From the Editor's Desk

Dear MSI members, at the outset, on my own behalf and on behalf of MSI members I wish to congratulate Dr. H.C.Gugnani (New Delhi), Dr. T.S.Suryanarayana (Chennai), Dr. T. Satyanarayana (New Delhi), Dr. K.R.Sridhar (Mangalore), Dr. N.K. Dubey (Varanasi), Dr. Chandralata  Raghukumar (Goa), Dr. Absar Ahmad (Aligarh), Dr. R.S. Singh (Patiala), Dr. M.K. Rai (Amravati), Dr. Krishnendu Acharya (Kolkata) and Dr. Rupam Kapoor (New Delhi) for recognition of their contributions amongst top 2% scientists of the world in their respective chosen field of specialization in an independent study done by Stanford University, California. Through this recognition they have brought honor to Indian Mycology in general and Mycological Society of India in particular. This is my last issue as Editor in Chief of this prestigious Journal whose foundation was laid in the year 1973 by none other than some well known stalwarts of Indian Mycology including Late Professor C.V. Subramanian, whose blessing I was fortunate enough to get when I took over as Editor of Kavaka in 2014. Before my taking over as Editor, only one issue of the journal was being published. After 2014 we regularly brought out two issues of Kavaka on annual basis. During these years, besides publication of “The pursuit of Mycology in the Tropics: Recollections” by Late Professor C.V. Subramanian (2015), Commemoration volumes were also published  in honour of  Late Dr. M. J. Thirumalachar (2014),  Late Professor K.S. Thind (2016), Late Professor S.B. Saksena (2017), Late Professor B.P.R.Vittal (2019) and Late Professor  John Paul Muthumary (2019).  Because of the quality contributions from Indian and some foreign mycologists in different issues of the journal, Kavaka is in the recognized UGC CARE list of Journals and is presently rated with 5.30 by NAAS, New Delhi and also indexed in Indian Citation Index. We need to work hard so as to improve its rating and inclusion in the indexing sites including SCOPUS and WEB OF SCIENCE. 

For all the support I received from members of Editorial Board, MSI members, contributors of the manuscripts and reviewers during my tenure as Editor and then Editor in Chief, I would like to express my sincere gratitude.  With great sense of satisfaction I express my indebtedness to Dr. Avneet Pal Singh (Managing Editor) for meticulously managing various jobs during the editorial and indexing process including the printing of the journal, to Mr. Lakhvir Singh (Technical Assistant) for computer setting of the manuscripts, to Head Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala for logistic support, to Shaheed-eAzam Press & Hospitality, Patiala for timely printing of the journal issues and to Mr. Nishu Sharma for successfully handling and timely updating  the Journal and the Society Website. Without their unflinching support, the journal may not have reached the level it is today.

Since I have left Patiala after completing my Re-employment as Professor in the Botany Department and joined Shoolini University at Solan in Himachal Pradesh, I have relinquished the charge of Editor in Chief of Kavaka. From January, 2021 onwards Professor Yash Pal Sharma (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) of Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu will take over as new Editor in Chief of the journal.  From January 1, 2021 onwards all communication concerning publication of manuscripts in Kavaka being Transactions of Mycological Society of India be addressed to him. My best wishes to Dr. Sharma and his team for success in future endeavors for taking the Journal to still greater pedestal. I request all the MSI members to give the new Editor in Chief  same level of support and encouragement which I was lucky enough to garner during my tenure first as Editor and then as Editor in Chief of Kavaka.

December 31, 2020

N.S. Atri

(Editor in Chief  KAVAKA)

Professor, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences 

Solan-173229 (H.P.), INDIA

Contents

Front-pages

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/1-11

KAVAKA 55: 1-11 (2020)

Lessons from 50 years describing and classifying fungi

David L. Hawksworth

Honorary President, International Mycological Association

Comparative Plant and Fungal Biology, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey, TW9 3DS, UK; Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK; Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118 China.

Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on October 10, 2020; Accepted on November 15, 2020)

ABSTRACT

This contribution reflects on ten lessons learned during the 50 years since the author first described a new fungal taxon. These are: (1) It is easier to describe something as new than to find out if it has already been described; (2) Examine as many specimens and cultures as you can; (3) Study as many characters with as many techniques as possible – in the field as well as the laboratory; (4) Formulate species concepts before examining types; (5)Taxonomic ranks are a human construct; (6) Make the international Code work for you; (7) Always deposit isotypes and preserve vouchers for unusual records; (8) Check measurements of microscopic features; (9) Do not be afraid to challenge current ideas and present new hypotheses; and (10) Do not submit your paper right away and choose an appropriate journal. It is hoped these may prove of value to those in early stages of a career in fungal systematics.

Keywords: Cultures, Good practice, International Code of Nomenclature, Nomenclature, Species concepts, Systematics, Taxonomy, Type specimens, Voucher specimens

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/12-17

KAVAKA 55: 12-17 (2020)

Zoonotic Dermatophytes and Changing Epidemiology of Dermatophytosis in West Africa, an update

Adebowale I Adebiyi¹ and Harish C Gugnani^*2

¹Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan -200284, Nigeria

²Med. Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India . Present Address: J 3/45, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi-110027, India

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on August 03, 2020; Accepted on October 20, 2020)

ABSTRACT

In some resource poor countries continuous increase in the traditional practices,  such as livestock rearing system, crowded-living and poor housing conditions have heightened uncontrolled access to the infected or asymptomatic animals and increase in the spread of fomites. Consequently, zoonotic fungi can be naturally transmitted between animals and humans, and in some cases cause significant public health problems. Thus, an appraisal of dermatophytosis considered as one of the most common zoonotic infections in humans and animals is needed to realize the burden of this disease in West Africa. A thorough search of existing literature was carried out using the Google search engine and PubMed electronic database to identify and review relevant publications on zoonotic dermatophytosis in West Africa by using the keywords ‘dermatophytosis or ‘dermatophytes’ and ‘West Africa’. The Boolean operator ‘AND’ was used to combine and narrow the searches. Available publications were subsequently reviewed and the findings qualitatively described.Our findings  which revealed that dermatophytosis remains a significant infectious condition with varying social and cultural burdens leading to decreased cost value of animals as well as serious outbreaks of diseases in human and animal populations, predisposed by poor traditional practices. Among various factors, continuous increase in livestock keeping, interaction with animals due to socioeconomic and cultural reasons in resource poor countries and rearing of animals in order to augment economic status and livelihood, may continue to play an important role in the occurrence of dermatophytosis. Thus, there is a need to encourage multisectoral approach to investigate epidemiology of dermatophytosis including the role of zoophilic dermatophytes in West Africa.

Keywords: Zoonotic dermatophytes, Dermatophytosis pathobiology, epidemiology, West Africa

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/18-27

KAVAKA 55 :18 -27 (2020)

Investigation on the performance of Cedrus deodara seedlings artificially inoculated with the mycorrhizal associate Rhizopogon himalayensis

Lal Singh¹, Ashwani Tapwal², J.S. Thakur³ and T.N. Lakhanpal^4*

¹Himalayan Research Group, Chotta Shimla, H.P. -171002

² Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla-171013 

³,Govt. College Banjar, Kullu, H.P. 175123

⁴ Dept-. of Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh Univ., Shimla-171005

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on May 25, 2020; Accepted on October 10, 2020)

ABSTRACT 

Performance of the seedlings of Cedrus deodara artificially inoculated with Rhizopogon himalayensis was evaluated in three sets of soils viz.: forest soil, wasteland soil, and mixed soil. It was observed that the growth and development of inoculated and uninoculated seedlings were almost similar till the age of 2½ months except that the seedling height and root length were significantly higher in the inoculated seedlings. The inoculated seedlings attained a height of 25-30 cm within 6 months whereas the seedlings with natural inoculum attained the same in 18-24 months, exhibiting an incredibly significant difference. Similarly, the inoculated seedlings excelled the seedlings with natural inoculum in collar diameter, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root. Concerning soils, the wasteland soil when used in mixture with natural zone soil produced better seedlings with quality growth characteristics. Therefore, it can be concluded that seedlings inoculated with R. himalayensis performed better in growth and development than those with natural inoculum. 

Keywords: Rhizopogon himalayensis, Trappeindia himalayensis, Cedrus deodara, mycorrhiza, artificial inoculation, N.W. Himalaya.

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/28-35

KAVAKA 55: 28-35 (2020)

Osmoadaptive Strategies in Halophilic Fungi 

Valerie Gonsalves^1,2* and Sarita W. Nazareth¹

¹Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa, India.

²Department of Microbiology, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, Goa, India

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on November 10, 2020; Accepted on December 20, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Osmoregulatory mechanisms are essential for fungi to survive in hypersaline environments. The osmoregulatory mechanisms, namely ‘organic osmolyte’ and ‘salt-in-cytoplasm’ mechanisms were studied in obligate and facultative halophilic fungi isolated from various athalassohaline, thalassohaline and polyhaline econiches, as a response when grown at solar salt concentrations optimal for their growth, as well as one concentration below and one above the optimal. All the halophilic fungi accumulated sugars sucrose and trehalose, and polyols erythritol, ribitol, arabitol, xylitol, inositol, mannitol, and dulcitol at each of these salt concentrations. An increase in the solar salt concentrations in the growth medium resulted in an increase in the total concentration of osmolytes accumulated by the mycelia; a positive correlation was also seen with individual osmolytes. These fungi showed low intracellular accumulation of sodium and potassium cations, which may therefore not contribute significantly in osmoregulation; however, a high concentration of Na+ was detected on the fungal cell wall, indicating this to be a protective mechanism for the fungal cell. This indicates that the halophilic fungi examined are essentially osmo-conformers, operating on a mechanism of organic osmolyte accumulation for adaptation to hypersaline environments. 

Keywords: Compatible solutes, salt-in-cytoplasm, obligate halophilic fungi, facultative halophilic fungi

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/36-38

KAVAKA 55:36-38 (2020)

Effect of Carbon Nutrition on the vegetative growth of Cylindrocladium parvum 

C. Manoharachary

Department of Botany, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500007, Telangana

Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

(Submitted on October 20, 2020; Accepted on December 12, 2020)

ABSTRACT 

Cylindrocladium parvum P. J. Anderson is known to cause leaf spot disease on Eucalyptus sp. collected from Bhadrachalam. This pathogen has not been worked out for its carbon nutritional requirements. Therefore, an attempt has been made to study the efficacy of Glucose and Fructose (Monosaccharides), Maltose and Sucrose (Disaccharides) on the growth and sporulation of this pathogenic fungus. Fructose was found to support highest growth in comparison to other monosaccharide and disaccharide sugars evaluated.

Keywords: Cylindrocladium parvum, disaccharides, Eucalyptus monosaccharides, carbon nutrition.

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/39-49

KAVAKA 55: 39-49 (2020)

Bioactive Metabolites of Endophytic fungi of Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. 

^*Sunil Kumar Deshmukh^1,2,   Manish Kumar Gupta³ and V.Venkateswara Sarma⁴

¹TERI-Deakin Nano Biotechnology Centre, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Darbari Seth Block, IHC Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003, India

²Agpharm Bioinnovations LLP, Science & Tech Entrepreneurs Park, Thapar institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, Punjab 147001 

³SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University, Gurugram-122505 (HR), India

⁴Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Pondicherry-605014, India

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

(Submitted on November 15, 2020; Accepted on December 26, 2020)

ABSTRACT 

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms residing within the plant without causing any harm to the host plants. These fungi are known to produce diverse classes of chemical compounds with useful biological activities. Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh.  is a mangrove plant belonging to family Acanthaceae and used in traditional medicine. Mangrove plant A. marina harbors a large number of endophytic fungi which are known to produce an array of biologically active heterocyclic compounds.  In the present review nearly 135 compounds reported from the endophytic fungi associated with mangrove plant A. marina are highlighted. These compounds were isolated from the species of genera Xylaria,  Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stemphylium, Cladosporium, Phoma,  and an unidentified fungus. 

Keywords: Endophytic fungi, Avicennia marina, bio-active compounds, Xylaria, Penicillium

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/50-57

KAVAKA 55: 50-57 (2020)

Application of digital colorimeter for preliminary characterization of gold nanoparticle swarms produced by Termitomyces heimii using a novel Bioinspired Microfluidics assay

Sujata Dabolkar and Nandkumar M. Kamat*

Mycological Laboratory, Department of Botany, Goa University, Taleigao Goa-403206, India

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on July16, 2020; Accepted on October 29, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Fungi appear to be promising for large scale production of nanoparticles (NPs) as these are simpler to grow both in the laboratory and at industrial scale. This paper reports a novel microfluidics based assay system to detect Gold bioreduction capacity of different tissues in tissue based and cell free environment. Using sterile microtestplate, different tissues of Termitomyces heimii Natarajan mature fruitbodies were tested for bioreduction with 200 μL chloroauric acid (one mM) at an interval of 5,10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 120 min and 12, 24 and 48 hours. The results in terms of production of distinct nanoparticles were directly visualized microscopically and using mobile based digital colorimeter. Membrane filtered sterile water-soluble extracts (SWSE) from the same tissues were similarly screened. The results manifested by mono and polydisperse GNPs and microparticles of mixed size groups demonstrated that cell free system is potentially useful for bioinspired fabrication of GNPs. 

Keywords: Microfluidistic  assay, gold, bioreduction, termitophilic mushrooms

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/58-64

KAVAKA 55: 58-64 (2020)

Onychomycosis caused by Fusarium concentricum Nirenberg & O’ Donnell and Fusarium proliferatum (Matsush.) Nirenberg in primary school children

Anjali Sharma and Geeta Sumbali*

Department of Botany, University of Jammu, BR Ambedkar Road Jammu-180006 (India)

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on August 29, 2020; Accepted on October 24, 2020)

ABSTRACT

In the present study, two cases of onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) caused by Fusarium concentricum and Fusarium proliferatum in school children of Kalakot (Rajouri, J&K) are described. The onychomycotic isolates were identified on the basis of cultural characters, diagnostic morphological features and by molecular characterization. Both these fusarial species are of uncommon occurrence and have not been recorded earlier as onychomycotic agents among children. The risk of nail contamination among children may be attributed to their careless behavior towards cleanliness and frequently playing with the soil, which is an important reservoir of Fusarium species.

Keywords:  Onychomycosis, children, NCBI-Blast, Fusarium concentricum, F. proliferatum

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/65-70

KAVAKA 55: 65-70 (2020)

Two new records of Genus Agaricus from Western Ghats forests of India

R. Kantharaja, K. J. Nandan Patel, M. Krishnappa*

Department of PG Studies and Research in Botany, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta, Shivamogga, Karnataka 577 451, India

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on July 25, 2020; Accepted on October 10, 2020)

ABSTRACT 

Two species of the genus Agaricus L., each from Sect. Brunneopicti Heinem. (A. Chiangmaiensis Karun., Guinb. and K.D. Hyde) and Sect. Arvenses (Konrad and Maub.) Konrad and Maub. (A. flocculosipes R.L. Zhao, Desjardin, Guinb. and K.D. Hyde) newly reported from India. The specimens were collected from different parts of Central Western Ghats and studied by morphological, microscopic and molecular phylogenetics using nrITS and nrLSU sequences. The current study presents the descriptions, color photographs, and phylogenetic relationships.

Keywords: Agaricales; floccose; ITS; morpho-molecular; taxonomy, Western Ghats.

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/71-76

KAVAKA 55 : 71-76 (2020)

Isolation and identification of phosphate (P) solubilizing halophytic fungal endophytes 

Apurva Sawant and B.F. Rodrigues* 

Department of Botany, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa 403 206.

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on June 20, 2020; Accepted on September 30, 2020)

ABSTRACT 

Mangrove endophytes are an essential group of halophytic fungi involved in the solubilization of inorganic phosphate (P) into available organic form of P. In the present study, the diversity of potential P solubilizing fungal endophytes was studied by using Pikovskaya’s media. The highest colonization of endophytic fungi was recorded in Avicennia officinalis. A total of 37 fungal taxa representing 15 genera were isolated along with seven sterile non-sporulating isolates. The relative abundance (RA) and isolation frequency (IF) were recorded highest in Aspergillus niger (MEn27) and Scolecobasidium sp. (MEn39). It was observed that Shannon-Weiner (H) and Simpson diversity index (D) was 1.5 and 1, respectively. Fungal isolates showed positive P solubilizing activity in solid and liquid media. The highest P solubilization potential was recorded in Drechslera sp. A significant decrease in the pH of the liquid media from 7 (un-inoculated control tubes) to 3.11 was observed. The results indicated the potency of endophytic fungi to solubilize P. 

 KEYWORDS: Mangroves, tropical ecosystem, endophytic fungi, Pikovskaya media, phosphate solubilization.

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/77-83

KAVAKA 55: 77-83 (2020)

Cultivation of a wild strain of Schizophyllum commune on agro-industrial wastes

Sanjit Debnath^1*, Sanchita Bhattacharya¹, Panna Das² and Ajay Krishna Saha¹

¹Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar-799 022, Tripura, India.

²Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar-799 022, Tripura, India.

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on June 24, 2020; Accepted on November 17, 2020)

ABSTRACT

The widely distributed macrofungal species Schizophyllum commune Fr. is one of the important mushrooms due to its diverse biological properties. The primary aim of this study was to collect and culture S. commune from the wild, taxonomically investigate, identify, cultivate, and evaluate its productivity and biological efficiency on natural substrate. The results revealed that sawdust with rice bran (1:1) was the most suitable substrate for cultivation of S. commune amongst the tested substrates with productivity ranging from 3.926-6.322 % and biological efficiency from 7.55-12.157 %. S. commune is an easily cultivable wild edible mushroom and is a good source of nutraceuticals and medicines for maintaining and promoting human health.

KEYWORDS: Split gills, mushroom, agro-residues waste, cultivation techniques.

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/84-90

KAVAKA 55: 84-90 (2020)

Efficacy of Impression (Tricyclazole 45%+Hexaconazole 10%WG) against Fruit rot (Colletotrichum sp.) and Leaf spot (Alternaria and Cercospora) of Pomegranate under field condition

Suresh D. Ekabote^1*, Pruthviraj², Divyajyothi, U³ and Nalina, S. O.⁴

¹Department of Horticulture Crop Protection, College of Horticulture, Hiriyur, UAHS, Shivamogga

²Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Shivamogga, UAHS, Shivamogga

³ZBNF, ZAHRS, Babbur farm, Hiriyur

⁴Department of Horticulture Crop Protection, College of Horticulture, Hiriyur

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on June 26, 2020; Accepted on November 27, 2020)

ABSTRACT

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), Is one of the ancient and highly priced favorite fruit which belongs to family Lythraceae of order Myrtales and it is mainly grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In recent years, successful cultivation of pomegranate is faced by many constraints, among them, pest and diseases are the major ones. Common diseases of pomegranate leaf and fruits include Anthracnose and Cercospora and Alternaria leaf spot and these diseases cause severe loss to pomegranate crop. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out on the effect of Tricyclazole 45%+Hexaconazole 10%WG against leaf spots and fruit rot of pomegranate during 2018-19 and 2019-2020 at College of Horticulture, Hiriyur. Experimental results revealed that all the treatments significantly reduced the leaf spots and fruit rot disease severity over untreated control. Tricyclazole 45%+Hexaconazole 10%WG@ 1.25 gm/L was most effective in the management of leaf spots (9.64 and 12.00 PDI) and anthracnose of pomegranate (7.17 and 12.87 PDI), respectively followed by the same fungicide @ 1.00gm/L with a yield of 5.24 tons/ha and 5.64 tons/ha, respectively

Keywords: Cercospora and Alternaria leaf spot, Anthracnose, Tricyclazole + Hexaconazole

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/91-100

KAVAKA 55: 91-100 (2020)

Plant growth promoting activities of soil fungi resistant to synthetic fertilizers

Ramasamy Vijayakumar^*1, Kasinathan Karthika¹ and Rajendran Senthilkumar²

¹Department of Microbiology, Government Arts and Science College, Perambalur - 621 107, Tamilnadu, India.

²Department of Microbiology, P.G. Extension Centre, Bharathidasan University, Perambalur - 621 107, Tamilnadu, India

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on May 5, 2020; Accepted on October 29, 2020)

ABSTRACT

The present study assessed the growth promoting activities of regional soil fungi resistant to chemical fertilizers; besides it also evaluated the resolving sensitivities of the origami optical microscope-Foldscope. Regional agricultural fields derived soil samples were assessed for their physico-chemical parameters and were subsequently processed to isolate the soil fungi. The morphologically identified fungal isolates were also studied microscopically using the Foldscope, a modern microscopic tool. Further, the predominant fungi of the soil were studied for their growth ability on various culture media, different pH levels and temperature regimes. Impacts of various synthetic fertilizers on the growth of the test fungal isolates were also evaluated. The findings showed that Trichoderma harzianum and Aspergillus niger were the most common isolates from all the sampling sites of Tamilnadu State, India, and were also the most resistant mycoflora against the synthetic fertilizers applied to the agricultural soil. In addition, the plant growth promoting properties of the predominant fungi associated with Vigna mungo crop plant were also described.

Keywords: Foldscope, soil fungi, fertilizers  tolerance, plant growth promoting activity, Vigna  mungo.

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/101-107

KAVAKA 55: 101-107 (2020)

Species Richness of Macrofungi and Ethnomycological Studies in Chitlang, Makwanpur, Central Nepal

Priyanka Shah*, Hari Prasad Aryal and Tej Bahadur Darji

Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on August 23, 2020; Accepted on December 10, 2020)

ABSTRACT 

Macrofungi, the most diverse groups of organisms on earth constitute a significant part of terrestrial ecosystems. Wild edible mushrooms are important non-timber forest products, a potential source of income in terms local trade and export. Inspite of their significant role in ecosystems they are facing threat of extinction due to environment destruction. The main objective of this research is to explore the species richness and indigenous knowledge of macrofungi in the study area. The study was conducted from July to September 2019 in Chitlang, Makwanpur. Field investigation was done by using systematic random sampling where plot of 10×10 m² were layed in line transect at 1600 m, 1800 m and 2000 m. A participatory rural appraisal technique was adopted to obtain information largely on ethnomycological aspects. This investigation explored the diversity of higher fungi with their identification, documentation and utilization. The study reported 129 species belonging to 41 families, 70 genera and 13 orders. The research revealed the use of 13 species of mushroom by the local respondents. Species richness of macrofungi increases with increase in soil moisture, litter cover, soil carbon but the relation between canopy cover and species richness was not significant.

KEYWORDS: Altitudinal gradients, phosphate solubilization, subtropical ecosystem.

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/108-111

KAVAKA 55: 108-111 (2020)

A New Species of Scytalidium Pesante on Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. from Central India

Neha Awasthi^1*, Anurag Dubey², Smriti Bhardwaj² and Akhilanand Rai²

¹Dept. of Botany, Govt. Naveen College, Nowgong, Chhatarpur,MP, India

²Laboratory of Mycotaxonomy, Dept. of Botany, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar, MP, India.

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on June 20, 2020; Accepted on October 12, 2020)

ABSTRACT 

During the mycological survey of Garhpehra forest, Sagar, MP, India, a new species of Scytalidium Pesante was encountered on Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. The material was subsequently worked out, described, illustrated and identified.  After a thorough survey of literature, it was found to be a novel species of Scytalidium which have been named as Scytalidium melanoxylicola sp. nov. Photomicrographs and camera lucida drawings of the investigated fungus has also been provided.

 Keywords: Arthrospores, Chlamydospores, Scytalidium, trichomes

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/112-118

KAVAKA55: 112-118 (2020)

Utility of agro-residues to produce xylanase by Penicillium citrinum MTCC 9620 in solid state fermentation

Jyosthna Khanna Goli and Hameeda Bee*

Department of Microbiology, Osmania University, Hyderabad- 500007

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on September 5, 2020; Accepted on November 27, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Wheat bran was found to be the best substrate, for cellulase free endo-1, 4-β-xylanase production by solid state fermentation (SSF) using Penicillium citrinum MTCC 9620. One factor at a time (OFAT) approach was carried out to optimize process parameters for xylanase production by SSF, resulting in xylanase production of 405U/gds after 96 h of incubation at 30°C, 80% moisture with urea as source of nitrogen and maltose as a co-substrate (additional carbon source).  Further, statistical approach by Box–Behnken design was used for optimization of pH, incubation time, biomass concentration and moisture content to obtain maximum xylanase yield of 1225U/gds at PH 6, with 1g biomass, 80% moisture and incubation time of 4 days, respectively. The xylanase production by statistical approach was found to be 3fold higher in comparison to OFAT approach.

KEYWORDS: Solid state fermentation, OFAT, statistical approach, optimization, Box Behnken design

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/119-120 

KAVAKA 55: 119-120 (2020)

Maheshwaramyces cryptocaryae sp. nov. (Lembosiaceae, Asterinales, Ascomycota) on Cryptocarya wightiana Thw. from Goodrical Reserve, Ranny forest, Kerala, India

Jacob Thomas* and Nisha Mathew 

PG & Research Dept. of Botany, Mar Thoma College, Kuttappuzha P O, Tiruvalla 689103, Kerala, India

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on July 20, 2020; Accepted on October 12, 2020)

ABSTRACT

In this paper a new foliicolous fungal species of genus Maheshwaramyces, namely Maheshwaramyces cryptocaryae sp. nov., was found infecting the leaves of Cryptocarya wightiana Thw. (Lauraceae). The newly named fungus belongs to the family Lembosiaceae of the order Asterinales.

KEYWORDS: New species, Maheshwaramyces, Lembosiaceae, taxonomy, fungi, Western Ghats

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/121-127

KAVAKA 55 : 121-127 (2020)

Some more additions to the mycotoxin profile of dried red chillies from Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir

Shallu  Samyal and  Geeta Sumbali*

Department of Botany, Govt. College for Women Parade Ground, Jammu 180001, India. 

*Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu, Pin- 180006, India 

Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on October 20, 2020; Accepted on December 10, 2020)

ABSTRACT 

A study was undertaken to isolate and enumerate species of Aspergillus and Penicillium and their toxic secondary metabolites associated with the pericarp of dried red chillies sampled from Jammu and Kashmir (UT). To recover maximum species, three different media, viz., Czapek Dox Agar (CDA), Dichloran 18% Glycerol Agar (DG-18), and Malt Salt Agar (MSA) were used. Mycoflora assessment indicates that chilli pericarp is capable of harbouring a number of species belonging to these two genera and their perfect states. Overall, Aspergillus and Penicillium were equally represented by 15 species each, followed in decreasing order by their perfect states, Eurotium and Emericella, which were represented by three and two species, respectively. In view of the detection of fungal species, which are known producers of toxic metabolites, the samples were investigated for some more toxins like ochratoxin A, patulin and citrinin by using multimycotoxin method and HPLC analyser. Results revealed the presence of all the three toxins in 15-70 per cent samples. Detection of these mycotoxins from the dried red chillies marketed in Jammu and Kashmir is of great concern as it is an important spice of commerce, which is used daily in almost every household for cooking and seasoning.

KEY WORDS: Chilli pericarp, Aspergillus, Penicillium, ochratoxin A, patulin, citrinin.

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/128-133

KAVAKA 55: 128-133(2020)

A new species of Rhizopogon from Kashmir valley, India 

Mehrajud Din Talie, Abdul Hamid Wani, Wasim Sajad Malik, Mohd Yaqub Bhat*

Department of Botany, Section of Mycology and Plant Pathology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar (190006), India.

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on September 21, 2020; Accepted on December 7, 2020)

ABSTRACT 

A new species of Rhizopogon Fr. & Nordholm, R. cashmerianus associated with Pinus wallichiana was collected and identified for the first time from Kashmir Himalaya. It was characterized and identified on morpho-anatomical and molecular basis by analysis of ITS sequences. The fungal molecular marker (ITS-rDNA) was amplified using universal fungal primers (ITS1F and ITS4R). Bioinformatic data retrieved for its molecular identification and the rDNA sequence, when aligned in GenBank by performing BLAST indicates that R. cashmerianus is a new species. The rDNA sequence of this species forms a distinct clade from the rest of species of the same genus. Therefore, this species is being described for the first time from Kashmir Valley.

KEYWORDS: Molecular identification, morpho-anatomical characterization, phylogenetic analysis, Rhizopogon.

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/134-138

KAVAKA 55: 134-138 (2020)

Effect of Foliar Application of Phosphorus on Rhizosphere and Rhizoplane Fungal diversity in Brassica juncea

Walay Y. Tagade^1*, M. V. Kawale², R. B. Zode³ and R. P. Thakre⁴

^1,3 Department of Botany, C.J. Patel College, Tirora, Dist- Gondia, Maharashtra-441911

²Department of Botany, Dhote Bandhu Science College, Gondia, Maharashtra-441614

⁴Department of Botany, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra- 440033

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on July 2, 2020;  Accepted on November 9, 2020)

ABSTRACT

The microbial communities, also called as microhabitat, play an important role in the growth and development of the plants. The rhizosphere fungal diversity is always different from the non-rhizosphere fungal diversity. The foliar application of fertilizers has significant effect on fungal diversity of rhizosphere. Hence, a study was conducted to understand the effect of foliar application of phosphorus on the rhizosphere and rhizoplane fungal diversity of cultivar line EH-3 and varuna variety of Brassica juncea. The foliar application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate as a source of phosphorus was used at the concentration of 0.5 and 1%. The foliar application of phosphorus resulted in considerable changes in the fungal diversity of treated plants as compared to the control plants. During the study in all 36 fungal species were isolated from rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil. The number of fungal colonies were found to be more during the flowering stage as compared to seedling and maturity stage. Aspergillus sp. was found to be significantly dominant compared to other rhizosphere fungal diversity as it was documented to account for 30-40% rhizosphere fungal microbes followed by Fusarium sp. which was around 15%. Apart from these, remaining all fungi documented were found to account for less than 10% of the fungal population. The rhizoplane study also revealed that the per cent occurrence of Aspergillus sp. was more in control as well as in treated plants of EH-3 and variety varuna.

KEYWORDS: EH-3, Foliar application, phosphorus, rhizoplane, rhizosphere, fungal diversity.

doi:10.36460/Kavaka/55/2020/139-145

KAVAKA 55 : 139-145 (2020)

Screening of antioxidant properties from fruiting bodies, culture broth and mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum

Krishna Kondragunta V¹, Roshini S² and Chandra Sekarenthiran S^*

¹Shri A.M.M. Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre, Taramani, Chennai-113

²Jeppiaar Engineering College, Chennai-119, Tamil Nadu

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on May 27, 2020; Accepted on November 25, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom originated from China. It is also called lingzhi in China and reishi in Japan. The biologically active compounds of G. lucidum possess anti-cancer, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant activities. In the current study, growth of G. lucidum in Potato Dextrose Broth and free radical scavenging activity of mycelia, culture filtrate and fruiting bodies were examined. The maximum mycelia growth (0.98±0.2 g/50 mL) was recorded on day 12 at static condition. The maximum antioxidant activity (95.3±1.7% and 77.9±1.37%) was recorded against DPPH and ABTS radicals for Ganoderma fruiting body extract, extracted with acetone (750 µg/mL) and methanol  (1000 µg/mL concentration). Static condition recorded the maximum activity (35.79±8.5 %) on day 9 for culture filtrate against DPPH whereas 3rd day recorded the maximum (48.7±1.6%) activity against ABTS assay. The maximum activity (51.24 ± 7.8 %) recorded for the mycelia  harvested on day 12 against DPPH and (62.28 ± 8.2 %) against ABTS radical. 

KEYWORDS: Ganoderma lucidum, antioxidant, radical scavenging activity, DPPH, ABTS

Guidelines for the Reviewers of Kavaka

The manuscripts submitted for publication in Kavaka being Transactions of Mycological Society of India are subjected to exhaustive review system that is in tune with the COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers. The journal follows the blind review system for the same. The worthy reviewers are requested to go though the following guidelines before proceeding with their review.  

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The Editor-in-Chief/Editors will assign appropriate reviewers matching with the area and scope of the submitted manuscript to get the best reviews possible. Potential reviewers should provide journals with personal and professional information that is accurate and a fair representation of their expertise, including verifiable and accurate contact information. The reviewers should agree to review only if they have the necessary expertise to assess the manuscript and can be unbiased in assessment. 

Timeliness: 

The reviewer should respond to an invitation within a week, even if he/she cannot undertake the review. If a reviewer is unable to review, he/she can make suggestions for alternative reviewers if relevant, based on their expertise and without any influence of personal considerations or any intention of the manuscript receiving a specific outcome.
Conducting a review

After accepting the request, the reviewer should go through the manuscript, supplementary data files and ancillary material thoroughly. The reviewer should contact the Editor-in-Chief/Editor if anything is not clear and requesting any missing or incomplete items needed. 

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The reviewer should respect the confidentiality of the review process and refrain from using information obtained during the peer review process for one’s own or another’s advantage, or to disadvantage or discredit others. The reviewer should not involve anyone else in the review of a manuscript without first obtaining permission from the Editor in Chief/Editor in this regard. 

Bias and competing interests: 

In case the reviewer finds a competing interest that might prevent him/her from providing a fair and unbiased review, he/she must inform the Editor in Chief/Editor and seek advice. If a reviewer is not having the necessary expertise to assess the relevant aspects of a manuscript, he/she should immediately intimate the Editor-in-Chief/Editor so as to avoid the undue delay in the review process. The reviewer must declare all potential competing or conflicting interests. Competing interests may be personal, financial, intellectual, professional, political or religious in nature.

Suspicion of ethics violations: 

If the reviewer comes across any irregularities with respect to research and publication ethics, he/she should inform the Editor in Chief/Editor at the earliest so that appropriate action in this regard can be taken in time. 

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The reviewers are requested to be objective and constructive in their review, providing feedback that will help the authors to improve their manuscript. The reviewer should act professionally and refrain from being hostile or inflammatory and from making libelous or derogatory personal comments or unfounded accusations. The review report must consider the originality of the work, salient features/significant contribution, quality of the work and mode of presentation. The reviewer should make a clear recommendation in the form of Accepted/ Requires minor revision/ Requires major revision/ Not suitable for the journal/ Rejected. The basis for the recommendation must be based on constructive arguments and facts based on the manuscript quality and the content. 

Language and style: 

The changes required in language and style if any should be sound and clear. 

Suggestions for further work: 

In case the manuscript is lacking some analyses, the reviewer should comment and explain what additional analyses would be required to clarify the work submitted.

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The review report should be prepared by the reviewer himself/herself. The reviewer should avoid making unfair negative comments, unjustified criticism or inclusion of one’s own or an associate’s work merely to increase citation counts. The suggestions must be based on valid sound academic or technological reasons. 

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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

Mycological Society of India, since its inception, through yearly activities and the Society Journal, has been involved in serving and propagating the cause of Mycology in India. Unfortunately this year's Society meeting and the International Conference which was scheduled for 2nd week of October, 2020 at Botany Department, Punjabi University, Patiala has to be postponed to the third week of February, 2021 due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. Under the circumstances, thinking of organizing online webinars via internet in real time by the MSI Mumbai Unit is a welcome step converting adverse situation we all are facing into opportunity for serving the cause of mycology through the innovative intervention of technology. All the online lectures delivered on different aspects of Mycology by eminent Mycologists were highly successful and well attended. Every time more than 300 participants connected over Zoom platform from throughout India and the discussion generated thereafter speaks volumes about the success of the events. This is a step worth emulating for the other Institutions to follow in such difficult times. Hearty congratulations to Dr. S.K. Deshmukh, President, MSI Mumbai Unit, for the splendid job done through this unique initiative. The current COVID 19 pandemic situation is in need of serious intervention by the Mycologists worldwide. Looking at the contribution of Fungi in human health the exploration and evaluation of different groups of Fungi for their antimicrobial activity may play a significant role in the current pandemic. In my opinion mycologists have opportunity to work for meeting the challenge of putative invasive pulmonary aspergillosis posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the critically suffering patients. Since there are only limited number of antifungal drugs available for treating such cases and that too with lot of limitations. We as mycologists needs to collaborate with some clinicians at least to identify such strains of pathogenic fungi and provide the desired inputs in this regard to the Biotech/Pharma companies for the innovation of safe and effective noval antifungals capable of tackling such serious invasive infections. This is a huge challenge before us towards which especially the medical mycologists can contribute their bit.

At the same time I wish to inform all the members about the revised Instructions to the Authors for submission of articles to KAVAKA, which have been slightly modified to address the requirements of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). These are available both on the MSI and the Journal website.

My thanks are due to all the authors of the articles included in this issue of the Journal. Thanks are also due to all the reviewers for their help in critical appraisal of the manuscripts which has helped in the improvement of the quality of the articles and the timely release of the Journal.

June 30, 2020

N.S. ATRI

Editor-in-Chief KAVAKA

Department of Botany

Punjabi University, Patiala

Pin- 147 002, Punjab, INDIA

Front Pages    Contents  

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/1-9

KAVAKA 54: 1-9 (2020)

Exploration, Sociobiology and Conservation of Mushrooms - My experience*

N.S. Atri

Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala- 147 002, Punjab, India

Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I express a deep sense of gratitude from the core of my heart to the honorable members of Mycological Society of India for electing me as President of the Society for the year 2019 and also bestowing upon me the responsibility of Editor-in-Chief of KAVAKA being Transactions of Mycological Society of India. Before my election as President, the Society has honored me by giving me various positions of responsibility as member of Editorial Board of KAVAKA, Council Member and also as Vice President of the Society. To my esteemed teacher and mentor Late Dr. Satnam Singh Saini, former Professor and Head Department of Botany and Dean Life Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, I owe a great debt of gratitude. It was he who introduced me to the field of mycology in general and mushrooms in particular when I was a M.Sc. student in the Department from 1976-1978. He was instrumental in inducting me as Lecturer in Botany in the Department in 1987. Ever since I have been working along with my collaborators and students on various aspects including systematics, sociobiology, domestication, conservation, distribution, ecology, mycorrhiza and nutritional and nutraceutical evaluation of mushrooms of North West Himalayas and Punjab Plains.

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/10-23

KAVAKA 54: 10-23 (2020)

Dimensions, diversity and ecology of aquatic mycobiome*

K.R. Sridhar

Department of Biosciences, Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri, Mangalore, India

Centre for Environmental Studies, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, India

Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on March 12, 2020 ; Accepted on May 24, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Fungi being structurally, functionally and phylogenetically diverse, occupied a wide range of biomes worldwide. It is realized that evaluation of diversity, structure and function of fungal consortium (mycobiome) in an ecosystem will provide wider perspective. Assessment of core-group (major/keystone), less frequent (rare) and cryptic (hidden) fungi and their interaction in a biome will portray ecosystem functions more precisely. Aquatic mycota are overlooked in spite of their potential role in recycling organic matter, biogeochemical cycles, linking food webs and production of precious metabolites. Improved methodology and precision to understand the morphology, physiology, biochemistry, ecology and mutualism has driven the attention of mycologists and ecologists towards aquatic mycobiome recently. Aquatic mycota serve in the ecosystem as communities, hence their dynamics, spatiotemporal dimensions, mutual interactions and energetics will be of prime significance in ecosystem services. This contribution mainly emphasizes highlighting the dimensions, diversity, ecology and functions of filamentous fungi in different aquatic ecosystems.

Keywords: Aquatic fungi, decomposition, ecological functions, human interference, Indian subcontinent

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/24-29

KAVAKA 54: 24-29 (2020)

Studies on the nutritional requirement and in vitro synthesis of mycorrhiza of Cedrus deodara with Rhizopogon himalayensis

Lal Singh¹, Ashwani Tapwal², J.S. Thakur³ and T.N. Lakhanpal^4*

¹Himalayan Research Group, Chotta Shimla 171002, Himachal Pradesh

²Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla 171013, Himachal Pradesh

³Govt. College Banjar, Kullu 175123, Himachal Pradesh

⁴Department of Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla 171005, Himachal Pradesh

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on March 13, 2020; Accepted on May 31, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Investigations on in vitro cultures of Rhizopogon himalayensis Mujic et al. (syn.: Trappeindia himalayansis), a mycobiont of Cedrus deodara discovered first in the N.W. Himalayas, were carried out on twelve solid and four liquid media to determine its requirement of carbon, nitrogen, trace elements, vitamins and growth regulators. Out of these Pridham Yeast Malt Dextrose Agar and Glucose Asparagine solution, respectively were evaluated as the best solid and liquid mediums for the growth of this mycobiont. For investigations, the basal media was amended with different concentrations of selected nutrient sources. The dry weight of mycelium was recorded and compared with control. The results revealed that out of sixteen carbon sources evaluated maximum growth of mycelium was observed in basal medium having sucrose as the carbon source. Among the twenty four organic, inorganic and complex nitrogen sources, arginine supported the maximum mycelial growth as compared to others. The amendment of the basal media with different trace elements had no significant effect on the mycelial growth of the mycobiont. Among vitamins and growth hormones, ascorbic acid and gibberellic acid, respectively registered enhanced growth of R. himalayensis. In vitro ectomycorrhizal synthesis between R. himalayansis and C. deodara was achieved and the synthesized mycorrhiza resembled the natural one in almost all aspects.

Keywords: Rhizopogon himalayensis, Trappeindia himalayensis, Cedrus deodara, hypogeous, mycobiont, nutritional requirement, N.W. Himalaya.

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/30-37

KAVAKA 54: 30-37 (2020)

New records of lamellate mushrooms associated with Sal from Shiwaliks, India

Jitender Kumar and N. S. Atri*

Lal Bahadur Shastri Govt. P.G. College, Saraswati Nagar, Shimla-171206, India.

*Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala-147002, India.

Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on January 15, 2020 ; Accepted on May 5, 2020)

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with four new records of fungal taxa from India. These were collected from Shiwalik range of North West, India, in association with Shorea robusta. These include Amanita battarrae (Boud.) Bon, Asproinocybe lactifera Heim., Russula chlorinosma Burl. and R. nobilis Velen. Morphological and microscopic characters are described and illustrated.

Key words: Ectomycorrhiza, diversity, Sal forest, taxonomy.

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/38-42

KAVAKA 54: 38-42 (2020)

New species and new records of Astrosphaeriellaceae from Andaman Islands, India

M. Niranjan and V.V. Sarma*

Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Pondicherry–605014, India.

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on January 19, 2020; Accepted on April 16, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India are relatively underexplored for fungal diversity. From the studies conducted from Andaman region, a few new species and new records have been documented. Astrosphaeriellaceae is characterized by superficial ascomata, or beneath the host periderm, thick carbonaceous walls with central ostioles, brown fusiform ascospores, and hyphomycetous or ceolomycetous anarmophs. In the present paper, we introduce two new species, viz. Astrosphaeriella uniseptata and Pithomyces hyalosporae and report two new records i.e Astrosphaeriella stellata and Astrosphaeriella tornata.

Key words: Astrosphaeriellaceae, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes, new records, new species.

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/43-46

KAVAKA 54: 43-46 (2020)

First Aeromycological Profile of the Mandangad tahsil, Maharashtra, India

V. D. Chavan

Loknete Gopinathji Munde Arts, Commerece and Science College Madangad, District -Ratnagiri

Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on January 25, 2020; Accepted on May 15, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Aim of this survey is to present the first aeromycological report of Mandangad tahsil, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India. In all 22 species of 16 genera from the 14 different localities of Mandangad tahsil were isolated successfully. From amongst the isolated fungi the species of Aspergillus, Rhizopus and Mucor were found to be the most dominating microbial components of the aeromycoflora whereas Alternaria solani, Emmonsia pasteuriana, Curvularia lunata, Candida albicans, Humicola grisea, Penicillium spp., Rhizoctonia solani and Satchybotrys chartarum were least abundant in comparison. Some of these including Sclerotium rolfsii, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Fusarium dimerum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Cladosporium herbarum and Cladosporium chartarum showed general abundance. Hence first aeromycological profile of Mandangad tahsil apprise us about the fungal aeromycoflora affecting local medicinal and timber plants, human population, fruits, food products, clothes, furniture, leather products and dairy products, etc.

Keywords: Fungal diversity, airborne, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Mucor spp., aeromycology

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/47-49

KAVAKA 54: 47-49 (2020)

First report of false smut caused by Graphiola phoenicis on Indian wild date (Phoenix sylvestris) from India

S., Mahadevakumar¹, Y.S., Deepika^2,3, N., Lakshmidevi³ and K.N., Amruthesh^1*

¹Applied Phytopathology Laboratory, Department of Studies in Botany, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru–570 006, Karnataka, India;

²Department of Studies in Botany, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru–570 006, Karnataka, India;

³Department of Studies in Microbiology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru–570 006, Karnataka, India;

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on February 10, 2020; Accepted on April 29, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Phoenix sylvestris grown widely in southern parts of Karnataka showing characteristic false smut disease symptoms was noticed recently. The symptoms on foliar pinnae include small yellowish lesions on both sides of the leaf blade with brown to black globular or cylindrical and irregular sori. They were subepidermal in origin with hard and dark coloured outer wall shaving ostiole. Mature sori whitish to creamy, thread like and filaments emerging from the ostiole were observed. Micro-morphological studies revealed that, the associated fungus was Graphiola phoenicis, a member of basidiomycetous fungi. So far there is no report on the occurrence of false smut on wild date palm (P. sylvestris) in India.

Keywords: False smut, Phoenix sylvestris, Graphiola phoenicis, new host record.

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/50-54

KAVAKA 54: 50-54 (2020)

Studies on morphological and molecular identification of Geastrum from Gujarat, India

Ravi S. Patel, Ajit M. Vasava and Kishore S. Rajput*

Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara 390002, India

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on February 13, 2020; Accepted on May 10, 2020)

ABSTRACT

The Genus Geastrum Pers. (Geastraceae), is a cosmopolitan gastroid mushroom possessing enclosed hymenophore. Its species are commonly known as earthstars because of the splitting exoperidium giving the fungus a star like morphology. In the Western part of India, it is represented by three species, viz. Geastrum saccatum Fr., G. rufescens Pers. and G. triplex Jungh. These are being recorded for the first time from the Gujarat State. Specimens were collected from Vansda National Park and Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary during field survey undertaken from 2014-2019. Identification was carried out based on the morphological features and further confirmation was done by molecular phylogenetic analyses using nuclear rDNA ITS sequencing. Molecular data has been submitted to BOLD system for DNA barcoding.

Key words: Fungal diversity, Geastraceae, Geastrum, ITS, DNA barcoding.

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/55-56

KAVAKA 54: 55-56 (2020)

Asteridiella micheliifolia var. macrospora var. nov. from Vagamon hills, Kerala, India

Hina Mohamed and Jacob Thomas*

Post graduate and Research Department of Botany, Mar Thoma College, Tiruvalla- 689103, Kerala, India.

*Corresponding author Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on February 15, 2020; Accepted on May 2, 2020)

ABSTRACT

During fungal exploration of Vagamon hills of Western Ghats in Kerala state, India, Michelia champaka L. (Magnoliaceae) was found infected with a black mildew fungus. Critical microscopic examination of the fungus revealed that it is a new variety of Asteridiella micheliifolia Hosag. et al., which has larger ascospores when compared to the type. The new variety A. micheliifolia var. macrospora is described in this paper.

Keywords : Black mildew, foliicolous fungi, Michelia, new variety, Western Ghats, Asteridiella

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/57-63

KAVAKA 54: 57-63 (2020)

Role of defense enzymes in the induction of host resistance to leaf blight of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

K. S. Shilpashree and M. S. Sharada*

Department of Studies in Botany, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570006, Karnataka, India

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on February 15, 2020; Accepted on May 23, 2020)

ABSTRACT

The present study highlights the role of defense-related enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in inducing resistance in turmeric against fungal leaf blight pathogen Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler designated as CL1 which was isolated from the infected leaf of Curcuma longa L. and subsequently identified on the basis of morphological and molecular sequencing studies. The results of our study indicated that defense enzymes activity was maximum at 24 h for PAL, 12 h for POX and 48 h for PPO, respectively upon pathogen inoculation in resistant cultivar. The enzyme activity increased significantly (P<0.05) in resistant genotype upon pathogen inoculation. Indeed, the increase in enzyme activities was not significant in case of susceptible genotypes. It is quite apparent from the study that in host-pathogen interaction, the initial infection process involved conidium germination followed by penetration through stomata in both the genotypes. However, it was considerably slow in Hassan-8 genotype due to its resistant nature. The DNA sequence of this pathogenic Alternaria alternata CL1 has been submitted to NCBI GenBank under the accession number MN307311.

Keywords: Turmeric, leaf blight, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase,

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/64-73

KAVAKA 54: 64-73 (2020)

Genus Peniophora from Chamba District in Himachal Pradesh

Poonam¹, Avneet Pal Singh^2* and Gurpaul Singh Dhingra²

¹Government Post Graduate College, Chamba 176 314, Himachal Pradesh, India

² Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala 147 002, Punjab, India

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on March 12, 2020; Accepted on May 10, 2020)

ABSTRACT

The corticioid genus Peniophora Cooke (Agaricomycetes, Russulales, Peniophoraceae) is described from Chamba district (Himachal Pradesh) based on ten species. Peniophora lycii (Pers.) Höhn. & Litsch. and P. rufomarginata (Pers.) Bourdot & Galzin are described as new records for India and P. incarnata (Pers.) Cooke and P. violaceolivida (Sommerf.) Massee as new for Himachal Pradesh. In addition to these new records, P. limitata (Chaillet ex Fr.) Cooke and P. ovalispora Boidin, Lanq. & Gilles are recorded as new to Chamba district. A key to the species of Peniophora from Chamba district is also presented.

Keywords: Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes, Western Himalaya, wood rotting fungi.

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/74-79

KAVAKA 54: 74-79 (2020)

Testing efficacy of different SAR compounds against late blight pathogen on various germplasm lines of potato

Astha and P. S. Sekhon

Department of Plant Pathology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana– 141 004, Punjab, India

Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on March 17, 2020; Accepted on June 7, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Twenty potato cultivars/germplasm lines having variable degree of susceptibility to Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) De By. pathogen were screened during 2015, 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons for reaction to late blight. Attempts were made to induce systemic acquired resistance (SAR) against the pathogen through application of SAR elicitors Jasmonic acid (JA), Salicylic acid (SA) and Benzothiadiazole (BTH) @ 500µM and Beta Amino butyric acid (BABA) @ 50 mM. The SAR elicitors were sprayed on three-week-old sprouts and their effect on defence related proteins and disease severity was studied. Leaf samples were collected up to 7 days post treatment and used for estimation of total proteins. Sporangial solution (4.0 x 104 sporangia per mL) was sprayed after one week of elicitors spray. Per cent disease severity was recorded at 14 days post inoculation. SA , JA, BTH and BABA increased total soluble proteins in sprayed as well as newly emerged unsprayed leaves indicating systemic induction of defense. Mean maximum protein content i.e. 7.1 mg/g FW was highest in both SA treated; MS/6 1947 and Kufri Khayati followed by 6.9 mg/g FW in Garima and 6.8 mg/g FW in Kufri Jyoti. Maximum disease control of 82.09 % was observed in SA treated foliage of MS/6 -39 followed by MS/6 1947 with disease control of 81.28 %. SA treatment gave per cent disease control of 75.43, 77.07, and 77.29 in Kufri Badshah, Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Pukhraj, respectively. Minimum per cent disease control of 50.15 was observed in BTH treated variety Garima after 14 days of inoculation. Foliar application of SA was most effective followed by JA, BABA and BTH. The response to elicitors was higher in moderately resistant variety but susceptible variety also showed decrease in disease severity after elicitor spray. Integration of disease tolerance and elicitor spray thus proved effective against P. infestans in potato.

Keywords: Phytophthora infestans, foliar spray, salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), benzothiadiazole (BTH), and Beta amino butyric acid (BABA), PR- proteins, disease severity.

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/80-82

KAVAKA 54: 80-82 (2020)

Zygosporium chinensis- A new foliicolous species infecting Litchi chinensis in Chhattisgarh, India

Anshu Deep Khalkho*, Smriti Bhardwaj, Anurag Dubey, Shikha Jain and Akhila Nand Rai

Department of Botany, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, M.P, India 470003

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on March 20, 2020 ; Accepted on May 29, 2020)

ABSTRACT

During the survey of protected forest areas of Ambikapur in north Chhattisgarh in India for foliicolous fungi during the month of January 2018, an interesting fungal form was found infecting both attached living and dried leaves of Litchi chinensis Sonn. Based on phenotypic, microscopic, SEM based investigations and comparison with other allied taxa a new species of Zygosporium Mont. namely Zygosporium chinensis has been described. The new species shows difference in setiform conidiophore septation.

Keywords: Foliicolous, hyphomycetous, Litchi chinensis, SEM, Zygosporium

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/83-88

KAVAKA 54: 83-88 (2020)

Influence of temperature, humidity, and light on the growth and sporulation of Aschersonia aleyrodis

D. N. Bhosale¹, Y. V. Ingle^2*, D. H. Paithankar³ and N. S. Satpute⁴

¹Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. PDKV, Akola-444104 Maharashtra

^2&3AICRP on Fruits, Dr. PDKV, Akola 444104 Maharashtra, India

⁴Department of Entomology, Dr. PDKV, Akola 444104 Maharashtra, India

* Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on March 20, 2020; Accepted on June 8, 2020)

ABSTRACT

The effects of temperature, relative humidity (RH) and light on the growth and sporulation of Aschersonia aleyrodis Webber isolated from the fungus infected nymphs of citrus black fly, Aleurocanthus woglumi, were studied in the laboratory. Maximum colony diameter and spore count was achieved at 25°C followed by 30°C. The relative humidity when kept at 100% and 85% gave significantly higher colony growth and spore count. On an average, continuous light condition was preferred which recorded best average growth and sporulation followed by alternate cycle of 12 hr light and 12 hr dark. Quantitative assessments of growth and conidial production over 10 to 15 days under constant conditions showed that growth and sporulation was optimized at temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, RH > 80 % and continuous light exposure.

Keywords: Aschersonia aleyrodis, temperature, humidity, light and sporulation

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/89-95

KAVAKA 54: 89-95 (2020)

Toxigenic mycoflora and natural co-occurrence of toxins in red chillies from Jammu and Kashmir

Shallu Samyal and Geeta Sumbali*

Department of Botany, Govt. College for Women Parade Ground, Jammu 180001, India

*Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Pin- 180006, India

Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on March 23, 2020; Accepted on May 30, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Quality deterioration of dried red chillies during storage poses a major threat as they are hygroscopic. Moreover, due to unscientific methods of collection, drying and post-harvest storage, red chillies are prone to fungal contamination and their toxins. In view of this, samples of dried red chillies were collected from different regions of Jammu and Kashmir and analysed for fungal species and associated toxins. Investigations revealed the presence of several fungal species, which are known producers of aflatoxins (Aspergillus flavus), cyclopiazonic acid (Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. tamarii, A. oryzae, A.versicolor, Penicillium griseofulvum and P.chrysogenum) and sterigmatocystin (Aspergillus nidulans, A.versicolor, A. sydowii, Chaetomium and Emericella spp.). Qualitative analysis by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and then quantification by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that 36 % of the samples were positive for aflatoxin B1 (0.24 - 2.14 μg/g), 5 % samples were positive for aflatoxin B2 (2.08 - 2.14 μg/g), 31 % of samples were positive for cyclopiazonic acid (1.65 - 144.78 μg/g) and 23 % samples were positive for sterigmatocystin (5.10 - 24.03 μg/g). In addition, co-occurrence of mycotoxins like aflatoxin and cyclopiazonic acid; aflatoxin and sterigmatocystin; aflatoxin, cyclopiazonic acid and sterigmatocystin were detected in 15, 5 and 5% samples, respectively. Detection of more than one mycotoxin from chilli pericarp samples is a matter of great concern as the co-occurrence of mycotoxins may generate additive or synergistic effect in consumers.

Keywords: Chilli pericarp, mycoflora, aflatoxins, cyclopiazonic acid, sterigmatocystin, co-occurrence.

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/96-99

KAVAKA 54: 96-99 (2020)

A novel fungal species of Spiropes on Glochidion zeylanicum - An important medicinal plant from Jashpur, Chattisgarh, India

Anurag Dubey* and Akhila Nand Rai

Department of Botany, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar, M.P., India, 470003

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on April 2, 2020; Accepted on May 30, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Survey to collect the fungal samples from Upperghat area of Jashpur District in Chattisgarh, India was undertaken during the months from September 2016 to December 2018. During the field survey a new species of Spiropes Cif. was encountered infecting Glochidion zeylanicum (Gaertn.) A. Juss. This novel species has been named as Spiropes glochidionis sp. nov. It is characterized based on morphological comparison with previously described closely related species of this genus which exhibits both true and pseudosepta and also differs from other species in the dimensions of conidiophore and conidia. Field photographs showing symptoms on the host plant along with photomicrographs and SEM pictures of the fungus are also provided.

Keywords: Glochidion zeylanicum, Spiropes, new species, amphigenous, synnamata

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/100-102

KAVAKA 54:100-102 (2020)

A new host record for Dictyoarthrinium sacchari (J.A. Stev.) Damon

Smriti Bhardwaj*, Anshu Deep Khalkho, Anurag Dubey and A.N. Rai

Laboratory of Mycotaxonomy, Department of Botany, Dr. Hari Singh Gour University Sagar M. P.

*Corresponding author Email:- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on April 8, 2020; Accepted on June 2, 2020)

ABSTRACT

While investigating the mycological diversity of Sagar district of Central India, an interesting litter hyphomycetous fungus was recorded and studied, which have its association with leaves of Cymbopogon citrates (DC.) Stapf. The symptomatology, macroscopic and microscopic features of the present collection are in conformity with the diagnostic characters of Dictyoarthrinium sacchari (J.A. Stev.) Damon. It is also noteworthy that this fungal species has never been earlier reported on this host. Hence this constitutes a new host record for Dictyoarthrinium sacchari.

Key words:- Hyphomycetous fungi, Dictyoarthrinium central India, leaf litter

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/103-106

KAVAKA 54: 103-106 (2020)

Four polypore species new to Himachal Pradesh

Ramandeep Kaur, Avneet Pal Singh* and Gurpaul Singh Dhingra

Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, Punjab, India

*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on March 13, 2020; Accepted on June 15, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Four species of the polyporoid fungi, namely Ceriporia viridans (Berk. & Br.) Donk, Gloeophyllum carbonarium (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Ryvarden, Grammothele fuligo (Berk. & Broome) Ryvarden and Trametes suaveolens (L.) Fr. are described as new to Himachal Pradesh on the basis of specimens specimens collected from different parts of district Sirmaur of Himachal Pradesh. Genus Grammothele is recorded for the first time from Himachal Pradesh.

Key words: Polyporaceae, polypores, poroid hymenium, hyphal system

https://doi.org/10.36460/Kavaka/54/2020/107-114

KAVAKA 54: 107-114 (2020)

Antioxidant Properties of Two Wild Edible Mushrooms from Andhra Pradesh

Isha Sai^a,* and R. Basavarju^b

^aDepartment of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus, 515001, AP, India

^bDepartment of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, 515134, AP, India

^*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Submitted on May 2, 2020; Accepted on June 16, 2020)

ABSTRACT

Investigations on the antioxidant potential of the methanolic extract of two wild edible mushrooms, namely Podaxis pistillaris (L. ex Pers.) Fr. and Termitomyces heimii Natarajan from Anantapur city in the arid zone of Andhra Pradesh, India has been included in this manuscript. Different concentrations (0.25-1.25 mg/mL) of extract were used for the assays. Out of the two mushrooms, Podaxis pistillaris show very high antioxidant properties in terms of total phenolic content (93.08±2.02 mM GAEs/g at 1.25mg/mL), DPPH radical scavenging activity (91.69±0.15% at 1mg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging assay (98.53±1.50% at 1mg/mL), ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (36.50±0.13 μM trolox equivalents/mg at 1.25mg/mL) and ferrous-ion chelating activity (89.50±0.46% at 1.25mg/mL).

Keywords: Podaxis pistillaris, Termitomyces heimii, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content