Background: The increasing incidence of fungal phytopathogens poses a serious threat to the balance of our ecosystem. While chemical fungicides are commonly used for disease control, their excessive application leads to environmental contamination, the development of resistant pathogen strains and the disruption of beneficial soil microbiota. This has intensified the search for eco-friendly and sustainable biocontrol alternatives. 
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Methods: In the present study, phytopathogenic fungi Penicillium citrinum, Bipolaris sorokiniana and Alternaria alternata were isolated from diseased Morus alba and Melia azedarach. Simultaneously, rare and underexplored non-pathogenic fungi, Purpureocillium sodanum, Talaromyces pinophilus and Aspergillus ochraceopetaliformis were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of healthy Morus alba trees growing near the Bhakhra riverbank. Fungal identification was conducted based on colony morphology, microscopic features and molecular analysis using 18S rRNA sequencing. The antagonistic potential of these non-pathogenic isolates was evaluated in vitro using dual culture assays against the phytopathogenic fungi. 
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Result: Dual culture assays revealed significant antagonistic effects, with inhibition percentages ranging from 33.3% to 85.7%. Among the isolates, P. sodanum showed the highest inhibition (85.7%) against A. alternata, surpassing the commonly reported efficacy of standard Trichoderma strains. Enzymatic assays further indicated the production of hydrolytic enzymes, suggesting multiple mechanisms of pathogen suppression. This study presents Purpureocillium sodanum as a highly effective in vitro antagonist with superior inhibition compared to standard Trichoderma strains. These findings support its potential as a novel, eco-friendly biocontrol agent and warrant further investigation for broader agricultural applications.

In vitro Evaluation of Three Unexploited Fungi for Their Biocontrol Potential against Selected Phytopathogenic Fungi

<div>Soil fungi represent one of the important microbial groups that are actively involved in enhancement of environmental quality and plant nutrient supply. Studying native soil fungal species and their accurate identification is crucial for contribution to the checklist of fungi. The present study aimed at isolation and identification of some soil fungi from Jhum land, Mokokchung district, Nagaland. Serial dilution method was used to isolate soil fungi on RBA (Rose Bengal Agar) and PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) plates. Altogether fourteen fungal species belonging to genera Absidia, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Geotrichum, Mortierella, Mucor, Penicillium and Trichoderma were identified by studying their macro- and micro-morphological characteristics.</div>

<div>Colonial and Morphological Characteristics of Soil Fungi from Jhum Land</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Field pea seeds (cv. Tarchalska) grown in different regions of Poland (Warmia and Mazury, Wielkopolska, Kujawy) were subjected to mycological analyses. Simpson&rsquo;s dominance index (DI) was used in the study to determine the abundance of each fungal species in the fungal communities isolated from seeds. PCR analyses were carried out with the use of species-specific primers for Fusarium fungi isolated from pea seeds to identify Tri genes responsible for trichothecene synthesis in the growing seasons of 2011, 2012 and 2013.Saprotrophic species predominated on pea seeds cv. Tarchalska grown in various Polish regions, whereas the isolated fungal pathogens were represented by species of the genus Fusarium and Botrytis cinerea. Genes encoding the synthesis of trichothecenes, the mycotoxins produced by Fusarium fungi, were not identified in the PCR analysis. In the group of peas grown in three Polish regions (Warmia and Mazury, Wielkopolska, Kujawy), the highest level of fungal colonization was noted in the pea seeds harvested in Warmia and Mazury.&nbsp;</div>

The frequency of occurrence of pathogenic and saprotrophic fungi in pea seeds in different regions of Poland

<div>Background: Maize is the stable food in Kenya. However, its production has been jeopardized by the high prevalence of fungi in most developing countries and the whole world at large. Some fungi produce mycotoxins which threaten human lives. 
 
Methods: This study aimed at isolating fungi from selected Counties in Kenya. Maize samples were ground using a kitchen blender and cultured on Potato Dextrose agar at 28&deg;C for 7d. The fungal isolates were identified using morphological and cultural characteristics. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 software. 
 
Result: The mean fungal isolates varied from 10.8&plusmn;0.2 CFU/g in Wallenia spp. to 47.4&plusmn;0.2CFU/g in Aspergillus Spp. The most common fungal isolates were Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp. and Penicilium spp. The Mean fungal isolates from the selected Counties varied from Kitui (9.6&plusmn;0.2 CFU/g), Machakos (9.7&plusmn;0.3CFU/g), Bungoma (25&plusmn;0.1CFU/g), Migori (25.3&plusmn;0.3CFU/g), Kericho (25.3&plusmn;0.2CFU/g), Kisumu (27.1&plusmn;0.1CFU/g), Meru (27.1&plusmn;0.2CFU/g), Kisii (28.5&plusmn;0.1CFU/g) and Trans-Nzoia (30.1&plusmn;0.3CFU/g). The number of spores in maize samples from baskets varied from 13.6&plusmn;0.2-19.6&plusmn;0.2, polypropylene (24.0&plusmn;0.2-24.0&plusmn;0.2), Jute (13.6&plusmn;0.2-21.6&plusmn;0.2) and polythene bag (48.0&plusmn;0.2-72.0&plusmn;0.2) CFU/g. 
 
Conclusion: This study established that maize in the selected Counties is highly contaminated by pathogenic fungi. The most prevalent fungal spp. were Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium. The best maize storage material for maize were baskets. There is need of identifying the most prevalent fungi up to the molecular level.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Isolation of Fungi from Maize Samples Collected from Selected Counties in Kenya</div>

<div>Background: Tick infestation in cattle is commonly controlled using chemical acaricides producing acaricidal resistance, environmental pollution and hazards to human health. Biological control of ticks using entomopathogenic fungi can be an alternative to chemical acaricides and can be used in conjunction with chemical control in integrated pest management.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The isolation of entomopathogenic fungi was carried out from naturally infected ticks in Durg district of Chhattisgarh. The species confirmation of fungal isolates was conducted by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using ITS gene as a molecular marker. In vitro efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi at various concentrations against engorged (adult) female ticks and unfed (Nymphs), egg laying capacity and egg hatchability of treated Rhipicephalus microplus was assessed in laboratory.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The entomopathogenic fungi isolated from naturally infected ticks was confirmed as Fusarium beomiforme by morpho- molecular analysis. The efficacy of F. beomiforme against adult female and nymphs of R. microplus at the concentration of n x 108 spores ml-1 showed 100% mortality. The 100% reduction of egg laying capacity of treated female ticks and no hatchability of eggs treated with F. beomiforme at the concentration of n x 107 spores ml-1 and n x 108 spores ml-1 was observed.</div>

Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic Fungi Fusarium beomiforme against Rhipicephalus microplus Tick Infestation in Cattle

Background: Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are natural adversaries of insects, serving a crucial role in the regulation of insect pest populations. In response to the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize environmental protection, human safety and animal welfare, the utilization of bio-control agents like entomopathogenic fungi offers a superior and safe alternative to chemical pesticides. Entomopathogenic fungi effectively infect and eliminate insects, thereby contributing to the control of insect populations through the induction of lethal infections known as epizootics. Isolating EPF from the soil is an effective method as they naturally inhabit soil ecosystems. The north-eastern region of India possesses a forest cover exceeding 80%, with Manipur alone accounting for nearly 75% of forest cover in its total geographical area. This abundant forest cover, along with undisturbed land, contributes to the region&rsquo;s wealth of micro flora and fauna, including a thriving population of entomopathogenic fungi. However, the potential of these fungi in pest population management remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the diversity of these promising entomopathogenic fungi. 
 
Methods: In this study, we isolated fungi from the soils of ten districts of Manipur and identified several isolates with entomopathogenic properties. Soil bating using Galleria mellonella larvae was employed for the isolation of entomopathogenic fungi.&nbsp; 
 
Result: A total of 73 fungal isolates were obtained from 100 soil samples, out of which 54 were identified as entomopathogenic fungi. The genus Aspergillus constituted the most commonly isolated entomopathogenic fungi, followed by isolates of Beauveria, Clonostachys, Talaromyces, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Candida and Meyerozyma genera. Diversity studies revealed variations in the types and proportions of fungi among different regions of Manipur. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the virulence of the isolated entomopathogenic fungi, with 14 isolates of Beauveria bassiana and two isolates of Talaromyces purpureogenus causing 100% mortality of the test insects. The isolated fungi exhibited excellent performance in insect control and could be further mass-produced for effective pest management.

Isolation and Identification of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soils of Manipur (N-E India)

Background: Land with acid sulfate soil type is suboptimal land for agricultural cultivation. Identification of mycorrhizae fungi diversity in acid sulfate soil is one of the critical strategies needed to determine the quality of land and as a basis for determining land use for agriculture. 
 
Methods: The research was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tanjungpura University, Pontianak City, Indonesia. The research period from December 15th&nbsp;2023, to January 15th&nbsp;2024. Analysis the number of mycorrhizae spores and colonization was conducted at the plant disease laboratory. Analysis of the chemical properties of acid sulfate soil was conducted at the Soil Chemistry and Fertility Laboratory. The physical properties of acid sulfate soil were conducted at the Soil Physics and Land Conversion Laboratory. 
 
Result: Management of mycorrhizae fungi can be one strategy to improve plant growth and development in acid sulfate soil. The results of the study showed the types of mycorrhizae fungi in acid sulfate soil are Glomus sp., Scutelospora sp., Gigaspora sp. and Acaulospora sp., with the highest number of spores in the Glomus sp. type. The density of spores obtained in 50 g of acid sulfate soil ranges from 32 to 49 spores. Colonization of mycorrhizae fungi on various pioneer plants ranges from 25.00 to 95.48%, with the number of colonizations being in the Limnocharis flava type (95.48%). 
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Diversity of Types of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Fungi in Acid Sulfate Soil

Background: This study is about finding plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) that can resist fluoride, which is important for sustainable farming, especially in areas with fluoride contamination. Fluoride is commonly found in water and soil and it can harm plant health and agricultural productivity. Some fungi have developed ways to grow in high-fluoride conditions, helping plants grow and aiding in cleaning up the environment. We focused on identifying useful PGPF from the soil around plant roots, which is known for having many diverse microbes. 
 
Method: We tested the successful fungi isolates for their PGPF capabilities by using PCR to amplify the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, a commonly used technique for identifying different fungal species. After amplifying the DNA, we sequenced the PCR products and analyzed the sequences using the BLAST database to identify the species. 
 
Result: Our research identified important fluoride-tolerant PGPF species, including Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Penicillium chrysogenum. These fungi showed abilities such as breaking down phosphate, producing growth hormones and stopping pathogens in high fluoride conditions. Adding these PGPF to farming practices has the potential to create strong fungal inoculants that can boost crop growth and productivity in areas affected by fluoride. Overall, this study lays the groundwork for more research and field tests to confirm how these fungi can be used practically, which may help improve sustainable farming and food security.

The Molecular Identification of Isolated Fluoride-resistant Plant Growth-promoting Fungi

<div>Background: Rice is the staple food of Indians and it is attacked by more than 100 species of insects. Among all, brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens&nbsp;(Stal) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is one of the major sucking insects, which can cause appreciable damage by sucking sap on other hand transmitting viral diseases. Farming community using several insecticides for managing the BPH. However, continuous use of these insecticides causes health hazards and environmental pollution and also leads to development of insecticide resistance. Keeping this view in mind, the present investigation has been planned with combined use of fungal formulations and commonly used neonicotinoid insecticides in rice eco system for managing BPH.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: This experiment was carried out in two parts, one is studied the compatibility between neonicotinoids (Thiamethoxam 25 SG and Dinotefuran 20 SG) and entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Lecanicillium lecanii =Verticillium lecanii) by following the standard poison food technique. Second one is after studied the compatibility between neonicotinoids and entomopathogenic fungal agents, inhibitory studies were conducted under glasshouse conditions. 
 
Result: The study revealed that two tested insecticides affected the radial growth of fungi partially at all the three concentrations (0.5RC, RC and 1.5RC). At recommended concentration (RC), dinotefuran 20 SG @0.4 g/l was found to be slightly harmful to all three fungi (20% - 35% reduction of the growth of the fungus) and thiamethoxam 25 SG @ 0.25g/l appeared to be slightly harmful to B. bassiana and M. anisopliae and moderately harmful to L. lecanii (35-50% reduction of the growth of the fungus). Thiamethoxam 25SG alone recorded 65.0% mortality of BPH and when mixed with B. bassiana and M. anisopliae gave 86.25% and 81.25% mortality of BPH respectively under glass house conditions. Similarly, Dinotefuron 20 SG alone could gave 98.75% mortality of BPH.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Compatibility of Entomopathogenic Fungi with Neonicotinoids for the Management of Brown Plant Hopper of Rice, Nilaparvata lugens stal. (Delphacidae: Hemiptera)</div>

Background: Biological plant protection with entomopathogenic fungi is a vital component of sustainable pest management. The most widely used entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium sp. And Isaria sp., though there are several other genera of EPF whose potential correlates to that of commonly used fungi for reducing insect pests. The primary goal of this study was to assess the efficiency of a few novel fungal isolates against insect pests.

Methods: Two concentrations of four different entomopathogenic fungi were evaluated for their potency against wax moth larvae, Galleria mellonella at Insectary, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

Result: Mortality was observed in both the concentrations of four fungi, among which Penicillium simplicissimum performed well on par with Clonostachys rosea and Purpureocillium lilacinum. Hence, these fungi could be formulated and utilized in biological pest control.