Article
Microbiology
Junping Liu, Yujie Tang, Jiashu Bao, Hankun Wang, Fangren Peng, Pengpeng Tan, Guolin Chu, Shuai Liu
Summary: Understanding microbial communities associated with bulk and rhizosphere soils is important for forest health and productivity. A study on bacterial and fungal communities in pecan plantation soils revealed differences in community structures between bulk and rhizosphere soils. The rhizosphere soil showed lower fungal diversity and a simpler bacterial network, while the opposite was true for fungi. Keystone species involved in nutrient and carbon cycling were enriched in the healthier rhizosphere soil.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Kateryna Davydenko, Rimvydas Vasaitis, Malin Elfstrand, Denys Baturkin, Valentyna Meshkova, Audrius Menkis
Summary: The study found that bark beetle Ips sexdentatus serves as a vector to numerous tree pathogens, including some pathogenic ophiostomatoid fungi. A massive dieback of Pinus sylvestris in eastern Ukraine was attributed to drought-induced stress and attacks by Ips sexdentatus. Limited knowledge is available on the fungi vectored by the beetle in this geographic area.
Article
Ecology
Y. Colin, M-P Turpault, L. Fauchery, M. Buee, S. Uroz
Summary: The composition of mineral-associated fungal communities was found to be influenced by forest plant cover in different types of forests, and there was also variation between different types of minerals.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Lisa Fagerli Lunde, Tone Birkemoe, Havard Kauserud, Lynne Boddy, Rannveig M. Jacobsen, Luis Morgado, Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson, Sundy Maurice
Summary: This study investigates the arthropod communities within fungal fruit bodies in boreal forests using DNA metabarcoding. The results show that arthropod diversity is higher in fruit bodies with a larger surface area-to-volume ratio, while long-lived fruit bodies have more physical or chemical defenses against arthropods. The composition of arthropod communities is influenced by various host traits. Soft and short-lived fruit bodies harbor more true flies, while tough and long-lived fruit bodies have more oribatid mites and beetles. Furthermore, close to 75% of the arthropods are specific to one or two fungal hosts.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Anuruddha Karunarathna, Saowaluck Tibpromma, Ruvishika S. Jayawardena, Chandrika Nanayakkara, Suhail Asad, Jianchu Xu, Kevin D. Hyde, Samantha C. Karunarathna, Steven L. Stephenson, Saisamorn Lumyong, Jaturong Kumla
Summary: Grasslands are major primary producers and important components in watersheds. Various factors, such as fungal interactions, herbivores, and plant-fungal pathogenic interactions, play vital roles in maintaining biodiversity and biomass in grasslands. Decreased species diversity in grasslands can lead to increased severity and transmission rates of fungal diseases, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing ecological complexities in these ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ghulam Murtaza, Muhammad Naeem, Saba Manzoor, Hammad Ahmad Khan, Emad M. Eed, Waqar Majeed, Hussain Ahmed Makki, Uzma Ramzan, Umm E. Ummara
Summary: The peachfruit fly, Bactrocera zonata, is a polyphagous pest that mainly feeds on crops, vegetables, and fruits. The excessive use of chemical insecticides to control this pest has led to concerns regarding public health and the environment. This study evaluated the virulence of three entomopathogenic fungi against B. zonata and found that B. bassiana and M. anisopliae were the most effective. These findings suggest that these fungi could be used as cost-effective bio-insecticides in integrated pest management programs.
Article
Microbiology
Xiaoping Zhang, Qiaoling Li, Zheke Zhong, Zhiyuan Huang, Fangyuan Bian, Chuanbao Yang, Xing Wen
Summary: This study investigated the changes in soil carbon accumulation and fungal communities under different management practices in a Moso bamboo plantation. The results revealed that the management practices significantly affected soil organic carbon distribution and fungal communities. Reducing human interference was found to be beneficial for improving fungal communities and carbon sequestration in Moso bamboo plantations.
Article
Ecology
Thiele Sides Camargo, Mariane Aparecida Nickele, Wilson Reis Filho, Susete do Rocio Chiarello Penteado, Elisiane Castro de Queiroz, Celso Garcia Auer
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex crassispinus and the fungal community. The ants were subjected to treatments with subdoses of granulated baits, which might lead to the discovery of potential biocontrol agents.
Article
Forestry
Fangyuan Shen, Ning Liu, Yujiao Wang, Huifeng Liu, Haikuan Jia, Lixue Yang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Korean pine and Manchurian walnut monocultures and mixed plantations on soil microbial diversity, composition, and functional groups in Northeast China. It found that the diversity of fungal and bacterial communities was higher in Manchurian walnut monocultures compared to Korean pine monocultures. The composition of fungal communities was more influenced by plantation type, while bacterial communities were minimally affected. Soil available nutrient content was identified as the most important factor shaping microbial community structures and functional groups.
Article
Microbiology
Xing-Ye Yu, Bao-Teng Wang, Long Jin, Hong-Hua Ruan, Hyung-Gwan Lee, Feng-Jie Jin
Summary: This study investigated the effects of biogas slurry (BS) fertilization at different concentrations on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community structures in poplar plantation rhizospheric soil. The results showed that different fertilization concentrations significantly influenced the diversity of AMF, with the high BS concentration treatment exhibiting the highest AMF diversity and richness. The addition of BS also increased the relative abundance of the dominant genera, Glomus and Paraglomus. Overall, adding BS fertilizer to poplar plantations can enhance the diversity of AMF communities and the relative abundance of critical genera that affect plant nutrient uptake.
Article
Plant Sciences
Dominik Blesa, Pavel Matusinsky, Romana Sedmikova, Milan Balaz
Summary: Biological control is increasingly common in plant production, and Rh-like fungi have the potential to form endophytic associations and mycorrhizal symbioses with a wide range of higher plants. These fungi, especially when cultivated on organic substrates, show promise for use in production. In vitro studies show the ability of Rh-like fungi to inhibit plant pathogens, with particularly beneficial effects observed in pot experiments.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sharon E. Zytynska, Sarah Sturm, Cathy Hawes, Wolfgang W. Weisser, Alison Karley
Summary: Floral plantings adjacent to crop fields can attract natural enemies to control pests by providing flower nectar and non-crop prey. The success rates may vary due to changes in the unseen community of endosymbionts hosted by herbivorous insects, which can confer resistance to natural enemies. The impact of symbiont combinations on insect control is expected to be stronger in lower diversity systems.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Alyssa A. A. Carrell, Brittany B. B. Hicks, Emilie Sidelinger, Eric R. R. Johnston, Sara S. S. Jawdy, Miranda M. M. Clark, Dawn M. M. Klingeman, Melissa A. A. Cregger
Summary: Plants and microorganisms have important symbiotic interactions that influence plant growth. This study found that nitrogen addition altered plant growth factors and affected the fungal communities in the soil. These findings emphasize the importance of soil origin and plant species in establishing plant-fungal interactions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Andre Boraks, Gregory M. Plunkett, Thomas Morris Doro, Frazer Alo, Chanel Sam, Marika Tuiwawa, Tamara Ticktin, Anthony S. Amend
Summary: The study revealed that fungal communities exhibit distance-decay similarity patterns at different spatial scales, with an unexpected reversal at intermediate scale. Fungal communities from various habitats respond differently to the influences of habitat and geographic distance, where aboveground fungal community turnover is better explained by spatial distance at large scales, while belowground fungal community turnover is better explained by plant community turnover at the same scales.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hidayat Hussain, Nilufar Z. Mamadalieva, Iftikhar Ali, Elizbit, Ivan R. Green, Daijie Wang, Liang Zou, Jesus Simal-Gandara, Hui Cao, Jianbo Xiao
Summary: Natural products with glycosylated molecules play a crucial role in therapeutic effects, with fungal glycosides showing a diverse range of sugar units. Fungal glycosides have significant antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects, making them potential natural preservatives in food.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Audrius Menkis, Deanne Redr, Vikki Bengtsson, Jonas Hedin, Mats Niklasson, Bjorn Norden, Anders Dahlberg
Summary: This study examined the early fungal succession in young trees and the impact of veteranisation on fungal communities. The results showed that veteranisation resulted in similar fungal communities in young trees compared to old trees, and damaged sapwood and heartwood selected for different fungal communities.
Article
Forestry
Kateryna Davydenko, Yuriy Skrylnyk, Oleksandr Borysenko, Audrius Menkis, Natalia Vysotska, Valentyna Meshkova, Ake Olson, Malin Elfstrand, Rimvys Vasaitis
Summary: The study found that the expansion range of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Ukraine is increasing, and European ash trees have stronger resistance to EAB but are more susceptible to dieback disease. The research suggests that it is necessary to inventory and map surviving European ash trees affected by both diseases, in order to carry out long-term restoration work and prevent the invasion of EAB into the EU.
Article
Forestry
Adas Marciulynas, Diana Marciulyniene, Valeriia Mishcherikova, Iva Franic, Jurate Lynikiene, Arturas Gedminas, Audrius Menkis
Summary: The study revealed a high diversity of fungal communities associated with healthy Picea abies trees, with significant variations in relative abundance among different sites, highlighting the complexity of interactions among fungi, host trees, and local environmental factors.
Article
Forestry
Remigijus Bakys, Alfas Pliura, Gintare Bajerkeviciene, Adas Marciulynas, Diana Marciulyniene, Jurate Lynikiene, Audrius Menkis
Summary: Ash dieback caused by the alien fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus has led to the decline of European ash in Lithuania. However, recent inventories have found naturally regenerated ash stands. A study on these stands revealed that the fungal communities associated with ash were mainly composed of endophytic fungi, some of which may limit the infection rate or spread of H. fraxineus. The diversity of fungal taxa was found to be higher in natural ash habitats compared to planted trials, highlighting the importance of natural habitats in ash restoration programs.
Article
Microbiology
Remigijus Bakys, Gintare Bajerkeviciene, Alfas Pliura, Adas Marciulynas, Diana Marciulyniene, Jurate Lynikiene, Valeriia Mishcherikova, Audrius Menkis
Summary: Fifty-nine fungal taxa isolated from re-emerging Fraxinus excelsior sites in Lithuania were tested in vitro against three strains of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, with some fungi showing strong growth inhibition of the pathogen.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jurate Lynikiene, Arturas Gedminas, Adas Marciulynas, Diana Marciulyniene, Audrius Menkis
Summary: Recent observations have shown that climate change affects the growth conditions and range of tree species distribution in Europe, which in turn has a major impact on the communities of organisms associated with these tree species. This study aimed to determine whether Larix sp. could provide suitable habitats for insects and lichens associated with P. abies to protect their biodiversity under climate change. The results demonstrate that native P. abies and introduced Larix sp. support similar diversity of stem-associated insect and lichen species.
Article
Microbiology
Diana Marciulyniene, Adas Marciulynas, Valeriia Mishcherikova, Jurate Lynikiene, Arturas Gedminas, Iva Franic, Audrius Menkis
Summary: This study analyzed the fungal communities associated with Scots pine across the country and found that their diversity and composition are greatly influenced by environmental factors. Different functional tissues and rhizosphere soil are associated with diverse fungal communities.
Article
Microbiology
Adas Marciulynas, Diana Marciulyniene, Jurate Lynikiene, Remigijus Bakys, Audrius Menkis
Summary: This study investigates fungal communities in the leaves and roots of healthy-looking and declining U. glabra trees, revealing the negative impact of Dutch elm disease on fungal diversity.
Article
Forestry
Mimmi Blomquist, Michelle Cleary, Patrick Sherwood, Wiebke Pinto, Sebastian Larsson Herrera, Diana Marciulyniene, Mohammed Elsafy, Itzhak Bakal, Anna Nilsson, Jonas Ronnberg
Summary: For the past 25 years, forest managers in Sweden have been using Phlebiopsis gigantea, also known as Rotstop (R) S gel, to treat stumps and prevent spore infections of Heterobasidion. However, not all forest managers trust the efficiency of this treatment, which has hindered its widespread adoption. This study evaluated the effectiveness of stump treatment in the field and found that many forest operators failed to apply enough solution or cover the stumps adequately, potentially undermining the use of biological control agents in forestry and limiting control against Heterobasidion.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Iryna Matsiakh, Audrius Menkis
Summary: This study summarizes the available knowledge on the occurrence, host range, symptoms of damage, and aggressiveness of different Phytophthora species associated with woody plants in Nordic countries, with a special emphasis on Sweden. It evaluates the potential risks of Phytophthora species to different woody plants in this geographical area and emphasizes the increasing threats associated with the continued introduction of invasive Phytophthora species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Adas Marciulynas, Jurate Lynikiene, Diana Marciulyniene, Arturas Gedminas, Audrius Menkis
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the seasonal and site-specific patterns of airborne fungal diversity, with a focus on plant pathogens. Passive spore traps were used to collect fungal spores at three different sites in Lithuania over a period of twelve months. High-throughput sequencing revealed the presence of 805 non-singleton fungal taxa, with Ascomycota and Basidiomycota being the most abundant. The diversity of airborne fungi was influenced by surrounding vegetation and climatic factors, while the occurrence of pathogenic fungi was influenced by the availability of hosts.
Article
Forestry
Rebecca Larsson, Audrius Menkis, Oskar Skogstrom, Carin Espes, Eva-Karin Brogren-Mohlin, Martin Larsson, Ake Olson
Summary: This study investigated the diversity and development of foliar fungal species associated with nursery-grown Pinus sylvestris and evaluated the impact of biological control products and growth-stimulating products on seedling growth and disease control. The results showed that the development of fungal communities and the nurseries influenced the occurrence of dominant fungal taxa. The prevalence of disease was low and microbial treatments did not significantly affect seedling growth.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF FOREST RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Adas Marciulynas, Vaida Sirgedaite-Seziene, Audrius Menkis
Summary: This study investigated fungal communities in oak wounds and found that fungal species richness and community composition changed depending on the age of wounds. Fungal communities in oak wounds underwent qualitative and quantitative changes over time, shifting from fungal generalists in young wounds to oak specialists in older wounds.
Article
Microbiology
Valeriia Mishcherikova, Jurate Lynikiene, Adas Marciulynas, Arturas Gedminas, Oleh Prylutskyi, Diana Marciulyniene, Audrius Menkis
Summary: The diversity and composition of fungal communities in Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies stands along the latitudinal gradient of these tree species distributions in Europe were assessed to model possible changes imposed by climate change. Results showed that both the latitude and the host tree species had a limited effect on fungal communities, which were primarily influenced by environmental variables and substrate. The predicted shift in fungal communities is towards habitats with a lower temperature amplitude and increased precipitation during the driest month, but the suitability of these habitats is expected to decrease in the future compared to current conditions.
Article
Forestry
A. Q. Nyrud, K. M. A. Heltorp, Anders Roos, Francisco X. Aguilar, Katja Lahtinen, Noora Viholainen, Sami Berghall, Anne Toppinen, B. J. Thorsen, Matleena Kniivila, Antti Haapala, Elias Hurmekoski, T. Hujala, H. F. Hoen
Summary: This study investigated public attitudes towards multi-storey wood buildings in seven European countries and found that the level of knowledge about wood buildings was lower in countries where brick, stone, and concrete were commonly used in construction, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Denmark. Finland and Sweden had the most positive attitudes towards wood buildings. The study also identified factors such as fire vulnerability, material solidity, indoor environment, and moisture vulnerability that influenced people's perception of wood buildings as a nice place to live.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF FOREST RESEARCH
(2024)
