Volume 3 - 2013 - Issue 1


1. Incorporating molecular data in fungal systematics: a guide for aspiring researchers

Authors: Hyde KD, Udayanga D, Manamgoda DS, Tedersoo L, Larsson E, Abarenkov K, Bertrand YJK, Oxelman B, Hartmann M, Kauserud H, Ryberg M, Kristiansson E, Nilsson RH

Recieved: 12 March 2013, Accepted: 26 March 2013, Published: 29 April 2013

The last twenty years have witnessed molecular data emerge as a primary research instrument in most branches of mycology. Fungal systematics, taxonomy, and ecology have all seen tremendous progress and have undergone rapid, far-reaching changes as disciplines in the wake of continual improvement in DNA sequencing technology. A taxonomic study that draws from molecular data involves a long series of steps, ranging from taxon sampling through the various laboratory procedures and data analysis to the publication process. All steps are important and influence the results and the way they are perceived by the scientific community. The present paper provides a reflective overview of all major steps in such a project with the purpose to assist research students about to begin their first study using DNA-based methods. We also take the opportunity to discuss the role of taxonomy in biology and the life sciences in general in the light of molecular data. While the best way to learn molecular methods is to work side by side with someone experienced, we hope that the present paper will serve to lower the learning threshold for the reader.

Keywords: biodiversity – molecular marker – phylogeny – publication – species – Sanger sequencing – taxonomy

 

2. Monograph of Cercosporoid fungi from Laos

Authors: Phengsintham P, Chukeatirote E, McKenzie EHC, Hyde KD, Braun U

Recieved: 29 January 2013, Accepted: 20 March 2013, Published: 25 June 2013

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) or Laos is a landlocked country. During a study of cercosporoid fungi in Laos, 113 species were identified including 108 species of true cercosporoid fungi; Cercospora (41 species), Passalora (10), Pseudocercospora (49),and Zasmidium (8). Five species of morphological similar fungi we also found; Cladosporium (1 species), Periconiella (1), Pseudocercosporella (1), Scolecostigmina (1), and Spiropes (1). Sixteen new taxa were established namely, Cercospora duranticola, C. senecionis-walkeri, Passalora dipterocarpi, P. helicteris-viscidae, Pseudocercospora getoniae,P. mannanorensis var. paucifasciculata, P. micromeli, P. tectoniae, P. wenlandiphila,Zasmidium aporosae, Z. dalbergiae, Z. jasminicola, Z. meynae-laxiflorae,Z. micromeli,Z. suregadae, Z. pavettae. Eighty-seven species are described in full and illustrated, and another 26 species are only listed since they have been previously recorded from Laos.

Keywords: Asia– Cercospora – Cercosporoid fungus – monograph

 

3. Fungal colonization and decomposition of submerged woody litter in River Kali of the Western Ghats, India

Authors: Sudheep NM, Sridhar KR

Recieved: 02 June 2013, Accepted: 20 June 2013, Published: 30 June 2013

Fungal colonization and decomposition of submerged woody litter (Terminalia paniculata and Anacardium occidentale) in relation to water and wood chemistry in the Kaiga stream and Kadra Dam of the River Kali were investigated over 12 months. Fungal species richness, diversity and asexual/sexual state ratio on woody litter were higher in the stream than the dam. Woody litter of Terminalia supported a higher diversity of fungi as compared to Anacardium. Dominant lignicolous fungiwere Annulatascus velatispora, Diplocladiella scalaroides, Massarina australiensis and an unidentified asexual fungus, while Lunulospora curvula and Triscelophorus acuminatus were dominant among the Ingoldian fungi. The species richness of lignicolous fungi in submerged woody litter is comparable to naturally deposited woody litter, while the Ingoldian fungi were higher in naturally deposited than submerged woody litter. Organic carbon attained <10% in 12 months, while the nitrogen content was highest within 2 months, which coincided with fungal richness peak. Although species richness of Ingoldian fungi was high within 2 months, the spore output was highest during the 12th month, which coincided with low organic carbon and total phenolics. Cellulase, xylanase and pectinase in woody litter showed two peaks (180 and 300 days) after the peaks of fungal richness (60 and 240 days). The mass loss was higher in Terminalia as compared to Anacardium and it was faster in the stream than in the dam. The remaining mass of woody litter was positively correlated with organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, while negatively correlated with enzyme production. The mass loss was associated with decreased hardness of woody litter.

Keywords: Lignicolous fungi – Ingoldian fungi – Colonization – Wood decomposition – k value – Western Ghats

 

About CREAM Journal

Current Research in Environmental & Applied Mycology (Journal of Fungal Biology) publishes reviews, research articles and methodology papers and articles in environmental and appied mycology. The official journal language is English.

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