobromae was also considered the most harmful fungus to passion fruit crop, as it causes seed rot and other disease symptoms on the leaves, stem and fruit. These findings inferred that healthy seeds of sweet passion fruit are essential for producing seedlings and to prevent the spread of the diseases caused by these fungi to exempt areas.(AU)

O maracujazeiro geralmente é propagado por meio de sementes em virtude da facilidade e do menor custo na produção de mudas. No entanto, a semente é o agente mais eficiente de disseminação de patógenos, sendo que os danos decorrentes das doenças transmitidas por elas ocorrem principalmente durante os estágios de germinação ou na formação de mudas nos viveiros. Considerando a necessidade de informações acerca da patologia de sementes de maracujá-doce nesse contexto, objetivou-se obter informações sobre a transmissão e a patogenicidade dos fungos Alternaria sp., Botrytis fabae, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium spp. e Lasiodiplodia theobromae, isolados de sementes de maracujá-doce e potencialmente patogênicos à cultura. Para tanto, testes de sanidade, germinação e emergência de plântulas em substrato comercial esterilizado foram conduzidos com sementes dessa espécie, inoculadas com esses isolados. Folhas, colo e frutos dessa planta também foram inoculados com os mesmos fungos. Alternaria sp., Fusarium spp. e L. theobromae foram identificados em plântulas obtidas de sementes inoculadas, confirmando a transmissão por sementes. L. theobromae foi considerado o mais agressivo à cultura do maracujá, por ter causado podridão nas sementes, além de maiores lesões nas folhas, no colo da planta e nos frutos. Dessa forma, infere-se que a obtenção de sementes de maracujá-doce sadias é imprescindível para a produção de mudas, evitando-se assim a disseminação desses patógenos em áreas isentas.(AU)

Seeds of weeds as an alternative host of phytopathogens / Sementes de plantas daninhas como hospedeiras alternativas de fitopatógenos

Weeds compete with agricultural crops for water, light, nutrients and space, besides having an extensive seed bank. However, another aspect to be considered relates to few studies pointing out weeds as hosts of phytopathogenic fungi. Many fungi, the main cause of diseases in plants, are known to use seeds as an efficient means of survival and dispersal. The objective of this work was to evaluate the health of weed seeds and the pathogenicity of fungi associated to plants of agricultural importance. The seeds were collected manually in Cerrado areas located in the municipality of Gurupi, Tocatins, Brazil. The blotter test method was used to evaluate seed health. The incidence of fungi was evaluated through an individual analysis of seeds using a stereoscopic and an optical microscope. The pathogenicity of fungi from weed seeds was evaluated by inoculation in plants of agronomic interest and, when pathogenic, we inoculated them in the host plant of the fungus. Weed seeds have been identified in fungi of the genus Alternaria, Aspergillus, Bipolaris, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Nigrospora, Papularia, Rhizopus and Pythium. The seeds of Acanthospermum australe, Bidens pilosa, Cenchrus echinatus, Digitaria horizontalis, Echinochloa crus-pavonis, Eleusine indica, Ipomoea sp., Pennisetum setosum, Sida rhombifolia, Spermacoce latifolia, Tridax procumbens and Vernonia polyanthes carry and disseminate fungi that, once inoculated, cause infection in plants of agricultural importance, such as Oryza sativa, Phaseolus vulgaris, Vigna unguiculata, Zea mays and Glycine max.(AU)

As plantas daninhas competem com culturas agrícolas por água, luz, nutrientes e espaço, além de possuírem um extenso banco de sementes. Entretanto, outra vertente a ser considerada é quanto aos poucos estudos relacionando plantas daninhas como hospedeiras de fungos fitopatogênicos. É sabido que muitos fungos, principais causadores de doenças em plantas, utilizam as sementes como meio eficiente de sobrevivência e de dispersão. Dessa forma, o trabalho objetivou avaliar a sanidade de sementes de plantas daninhas e a patogenicidade dos fungos associados às plantas de importância agrícola. As sementes foram coletadas manualmente em áreas de cerrado localizadas no município de Gurupi, Tocantins, utilizando o método blotter test para avaliação da sanidade. A incidência dos fungos foi avaliada com auxílio de microscópio estereoscópico e ótico. A patogenicidade dos fungos oriundos das sementes de plantas daninhas foi avaliada por meio da inoculação em plantas de interesse agronômico e, quando patogênico, a inoculação foi na própria planta daninha hospedeira do fungo. Foram identificados os fungos dos gêneros Alternaria, Aspergillus, Bipolaris, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Nigrospora, Papularia, Rhizopus e Pythium. As sementes de Acanthospermum australe, Bidens pilosa, Cenchrus echinatus, Digitaria horizontalis, Echinochloa crus-pavonis, Eleusine indica, Ipomoea sp., Pennisetum setosum, Sida rhombifolia, Spermacoce latifolia, Tridax procumbens e Vernonia polyanthes transportam e disseminam fungos que, uma vez inoculados, causam infecção em plantas de importância agrícola, como Oryza sativa, Phaseolus vulgaris, Vigna unguiculata, Zea mays e Glycine max.(AU)

Identification and Characterization of Alternaria iridiaustralis Causing Leaf Spot on Iris ensata in China

In 2016, a severe leaf spot disease was found on Iris ensata Thumb. in Nanjing, China. The symptom was elliptical, fusiform, or irregularly necrotic lesion surrounded by a yellow halo, from which a small-spored Alternaria species was isolated. The fungus was identified as Alternaria iridiaustralis based on morphological characteristics. The pathogenicity tests revealed that the fungus was the causal pathogen of the disease. Phylogenic analyses using sequences of ITS, gpd, endoPG, and RPB2 genes confirmed the morphological identification. This study is the first report of A. iridiaustralis causing leaf spots on I. ensata in China.