0000000000534439
AUTHOR
L. Torta
Interaction between Acremonium byssoides and Plasmopara viticola in Vitis vinifera
The endophytic fungus Acremonium byssoides was isolated from the leaves of grapevine cv. Regina Bianca to determine whether it could act as an antagonistic endophyte of the downy mildew agent Plasmopara viticola. The occurrence of this fungus was ascertained in 34 grapevines (cultivars Regina Bianca, Catarratto and Insolia) representing all the grapevine plants in an experimental vineyard located in Sicily and which had never been treated with any fungicides. The isolation frequency of the endophytic Acremonium strains was assessed in several plant organs by means of monthly samplings over a 2-year period. The endophyte was found in all the grapevines, with higher frequencies in the cv. Reg…
Interactions between Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AG1 and Aspergillus spp. contaminating food and feedstuffs
Aspergillus is a widespread fungal genus contaminating and degrading food and feeds mostly during storage. Some species can also produce carcinogenic mycotoxins harmful for human and animal health. In this study, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AG1 (BaAG1), active against fungal pathogens was evaluated by in vitro tests against seven Aspergillus species belonging to six Aspergillus sections. After 7 days of incubation at 25°C, mycelial growth of all fungal species was reduced from 46.53% to 60.92%, compared to the controls. The inhibitory effect of BaAG1 cell-free culture filtrate was tested by turbidimetric measurements by using ScanReady P-800 that allow the automatic and continuous monitoring…
First report of Neofusiccoccum vitifusiforme and presence of other Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with Botryosphaeria dieback of grapevine in Sicily (Italy)
Summary. Since 2007, when a grapevine decline caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae was reported for the first time in Sicily, vines showing similar declining symptoms have been also found in other grape-growing areas of western and central Sicily. We report the result of a study on fungi associated with grapevine decline in Sicily, with particular regard to those belonging to the Botryosphaeriaceae. Four species were found to be associated with declining vines, namely Diplodia seriata, Lasiodiplodia sp., Neofusicoccum parvum and Neofusicoccum vitifusiforme, the latter species reported for the first time on Vitis vinifera in Italy.
Seeds vitality and fungal contamination in Abies nebrodensis
Seeds of Abies nebrodensis were subjected to laboratory tests aimed to detect fungal contaminants and to obtain xenobiotic-free seedlings, by the use of different surface sterilising agents. Moreover, hot water at 60°C was used to suppress any fungal microorganisms colonizing the inner tissues. Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus and Stemphylium vesicarium were the most frequent fungal contaminants. Non-contaminated seeds showed germination values ranging from 0 to 36.4% depending on the applied sterilization protocol. Further analyses will be carried out to establish the influence of these fungi on the seed germination process and their relationship with seedlings of A. nebrodensis.