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New Perspectives on Entomopathogenic and Nematode-Trapping Fungi, 2nd Edition
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New Perspectives on Entomopathogenic and Nematode-Trapping Fungi, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Fungi in Agriculture and Biotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 December 2023) | Viewed by 13250

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jinkui Yang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
Interests: nematophagous fungi; fungal genetics; fungus–nematode interaction; signal transduction; fungal morphogenesis; fungal pathogenicity and development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Xuemei Niu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
Interests: fungal metabolism; nematode-trapping fungi; fungus–host interaction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A large number of filamentous fungi are of agricultural importance, including the causal agents and biological control agents of arthropod and nematode pests. In recent decades, scientists have been interested in developing environmentally friendly biological control agents to control the population of crop pests. Entomopathogenic and nematode-trapping fungi play important roles in the natural control of host populations and have been widely applied for biological control of pest insects and nematodes. With the development of sequencing technology, multi-omics, including genomic, proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses, has been widely used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie fungus–host interactions to develop new programs and strategies for combating arthropod and nematode pests.

This Special Issue of the Journal of Fungi welcomes all kind of reviews, perspectives, and research articles on the topic of “New Perspectives on Entomopathogenic and Nematode-Trapping Fungi” to expand our understanding of fungus–host interactions.

Prof. Dr. Jinkui Yang
Prof. Dr. Xuemei Niu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • entomopathogenic fungi
  • nematode-trapping fungi
  • fungus–host interaction
  • fungal pathogenicity
  • fungal metabolism
  • biological control

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 8604 KiB  
Article
AoPrdx2 Regulates Oxidative Stress, Reactive Oxygen Species, Trap Formation, and Secondary Metabolism in Arthrobotrys oligospora
by Na Zhao, Meichen Zhu, Qianqian Liu, Yanmei Shen, Shipeng Duan, Lirong Zhu and Jinkui Yang
J. Fungi 2024, 10(2), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10020110 - 28 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1448
Abstract
Prdx2 is a peroxiredoxin (Prx) family protein that protects cells from attack via reactive oxygen species (ROS), and it has an important role in improving the resistance and scavenging capacity of ROS in fungi. Arthrobotrys oligospora is a widespread nematode-trapping fungus that can [...] Read more.
Prdx2 is a peroxiredoxin (Prx) family protein that protects cells from attack via reactive oxygen species (ROS), and it has an important role in improving the resistance and scavenging capacity of ROS in fungi. Arthrobotrys oligospora is a widespread nematode-trapping fungus that can produce three-dimensional nets to capture and kill nematodes. In this study, AoPrdx2, a homologous protein of Prx5, was investigated in A. oligospora via gene disruption, phenotypic analysis, and metabolomics. The deletion of Aoprdx2 resulted in an increase in the number of mycelial septa and a reduction in the number of nuclei and spore yield. Meanwhile, the absence of Aoprdx2 increased sensitivity to oxidative stresses, whereas the ∆Aoprdx2 mutant strain resulted in higher ROS levels than that of the wild-type (WT) strain. In particular, the inactivation of Aoprdx2 severely influenced trap formation and pathogenicity; the number of traps produced by the ∆Aoprdx2 mutant strain was remarkably reduced and the number of mycelial rings of traps in the ∆Aoprdx2 mutant strain was less than that of the WT strain. In addition, the abundance of metabolites in the ∆Aoprdx2 mutant strain was significantly downregulated compared with the WT strain. These results indicate that AoPrdx2 plays an indispensable role in the scavenging of ROS, trap morphogenesis, and secondary metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Entomopathogenic and Nematode-Trapping Fungi, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 2654 KiB  
Article
Multiple Roles of the Low-Affinity Calcium Uptake System in Drechslerella dactyloides, a Nematode-Trapping Fungus That Forms Constricting Rings
by Xiaozhou Zhao, Yani Fan, Liao Zhang, Weiwei Zhang, Meichun Xiang, Seogchan Kang, Shunxian Wang and Xingzhong Liu
J. Fungi 2023, 9(10), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9100975 - 28 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1498
Abstract
(1) Background: the low-affinity calcium uptake system (LACS) has been shown to play a crucial role in the conidiation and formation of adhesive nets and knobs by nematode-trapping fungi (NTF), but its involvement in the formation of constricting rings (CRs), mechanical traps to [...] Read more.
(1) Background: the low-affinity calcium uptake system (LACS) has been shown to play a crucial role in the conidiation and formation of adhesive nets and knobs by nematode-trapping fungi (NTF), but its involvement in the formation of constricting rings (CRs), mechanical traps to capture free-living nematodes, remains unexplored. (2) Methods: we investigated the function of two LACS genes (DdaFIG_1 and DdaFIG_2) in Drechslerella dactyloides, an NTF that forms CRs. We generated single (DdaFIG_1Ri and DdaFIG_2Ri) and double (DdaFIG_1,2Ri) knockdown mutants via the use of RNA interference (RNAi). (3) Results: suppression of these genes significantly affected conidiation, trap formation, vegetative growth, and response to diverse abiotic stresses. The number of CRs formed by DdaFIG_1Ri, DdaFIG_2Ri, and DdaFIG_1,2Ri decreased to 58.5%, 59.1%, and 38.9% of the wild-type (WT) level, respectively. The ring cell inflation rate also decreased to 73.6%, 60.6%, and 48.8% of the WT level, respectively. (4) Conclusions: the LACS plays multiple critical roles in diverse NTF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Entomopathogenic and Nematode-Trapping Fungi, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 3917 KiB  
Article
Conidia Fusion: A Mechanism for Fungal Adaptation to Nutrient-Poor Habitats
by Xinju Yang, Fa Zhang, Yaoquan Yang, Faping Zhou, Saranyaphat Boonmee, Wen Xiao and Xiaoyan Yang
J. Fungi 2023, 9(7), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9070755 - 17 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1375
Abstract
Conidia fusion (CF) is a commonly observed structure in fungi. However, it has not been systematically studied. This study examined 2457 strains of nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) to explore the species specificity, physiological period, and physiological significance of CF. The results demonstrated that only [...] Read more.
Conidia fusion (CF) is a commonly observed structure in fungi. However, it has not been systematically studied. This study examined 2457 strains of nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) to explore the species specificity, physiological period, and physiological significance of CF. The results demonstrated that only six species of Arthrobotrys can form CF among the sixty-five tested NTF species. The studies on the model species Arthrobotrys oligospora (DL228) showed that CF occurred in both shed and unshed plus mature and immature conidia. Additionally, the conidia fusion rate (CFR) increased significantly with the decrease of nutrient concentration in habitats. The studies on the conidia fusion body (CFB) produced by A. oligospora (DL228) revealed that the more conidia contained in the CFB, the faster and denser the mycelia of the CFB germinated in weak nutrient medium and soil plates. On the one hand, rapid mycelial extension is beneficial for the CFB to quickly find new nutrient sources in habitats with uneven nutrient distribution. On the other hand, dense mycelium increases the contact area with the environment, improving the nutrient absorption efficiency, which is conducive to improving the survival rate of conidia in the weak nutrient environment. In addition, all species that form CF produce smaller conidia. Based on this observation, CF may be a strategy to balance the defects (nutrient deficiency) caused by conidia miniaturization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Entomopathogenic and Nematode-Trapping Fungi, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 3466 KiB  
Article
Morphological and Phylogenetic Characterization of Five Novel Nematode-Trapping Fungi (Orbiliomycetes) from Yunnan, China
by Fa Zhang, Yao-Quan Yang, Fa-Ping Zhou, Wen Xiao, Saranyaphat Boonmee and Xiao-Yan Yang
J. Fungi 2023, 9(7), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9070735 - 7 Jul 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1670
Abstract
Nematode-trapping fungi are widely studied due to their unique morphological structure, survival strategy, and potential value in the biological control of harmful nematodes. During the identification of carnivorous fungi preserved in our laboratory, five novel nematode-trapping fungi were established and placed in the [...] Read more.
Nematode-trapping fungi are widely studied due to their unique morphological structure, survival strategy, and potential value in the biological control of harmful nematodes. During the identification of carnivorous fungi preserved in our laboratory, five novel nematode-trapping fungi were established and placed in the genera Arthrobotrys and Drehslerella based on morphological and multigene (ITS, TEF, and RPB2) phylogenetic analyses. A. hengjiangensis sp. nov. and A. weixiensis sp. nov. are characterized by producing adhesive networks to catch nematodes. Dr. pengdangensis sp. nov., Dr. tianchiensis sp. nov., and Dr. yunlongensis sp. nov. are characterized by producing constricting rings. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic notes, and phylogenetic analysis are provided for all new taxa; a key for Drechslerella species is listed; and some deficiencies in the taxonomy and evolution study of nematode-trapping fungi are also discussed herein. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Entomopathogenic and Nematode-Trapping Fungi, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 1568 KiB  
Article
Genomic Characterization and Functional Description of Beauveria bassiana Isolates from Latin America
by Stefany Solano-González, Ruth Castro-Vásquez and Ramón Molina-Bravo
J. Fungi 2023, 9(7), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9070711 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2526
Abstract
Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus used in agriculture as a biological controller worldwide. Despite being a well-studied organism, there are no genomic studies of B. bassiana isolates from Central American and Caribbean countries. This work characterized the functional potential of eight Neotropical [...] Read more.
Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus used in agriculture as a biological controller worldwide. Despite being a well-studied organism, there are no genomic studies of B. bassiana isolates from Central American and Caribbean countries. This work characterized the functional potential of eight Neotropical isolates and provided an overview of their genomic characteristics, targeting genes associated with pathogenicity, the production of secondary metabolites, and the identification of CAZYmes as tools for future biotechnological applications. In addition, a comparison between these isolates and reference genomes was performed. Differences were observed according to geographical location and the lineages of the B. bassiana complex to which each isolate belonged. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Entomopathogenic and Nematode-Trapping Fungi, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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16 pages, 1360 KiB  
Review
Recent Advancements in Pathogenic Mechanisms, Applications and Strategies for Entomopathogenic Fungi in Mosquito Biocontrol
by Yujie Qin, Xiaoyu Liu, Guoxiong Peng, Yuxian Xia and Yueqing Cao
J. Fungi 2023, 9(7), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9070746 - 13 Jul 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4237
Abstract
Fungal diseases are widespread among insects and play a crucial role in naturally regulating insect populations. Mosquitoes, known as vectors for numerous infectious diseases, pose a significant threat to human health. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have emerged as highly promising alternative agents to chemical [...] Read more.
Fungal diseases are widespread among insects and play a crucial role in naturally regulating insect populations. Mosquitoes, known as vectors for numerous infectious diseases, pose a significant threat to human health. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have emerged as highly promising alternative agents to chemical mosquitocides for controlling mosquitoes at all stages of their life cycle due to their unique infection pathway through direct contact with the insect’s cuticle. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in understanding the infection pathways and pathogenic mechanisms of EPF against mosquitoes. Various strategies involving the use of EPF alone or combinations with other approaches have been employed to target mosquitoes at various developmental stages. Moreover, the application of genetic technologies in fungi has opened up new avenues for enhancing the mosquitocidal efficacy of EPF. This review presents a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in our understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of EPF, their applications in mosquito management, and the combination of EPF with other approaches and employment of transgenic technologies. The biosafety concerns associated with their use and the corresponding approaches are also discussed. The recent progress suggests that EPF have the potential to serve as a future biorational tool for controlling mosquito vectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Entomopathogenic and Nematode-Trapping Fungi, 2nd Edition)
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