Contents
Front Pages
KAVAKA 57: 1-5 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/1-5
Increasing the chances of finding novel antibiotics to manage multidrug-resistant pathogens
Trichur S. Suryanarayanan1* and Florenz Sasse2
1Vivekananda Institute of Tropical Mycology (VINSTROM), Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, Chennai 600 004, Tamil Nadu, India
2Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on October 13, 2021; Accepted on November 22, 2021)
ABSTRACT
The urgent need for antibiotics of novel molecular architecture to manage the rapid spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens (MDR) cannot be overstressed. It is obvious that compared with mere modifications of existing antibiotics, compounds of molecular structures hitherto not experienced by the pathogens would be more effective and also reduce the rate of evolution of drug resistance among them. We argue that instead of the routine exercise of bioprospecting different classes of microbes, the chances of finding such novel antibiotics are more if MDR pathogens are made to interact with microbes, especially with fungi from less explored and extreme habitats (LEEH).
Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, Bioprospecting, Extreme habitats, Antibiosis
KAVAKA 57: 6-12 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/6-12
Marine-derived fungi of Avicennia marina var. marina of a mangrove stand
V.V. Sarma*, Tauzif Raza, C. Sidhardha and Sujith Dharavath
Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry Univeristy, Kalapet, Pondicherry 605 014, India
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on June 02, 2021; Accepted on September 12, 2021)
ABSTRACT
Marine derived fungi were retrieved from living leaves (phyllosphere, phylloplane and endophytic niches), senescent and dead leaves of Avicennia marina var. marina from a mangrove stand near Marakkanam, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, East coast of India. In total 240 leaf bits each for phyllosphere, phylloplane and endophytic niches and 360 leaf bits each for senescent and dead leaves totaling 1440 leaf bits were processed. Totally, 64 morphologically identifiable fungal species belonging to 31 genera were encountered, while many non-sporulating morphotypes and producing only chlamydospores were also recorded. Aspergillus was the most speciose genus with 13 species followed by Penicillium and Drechslera (5), Curvularia (4), Cladosporium and Alternaria with 3 species were recorded. Of the 64 fungi only one fungus viz., Nigrospora sphaerica was recorded from all the niches i.e., phyllosphere, phylloplane, endophytic, senescent, dead leaves or soil samples. A. flavus, A. niger, Curvularia sp., Alternaria sp., were recorded in any 5 of the 6 niches. A. fumigatus, A. glaucus, A. niger 1, Aspergillus sp., Curvularia lunata, Drechslera australiensis, Penicillium sp. 1, Trichoderma sp. were recorded in any 4 out of the 6 niches. Seven fungi were common to any 3 niches. Twelve fungal species were common to any 2 niches. Thirty-two fungi were recorded only from any one of the 6 niches
Keywords: Diversity, Ecology, Marine fungi, Phyllosphere, Phylloplane, Leaf litter, Endophytes
KAVAKA 57: 13-18 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/13-18
Aspergillus niger strain HA106-H2: An endophyte from Gymnema sylvestre for anti-hyperglycemic potential
G.M. Vidyasagar1* Soumya Gawli1, Md. Liyakat Ali2, Shankaravva Babanagare1, Sangeeta Kamradgi1 and Ambika Vasanthkumar1
1Department of Botany, Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi - 585 106, Karnataka, India.
2Luqman College of Pharmacy, Kalaburagi - 585 106, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on February 27, 2021; Accepted on July 12, 2021)
ABSTRACT
Gymnema sylvestre is an important medicinal herb traditionally used as anti-hyperglycemic agent. The present study was aimed to use the fungal endophytes as an alternate source to the plant. Ten endophytic fungal strains were isolated from the leaves of G. sylvestre. Of which the frequently recovered strain VSS -23 was identified as Aspergillus niger strain HA106-H2 and selected for further investigation. The crude solvent extracts of A. niger strain HA106-H2 employed in phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. The anti-hyperglycemic activity of the ethyl acetate extract at 250mg/kg of body weight in animal model (albino mice) exhibited 9.15% reduction in blood glucose level as compared to 6.25% reduction in standard drug acarbose at 50mg/kg concentration in 120 min after drug administration.
Keywords: Endophyte, Gymnema sylvestre, Aspergillus niger, Anti-hyperglycemic activity
KAVAKA 57: 19-22 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/19-22
Histoplasmosis in southeast Asia and Indian subcontinent: An update
Harish C. Gugnani
Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, India
Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on July 17, 2021; Accepted on November 04, 2021)
ABSTRACT
Histoplasmosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum occurs worldwide being predominant in North America and Central America. Southeast Asia (SEA) and Indian subcontinent are areas of low endemicity with rates of prevalence varying in different countries. This review aims at providing an update on different aspects of histoplasmosis in SEA and the Indian subcontinent. A thorough search of the literature on histoplasmosis in SEA and the Indian subcontinent was made in PubMed, MEDLINE, Biomed Lib, Med Facts, using different keywords. Cross references in the relevant articles were used to down load the papers and extract important and pertinent information for incorporation int the review. The updated data on prevalence of histoplasmosis, sensitivity to the antigen histoplasmin and natural occurrence of H. capsulatum in different countries in southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent is described. The varying clinical and pathological features of the cases are reviewed. The need for carrying out comprehensive studies to estimate the actual burden of histoplamosis in in (SEA) Asia and the Indian subcontinent is emphasized. A suggestion is made to augment the laboratory facilities and train laboratory personnel in the latest methods including molecular techniques to achieve this objective.
Keywords: Histoplasmosis, Prevalence, Histoplasma capsulatum, Sensitivity, Soil, Clinical features
KAVAKA 57: 23-27 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/23-27
Coprinopsis natarajanii sp. nov., a new marine basidiomycete from Puducherry mangroves, East coast of India
B. Devadatha1, V. Kumaresan2 and V. Venkateswara Sarma1*
1Fungal Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Pondicherry-605 014, India.
2Department of Botany, Kanchi Mamunivar Govt. Institute for Postgraduate Studies and Research, Airport Road, Lawspet, Puducherry 605 008, India
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on June 17, 2021; Accepted on September 21, 2021)
ABSTRACT
Only a few basidiomycetous marine fungi are known from marine environments, while Ascomycota predominate the marine environments. In this paper, a novel species of Coprinopsis is reported from Indian mangroves based on the morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The basidiomata and the pleurocystidia of the new species are smaller when compared to the other species of Coprinopsis.
Keywords: Basidiomycete, Mangrove fungi, Novel species, Phylogeny, Taxonomy
KAVAKA 57: 28-32 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/28-32
Amanita griseofusca: A new record to Indian mycobiota from Jammu and Kashmir, India
Anil Kumar, Tahir Mehmood and Yash Pal Sharma*
Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on July 29, 2021; Accepted on September 09, 2021)
ABSTRACT
Amanita sect. Vaginatae is the most speciose section of Amanita subg. Amanita. However, to date, only one species belonging to this section have been reported from Jammu and Kashmir, India. Amanita griseofusca was collected along with several collections of Amanita from temperate forests of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is reported here as the first record for India. A detailed morphological description and comparison with other closely related taxa of Amanita, as well as a molecular phylogeny are provided.
Keywords: Distribution, Temperate forest, nrLSU, taxonomy, Amanitaceae
KAVAKA 57: 33-37 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/33-37
Quantification of lovastatin in two wild species of oyster mushrooms from India
Amita1*, Balwinder Kaur1 and N.S. Atri2
1Department of Botany, Sh. LBS, Arya Mahila College, Barnala (Punjab), India
2Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala-147002, Punjab, India
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on August 31, 2021; Accepted on December 08, 2021)
ABSTRACT
Lovastatin (C24H36O5) is one of the potentially used drugs for the reduction of blood cholesterol levels. It is reported to competitively inhibit the 3-Hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl Co A (HMG Co A) reductase enzyme which acts as a rate limiting step in the cholesterol biosynthesis. Lovastatin is produced as secondary metabolite by various fungi including Pleurotus species. These mushrooms are gaining more importance as compared to other medicinal mushrooms in terms of health promoters and as environmental restorers resulting in upsurge in their R and D activities during the past decades. The present study pertains to the quantification of lovastatin from two indigenous strains of Pleurotus cystidiosus O.K. Mill and P. sapidus Quél. For this purpose, 15 days old culture of both the species growing in liquid yeast glucose medium was used. The study with spectrum analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques confirmed the synthesis of lovastatin by two fungi.
Keywords: Oyster mushroom, Indigenous strains, Lovastatin, Cholesterol, Nutraceutical importance.
KAVAKA 57: 38-53 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/38-53
Nutraceutical, pharmaceuticals and industrial bioactive compounds of gasteroid fungi: A review
Sunil Choudhary1, Jaipal Singh2, Alkesh Tak2, Kamna Sharma2 and Praveen Gehlot2*
1Government College Jayal, Nagaur 341 001, Rajasthan, India
2Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, JNV University, Jodhpur 342 001, India
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on September 16, 2021; Accepted on November 08, 2021)
ABSTRACT
The gasteroid fungi are the group of macro-fungi within the division Basidiomycota which produces spores inside the basidium unlike the other members of basidiomycetous mushroom. The gasteroid fungi are well recognized for their nutritional as well as therapeutic values throughout the world. Their fruiting bodies have been evaluated to be a magnificent source of digestible carbohydrates, proteins and fats with essential amino acids, dietary fibers, vitamins and minerals. Therapeutic significance of this group of fungi includes anti-cancerous activity either by suppressing the tumor cell lines or due to their immuno-modulatory properties through the production of bioactive compounds. The metabolites from them have also been proved to be a natural anti-inflammatory, antibiotics and antifungal agents that may substitute the drugs to provide a healthy food supplement without any adverse effects. The bioactive substances from these macrofungi are also known to lower the blood glucose level by regulating level of alpha amylases and aldolase reductase. The gasteroid fungi also known for potential antioxidant properties and aphrodisiac activity. The present study aims to review the diversity of gasteroid fungi and their role in production of potential bioactive metabolites especially of nutraceutical and therapeutic importance.
Keywords: Bioactive compound, Gasteroid fungi, Nutritional value, Medicinal properties
KAVAKA 57: 54-57 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/54-57
Deacylation of echinocandin B by immobilized Actinoplanes utahensis cells
M.C. Shivakumar1,2, S.H. Manohar,1 and J. Savitha2*
1RND, Biocon Limited, 20th KM, Hosur Road, Bengaluru-560 100.
2Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Bangalore University, Bengaluru-560 056
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on October 08, 2021; Accepted on December 05, 2021)
ABSTRACT
Immobilized cells of Actinoplanes utahensis (NRRL 12052) were used to selectively cleave the acyl group of echinocandin B yielding the deacylated form, echinocandin B nucleus. The effects of temperature, pH and substrate concentration on deacylation by immobilized cells were studied. In independent experimental runs, MOPS buffer with pH 6.8, substrate concentration of 3 g/L at growth temperature of 24°C, resulted in >90% bioconversion (deacylation). Recycle ability of immobilized cells were evaluated and found to retain >90% bioconversion up to 4 cycles, after which decrease in bioconversion rate was observed. Stability of immobilized cells were also checked at 4°C and found to retain bioconversion ability of >90% up to 5 days. Immobilization of whole cells can be a better option to process for bioconversion of echinocandin B to echinocandin B nucleus.
Keywords: Antifungals, Echinocandin B, Anidulafungin, Acylase, Immobilization, Sodium alginate
KAVAKA 57: 58-61 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/58-61
Spawn run dynamics of two Calocybe indica strains (DMRO-309 and APK-2) on agrowastes
S.P. Pourush Shrikhandia* and Geeta Sumbali
Department of Botany, University of Jammu
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on October 28, 2021; Accepted on December 20, 2021)
ABSTRACT
Cultivation of mushroom is an eco-friendly activity, which represents solid state fermentation, an important technology in which agrowastes and other lignocellulosic wastes are converted into valuable protein rich food. Since last few decades, it has gained lot of importance due to increasing demand for high quality proteins, minerals and vitamins, which can directly benefit human health. Mushroom are probably the highest protein producers per unit area and time due to the utilization of vertical space and short life cycle. One such promising mushroom is Calocybe indica P&C (milky white mushroom/ summer mushroom) commonly known as 'kuduk' or 'dudhichatta', whose two strains viz., DMRO-309 and APK-2 were cultivated on different agrowastes and their combination and the time period required for complete colonization was evaluated. It was observed that both these strains exhibited statistical differences in the time period taken for colonization of different agrowastes and their combinations. Further, it was observed that C. indica strain DMRO-309 was a faster colonizer than APK-2
Keywords: Milky mushroom, Lyophyllaceae, Colonization, Substrate, Mycelial growth
KAVAKA 57: 62-65 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/62-65
Four new reports of resupinate non-poroid fungi from India
Ellu Ram, Avneet Pal Singh* and Gurpaul Singh Dhingra
Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147 002, Punjab, India
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on October 28, 2021; Accepted on December 18, 2021)
ABSTRACT
Four species of resupinate, non-poroid fungi i.e., Chaetodermella incrassata (Malençon) K.H. Larss. & Ryvarden, Cylindrobasidium torrendii (Bres.) Hjortstam, Dendrothele amygdalispora Hjortstam and Sistotrema oblongisporum M.P. Christ. & Hauerslev are described as new to India based on the on material collected from Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh (India).
Keywords: Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota, Fungi, Himalaya, Wood rot
KAVAKA 57: 66-73 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/66-73
Arbuscular mycorrhiza facilitates growth of micropropagated plants and seedlings of black plum, Syzygium cumini
Neeru Jain1, Renuka Rawat1, Samta Gupta1, Sadhana Babbar2* and Shashi B. Babbar1*
1Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110 007, India
2Swami Shraddhanand College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110 036, India
*Corresponding authors Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
(Submitted on November 30, 2021; Accepted on December 18, 2021)
ABSTRACT
One of the major impediments to the success of micropropagation is the poor establishment and survival of in vitro developed plants on transfer to soil. To ameliorate this problem, effects of two arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF), Rhizophagus fasciculatus and R. macrocarpus, either alone or in combination, were studied on the growth and nutrient status of micropropagated plants and seedlings of Syzygium cumini. Symbiotic association with AMF was beneficial for the overall growth of both types of plants. However, the degree of positive effects on growth varied with the plant type as well as the species of AM fungus used. R. macrocarpus induced profuse lateral branching of the main root, while R. fasciculatus induced elongation of the main roots. The combination of the two proved to be the best for the overall growth of seedlings as well as the micropropagated plants. In seedlings, colonization of AM occurred in the lateral roots arising from the maturation zone of the taproot, indicating recognition and establishment of AM during the early stages of development. This was further confirmed by the observed higher mycorrhizal dependency (MD) during the initial growth period. With time, MD declined slightly as the plants became partially independent of AM. Except for Mn2+, the levels of cations viz., K+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+, and two anions viz., PO42- and NO32- were higher in AM treated plants than the respective controls. The present study demonstrates the potential of AMF in the alleviation of transplantation stress and better growth of micropropagated plants of S. cumini.
Keywords: Micropropagation, Mycorrhiza, Myrtaceae, Rhizophagus, Tissue culture, Transplantation
KAVAKA 57: 74-78 (2021) doi: 10.36460/Kavaka/57/2021/74-78
Some new reports of corticioid fungi from Mandi district (Himachal Pradesh)
Rajni Devi1 and Jaspreet Kaur2*
1Department of Botany & Environmental Science, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, 140407, Punjab, India
2Department of Agriculture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, 140407, Punjab, India
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on October 02, 2021; Accepted on December 22, 2021)
ABSTRACT
Seven species of the corticioid fungi, Botryohypochnus isabellinus, Dendrothele alliacea, Gloeocystidiellum furfuraceum, Hyphodontia alutaria, H. pallidula, Peniophora cinerea and Resinicium furfuraceum are described as new to Mandi district (Himachal Pradesh). Of these, Gloeocystidiellum furfuraceum and Resinicium furfuraceum are recorded as new for Himachal Pradesh. Genus Peniophora is being described for the first time from Mandi district.
Keywords: Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes, wood rotting fungi, Himalaya