Chemical Profile and Biological Potential of Hornodermoporus martius (Agaricomycetes) from Paraguay.

To further knowledge of the biological activity of native neotropical fungal species, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition and microbiological activity of Hornodermoporus martius. Ethanol, hexane, diethyl ether, and ethyl acetate fractions and the water residue were analyzed and resulted in a total phenolic compound content between 13 and 63 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of crude extract. The total antioxidants ranged between 3 and 19 mg of ascorbic acid equivalents per gram of crude extract, and the percentage of antioxidant activity was determined to be between 6 and 25%. A preliminary profile of compounds is provided for the first time for the species; the results from the nonpolar fraction showcased the presence of saturated and unsaturated acids, fatty alcohol, sterols, and cis-vaccenic acid. Our findings also revealed antimicrobial properties from compounds within the hexane and diethyl ether fractions at concentrations of 1 mg mL-1, which inhibited the growth of certain gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. For the first time in academic literature, our work analyzed and documented the chemical characteristics and microbial properties of H. martius, suggesting potential for medicinal applications.

Entomopathogenic Fungi Infecting Lepidopteran Larvae: A Case from Central Argentina.

Immature stages of insects are vulnerable to various antagonists, including pathogens. While the abiotic factors affecting pathogen prevalence in insect populations are reasonably well documented, much less is known about relevant ecological interactions. We studied the probability of the larvae of three lepidopteran species to die from fungal infection as a function of insect species and food plants in central Argentina. Local free-growing food plants were used to feed the lepidopteran larvae. The prevalence of entomopathogenic fungi remained low (about 5%), which is a value well consistent with observations on similar systems in other regions. Eight fungal species recorded, primarily belonging to Fusarium and Aspergillus, add evidence to the reconsideration of the nutritional modes in these genera in distinguishing the role of some species (complexes) to cause insect infections. Food plant species were found to have a substantial effect on the prevalence of entomopathogenic fungi. This was especially clear for the most abundant fungal species, a representative of the Fusarium fujikuroi complex. Feeding on a particular plant taxon can thus have a specific fitness cost. Compared to the data collected from Northern Europe, the Argentinian assemblages from the families Aspergillaceae and Nectriaceae overlapped at the genus level but did not share species. It remains to be confirmed if this level of divergence in the composition of assemblages of entomopathogenic fungi among distant regions represents a global pattern.

Neotropical Studies on Hymenochaetaceae: Unveiling the Diversity and Endemicity of Phellinotus.

Phellinotus, a neotropical genus of wood-decay fungi commonly found on living members of the Fabaceae family, was initially described as containing two species, P. neoaridus and P. piptadeniae. The members of this genus, along with six other well-established genera and some unresolved lineages, are the current representatives of the 'phellinotus clade'. On the other hand, based on a two-loci phylogenetic analysis, some entities/lineages of the 'phellinotus clade' have been found in Fomitiporella s.l. In this work, we performed four-loci phylogenetic analyses and based on our results the genera of the 'phellinotus clade' are shown to be monophyletic groups. In addition to the natural groups confirmed as different genera, morphological revisions, phylogenetic relationships, and host distribution of different specimens resembling P. neoaridus and P. piptadeniae revealed three new species in the Phellinotus genus, referred to here as P. magnoporatus, P. teixeirae and P. xerophyticus. Furthermore, for P. piptadeniae a narrower species concept was adopted with redefined morphological characters and a more limited distribution range. Both P. neoaridus and P. teixeirae have a distribution range restricted to seasonally dry tropical forests in South America. Additionally, based on detailed morphological revisions Phellinus badius, Phellinus resinaceus, and Phellinus scaber are transferred to the Phellinotus genus. The geographic distribution and host range of the genus are then discussed.

Pattern formation features might explain homoplasy: fertile surfaces in higher fungi as an example.

Fungi show a high degree of morphological convergence. Regarded for a long time as an obstacle for phylogenetic studies, homoplasy has also been proposed as a source of information about underlying morphogenetic patterning mechanisms. The "local-activation and long-range inhibition principle" (LALIP), underlying the famous reaction-diffusion model proposed by Alan Turing in 1952, appears to be one of the universal phenomena that can explain the ontogenetic origin of seriate patterns in living organisms. Reproductive structures of fungi in the class Agaricomycetes show a highly periodic structure resulting in, for example, poroid, odontoid, lamellate or labyrinthic hymenophores. In this paper, we claim that self-organized patterns might underlie the basic ontogenetic processes of these structures. Simulations based on LALIP-driven models and covering a wide range of parameters show an absolute mutual correspondence with the morphospace explored by extant agaricomycetes. This could not only explain geometric particularities but could also account for the limited possibilities displayed by hymenial configurations, thus making homoplasy a direct consequence of the limited morphospace resulting from the proposed patterning dynamics.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Four Native Species of the Ganodermataceae Family (Agaricomycetes) from Paraguay.

The lack of information on the chemistry of higher fungi in Paraguay and the search for new sources of secondary metabolites motivated this chemical study of four wild species of the Ganodermataceae family and the comparison with a commercial species cultivated under laboratory conditions. Qualitative identification of secondary metabolites as well as a quantification of phenolic compounds content and antioxidant potential of ethanolic extracts was carried out of four wild species: Cristataspora flavipora, two specimens of different phylogenetic clades of Ganoderma australe (clade 1 and clade 2), G. martinicense, G. multicornum, and a strain of G. sessile E47. Qualitative chemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, sterols and terpenes. Significant variations were noted in metabolite content and antioxidant potential throughout the studied species. The best biological profiles found were of G. australe clade 1, with a concentration of 96.7 ± 0.362 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) g-1, an antioxidant compound (AC) content of 139.25 ± 0.32 mg g-1 ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE), and an activity percentage of 96.87%, and G. australe clade 2, with a concentration of 92.6 ± 0,350 mg GAE g-1, an AC content of 153.62 ± 3.36 mg g-1 AAE, and an activity percentage of 95.23%.

Cellulolytic ability of a promising Irpex lacteus (Basidiomycota: Polyporales) strain from the subtropical rainforest of Misiones province, Argentina / Capacidad celulolítica de una cepa prometedora de Irpex lacteus (Basidiomycota: Polyporales) de la selva subtropical de la provincia de Misiones, Argentina

Abstract The cellulolytic activity of fungi growing in the subtropical rainforest of Misiones (Argentina) represents a challenge in the technological development of the production of cellulosic bioethanol in the region using native sources. These fungi are promising to obtain sustainable enzyme cocktails using their enzymes. Cellulolytic ability of 22 white-rot fungi isolated from the subtropical rainforest of Misiones-Argentina in agar medium with two types of cellulosic substrates, carboxy-methylcellulose or crystalline cellulose, were comparatively analyzed, and the activity of two cellulolytic enzymes was evaluated in liquid medium. Although all isolates were able to grow and degrade both substrates in agar medium, and to produce total cellulase Filter paper (FPase) and endo-β-1,4-glucanase (EG) activities in broth, the isolate Irpex sp. LBM 034 showed the greatest enzymatic levels (FPase, 65.45 U L-1; EG, 221.21 U L-1). Therefore, the ITS sequence of this fungus was sequenced and analyzed through a phylogenetic analysis. These results indicate that the isolate LBM 034, corresponding to Irpex lacteus, has a promising cellulolytic ability and enzymes such as EG useful in sustainable saccharification of cellulosic materials in the region. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(3): 1034-1045. Epub 2018 September 01.

Resumen La actividad celulolítica de hongos autóctonos asociados a la selva subtropical de Misiones (Argentina) representa un desafío en el desarrollo tecnológico de la producción de bioetanol celulósico en la región, mediante el uso de recursos nativos. Los sistemas enzimáticos de estos hongos tienen potencial aplicación en la obtención de cocteles enzimáticos rentables. La habilidad celulolítica de 22 hongos causantes de pudrición blanca se analizó comparativamente, que fueron aislados de la selva subtropical de Misiones-Argentina, en cultivos agarizados con dos tipos de sustratos celulósicos, carboxi-metilcelulosa o celulosa cristalina. También se evaluó la actividad de dos enzimas celulolíticas en cultivos líquidos. Aunque todos los aislamientos fueron capaces de crecer y degradar ambos sustratos en medio agarizado y revelar actividad celulolítica total y endo-β-1,4-glucanasa en cultivo líquido, el aislamiento Irpex sp. LBM 034 mostró las mayores actividades en papel de filtro con 65.45 U L-1 y endo-β-1,4-glucanasa con 221.21 U L-1, respectivamente. Por tanto, se secuenció y analizó la secuencia ITS de este hongo a través de un análisis filogenético. Estos resultados indicaron que el aislamiento LBM 034, correspondiente a Irpex lacteus, tiene una habilidad celulolítica prometedora en la producción de enzimas con actividad endo-β-1,4-glucanasa, útil en la sacarificación sustentable de materiales celulósicos de la región.

Influence of light on lignin-degrading activities of fungal genus Polyporus s. str.

Six strains belonging to five species of Polyporus (P. arcularius, P. arcularioides, P. tricholoma, P. cfr. tricholoma, and P. varius), collected from an Atlantic Forest area in Misiones (Argentina), where species usually grow exposed to high temperatures and humidity, were identified by morphological and molecular analyses. P. tricholoma (BAFC 4536) and P. arcularioides (BAFC 4534) were selected by their lignin-degrading enzyme production, their ability to produce primordial of basidiomes under submerged fermentation, and the decrease in lignin content caused in Poplar wood (up to 29% after 45 days). Among several variables evaluated with a Plackett-Burman design (glucose, copper, vanillic acid and manganese concentration, incubation period, and light incidence), the most important factor affecting laccase and Mn-peroxidase (MnP) production by both strains, was light incidence. Light induced fruit body development but diminished laccase and MnP production. Moreover, a modified isoenzymatic laccase pattern was observed, showing additional isoenzymes when fungi were cultivated under darkness and differences in optimal temperature. Although the studied strains did not produce high laccase and MnP titers (uppermost detected 4230 and 90 U L-1 , respectively), their laccases showed thermal stability and optimal temperature above 70 °C, representing an interesting source in the search of thermo-tolerant enzymes for biotechnological applications.

Fusarium equiseti LPSC 1166 and its in vitro role in the decay of Heterostachys ritteriana leaf litter.

The role of microorganisms in litter degradation in arid and semi-arid zones, where soil and water salinization is one of the main factors limiting carbon turnover and decay, remains obscure. Heterostachys ritteriana (Amaranthaceae), a halophyte shrub growing in arid environments such as "Salinas Grandes" (Córdoba, Argentina), appears to be the main source of organic matter in the area. Little is known regarding the microorganisms associated with H. ritteriana, although they are a potential source of enzymes such as cellulolytic ones, which might be important in biotechnological fields such as bioethanol production using ionic liquids. In the present study, by studying the microbiota growing on H. ritteriana leaf litter in "Salinas Grandes," we isolated the cellulolytic fungus Fusarium equiseti LPSC 1166, which grew and degraded leaf litter under salt stress. The growth of this fungus was a function of the C substrate and the presence of NaCl. Although in vitro the fungus used both soluble and polymeric compounds from H. ritteriana litter and synthesized extracellular ß-1,4 endoglucanases, its activity was reduced by 10% NaCl. Based on these results, F. equiseti LPSC 1166 can be described as a halotolerant cellulolytic fungus most probably playing a key role in the decay of H. ritteriana leaf litter in "Salinas Grandes."

Decrypting the Polyporus dictyopus complex: Recovery of Atroporus Ryvarden and segregation of Neodictyopus gen. nov. (Polyporales, Basidiomyocta).

Polyporus dictyopus, with a large number of heterotypic synonyms, has been traditionally considered a species complex, characterized by wide morphological variation and geographic distribution. Thus, neotropical specimens previously identified as P. dictyopus from Amazonia, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes were studied based on detailed macro- and micromorphological examination and phylogenetic analyses, using distinct ribosomal and protein-coding genomic regions: the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nrLSU), and RNA polymerase II second subunit (RPB2). Two unrelated generic lineages, each one represented by different species, are reported: Atroporus is recovered and re-circumscribed to include A. diabolicus and A. rufoatratus comb. nov.; Neodictyopus gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate N. dictyopus comb. nov. and two new species, N. atlanticae and N. gugliottae. Our study showed that at least five distinct species were hidden under the name P. dictyopus. Detailed descriptions, pictures, illustrations, and a key are provided for Atroporus and Neodictyopus species.

Chytridiomycosis in endemic amphibians of the mountain tops of the Córdoba and San Luis ranges, Argentina.

Chytridiomycosis is a major threat to amphibian conservation. In Argentina, the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has been recorded in several localities, and recently, it was registered in amphibians inhabiting low-elevation areas of mountain environments in Córdoba and San Luis provinces. In the present study, we searched for B. dendrobatidis in endemic and non-endemic amphibians on the mountain tops of Córdoba and San Luis provinces. We collected dead amphibians in the upper vegetation belt of the mountains of Córdoba and San Luis. Using standard histological techniques, the presence of fungal infection was confirmed in 5 species. Three of these species are endemic to the mountain tops of both provinces. Although there are no reported population declines in amphibians in these mountains, the presence of B. dendrobatidis in endemic species highlights the need for long-term monitoring plans in the area.

Perenniporiella chaquenia sp. nov. and further notes on Perenniporiella and its relationships with Perenniporia (poriales, basidiomycota).

Perenniporiella chaquenia sp. nov. is described from Argentina. New records of P. pendula and P. micropora are discussed. A key to Perenniporiella species is presented. Preliminary phylogenetic relationships of Perenniporiella are inferred from parsimony and Bayesian analysis of a combined set of DNA sequence data (nuclear ribosomal partial LSU and ITS). It demonstrated that Perenniporiella forms a well resolved monophyletic clade distantly related to Perenniporia s.s. It also clearly showed that within Perenniporia as usually conceived other morphologically homogeneous group of taxa, such as the P. ochroleuca or P. vicina alliances, form well resolved clades, which could be recognized as distinct genera. The differentiation of the hyphal system and the basidiospores morphology are outlined as critical features for the definition of genera in the Perenniporia complex.

Fomitiporia punctata (Basidiomycota, Hymenochaetales) and its presumed taxonomic synonyms in America: taxonomy and phylogeny of some species from tropical/subtropical areas.

The status of the F. punctata complex in tropical/subtropical America, and more specifically in Cuba and the surrounding area, was partially assessed. Fomitiporia langloisii, Fomitiporia dryophila and Fomitiporia maxonii, three names long considered taxonomic synonyms of F. punctata, are recognized as representing three distinct species that are distinguished from the latter on the basis of morphological, molecular and ecological (biogeographical) data. The three species are described again and their preliminary phylogenetic relationships within Fomitiporia are discussed. Fomitiporia tabaquilio comb. nov. is proposed. The status of Fomitiporia in America and its present circumscription are discussed.

Phellinus caribaeo-quercicolus sp. nov., parasitic on Quercus cubana: taxonomy and preliminary phylogenetic relationships.

Phellinus caribaeo-quercicolus sp. nov. is described from several collections made in western Cuba, so far exclusively on Quercus cubana. The species is characterized by a perennial, resupinate basidiomes, cushion-shaped to nodulose and multi-layered when old, apically hooked to hamate hymenial setae, and ellipsoid to broadly ellipsoid, thin- to thick-walled, hyaline to faintly yellowish basidiospores, 4.5-5.5 x 3.5-4.5 microm. The species is compared to other Phellinus species with hooked setae, especially Phellinus undulatus, also recorded in Cuba. The preliminary phylogenetic relationships of Ph. caribaeo-quercicolus within the poroid Hymenochaetales complex of genera is presented and discussed here.

New species causing decay on living Polylepis australis in Cordoba, central Argentina.

Two new species of poroid Hymenochaetaceae (Aphyllophorales, Basidiomycota) are described and illustrated. They were causing decay on living and standing dead Polylepis australis ("tabaquillo" or "queñoa") in the Córdoba Mountains in central Argentina. Inonotus serranus is characterized by a biannual basidiocarp, with a dark line separating tomentum from context; ellipsoid to ovoid, thick walled, colored spores; and the absence of setae. Phellinus uncisetus is characterized by uncinate setae with ventricose uniradicate base and well-differentiated apical portion; a basidiocarp attached by a narrow area to the substrate; ventricose, hyaline cistidioles; and by subglobose, hyaline spores, with very thick walls. The identity of Phellinus setulosus is discussed.