Research Keyword: ITS sequencing

Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part III

Researchers tested six essential oils from common culinary herbs to control fungal diseases that damage bananas after harvest. Thyme, cinnamon, and oregano oils were most effective at preventing fungal growth at concentrations between 600-1000 parts per million. These natural oils could replace synthetic fungicides in banana storage facilities, providing a safer, more environmentally friendly approach to preserving fruit quality.

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Improving the Yield and Quality of Morchella spp. Using Agricultural Waste

Researchers tested whether recycling agricultural waste like spent mushroom compost, used tomato growing medium, and coconut shells could improve morel mushroom farming. Adding these waste materials significantly increased yields by three times or more while also improving the nutritional quality of the mushrooms. The waste materials changed the soil composition and beneficial microorganisms in ways that support better morel growth while reducing harmful fungi and environmental pollution.

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A New Species and a New Record of Graphium from Freshwater Environment in Korea

Researchers in Korea discovered two types of fungi from Graphium genus in freshwater rivers and streams. One was identified as Graphium carbonarium, previously unknown in Korea, while the other two isolates represent an entirely new species named Graphium aquaticum. This finding is significant because Graphium fungi were previously thought to live only on wood and in association with insects, making freshwater an unexpected and new habitat for these organisms.

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Potential Protective Role of Amphibian Skin Bacteria Against Water Mold Saprolegnia spp

This research discovered that frogs have protective bacteria on their skin that can fight against harmful water molds called Saprolegnia. Scientists tested bacteria from different frog populations and found that certain types, especially Bacillus bacteria, could prevent the mold from growing. However, the bacteria’s protective ability depends on environmental conditions—they work better in nutrient-poor environments similar to natural ponds. This finding suggests that maintaining healthy environmental conditions is important for frogs to naturally resist these dangerous fungal infections.

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Fungal Assemblages in Northern Elms—Impacts of Host Identity and Health, Growth Environment, and Presence of Dutch Elm Disease

This study examined the different fungi living in elm tree shoots to understand why some elm species are more resistant to Dutch elm disease than others. Researchers found that healthy elms host fewer fungal species compared to diseased trees, and that fungal communities differ significantly between elm species and urban versus rural locations. Importantly, a fungus called Sphaeropsis ulmicola appears to be a significant emerging threat to elms in northern Europe, separate from the classic Dutch elm disease pathogen.

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First reported Canadian case of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII infection among men who have sex with men (MSM)

A Canadian man contracted a rare fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII during a trip to Mexico, likely through sexual contact. The infection presented as deep, painful lesions in the genital area that didn’t respond to typical treatments and required 10 weeks of oral and topical antifungal medication to cure. This is the first confirmed case in Canada and highlights the importance of doctors being aware of sexually transmitted fungal infections, especially in patients with unusual rashes that don’t improve with standard treatments.

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Morphological and Phylogenetic Characterization of Raffaelea xyleboricola sp. nov. from Xyleborus Beetles in Korea

Researchers discovered a new fungal species living inside ambrosia beetles collected from Korean apple orchards. By examining the fungus under a microscope and analyzing its genetic material, they confirmed it was previously unknown to science. This fungus, named Raffaelea xyleboricola, may help scientists better manage beetle-related tree diseases and protect apple orchards.

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Black mold in the bag room: First case of Arthrocladium tropicale peritonitis in a peritoneal dialysis patient

An 82-year-old dialysis patient developed an infection caused by a rare black mold called Arthrocladium tropicale, which had never been documented in humans before. The infection came from poor environmental conditions including moisture and ant infestations near the patient’s dialysis supply storage area. Doctors identified the fungus using genetic testing and treated it successfully with antifungal medication combined with removal of the dialysis catheter. This case shows how important it is to keep dialysis equipment areas clean and dry to prevent rare infections.

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Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part III

This study tested six common essential oils (from oregano, thyme, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and basil) to see if they could stop five types of fungi that spoil bananas after harvest. Thyme oil worked best, completely stopping fungal growth at the highest concentration tested. Cinnamon and oregano oils also worked well at moderate concentrations. These natural oils could replace synthetic fungicides and help keep bananas fresher longer during storage and transport.

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Airborne Fungal Spore Diversity Assessment Using Culture-Dependent and Metabarcoding Approaches in Bat-Inhabited Natural and Anthropogenic Roosts in Portugal

Researchers studied fungal diversity in bat caves across Portugal using two methods: growing fungi in labs and analyzing DNA from air samples. They found over 280 different types of fungi, with some being common decomposers and others potentially harmful to human health. The study revealed that bat activity and human visits significantly influence which fungi live in caves, highlighting the importance of protecting these unique underground ecosystems.

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