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KAVAKA 60(4): 1-12 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/4/2024/1-12
Megacapitulaceae, a New Family of Pleosporales through Epitypification and Multigene Phylogeny based on Fresh Material from India
Kunhiraman C. Rajeshkumar1,2*, Sruthi O. Paraparath1, Harikrishnan K1, Sinang Hongsanan3,4, Parayelil A. Ansil1, Samantha C. Karunarathna5, Saowaluck Tibpromma5, Nalin N. Wijayawardene5,6, Rajnish K. Verma7 and Rajesh Jeewon8,9
1National Fungal Culture Collection of India (NFCCI), Biodiversity and Palaeobiology (Fungi) Gr., Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune - 411 004, Maharashtra, India.
2Faculty of Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Rd, Ganeshkhind, Pune - 411 007, Maharashtra, India.
3Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People’s Republic of China.
4Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, People’s Republic of China.
5Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biology and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan 655011, People’s Republic of China.
6Tropical Microbiology Research Foundation, 96/N/10, Meemanagoda Road, 10230 Pannipitiya, Sri Lanka.
7Mycology Lab, Department of Plant Pathology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana - 141 004, Punjab , India.
8Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius.
9Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on September 24, 2024; Accepted on December 9, 2024)
ABSTRACT
This study introduces a new family, Megacapitulaceae, to accommodate an enigmatic fungus, Megacapitula villosa, hitherto placed under Pleosporales incertae sedis. Megacapitula is characterised by a large, ellipsoidal, obclavate, or obpyriform, muriform, pigmented, holoblastic conidia with dense hairy apical appendages. This genus has key morphological characteristics that distinctly set it apart from other known genera. The holotype of Megacapitula is a desiccated culture, making it incomparable to a freshly collected sporulating specimen and key diagnostic characteristics. Furthermore, the name-bearing type is unavailable for re-examination. Consequently, to comply with the proper nomenclature code and application of this name, a lectotype is assigned using the available illustration in the original protologue. Additionally, we designate a sequenced epitype based on a recent collection from the southern Western Ghats, Kannur (Kerala, India). Phylogenetic analyses of a concatenated LSU-SSU-ITS-tef1α-rpb2 sequence data from the fresh ex-epitype NFCCI 5894 (Epitype AMH 10774) is delineated as a well-supported clade along with the erstwhile M. villosa accession, sister to Phaeoseptaceae, well within the ordinal classification of Pleosporales.
Keywords: Dothideomycetes, Kerala, New family, Phylogeny, Pleosporomycetidae, Taxonomy.
KAVAKA 60(4): 13-20 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/4/2024/13-20
Diversity and Phylogeny of Phanerochaetoid Fungi from Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India
Kezhocuyi Kezo and Malarvizhi Kaliyaperumal*
Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Guindy campus, Chennai - 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on October 5, 2024; Accepted on December 17, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Phanerochaetoid fungi are an important group of wood inhabiting fungi classified under the family Phanerochaetaceae. Twenty-five specimens of the phanerochaetoid fungi collected from Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu are being delimited based on phylogenetic analyses of combined dataset of ITS+nLSU and morphological attributes. These 25 specimens have been placed under 3 species belonging to 2 genera viz. Phlebiopsis castanea (Lloyd) Miettinen & Spirin, P. griseofuscescens (Reichardt) Nakasone & S.H. Herin, and Oxychaete cervinogilva (Jungh.) Miettinen. Among the described species, Phlebiopsis griseofuscescens is the first report to India and P. castanea is new addition from Tamil Nadu.
Keywords: Phanerocheataceae, Phlebiopsis, Oxychaete, Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Wood inhabiting fungi.
KAVAKA 60(4): 21-25 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/4/2024/21-25
Isolation and Characterization of Melanin from the Commercially Available Edible Mushrooms
A.S. Deepthi1*, Tinu Thomas2, Nisha Joseph2, Akkumol Salu3, and Preetha Karnaver4
1Department of Botany, Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, Kerala - 689 645, India.
2Department of Botany, Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, Kerala - 689 645, India.
3Department of Botany, Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, Kerala - 689 645, India.
4Department of Zoology, Christian College, Chengannur, Kerala - 689 122, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on November 3, 2024; Accepted on December 10, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Melanin is a natural pigment with a wide range of biological and biomedical applications. It is currently a subject of great research interest. Its versatile uses span various fields and make it highly desirable. Melanin from the plant sources are difficult to separate from other phenolic compounds. Melanin from the animal derived sources is often contaminated with proteins, in the present investigation, three commercially available edible mushrooms, namely Lentinula edodes, Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus were used to isolate melanin pigment. The melanin pigment was successfully extracted from Lentinus edodes by hot alkali treatment followed by acid precipitation. Various tests carried out on the isolated pigment showed similar properties to melanin, insolubility in both water and organic solvents, while it is soluble in alkali. Examination of the pigment particles by scanning electron microscopy revealed that they have a spherical shape with a size of 20-50 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were used for further characterization. These methods make possible a detailed analysis of the molecular structure of the pigment.
Key words: Agaricus bisporus, FT-IR, Lentinula edodes, Melanin, Mushrooms, NMR, Pleurotus ostreatus.
KAVAKA 60(4): 26-35 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/4/2024/26-35
Morpho-anatomical Details of One Year Old Mycorrhizal Roots of Sal Seedlings Formed After
Inoculation with Indigenous Species of Russula and Lactarius from Indian Shivaliks
Jitender Kumar1* and Narender Singh Atri2
1 Department of Botany, Govt. Degree College, Arki, Solan - 173 208, Himachal Pradesh, India.
2 Department 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 November 15, 2024; Accepted on December 10, 2024)
ABSTRACT
This paper describes the morpho-anatomical details of 1 year old mycorrhizal roots of sal seedlings formed after inoculation between the dipterocarp tree Shorea robusta Gaertn. and ectomycorrhizal mushrooms, Russula kanadii Dutta & Acharya, R. cyanoxantha (Schaeff.) Fr. and Lactarius shiwalikensis Kumar & Atri. The sporophore and pure culture of each of these mushrooms were identified using morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS). The inocula were prepared using wheat grains for inoculating the germinating Shorea seeds for establishing the mycorrhizal association under aseptic conditions. After 3 months following inoculation, the mushroom mycelia of the 3 fungal isolates were observed colonizing the roots of Shorea robusta seedlings. The samples of mycorrhizal roots of the seedlings were collected after 1 year of growth and subsequently, each one of these were studied for their morphology, appearance and structure of mantle and Hartig net.
Keywords: Sal forests, Himalayas, Artificial synthesis, Ectomycorrhiza, Shorea robusta.
KAVAKA 60(4): 36-45 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/4/2024/36-45
Diversity and Identification of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Different Marine associated Plants
G.Amalorpavamary1*, K.Jayaseelan2 and A. Panneerselvam3
1,2Department of Zoology, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College (Autonomous), (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Trichy – 24), Poondi – 613 503, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India.
3Indian Biotrack Research Institute, Thanjavur - 613 005, India.
* Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on November 15, 2024; Accepted on December 9, 2024)
ABSTRACT
An increasing threat is attributed to diseases such as cancer and various infections globally, creating an urgent need for innovative and effective compounds that possess distinct mechanisms of action to combat these life-threatening illnesses. In the present work, we analyzed the diversity and identification of endophytic fungi isolated from the marine associated plants. Totally, 135 fungal isolates harboring inside the leaf tissues of 6 marine associated plants such as Aegiceras corniculatum, Acanthus ilicifolius, Cyphostemma setosum, Excoecaria agallocha, Rhizophora mucronata and Suaeda maritima. The maximum diversity colonies of endophytic fungi in R. mucronata was significantly higher in leaves as compared to other plants. Eight isolates representing the genera Aspergillus, Beauveria, Fusarium, Macrophomina, Nigrospora, Pestalotiopsis, Pencillium and Rhizopus were obtained. Diversity indices, specifically the Shannon and Simpson indices exhibited variation in relation to the plant leaf species. The richness of fungal endophyte diversity suggests that these organisms may significantly contribute to plant health, metabolic processes and medicinal properties. Fungal endophytes have also demonstrated various biological activities that can be utilized for promoting environmental and agricultural sustainability.
Keywords: Marine associated plants, Endophytic fungi, Diversity.
KAVAKA 60(4): 46-54 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/4/2024/46-54
Investigation of Nutritional, Nutraceutical, Antioxidant, and Antifungal Potential of Wild Edible Mushroom Astraeus asiaticus from Kondagaon forest, Chhattisgarh, India
Chandrahas Dewangan and Sushil Kumar Shahi*
Bio-resource Product Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur - 495 009, Chhattisgarh, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on November 16, 2024; Accepted on December 9, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Astraeus asiaticus Phosri, M.P. Martín & Watling, is a traditional food source for indigenous communities in Chhattisgarh, India. However, its nutritional and medicinal benefits have still not been explored in Chhattisgarh. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional, metabolite content, and bioprospecting potential of this gastroid mushroom. The extract of A. asiaticus when evaluated was found to contain carbohydrates (9.37±0.02 mg/g), protein (340±0.04 mg/g), crude fiber (10.8±0.67%), ash (4.83±0.89%), phenolic content (6.14±0.47 mg/g), flavonoids (5.73±0.15 mg/g) and ascorbic acid (5.56±0.28 mg/g). The methanolic extract of A. asiaticus exhibited antioxidant activity, with inhibition of 18.01±1.60%, 59.84±2.25%, 69.17±3.76%, 83.16±1.49%, and 79.86±1.50% at different concentrations. The IC50 value for radical scavenging activity was 66.50±1.90 μg/ml. The methanolic extract of A. asiaticus also demonstrated antifungal activity, with MICs for Penicillium expansum (PP758388), Alternaria alternata (PP789274), and Aspergillus tamari (PP506143) which was found to be 1.33±0.58 mg/ml, 1.33±0.29 mg/ml, and 0.83±0.29 mg/ml, respectively. The findings of this study are indicative of the possibility of the use of A. asiaticus as a valuable source of nutritional components, natural antioxidants, and antifungal agents, which are of immense utility in public health.
Keywords: Astraeus, Bioprospection, Metabolites, Nutritional composition.
KAVAKA 60(4): 55-57 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/4/2024/55-57
Romjularia Timdal (Ascomycota Lecideaceae): A Monotypic Lichen Genus New to India
Vishal Kumar1,2, Dalip Kumar Upreti1, Sanjeeva Nayaka1*, and Yash Pal Sharma2
1Lichenology Laboratory, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh - 226 001, India.
2Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir -180 006, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on November 21, 2024; Accepted on December 11, 2024)
ABSTRACT
The lichen genus Romjularia Timdal has been recorded for first time in India, represented by R. lurida (Ach.) Timdal, based on 3 specimens annotated as Toninia cinereovirens (Schaer.) A. Massal., at herbarium LWG (CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India). A detailed description, illustrations, distribution and ecological notes, and comparison with closely allied genera are presented.
Keywords: Biodiversity, Taxonomy, Squamulose lichens, Western Himalaya.
KAVAKA 60(4): 58-63 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/4/2024/58-63
Morphology, Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activities of Ramaria botrytis from Davangere, Karnataka, India
B. Ramalingappa*, K.L. Sowmya and Mohammed Asif Killedar
Department of Microbiology, Davangere University, Shivagangotri, Davangere - 577 007, Karnataka, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on November 22, 2024; Accepted on December 17, 2024)
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the identification and characterization of Ramaria botrytis, collected from near canteen of Davangere University, Karnataka, India in July and August 2024. The fungus exhibits distinctive morphological features, including acanthohyphae, which play a crucial role in its ecological interactions and nutrient absorption. Qualitative phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activities of the ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of R. botrytis are also studied.
Key words: Ramaria botrytis, Morphology, Qualitative phytochemical analysis, Antimicrobial activities.
KAVAKA 60(4): 64-69 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/4/2024/64-69
Addition of Helvella involuta (Helvellaceae; Pezizales) to Indian Mycobiota from North-West Himalaya
Shikha Choudhary1, Priyanka Uniyal2 and Yash Pal Sharma1*
1 Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu -180006, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
2 Government PG College, Gopeshwar, Chamoli‒246401, Uttarakhand, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on December 1, 2024; Accepted on December 10, 2024)
ABSTRACT
While conducting macrofungal survey across different temperate mixed forests of district Chamoli, located in Uttarakhand, India, we came across fascinating discovery within the genus Helvella. Through extensive literature review, detailed morphological examinations and phylogenetic analysis, the specimen was identified as Helvella involuta. This finding marks the first documentation of the species from India.
Keywords: Macrofungi, Phylogeny, Uttarakhand, nrITS, Taxonomy.
KAVAKA 60(4): 70-77 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/4/2024/70-77
New Species and New Records of Lichenicolous Fungi from India
Yogesh Joshi1 *, Sunita Bisht1,2 , Pooja Bansal1 and Shimmi Meena1
1Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 302 004, Rajasthan, India.
2Department of Botany, M.B. Govt. Post Graduate College, Haldwani – 263 139, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.
* Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on December 5, 2024; Accepted on December 13, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Three new taxa of lichenicolous fungi from India namely, Lichenochora solenopsorae, Stigmidium buelliae var. thallinum, and Stigmidium solenopsoricola var. apotheciorum along with 6 new records are described and reported from India, thus raising the tally to 282. Each new taxon is thoroughly characterized with detailed descriptions, covering their morphology and anatomy, host specificity, ecological preferences along with comparative notes highlighting similarities and distinctions between these new taxa and related species. Meanwhile, the new records are listed along with their host and distribution in India.
Keywords: Central Himalaya, Western Ghats, Lichenicolous Fungi, New species, New variety, New Records.
KAVAKA 60(4): 78-83 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/4/2024/78-83
Morphological Characterization of Four Species of the Corticioid Genus Aleurodiscus sensu lato from Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh, India
Maninder Kaur1, Ramandeep Kaur2, Avneet Pal Singh3* and Gurpaul Singh Dhingra3
1PG Department of Botany, Dev Samaj College for Women, Ferozepur City - 152 002, Punjab, India.
2Department of Botany, Baba Farid College, Bathinda - 151 001, Punjab, India.
3Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala - 147 002, Punjab, India.
*Corresponding author Email: HYPERLINK "mailto: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.; HYPERLINK "mailto: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 December 7, 2024; Accepted on December 15, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Four species of the corticioid genus Aleurodiscus Rabenh. (Russulales, Stereaceae) namely, A. cerussatus (Bres.) Höhn. & Litsch., A himalaicus K. Maninder, Avneet P. Singh, Dhingra & Ryvarden, A. lapponicus Litsch. and A. lividocoeruleus (P. Karst.) P.A. Lemke are characterized based on their morphological features. All the four species are new records for Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Of these, Aleuridiscus cerussatus is being described for the first time from the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is pertinent to mention here that one species i.e. A. himalaicus has already been published as a new species by the authors previously.
Keywords: Fungi, Basidiomycota, diversity, taxonomy, wood rot, Himalaya.