fungal endophytes – Page 2

Morpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel hyphomycetous fungi on medicinal plants in Southwestern China

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered and described 12 new species of fungi found on medicinal plants in southwestern China. By examining the fungi’s appearance under microscopes and analyzing their DNA, scientists confirmed these were previously unknown species. Some of these fungi may produce beneficial compounds while others produce toxins, highlighting the importance of understanding which fungi live on medicinal plants to ensure their quality and safety for human use.

Isolation and characterization of a new Leptobacillium species promoting tomato plant growth

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered a new beneficial fungus called Leptobacillium that lives inside tomato plant roots without causing harm. When tomato seeds were treated with this fungus, the plants grew better, had more chlorophyll in their leaves, and produced tastier fruits with higher levels of lycopene, a beneficial compound in tomatoes. This discovery suggests the fungus could be used to improve tomato crop production naturally, reducing the need for chemical inputs and helping plants cope with heat stress.

The polyphasic approach reveals two new species and two new records of Nigrospora (Apiosporaceae, Amphisphaeriales) associated with Aquilaria sinensis from China

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered two new types of fungi (Nigrospora guangxiensis and N. pubeiensis) living inside agarwood trees in southern China. These fungi, along with two previously known species, were identified using both microscopic observations and genetic analysis. The findings help us better understand which fungi live in agarwood trees and how they might contribute to producing the valuable aromatic resin known as agarwood, which is highly prized in traditional medicine and perfumery.

First report and diversity analysis of endophytic fungi associated with Ulva sp. from Iran

mycolabadmin

Researchers in Iran discovered 33 different fungi living inside a green algae called Ulva that grows along the Iranian coast. These fungi live symbiotically with the algae without harming it. Seven different species of fungi were identified for the first time in Iranian Ulva, including common fungi like Aspergillus and Penicillium. This discovery helps scientists understand the hidden relationships between fungi and marine algae in Iranian waters.

The Biocontrol and Growth-Promoting Potential of Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. in Sustainable Agriculture

mycolabadmin

This review explores how two common fungi, Penicillium and Trichoderma, can help crops grow better and resist diseases naturally. These beneficial fungi live in plant roots and soil, providing nutrients, protecting against harmful pathogens, and helping plants cope with environmental stress. They offer an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers, making them valuable for sustainable agriculture.

Isolation and characterization of a new Leptobacillium species promoting tomato plant growth

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered a new type of beneficial fungus living inside tomato plant roots that helps the plants grow better and produce more nutritious fruit. This fungus, called Leptobacillium sp., makes plant hormones and special compounds that help tomato plants absorb nutrients more effectively. When tomato seeds were treated with this fungus, the plants grew taller and produced fruits with higher levels of lycopene, a beneficial compound. This discovery could help farmers grow better tomatoes using nature’s own microorganisms instead of relying on chemical treatments.

Exploration of Mangrove Endophytes as Novel Sources of Tannase Producing Fungi

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered that fungi living inside mangrove plant tissues can produce tannase, an enzyme that breaks down tannins into a useful compound called gallic acid. Two fungal species, Phyllosticta capitalensis and Aspergillus chevalieri, were found to be particularly good at producing this enzyme. This discovery is significant because tannase has many industrial applications in making medicines, processing food, and cleaning up the environment. The researchers also figured out the best conditions (temperature, pH level, and time) for these fungi to produce the most enzyme.

Genomic characterization and fermentation study of the endophyte Stemphylium sp. (Aa22), a producer of bioactive alkyl-resorcinols

mycolabadmin

Scientists sequenced the complete genome of a fungus called Stemphylium sp. (strain Aa22) that lives inside wormwood plants without harming them. This fungus produces natural compounds called alkyl-resorcinols that can repel aphids and kill plant-damaging nematodes, making them potentially useful as organic pesticides. The researchers found the genetic instructions for making these compounds and determined that growing the fungus in liquid culture produces more of the useful compounds than growing it on rice, offering a promising path toward developing these natural biopesticides on a larger scale.

Fungal alkaloids mediate defense against bruchid beetles in field populations of an arborescent ipomoea

mycolabadmin

Certain morning glory trees form partnerships with special fungi that produce protective chemicals called alkaloids. These chemicals are made by the fungi and travel through the plant to the seeds, where they protect them from seed-eating beetles. Trees with more effective fungal partners produce higher levels of these protective chemicals and suffer less damage from the beetles, demonstrating a remarkable example of how plants and fungi work together to survive in nature.

Fungal alkaloids mediate defense against bruchid beetles in field populations of an arborescent ipomoea

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that some morning glory trees produce toxic alkaloids with help from fungi living inside them. These alkaloids, especially a compound called swainsonine, protect the tree’s seeds from beetle pests. Trees with more protective fungi had fewer damaged seeds. This shows that plants and fungi can work together as a team to defend against insects.

Research Keyword: fungal endophytes