microbial diversity – Page 2

The interplay between the formation of Chinese cordyceps and the characteristics of soil properties and microbial network

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This research examined how soil properties and bacteria change during the growth of Chinese cordyceps, a valuable medicinal fungus found on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Scientists discovered that the most critical stage occurs when the fungus infects and consumes the host larvae, during which soil becomes less acidic, loses nutrients, and experiences significant changes in bacterial communities. The findings show that specific bacteria like Pseudomonas and Dyella help the cordyceps grow by breaking down chitin from the larvae’s exoskeleton. Understanding these interactions can help improve artificial production of this expensive medicinal fungus.

The Effect of Topical Ketoconazole and Topical Miconazole Nitrate in Modulating the Skin Microbiome and Mycobiome of Patients With Tinea Pedis

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This study examined how two common antifungal creams (ketoconazole and miconazole) affect the complex community of bacteria and fungi living on the skin of people with athlete’s foot. Both treatments effectively reduced the harmful fungus causing the infection and improved symptoms, with ketoconazole working slightly faster. However, the researchers found that while these treatments reduced the disease-causing fungus, the skin’s normal microbial community did not fully recover to a healthy state, particularly in the spaces between the toes.

Root zone microbial communities of Artemisia ordosica Krasch. at different successional stages in Mu US Sandy Land: a metagenomic perspective with culturomics insights

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Researchers studied the bacteria and fungi living around the roots of a desert plant called Artemisia ordosica that helps prevent sand dunes from spreading in China. By analyzing DNA and growing microbes in the lab, they found different communities of microorganisms at different stages of sand dune recovery. Key beneficial microbes like Bacillus and Penicillium were identified, which may help the plant survive in harsh, nutrient-poor sandy soils.

Impact of nitrogen fertilization on soil microbial diversity, its mediated enzyme activities, and stem nematode population in sweet potato fields

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Researchers studied how different amounts of nitrogen fertilizer affect sweet potato growth and soil health. They found that the right amount of nitrogen (64.8 kg per hectare) boosts beneficial soil bacteria and fungi while reducing harmful nematode parasites that damage sweet potatoes. This optimal fertilization level improved yields and plant health by maintaining a better balance of soil microorganisms.

Endophytic Diversity in Sicilian Olive Trees: Identifying Optimal Conditions for a Functional Microbial Collection

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Researchers studied beneficial microorganisms living inside olive trees in Sicily to understand how to boost plant health and disease resistance. They found that wild olive trees and woody twigs harbor more diverse and beneficial microbes than cultivated varieties. Bacillus bacteria were particularly valuable, producing compounds that protect plants and promote growth. These findings could help farmers reduce chemical inputs while improving olive production.

The Expanding Truffle Environment: A Study of the Microbial Dynamics in the Old Productive Site and the New Tuber magnatum Picco Habitat

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This study examined the microbial communities in white truffle forests in Italy, comparing an established productive forest with a nearby expanding area. Researchers found that the expanding area had more diverse fungal communities with opportunistic species like Mortierella, while the mature forest had a more stable community dominated by ectomycorrhizal fungi. The study identified specific bacteria like Sphingomonas that showed positive associations with white truffles, suggesting these microbes may play important roles in truffle development and could help guide future cultivation efforts.

Optimizing brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) health and yield through bio-organic amendments against Fusarium wilt

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Farmers can protect their brinjal (eggplant) crops from a serious fungal disease called Fusarium wilt by adding organic materials like spent mushroom substrate mixed with biochar to their soil. These natural amendments not only reduce disease but also help plants grow better and produce higher yields, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides that can harm the environment and human health.

Unraveling the mycobiota of Daqu at the species level using metabarcoding of full-length ITS sequences

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Daqu is a special fermentation starter used to make Baijiu, a traditional Chinese alcohol. Researchers analyzed fungi in 296 Daqu samples from across China using advanced DNA sequencing technology. They identified 86 different fungal species and found that the types of fungi present depend on both the temperature during fermentation and the geographic region where the Daqu is made. These findings could help improve the quality and consistency of Baijiu production.

Research Keyword: microbial diversity