Growth and oxidative enzymatic activity of in-vitro cultures of Ciliochorella buxifolia

Taxonomy and evolution history of two new litter-decomposing Ciliochorella (Amphisphaeriales, Sporocadaceae)

The genus Ciliochorella is a group of pestalotioid fungi, which typically occurs in subtropical and tropical areas. Species from the Ciliochorella genus play important roles in the decomposition of litter. In this study, we introduce two new species (Ciliochorellachinensissp. nov. and C.savannicasp. nov.) that were found on leaf litter collected from savanna-like vegetation in hot dry valleys of southwestern China. Phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, ITS and tub2 sequence datasets indicated that C.chinensis and C.savannica respectively form a distinct clade within the Ciliochorella genus. The comparison of the morphological characteristics indicated that the two new species are well differentiated within this genus species. Analysis of the evolutionary history suggests that Ciliochorella originated from the Eurasian continent during the Paleogene (38 Mya). Further, we find that both new species can produce cellulase and laccase, playing a decomposer role.

Fungal transformation and reduction of phytotoxicity of grape pomace waste

Grape pomace (GP) from Vitis labrusca, the main byproduct from "American table wine" production, is recalcitrant to degradation, and its accumulation is a serious problem with negative environmental impacts. In this work, transformation of grape pomace using a steam pretreatment followed by incubation of GP during a 90-day period with six different fungi were evaluated. Several fungi tested reduced the phytotoxicity of water-soluble fraction (WSFd) from steam-pretreated GP after 90 days' incubation to lettuce and tomato seeds. U. botrytis caused the largest effective phytotoxicity reduction of WSFd (used in the concentration range of 10-1.25% p/v) and was the only fungus causing the removal of monoaromatic compounds. Therefore, this procedure with U. botrytis effectively reduces the availability of phytotoxic monoaromatic compounds in GP, which opens a way for the development of guidelines for the management of these wastes and their potential use as organic amendments in agricultural soil.

Nutrient and Physiological Requirements for Biomass Production of Pestalotiopsis sp. UMAS P14 and Pseudopestalotiopsis sp. UMAS P2005/2592

Fungi are important decomposers in our ecosystem and are useful in metabolite production, bio-degradation and bio-sorption of different substrates and wastes through their mycelial biomass. Fungal species are known to have different preferences for their growth requirements. Two fungal species Pestalotiopsis and Pseudopestalotiopsis useful in many biotechnological applications were studied. Nutrient and physiological requirements for mycelial biomass production such as carbon and nitrogen, pH, light and temperature were investigated. Both fungal isolates were grown in liquid basal medium supplemented separately with various carbon and nitrogen source and incubated under different light, pH and temperature conditions for 15 days. In general, Pestalotiopsis sp. and Pseudopestalotiopsis sp. showed significant preferences for monosaccharide and disaccharide carbon source as compared to sugar alcohols and polysaccharides, whereas ammonium tartrate was more preferred as a nitrogen source compared to ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate and other ammonium salts. These two fungal species were able to grow and produce good mycelial biomass (223.33 mg for Pseudopestalotiopsis and 136.67 mg for Pestalotiopsis) at temperature range of 15°C to 30°C and (290.00 mg for Pseudopestalotiopsis and 256.67 mg for Pestalotiopsis) on media pH of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. However, they showed no significant preferences between constant light, total darkness and alternate light conditions. The results from this study will be very useful for the mycelial biomass production of Pestalotiopsis sp. and Pseudopestalotiopsis sp. for their biotechnological applications.

The Use of Gamma Radiation for the Treatment of Cultural Heritage in the Argentine National Atomic Energy Commission: Past, Present, and Future

The use of gamma radiation for treating biodeteriorated cultural heritage on paper has been studied at the Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica-CNEA (Argentina) since 2001. In order to preserve books, publications, and documents that have been attacked by insects or fungi, gamma radiation techniques have been used at CNEA. The activities include basic research as well as their applications in infected documents and papers currently used in libraries and archives. New papers were subjected to accelerated ageing in order to evaluate the effects of gamma radiation on their physical and mechanical properties. Current studies include resistance to radiation in two batches of highly cellulolytic fungi, associated with indoor environment. They are present in papers and adhesives used for conservation purposes at the Laboratory of Preventive Conservation and Restoration of Documents. A joint study has been started in CNEA with the National University of La Plata.