THE EFFECT of SILVER NANOPARTICLES on Trichoderma Harzianum, Rhizoctonia Spp., and FUNGAL SOIL COMMUNITIES

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

THE EFFECT of SILVER NANOPARTICLES on Trichoderma Harzianum, Rhizoctonia Spp., and FUNGAL SOIL COMMUNITIES THE EFFECT OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES ON Trichoderma harzianum, Rhizoctonia spp., AND FUNGAL SOIL COMMUNITIES Hartati Oktarina Doctor of Philosophy School of Biology Newcastle University June 2017 Declaration I declare that this thesis is the result of my own investigations and that no part of it has been submitted for any degree other than Doctor of Philosophy at the Newcastle University. Where other sources of information have been used, they have been dully acknowledged. Hartati Oktarina ii Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have known anti-microbial properties and are applied in many industrial applications ranging from medicine to fabric preservation. Recently, researchers have proposed the use of AgNPs in agriculture to control plant pathogenic fungi. The use of AgNPs to control plant pathogen fungi does raise concerns as they may potentially affect the activity of beneficial soil microorganisms. In this work the effects of AgNPs on the plant pathogenic fungus, Rhizoctonia spp., and their biocontrol agent, Trichoderma harzianum, and fungal soil communities were investigated. The results showed that T. harzianum mycelium growth was very tolerant to high levels of AgNPs (up to 600 mg L-1) while Rhizoctonia spp. were more sensitive (mycelial growth was affected at 20 mg L-1). Nevertheless, AgNPs effect on reproductive stage of T. harzianum, e.g. spore production, was not clear as it only showed on one concentration. Despite the decrease in spore production of T. harzianum after AgNPs exposure, the spores successfully germinated when cultivated on fresh growth medium (more than 60%). Following up these findings, T. harzianum and AgNPs were combined to examine the synergistic potential of these chemical and biological controls on growth of Rhizoctonia spp. Interestingly, the combination of AgNPs and Trichoderma did not appear to act synergistically to reduce Rhizoctonia growth in vitro. In subsequent work the effect of AgNPs contamination on soil fungal communities was assessed by Illumina MiSeq Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and processed using the UPARSE pipeline run with USEARCH. The soil contamination experiments were carried out over a period of 2 years as previous studies have only examined effects of AgNPs contamination over a few months. Before analysing the metabarcoding data from the Illumina sequencer, a method was developed to find a suitable technique to process the data. It was found that single forward read sequences produced more operational taxonomic unit (OTU) than single reverse and paired end sequences. Therefore, single forward read sequences were used to investigate the effect of AgNPs on soil fungal communities in this study. Soil contamination by AgNPs reduced fungal species richness, evenness, and changed the community structure. For example, species such as Cryptococcus terreus was the most abundant in controls but these were replaced by other species including Trichocomaceae sp. in AgNPs contaminated soil. Tolerant species, such as T. spirale were identified in highly contaminated soil (660 mg kg-1 of AgNPs) and this species has been found in previous studies examining metal contamination. Overall the findings from this thesis suggest that more intensive study will be required when considering AgNPs as an alternative to synthetic fungicides to control plant pathogenic fungi as they have a negative impact on the fungal community in soil even at lower levels e.g. 3 mg kg-1 of AgNPs. iii Acknowledgments All praise be to Allah the Almighty. He is the one who gave me courage to gain knowledge and made it possible to accomplish my study. All respects are for His prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). I offer my gratitude to Prof. Ian Singleton for supervising and guiding me through my study time. Also to my second supervisor Prof. Anne Borland. I have received support from people within School of Biology. For that I would like to thank to Dr. Matthew Peake, Dr. Kirsten Wyness, Ros Brown for their help with laboratory matters, and to my colleagues for their friendships. I owe my appreciation to Dr. James Woodhall for providing isolates, Dr. Lidija Siller for nanoparticles analysing, Michael Botha for collecting soil sample from Cockle Park Farm, and to Fiona Maclachlan for soil analysing. My acknowledgment also goes to DIKTI (Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education of the Republic of Indonesia) for their financial support, to Syiah Kuala University for their administration support and to Indonesia Community in Newcastle Upon Tyne for making me feel like home. Last but not least I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my parents and my family for their support, affection, and patience in accompany me through my PhD life. I dedicate this achievement to them. iv Table of Contents Declaration ................................................................................................................ ii Abstract ..................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ...................................................................................................... v List of Figures ........................................................................................................... ix List of Tables ............................................................................................................. xiv Nomenclature ............................................................................................................ xvi Chapter I. General Introduction 1.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 2 1.2 The Application of Nanoparticles ..................................................................... 3 1.3 Classification of Nanoparticles ......................................................................... 4 1.4 Synthesis of Nanoparticles ................................................................................ 6 1.5 Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) ........................................................................... 8 1.6 Release of AgNPs into the Environment .......................................................... 8 1.7 Effect of AgNPs on Soil Microorganisms and Other Soil-associated Organisms 9 1.8 Effect of AgNPs on Plants ................................................................................ 10 1.9 Anti-microbial Mechanism of AgNPs .............................................................. 10 1.10 Trichoderma Species Roles ............................................................................... 11 1.11 Biological Control Mechanisms of Trichoderma ............................................. 12 1.11.1 Competition through rhizosphere competence ....................................... 12 1.11.2 Mycoparasitism and antibiotic (toxin) production ................................. 13 1.11.3 Enzyme production ................................................................................ 14 1.12 Factors Affecting the Success of Trichoderma spp. as a Biological Control Agent ................................................................................................................. 14 1.14 Project Aims ...................................................................................................... 16 Chapter II. The Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Trichoderma harzianum Growth in Vitro 2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 18 2.2 Materials and Methods ...................................................................................... 19 2.2.1 Fungal isolation ........................................................................................ 19 2.2.2 Morphological identification .................................................................... 19 2.2.3 Molecular identification ........................................................................... 19 A. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction ............................................. 19 v B. DNA quality check ................................................................................ 21 C. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification ................................... 21 D. DNA agarose gel electrophoresis .......................................................... 22 2.2.4 Characterisation of silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) ..................................... 22 2.2.5 The impact of AgNPs on T. harzianum colony diameter ......................... 23 2.2.6 The impact of AgNPs on T. harzianum spore production ....................... 23 2.2.7 The impact of AgNPs on T. harzianum spore viability ........................... 23 2.2.8 Statistical analysis .................................................................................... 24 2.3 Results ............................................................................................................... 24 2.3.1 Identification of fungal isolates ................................................................ 24 2.3.2 AgNPs analysis ........................................................................................ 26 2.3.3 The impact of AgNPs on T. harzianum colony diameter ......................... 28 2.3.4 The impact of AgNPs on T. harzianum spore production ....................... 30 2.3.5 The impact of AgNPs on T. harzianum
Recommended publications
  • AFLP Fingerprinting for Identification of Infra-Species Groups of Rhizoctonia Solani and Waitea Circinata Bimal S
    atholog P y & nt a M l i P c r Journal of f o o b l i a o Amaradasa et al., J Plant Pathol Microb 2015, 6:3 l n o r g u y DOI: 10.4172/2157-7471.1000262 o J Plant Pathology & Microbiology ISSN: 2157-7471 Research Article Open Access AFLP Fingerprinting for Identification of Infra-Species Groups of Rhizoctonia solani and Waitea circinata Bimal S. Amaradasa1*, Dilip Lakshman2 and Keenan Amundsen3 1Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA 2Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit and the Sustainable Agricultural Systems Lab, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center-West, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA 3Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583 USA Abstract Patch diseases caused by Thanatephorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk and Waitea circinata Warcup and Talbot varieties (anamorphs: Rhizoctonia species) pose a serious threat to successful maintenance of several important turfgrass species. Reliance on field symptoms to identify Rhizoctonia causal agents can be difficult and misleading. Different Rhizoctonia species and Anastomosis Groups (AGs) vary in sensitivity to commonly applied fungicides and they also have different temperature ranges conducive for causing disease. Thus correct identification of the causal pathogen is important to predict disease progression and make future disease management decisions. Grouping Rhizoctonia species by anastomosis reactions is difficult and time consuming. Identification of Rhizoctonia isolates by sequencing Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region can be cost prohibitive. Some Rhizoctonia isolates are difficult to sequence due to polymorphism of the ITS region. Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) is a reliable and cost effective fingerprinting method for investigating genetic diversity of many organisms.
    [Show full text]
  • Phylogenetic Relationships of Rhizoctonia Fungi Within the Cantharellales
    fungal biology 120 (2016) 603e619 journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/funbio Phylogenetic relationships of Rhizoctonia fungi within the Cantharellales Dolores GONZALEZa,*, Marianela RODRIGUEZ-CARRESb, Teun BOEKHOUTc, Joost STALPERSc, Eiko E. KURAMAEd, Andreia K. NAKATANIe, Rytas VILGALYSf, Marc A. CUBETAb aInstituto de Ecologıa, A.C., Red de Biodiversidad y Sistematica, Carretera Antigua a Coatepec No. 351, El Haya, 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico bDepartment of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Center for Integrated Fungal Research, Campus Box 7251, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA cCBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands dDepartment of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO/KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands eUNESP, Faculdade de Ci^encias Agronomicas,^ CP 237, 18603-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil fDepartment of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA article info abstract Article history: Phylogenetic relationships of Rhizoctonia fungi within the order Cantharellales were studied Received 2 January 2015 using sequence data from portions of the ribosomal DNA cluster regions ITS-LSU, rpb2, tef1, Received in revised form and atp6 for 50 taxa, and public sequence data from the rpb2 locus for 165 taxa. Data sets 1 January 2016 were analysed individually and combined using Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likeli- Accepted 19 January 2016 hood, and Bayesian Phylogenetic Inference methods. All analyses supported the mono- Available online 29 January 2016 phyly of the family Ceratobasidiaceae, which comprises the genera Ceratobasidium and Corresponding Editor: Thanatephorus. Multi-locus analysis revealed 10 well-supported monophyletic groups that Joseph W. Spatafora were consistent with previous separation into anastomosis groups based on hyphal fusion criteria.
    [Show full text]
  • Laetisaria Arvalis (Aphyllophorales, Corticiaceae): a Possible Biological Control Agent for Rhizoctonia Solani and Pythium Species1
    LAETISARIA ARVALIS (APHYLLOPHORALES, CORTICIACEAE): A POSSIBLE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT FOR RHIZOCTONIA SOLANI AND PYTHIUM SPECIES1 H. H. BURDSALL, JR. Center for Forest Mycology Research, Forest Products Laboratory2 USDA, Forest Service, Madison, Wisconsin 53705 H. C. HOCH Department of Plant Pathology, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Cornell University, Geneva, New York 14456 M. G. BOOSALIS Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583 AND E. C. SETLIFF State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. School of Biology, Chemistry, and Forestry, Syracuse, New York 13210 SUMMARY Laetisaria arvalis, a soil-inhabiting basidiomycete, is described from culture as a new species. Descriptions and illustrations of the basidiocarps and cultures are provided and the relationship of L. arvalis to Phanero­ chaete as well as its potential importance as a biological control agent are discussed. About 1960, M. G. Boosalis isolated a fungus with clamp connections from soil planted to sugar beets (Beta vulgaris L.) for more than 50 yr near Scottsbluff, Scotts Bluff County, Neb. His early studies of this isolate indicated that it might be used as a biological control agent against Thanatephorus cucumerus (Frank) Donk (anamorph : Rhizo­ ctonia solani Kuhn) the cause of a root rot of sugar beets. Recently the 1This article was written arid prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and it is therefore in the public domain. 2Maintained at Madison, Wis., in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin. 728 729 BURDSALL ET AL. : LAETISARIA ARVALIS isolate has been reported to be a hyperparasite of R. solani (Odvody et al., 1977) and a possible biological control agent of Pythium ultimum Trow (Hoch and Abawi, 1979).
    [Show full text]
  • Identification and Nomenclature of the Genus Penicillium
    Downloaded from orbit.dtu.dk on: Dec 20, 2017 Identification and nomenclature of the genus Penicillium Visagie, C.M.; Houbraken, J.; Frisvad, Jens Christian; Hong, S. B.; Klaassen, C.H.W.; Perrone, G.; Seifert, K.A.; Varga, J.; Yaguchi, T.; Samson, R.A. Published in: Studies in Mycology Link to article, DOI: 10.1016/j.simyco.2014.09.001 Publication date: 2014 Document Version Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Link back to DTU Orbit Citation (APA): Visagie, C. M., Houbraken, J., Frisvad, J. C., Hong, S. B., Klaassen, C. H. W., Perrone, G., ... Samson, R. A. (2014). Identification and nomenclature of the genus Penicillium. Studies in Mycology, 78, 343-371. DOI: 10.1016/j.simyco.2014.09.001 General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. available online at www.studiesinmycology.org STUDIES IN MYCOLOGY 78: 343–371. Identification and nomenclature of the genus Penicillium C.M.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding and Managing Rhizoctonia Solani In
    UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING RHIZOCTONIA SOLANI IN SUGARBEET A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty Of the North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Science By Afsana Noor In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Major Department: Plant Pathology May 2013 Fargo, North Dakota North Dakota State University Graduate School Title UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING RHIZOCTONIA SOLANI IN SUGARBEET By Afsana Noor The Supervisory Committee certifies that this disquisition complies with North Dakota State University’s regulations and meets the accepted standards for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE: Dr. Mohamed Khan Chair Dr. Luis del Rio Dr. Marisol Berti Dr. Melvin Bolton Approved: Dr. Jack B. Rasmussen 10/04/13 Date Department Chair ABSTRACT Rhizoctonia crown and root rot of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is one of the most important production problems in Minnesota and North Dakota. Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of azoxystrobin to control R. solani at seed, cotyledonary, 2-leaf and 4-leaf stages of sugarbeet; compatibility, safety, and efficacy of mixing azoxystrobin with starter fertilizers to control R. solani; and the effect of placement of azoxystrobin in control of R. solani. Results demonstrated that azoxystrobin provided effective control applied in-furrow or band applications before infection at all sugarbeet growth stages evaluated; mixtures of azoxystrobin and starter fertilizers were compatible, safe, and provided control of R. solani; and azoxystrobin provided effective control against R. solani when placed in contact over the sugarbeet root or into soil close to the roots.
    [Show full text]
  • Fungal Allergy and Pathogenicity 20130415 112934.Pdf
    Fungal Allergy and Pathogenicity Chemical Immunology Vol. 81 Series Editors Luciano Adorini, Milan Ken-ichi Arai, Tokyo Claudia Berek, Berlin Anne-Marie Schmitt-Verhulst, Marseille Basel · Freiburg · Paris · London · New York · New Delhi · Bangkok · Singapore · Tokyo · Sydney Fungal Allergy and Pathogenicity Volume Editors Michael Breitenbach, Salzburg Reto Crameri, Davos Samuel B. Lehrer, New Orleans, La. 48 figures, 11 in color and 22 tables, 2002 Basel · Freiburg · Paris · London · New York · New Delhi · Bangkok · Singapore · Tokyo · Sydney Chemical Immunology Formerly published as ‘Progress in Allergy’ (Founded 1939) Edited by Paul Kallos 1939–1988, Byron H. Waksman 1962–2002 Michael Breitenbach Professor, Department of Genetics and General Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg Reto Crameri Professor, Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), Davos Samuel B. Lehrer Professor, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA Bibliographic Indices. This publication is listed in bibliographic services, including Current Contents® and Index Medicus. Drug Dosage. The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any change in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopy- ing, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
    [Show full text]
  • Identification and Nomenclature of the Genus Penicillium
    available online at www.studiesinmycology.org STUDIES IN MYCOLOGY 78: 343–371. Identification and nomenclature of the genus Penicillium C.M. Visagie1, J. Houbraken1*, J.C. Frisvad2*, S.-B. Hong3, C.H.W. Klaassen4, G. Perrone5, K.A. Seifert6, J. Varga7, T. Yaguchi8, and R.A. Samson1 1CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, NL-3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; 2Department of Systems Biology, Building 221, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; 3Korean Agricultural Culture Collection, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Suwon, Korea; 4Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, C70 Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 532 SZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; 5Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy; 6Biodiversity (Mycology), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A0C6, Canada; 7Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Közep fasor 52, Hungary; 8Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8673, Japan *Correspondence: J. Houbraken, [email protected]; J.C. Frisvad, [email protected] Abstract: Penicillium is a diverse genus occurring worldwide and its species play important roles as decomposers of organic materials and cause destructive rots in the food industry where they produce a wide range of mycotoxins. Other species are considered enzyme factories or are common indoor air allergens. Although DNA sequences are essential for robust identification of Penicillium species, there is currently no comprehensive, verified reference database for the genus. To coincide with the move to one fungus one name in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants, the generic concept of Penicillium was re-defined to accommodate species from other genera, such as Chromocleista, Eladia, Eupenicillium, Torulomyces and Thysanophora, which together comprise a large monophyletic clade.
    [Show full text]
  • International Society for Plant Pathology (Dr Greg Johnson
    International Society for Plant Pathology (Dr Greg Johnson, President 2013-2018) ISPP July 2018 Committee Report to the ISPP Executive and Council ISPP Committee on Rhizoctonia Please complete your report using this proforma Return the completed report by email to Peter Williamson, Business Manager, ISPP ([email protected]) by 15 June 2018 Subject Matter Committee: International Rhizoctonia Subject Matter Committee (IRSMC) Established: 1993 Web Address for SMC: http://rsolani.org/home/ (currently under revision) https://ncslg.cals.ncsu.edu/irsc/ Name of Person Preparing Report: Marc A. Cubeta Nominated Officers: Immediate Past Chair: Suha Jabaji, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Chair: Marc A. Cubeta, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA. Paulo Ceresini - University of São Paulo State, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Rita Grosch - Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, GroSsbeeren, Germany. Takeshi Toda - Akita Prefectural University, Akita, Japan. Honglian Li - Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. Ning Zhang – Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. Current membership - ~300 member Website managers: Stephen Neate, University of Southern Queensland, Institute for Agriculture and the Environment, Centre for Crop Health, Toowoomba, Queensland, 4350, Australia. About the IRSMC: The International Rhizoctonia Committee was established in Montreal in 1993 to promote exchange of research information related to beneficial and disease causing fungi in the Rhizoctonia species complex and to encourage international collaborative interaction and projects among colleagues working on various aspects of Rhizoctonia research. Committee Meetings: Short meetings are conducted with some members once a year via either Skype or email. Additionally, during ICPP meetings, committee members meet during their satellite meetings and discuss issues dealing with finance, future meetings and research topics.
    [Show full text]
  • Turfgrass Disease Identification Guide for Golf TABLE of CONTENTS
    Turfgrass Disease Identification Guide for Golf TABLE OF CONTENTS TURFGRASS DISEASE IDENTIFICATION Ectotrophic Root Infecting Fungi Necrotic Ring Spot ......................................................... 4 Spring Dead Spot ........................................................... 6 Summer Patch ............................................................... 8 Take-all Patch .............................................................. 10 Fairy Rings Fairy Ring ..................................................................... 12 Superficial Fairy Ring .................................................... 14 Mildew Diseases Yellow Tuft (Downy Mildew) .......................................... 16 Powdery Mildew ........................................................... 18 Pythium Diseases Pythium Blight .............................................................. 20 Pythium Root Rot (Root Dysfunction) ........................... 22 Rhizoctonia Diseases Brown Patch, cool-season turf ..................................... 24 Large Patch, warm-season turf .................................... 26 Rust and Smut Diseases Rusts (Crown, Leaf, Stem, and Stripe) ......................... 28 Stripe Smut .................................................................. 30 Syngenta would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their contribution to the development of this turf guide: Pete Dernoeden, PhD, University of Maryland, and Bruce Clarke, PhD, Rutgers University. 2 Snow Molds Gray Snow Mold............................................................32
    [Show full text]
  • Unraveling the Mystery of the Natural Farming System (Korean): Isolation of Bacteria and Determining the Effects on Growth
    UNRAVELING THE MYSTERY OF THE NATURAL FARMING SYSTEM (KOREAN): ISOLATION OF BACTERIA AND DETERMINING THE EFFECTS ON GROWTH A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE DIVISION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I AT MĀNOA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ANIMAL SCIENCE JULY 2018 By Ana Keli’ikuli Thesis Committee: Chin Lee, Chairperson Yong Li Yong-Soo Kim Keywords: Korean natural farming, sustainable agriculture, KNF, IMO, indigenous microorganisms Acknowledgements This project, 294R, was funded by CTAHR's HATCH and Smith-Lever funds for Supplemental Research award; thank you for believing in this project. Additionally, I’d like to thank my committee members, CN Lee, Yong Li, and Yong Soo Kim for their guidance and support - without them, this project would not have been possible. A very special thanks to Hoa Aina O Makaha for allowing us to use their land to carry-out our experiment and CTAHR research stations for their collaborative support. Thank you to Michael Duponte and Koon Hui Wang for collecting soil samples and Dr. Cheah for supplying me with tissue culture equipment and supplies. Thank you Dr. Lee for the life lessons; for inspiring me; driving me to be the best version of myself; and for making me think outside the box. Lastly, thanks to my lab mates and friends for their encouragement and support. ii Abstract KNF is a self-sufficient farming system that involves the culturing of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) – fungi, bacteria, and protozoa. It enhances soil microorganism activity and improves soil fertility. This farming approach maximizes the use of on-farm resources, recycles farm waste, and minimizes external inputs while fostering soil health.
    [Show full text]
  • Ceratobasidium Cereale D
    CA LIF ORNIA D EPA RTM EN T OF FOOD & AGRICULTURE California Pest Rating Proposal for Ceratobasidium cereale D. Murray & L.L. Burpee 1984 Yellow patch of turfgrass/sharp eye spot of cereals Current Pest Rating: Z Proposed Pest Rating: C Kingdom: Fungi; Phylum: Basidiomycota Class: Agaricomycetes; Subclass: Agaricomycetidae Order: Ceratobasidiales; Family: Ceratobasidiaceae Comment Period: 3/24/2020 through 5/8/2020 Initiating Event: On 1/29/2020, a regulatory sample for nursery cleanliness from a commercial sod farm was submitted by an agricultural inspector in San Joaquin County to the CDFA plant diagnostics center. The turf was grown from a 90% tall dwarf fescue and 10% bluegrass seed mix. On February 10, 2020, CDFA plant pathologist Suzanne Rooney-Latham detected Ceratobasidium cereale (syn. Rhizoctonia cerealis) in culture from yellow leaf blades. This fungus causes yellow patch disease on turfgrass. Due to previous reports of this pathogen from University of California farm advisors, it was assigned a temporary Z rating. The risk to California from Ceratobasidium cereale is assessed herein and a permanent rating is proposed. History & Status: Background: The name Ceratobasidium cereale was proposed by Murray and Burpee in 1984 after they were able to induce otherwise sterile isolates that had been classified as Corticium gramineum or Rhizoctonia cerealis to form the basidia (sexual state) on agar. Their work resulted in the name Corticium gramineum being reduced to a nomen dubium (doubtful name). However, because the production of basidia has not been observed under field conditions, many still use the name Rhizoctonia cerealis to CA LIF ORNIA D EPA RTM EN T OF FOOD & AGRICULTURE describe a pathogen that does not produce spores and is composed only of sterile hyphae and sclerotia.
    [Show full text]
  • Viruses Infecting the Plant Pathogenic Fungus Rhizoctonia Solani
    viruses Review Viruses Infecting the Plant Pathogenic Fungus Rhizoctonia solani Assane Hamidou Abdoulaye 1 , Mohamed Frahat Foda 1,2,3,* and Ioly Kotta-Loizou 4 1 State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; [email protected] 2 State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China 3 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh 13736, Egypt 4 Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-137-2027-9115 Received: 19 October 2019; Accepted: 26 November 2019; Published: 30 November 2019 Abstract: The cosmopolitan fungus Rhizoctonia solani has a wide host range and is the causal agent of numerous crop diseases, leading to significant economic losses. To date, no cultivars showing complete resistance to R. solani have been identified and it is imperative to develop a strategy to control the spread of the disease. Fungal viruses, or mycoviruses, are widespread in all major groups of fungi and next-generation sequencing (NGS) is currently the most efficient approach for their identification. An increasing number of novel mycoviruses are being reported, including double-stranded (ds) RNA, circular single-stranded (ss) DNA, negative sense ( )ssRNA, and positive sense (+)ssRNA viruses. − The majority of mycovirus infections are cryptic with no obvious symptoms on the hosts; however, some mycoviruses may alter fungal host pathogenicity resulting in hypervirulence or hypovirulence and are therefore potential biological control agents that could be used to combat fungal diseases.
    [Show full text]