Nell'ambito di un progetto finanziato dalla Fondazione Cariparma, è stato sperimentato, press... more Nell'ambito di un progetto finanziato dalla Fondazione Cariparma, è stato sperimentato, presso la sala De Rossi della Biblioteca Palatina di Parma, un sistema integrato di monitoraggio biologico e microclimatico, con l'applicazione della termofluidodinamica computazionale (CFD). Il monitoraggio biologico ambientale e la rilevazione dei parametri microclimatici sono stati eseguiti in due periodi dell'anno (estate e inverno), in assenza di operatori e visitatori
IPW8 11 research topics. It supports students with phosphorus-related theses, doctoral students, ... more IPW8 11 research topics. It supports students with phosphorus-related theses, doctoral students, and postdocs carrying out phosphorus research. The core of the program is the Graduate School of Phosphorus Research, currently with 11 PhD students and funded by the Leibniz Association. The topics of the interdisciplinary supervised projects range from the study of different phosphorus forms in the aquatic environment, phosphorus cycles in aquaculture, P uptake in crop production and by livestock, phosphorus in catalytic processes, and the political and legal aspects of phosphorus management. In addition, the Leibniz ScienceCampus Phosphorus Research is linked to political and economic networks through its membership in the Deutsche Phosphor-Plattform e.V. (DPP) and the European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform (ESPP).
Fungi have a range of important ecological functions associated with nutrient and carbon cycling ... more Fungi have a range of important ecological functions associated with nutrient and carbon cycling processes in leaf litter and soil. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the relationships between taxonomic and functional diversity of a litter fungal community in a Mediterranean environment. Litter bags of leaves of low maquis plant species were incubated in one-year field experiment. The study was carried out in the Natural Reserve of Castel Volturno, in southern Italy. Fungal species were isolated from decaying leaves and identified. Indicator species and species assemblages, characterizing substrate quality and degree of decay, were evaluated on the basis of species occurrence and abundance. Analyses with BiologTM FF microplates were carried out too. The method is indicative of the degree to which fungi can catabolise various carbon compounds and provides a quantifiable measure of functional diversity. The "field" functional role of fungal species was analysed on the basis of the potential metabolic profile. The fungal assemblages appeared associated to the different degrees of decay of the resource. Fungi replaced one another on the natural substrate in space and time, and the relative abundance of each species changed together with the potential ability of utilising particular clusters of substrates
Trichoderma hamatum FBL 587 isolated from DDT-contaminated agricultural soils stands out as a rem... more Trichoderma hamatum FBL 587 isolated from DDT-contaminated agricultural soils stands out as a remarkable strain with DDT-resistance and the ability to enhance DDT degradation process in soil. Here, whole genome sequencing and RNA-Seq studies for T. hamatum FBL 587 under exposure to DDT were performed. In the 38.9 Mb-genome of T. hamatum FBL 587, 10,944 protein-coding genes were predicted and annotated, including those of relevance to mycoremediation such as production of secondary metabolites and siderophores. The genome-scale transcriptional responses of T. hamatum FBL 587 to DDT exposure showed 1706 upregulated genes, some of which were putatively involved in the cellular translocation and degradation of DDT. With regards to DDT removal capacity, it was found upregulation of metabolizing enzymes such as P450s, and potentially of downstream DDT-transforming enzymes such as epoxide hydrolases, FAD-dependent monooxygenases, glycosyl- and glutathione-transferases. Based on transcripti...
The spread and environmental accumulation of DDT over the years represent not only a threat to hu... more The spread and environmental accumulation of DDT over the years represent not only a threat to human health and ecological security but also a major challenge because of the complex chemical processes and technologies required for remediation. Saprotrophic fungi, isolated from contaminated sites, hold promise for their bioremediation potential toward toxic organic compounds, since they might provide an environment-friendly solution to contamination. Once we verified the high tolerance of autochthonous fungal strains to high concentrations of DDT, we showed how fungi from different phyla demonstrate a high metabolic versatility in the presence of DDT. The isolates showed the singular ability to keep their functionality, despite the DDT-induced production of reactive oxygen species.
Modern agriculture is dependent on phosphate rock (PR), which is a nonrenewable resource. Improve... more Modern agriculture is dependent on phosphate rock (PR), which is a nonrenewable resource. Improvement of phosphorus (P) availability for crops in agricultural soils represents a key strategy to slow down the depletion of PR. The aim of this study was to identify potential P biofertilisers among saprotrophic fungal species. We tested 30 fungal strains belonging to 28 taxa (4 Zygomycota and 24 Ascomycota) and with different life strategies. The study showed that many saprotrophic fungi have the ability to mobilise P from insoluble forms according to a variety of mechanisms. Our results expand the pool of P solubilising fungal species, also suggesting a new solubilisation index and shedding light on parameters that could be basic in the selection of efficient soil P-biofertilisers fungi. Rhizopus stolonifer var. stolonifer, Aspergillus niger and Alternaria alternata were found to be the best performing strains in terms of amounts of TCP solubilisation.
An integrated system including biological, particles, microclimate and CFD analysis was applied. ... more An integrated system including biological, particles, microclimate and CFD analysis was applied. • The tracing and diffusion of particles inside the room were studied. • A wide variability in biological and particle values was observed. • Cultural and molecular methods were combined to evaluate microbial contamination. • Simulation results were consistent with experimental data.
h i g h l i g h t s First report of biodegradation of b-hexachlorocyclohexane by a non-white-rot ... more h i g h l i g h t s First report of biodegradation of b-hexachlorocyclohexane by a non-white-rot fungus. Benzoic acid derivatives as dead-end products were observed. Phenotype MicroArray™ technique was used to study metabolic profile. Responses to oxidative stress were induced in the test conditions. Findings are relevant to fungal bioremediation of polluted soils and liquid wastes.
ABSTRACT Ecological processes are influenced both by biotic and abiotic factors. Leaf litter brea... more ABSTRACT Ecological processes are influenced both by biotic and abiotic factors. Leaf litter breakdown in freshwater does not except this rule. Substrate morphology and characteristics may influence benthic decomposers abundances and distribution. In fact, both substrate and macroinvertebrates follow a patchy distribution along stream’s ecological gradients. Abundances and diversity of decomposers directly affect leaf litter processing and decomposition rates linking biotic and abiotic factors to the ecological process of decomposition. Fractal dimension of substrates can give a measure of surfaces complexity and may be related both to water turbulence and macroinvertebrates clinging. In this study we have investigated the functional relationships between macroinvertebrates diversity and abundances, chemical and physical parameters, rocks, pebbles and stones numbers and dimension and fractal dimension of substrate.
The role of species diversity in below-ground processes is still little investigated and it is no... more The role of species diversity in below-ground processes is still little investigated and it is not adequately assessed in Mediterranean- type ecosystems which are typically affected by disturbance and stress. Two factors determine the relative adaptability of the soil biota: diversity and plasticity. Fungi are important in driving or controlling the nutrient cycling and energy flux and influencing the composition of the whole community within the ecosystems. There is little information on soil fungal species that contribute to fungal biomass in response to different environmental patterns and management conditions. Fire, a key agent of disturbance in Mediterranean environment, can lead to a modification of composition and functioning of fungal community and to a subsequent new situation in a competitive advantage of different parts of community. We have analysed the effects of experimental fire disturbance on some quantitative and qualitative properties of soil fungal community such as total mycelium, active mycelium, fungal fraction of microbial carbon, species abundance and species density. The two last ones are referred to total mycoflora, xerotolerant and heat stimulated fungi. This study was carried out at “Castel Volturno” Nature Reserve (Southern Italy), covered by Mediterranean maquis, where experimental fires with two different intensities (low and high) were performed in the July of 2000. Soil sampling was carried out during the first two years after experimental fires in burned and unburned plots, the last ones used as control. After low- and high- intensity fires soils showed decreased total and active fungal mycelium, during the whole study period. Fungal fraction of microbial carbon, representing the relative importance of fungal and bacterial components within the soil community, was also lower in burned than in unburned soils, indicating a persistent alteration of microbial community structure still two years after fires, with an increase in the bacterial component versus the fungal components. Active mycelium and fungal fraction of microbial carbon reach higher values for both control and treated plots on sampling times corresponding to higher soil water content values. Similarly, abundance and species density of total mycoflora increased in sampling times with a more favourable moisture condition of soil, but decreased during the post-fire summer. We can suppose that fire represents a disturbance superimposed to the soil water stress in the dry season in Mediterranean ecosystems. Xerotolerant fungi significantly increased only in terms of abundance 147 and 245 days after low- and high experimental fires. So fire allows a realistic competition for water between species which advantages the xerotolerant component of fungal community. Heat stimulated fungi acquired a more relevant role within the community, in fact they trended to a significant increase both in abundance and species density in treated plots, in time. Fire provides a temporary refuge for heat stimulated fungi which are otherwise unable to compete in undisturbed soils
Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology, 2013
Fungi are organisms of significant importance not only for the crucial roles they undertake in na... more Fungi are organisms of significant importance not only for the crucial roles they undertake in nature but also for many human activities that are strictly dependent on them. Indeed, fungi possess fundamental positions in ecosystems functioning including nutrient cycles and wood decomposition. As concerns human-related activities, edible and non-edible mushrooms are also involved and/or exploited in forestry, pharmaceutical industry and food production; hence, nowadays they represent a major economic source worldwide. In order to maintain and improve their strategic importance, several conservation strategies, such as habitat preservation, are needed. This article reports several contributions inherent to the relationships between wood-decaying fungi, edible and non-edible mushrooms and their potential exploitation as non-timber forest products and genetic resources.
Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology, 2013
A wide range of cold environments exist, with an equally broad variety of fungi and yeasts that h... more A wide range of cold environments exist, with an equally broad variety of fungi and yeasts that have adapted to such environments. These adaptations, which affect membranes, enzymes and other cellular components, such as radical scavenging molecules, display a great potential for exploitation in biotechnology. Alterations have been detected in membrane lipids, with an increase in fatty acid unsaturated bonds that enhance their fluidity. We report new data on the different phospholipid composition in membrane lipids in the same fungal species from both Antarctic and temperate regions. The decrease in temperature causes intracellular oxidative stress by inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. We report the results of the first analysis of the non-enzymatic antioxidant response and phenolic compound production by an Antarctic strain of Geomyces pannorum. A survey on yeasts from the cryosphere is reported with a focus on their adaptation to a cold environment. Some studies have shown that the number of macrofungi in glacier forefronts rises as deglaciation increases. The survival success of many plants in such areas may be attributed to their mycorrhizal associations. We highlighted the macrofungal biodiversity of some Italian alpine habitats, in which we Inocybe microfastigiata, Laccaria montana and Lactarius salicisherbaceae were recorded for the first time in Lombardy (Italy).
Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology, 2014
ABSTRACT The fungus Minimedusa polyspora (Hotson) Weresub & P.M. Le Clair was isolate... more ABSTRACT The fungus Minimedusa polyspora (Hotson) Weresub & P.M. Le Clair was isolated during a survey aimed at collecting cellulolytic fungi from the soil–litter interface of the Mediterranean maquis environment in Italy. The metabolic profiling of the species and its ability to translocate nutrients between decaying leaf litter and soil have been investigated by means of Phenotype MicroArray™, Scanning Electron Microscopy and microanalysis techniques. The Phenotype MicroArray™ showed that the fungus possesses a preference for polysaccharides at the initial phases of its growth, and that it prefers hexoses and then oligosaccharides in the later phases of its development. M. polyspora proved to be capable of concentrating several important biogenic microelements (N, P, S, K and Ca), which are absent in the cellulosic substrate before fungal colonization. This capacity for nutrient uptake and translocation from other sources than cellulose makes this fungus a very efficient pioneer colonizer that requires little nitrogen, is fast growing, changes its own metabolism according to the early modifications of the substrate and uses inhibitory substances to make the habitat unfavourable for other species.
Experimental fires, of both low and high intensity, were lit during summer 2000 and the following... more Experimental fires, of both low and high intensity, were lit during summer 2000 and the following 2 y in the Castel Volturno Nature Reserve, southern Italy. Soil samples were collected Jul 2000-Jul 2002 to analyze the soil fungal community dynamics. Species abundance distribution patterns (geometric, logarithmic, log normal, broken-stick) were compared. We plotted datasets with information both on species richness and abundance for total, xerotolerant and heat-stimulated soil microfungi. The xerotolerant fungi conformed to a broken-stick model for both the low-and high intensity fires at 7 and 84 d after the fire; their distribution subsequently followed logarithmic models in the 2 y following the fire. The distribution of the heat-stimulated fungi changed from broken-stick to logarithmic models and eventually to a log-normal model during the post-fire recovery. Xerotolerant and, to a far greater extent, heat-stimulated soil fungi acquire an important functional role following soil water stress and/or fire disturbance; these disturbances let them occupy unsaturated habitats and become increasingly abundant over time.
Monospecific and mixed-leaf litters from plant species of Mediterranean maquis (Quercus ilex, Phi... more Monospecific and mixed-leaf litters from plant species of Mediterranean maquis (Quercus ilex, Phillyrea angustifolia, Pistacia lentiscus, Cistus spp.) in an undisturbed area in southern Italy were studied with respect to the structure and composition of their decomposer fungal community over an incubation period of 403 d. The data matrix structure was analyzed by means of detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), while indicator species analysis (ISA) was used to determine the preferential association of species with a substrate, a succession phase and monospecific/mixed experimental conditions. The ecological nature of the gradient expressed by the DCA axes was investigated by means of experimental and main chemical leaf-litter variables. The litter mixture had non-additive effects on the decomposition process even though the fungal species richness of the mixed litter was considerably higher than that of the monospecific litter. Our findings highlight the occurrence of shifts in the fungal community during decomposition in response to changes in the substrate, such as those related to the cellulose content and lignin/N ratio.
International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2011
Two ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing Aspergillus isolates, recently collected from submerged riparian... more Two ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing Aspergillus isolates, recently collected from submerged riparian decomposing leaves in Italy, were found to have a similar morphology to Aspergillus cretensis (subgenus Circumdati, section Circumdati). However, marked differences emerged between these two novel isolates and A. cretensis as the former displayed different colony features and had larger vesicles, metulae, phialides and conidia, as well as a distinct sclerotial form and size. In order to determine the taxonomic status and to infer the evolutionary relationships of these two morphologically identical isolates, a molecular phylogenetic analysis was performed on all the officially recognized lineages in the section Circumdati. The DNA sequences and the deduced amino acid residues from the nuclear loci were analysed. Both rRNA and protein coding genes were assessed, which are widely used to differentiate taxa belonging to genus Aspergillus at various evolutionary levels. The 5.8S rDNA gene a...
Nell'ambito di un progetto finanziato dalla Fondazione Cariparma, è stato sperimentato, press... more Nell'ambito di un progetto finanziato dalla Fondazione Cariparma, è stato sperimentato, presso la sala De Rossi della Biblioteca Palatina di Parma, un sistema integrato di monitoraggio biologico e microclimatico, con l'applicazione della termofluidodinamica computazionale (CFD). Il monitoraggio biologico ambientale e la rilevazione dei parametri microclimatici sono stati eseguiti in due periodi dell'anno (estate e inverno), in assenza di operatori e visitatori
IPW8 11 research topics. It supports students with phosphorus-related theses, doctoral students, ... more IPW8 11 research topics. It supports students with phosphorus-related theses, doctoral students, and postdocs carrying out phosphorus research. The core of the program is the Graduate School of Phosphorus Research, currently with 11 PhD students and funded by the Leibniz Association. The topics of the interdisciplinary supervised projects range from the study of different phosphorus forms in the aquatic environment, phosphorus cycles in aquaculture, P uptake in crop production and by livestock, phosphorus in catalytic processes, and the political and legal aspects of phosphorus management. In addition, the Leibniz ScienceCampus Phosphorus Research is linked to political and economic networks through its membership in the Deutsche Phosphor-Plattform e.V. (DPP) and the European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform (ESPP).
Fungi have a range of important ecological functions associated with nutrient and carbon cycling ... more Fungi have a range of important ecological functions associated with nutrient and carbon cycling processes in leaf litter and soil. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the relationships between taxonomic and functional diversity of a litter fungal community in a Mediterranean environment. Litter bags of leaves of low maquis plant species were incubated in one-year field experiment. The study was carried out in the Natural Reserve of Castel Volturno, in southern Italy. Fungal species were isolated from decaying leaves and identified. Indicator species and species assemblages, characterizing substrate quality and degree of decay, were evaluated on the basis of species occurrence and abundance. Analyses with BiologTM FF microplates were carried out too. The method is indicative of the degree to which fungi can catabolise various carbon compounds and provides a quantifiable measure of functional diversity. The "field" functional role of fungal species was analysed on the basis of the potential metabolic profile. The fungal assemblages appeared associated to the different degrees of decay of the resource. Fungi replaced one another on the natural substrate in space and time, and the relative abundance of each species changed together with the potential ability of utilising particular clusters of substrates
Trichoderma hamatum FBL 587 isolated from DDT-contaminated agricultural soils stands out as a rem... more Trichoderma hamatum FBL 587 isolated from DDT-contaminated agricultural soils stands out as a remarkable strain with DDT-resistance and the ability to enhance DDT degradation process in soil. Here, whole genome sequencing and RNA-Seq studies for T. hamatum FBL 587 under exposure to DDT were performed. In the 38.9 Mb-genome of T. hamatum FBL 587, 10,944 protein-coding genes were predicted and annotated, including those of relevance to mycoremediation such as production of secondary metabolites and siderophores. The genome-scale transcriptional responses of T. hamatum FBL 587 to DDT exposure showed 1706 upregulated genes, some of which were putatively involved in the cellular translocation and degradation of DDT. With regards to DDT removal capacity, it was found upregulation of metabolizing enzymes such as P450s, and potentially of downstream DDT-transforming enzymes such as epoxide hydrolases, FAD-dependent monooxygenases, glycosyl- and glutathione-transferases. Based on transcripti...
The spread and environmental accumulation of DDT over the years represent not only a threat to hu... more The spread and environmental accumulation of DDT over the years represent not only a threat to human health and ecological security but also a major challenge because of the complex chemical processes and technologies required for remediation. Saprotrophic fungi, isolated from contaminated sites, hold promise for their bioremediation potential toward toxic organic compounds, since they might provide an environment-friendly solution to contamination. Once we verified the high tolerance of autochthonous fungal strains to high concentrations of DDT, we showed how fungi from different phyla demonstrate a high metabolic versatility in the presence of DDT. The isolates showed the singular ability to keep their functionality, despite the DDT-induced production of reactive oxygen species.
Modern agriculture is dependent on phosphate rock (PR), which is a nonrenewable resource. Improve... more Modern agriculture is dependent on phosphate rock (PR), which is a nonrenewable resource. Improvement of phosphorus (P) availability for crops in agricultural soils represents a key strategy to slow down the depletion of PR. The aim of this study was to identify potential P biofertilisers among saprotrophic fungal species. We tested 30 fungal strains belonging to 28 taxa (4 Zygomycota and 24 Ascomycota) and with different life strategies. The study showed that many saprotrophic fungi have the ability to mobilise P from insoluble forms according to a variety of mechanisms. Our results expand the pool of P solubilising fungal species, also suggesting a new solubilisation index and shedding light on parameters that could be basic in the selection of efficient soil P-biofertilisers fungi. Rhizopus stolonifer var. stolonifer, Aspergillus niger and Alternaria alternata were found to be the best performing strains in terms of amounts of TCP solubilisation.
An integrated system including biological, particles, microclimate and CFD analysis was applied. ... more An integrated system including biological, particles, microclimate and CFD analysis was applied. • The tracing and diffusion of particles inside the room were studied. • A wide variability in biological and particle values was observed. • Cultural and molecular methods were combined to evaluate microbial contamination. • Simulation results were consistent with experimental data.
h i g h l i g h t s First report of biodegradation of b-hexachlorocyclohexane by a non-white-rot ... more h i g h l i g h t s First report of biodegradation of b-hexachlorocyclohexane by a non-white-rot fungus. Benzoic acid derivatives as dead-end products were observed. Phenotype MicroArray™ technique was used to study metabolic profile. Responses to oxidative stress were induced in the test conditions. Findings are relevant to fungal bioremediation of polluted soils and liquid wastes.
ABSTRACT Ecological processes are influenced both by biotic and abiotic factors. Leaf litter brea... more ABSTRACT Ecological processes are influenced both by biotic and abiotic factors. Leaf litter breakdown in freshwater does not except this rule. Substrate morphology and characteristics may influence benthic decomposers abundances and distribution. In fact, both substrate and macroinvertebrates follow a patchy distribution along stream’s ecological gradients. Abundances and diversity of decomposers directly affect leaf litter processing and decomposition rates linking biotic and abiotic factors to the ecological process of decomposition. Fractal dimension of substrates can give a measure of surfaces complexity and may be related both to water turbulence and macroinvertebrates clinging. In this study we have investigated the functional relationships between macroinvertebrates diversity and abundances, chemical and physical parameters, rocks, pebbles and stones numbers and dimension and fractal dimension of substrate.
The role of species diversity in below-ground processes is still little investigated and it is no... more The role of species diversity in below-ground processes is still little investigated and it is not adequately assessed in Mediterranean- type ecosystems which are typically affected by disturbance and stress. Two factors determine the relative adaptability of the soil biota: diversity and plasticity. Fungi are important in driving or controlling the nutrient cycling and energy flux and influencing the composition of the whole community within the ecosystems. There is little information on soil fungal species that contribute to fungal biomass in response to different environmental patterns and management conditions. Fire, a key agent of disturbance in Mediterranean environment, can lead to a modification of composition and functioning of fungal community and to a subsequent new situation in a competitive advantage of different parts of community. We have analysed the effects of experimental fire disturbance on some quantitative and qualitative properties of soil fungal community such as total mycelium, active mycelium, fungal fraction of microbial carbon, species abundance and species density. The two last ones are referred to total mycoflora, xerotolerant and heat stimulated fungi. This study was carried out at “Castel Volturno” Nature Reserve (Southern Italy), covered by Mediterranean maquis, where experimental fires with two different intensities (low and high) were performed in the July of 2000. Soil sampling was carried out during the first two years after experimental fires in burned and unburned plots, the last ones used as control. After low- and high- intensity fires soils showed decreased total and active fungal mycelium, during the whole study period. Fungal fraction of microbial carbon, representing the relative importance of fungal and bacterial components within the soil community, was also lower in burned than in unburned soils, indicating a persistent alteration of microbial community structure still two years after fires, with an increase in the bacterial component versus the fungal components. Active mycelium and fungal fraction of microbial carbon reach higher values for both control and treated plots on sampling times corresponding to higher soil water content values. Similarly, abundance and species density of total mycoflora increased in sampling times with a more favourable moisture condition of soil, but decreased during the post-fire summer. We can suppose that fire represents a disturbance superimposed to the soil water stress in the dry season in Mediterranean ecosystems. Xerotolerant fungi significantly increased only in terms of abundance 147 and 245 days after low- and high experimental fires. So fire allows a realistic competition for water between species which advantages the xerotolerant component of fungal community. Heat stimulated fungi acquired a more relevant role within the community, in fact they trended to a significant increase both in abundance and species density in treated plots, in time. Fire provides a temporary refuge for heat stimulated fungi which are otherwise unable to compete in undisturbed soils
Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology, 2013
Fungi are organisms of significant importance not only for the crucial roles they undertake in na... more Fungi are organisms of significant importance not only for the crucial roles they undertake in nature but also for many human activities that are strictly dependent on them. Indeed, fungi possess fundamental positions in ecosystems functioning including nutrient cycles and wood decomposition. As concerns human-related activities, edible and non-edible mushrooms are also involved and/or exploited in forestry, pharmaceutical industry and food production; hence, nowadays they represent a major economic source worldwide. In order to maintain and improve their strategic importance, several conservation strategies, such as habitat preservation, are needed. This article reports several contributions inherent to the relationships between wood-decaying fungi, edible and non-edible mushrooms and their potential exploitation as non-timber forest products and genetic resources.
Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology, 2013
A wide range of cold environments exist, with an equally broad variety of fungi and yeasts that h... more A wide range of cold environments exist, with an equally broad variety of fungi and yeasts that have adapted to such environments. These adaptations, which affect membranes, enzymes and other cellular components, such as radical scavenging molecules, display a great potential for exploitation in biotechnology. Alterations have been detected in membrane lipids, with an increase in fatty acid unsaturated bonds that enhance their fluidity. We report new data on the different phospholipid composition in membrane lipids in the same fungal species from both Antarctic and temperate regions. The decrease in temperature causes intracellular oxidative stress by inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. We report the results of the first analysis of the non-enzymatic antioxidant response and phenolic compound production by an Antarctic strain of Geomyces pannorum. A survey on yeasts from the cryosphere is reported with a focus on their adaptation to a cold environment. Some studies have shown that the number of macrofungi in glacier forefronts rises as deglaciation increases. The survival success of many plants in such areas may be attributed to their mycorrhizal associations. We highlighted the macrofungal biodiversity of some Italian alpine habitats, in which we Inocybe microfastigiata, Laccaria montana and Lactarius salicisherbaceae were recorded for the first time in Lombardy (Italy).
Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology, 2014
ABSTRACT The fungus Minimedusa polyspora (Hotson) Weresub & P.M. Le Clair was isolate... more ABSTRACT The fungus Minimedusa polyspora (Hotson) Weresub & P.M. Le Clair was isolated during a survey aimed at collecting cellulolytic fungi from the soil–litter interface of the Mediterranean maquis environment in Italy. The metabolic profiling of the species and its ability to translocate nutrients between decaying leaf litter and soil have been investigated by means of Phenotype MicroArray™, Scanning Electron Microscopy and microanalysis techniques. The Phenotype MicroArray™ showed that the fungus possesses a preference for polysaccharides at the initial phases of its growth, and that it prefers hexoses and then oligosaccharides in the later phases of its development. M. polyspora proved to be capable of concentrating several important biogenic microelements (N, P, S, K and Ca), which are absent in the cellulosic substrate before fungal colonization. This capacity for nutrient uptake and translocation from other sources than cellulose makes this fungus a very efficient pioneer colonizer that requires little nitrogen, is fast growing, changes its own metabolism according to the early modifications of the substrate and uses inhibitory substances to make the habitat unfavourable for other species.
Experimental fires, of both low and high intensity, were lit during summer 2000 and the following... more Experimental fires, of both low and high intensity, were lit during summer 2000 and the following 2 y in the Castel Volturno Nature Reserve, southern Italy. Soil samples were collected Jul 2000-Jul 2002 to analyze the soil fungal community dynamics. Species abundance distribution patterns (geometric, logarithmic, log normal, broken-stick) were compared. We plotted datasets with information both on species richness and abundance for total, xerotolerant and heat-stimulated soil microfungi. The xerotolerant fungi conformed to a broken-stick model for both the low-and high intensity fires at 7 and 84 d after the fire; their distribution subsequently followed logarithmic models in the 2 y following the fire. The distribution of the heat-stimulated fungi changed from broken-stick to logarithmic models and eventually to a log-normal model during the post-fire recovery. Xerotolerant and, to a far greater extent, heat-stimulated soil fungi acquire an important functional role following soil water stress and/or fire disturbance; these disturbances let them occupy unsaturated habitats and become increasingly abundant over time.
Monospecific and mixed-leaf litters from plant species of Mediterranean maquis (Quercus ilex, Phi... more Monospecific and mixed-leaf litters from plant species of Mediterranean maquis (Quercus ilex, Phillyrea angustifolia, Pistacia lentiscus, Cistus spp.) in an undisturbed area in southern Italy were studied with respect to the structure and composition of their decomposer fungal community over an incubation period of 403 d. The data matrix structure was analyzed by means of detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), while indicator species analysis (ISA) was used to determine the preferential association of species with a substrate, a succession phase and monospecific/mixed experimental conditions. The ecological nature of the gradient expressed by the DCA axes was investigated by means of experimental and main chemical leaf-litter variables. The litter mixture had non-additive effects on the decomposition process even though the fungal species richness of the mixed litter was considerably higher than that of the monospecific litter. Our findings highlight the occurrence of shifts in the fungal community during decomposition in response to changes in the substrate, such as those related to the cellulose content and lignin/N ratio.
International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2011
Two ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing Aspergillus isolates, recently collected from submerged riparian... more Two ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing Aspergillus isolates, recently collected from submerged riparian decomposing leaves in Italy, were found to have a similar morphology to Aspergillus cretensis (subgenus Circumdati, section Circumdati). However, marked differences emerged between these two novel isolates and A. cretensis as the former displayed different colony features and had larger vesicles, metulae, phialides and conidia, as well as a distinct sclerotial form and size. In order to determine the taxonomic status and to infer the evolutionary relationships of these two morphologically identical isolates, a molecular phylogenetic analysis was performed on all the officially recognized lineages in the section Circumdati. The DNA sequences and the deduced amino acid residues from the nuclear loci were analysed. Both rRNA and protein coding genes were assessed, which are widely used to differentiate taxa belonging to genus Aspergillus at various evolutionary levels. The 5.8S rDNA gene a...
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