Dear Esteemed Readers,
As we approach the 60th volume of KAVAKA and reach another milestone of the prestigious journal of Mycological Society of India, in capacity of the Editor-in-Chief of the journal, I am compelled to emphasize the cardinal importance of timely and quality review in maintaining the credibility and relevance of our scholarly endeavours. In the dynamic realm of academia, the role of scholarly journals stands paramount. These journals serve as repositories of intellectual discourse, buttressing scientific progress and fostering the exchange of ideas. However, the integrity and impact of these journals hinge crucially upon the quality and timeliness of the review process. At the heart of scholarly communication lies the rigorous peer review process, serving as the cornerstone of academic validation and knowledge dissemination. Timely and meticulous review not only upholds the credibility of scholarly work but also ensures the advancement of scientific inquiry.
A robust and timely review upholds the rigorous standards of scientific inquiry. In an era characterized by rapid advancements and paradigm shifts, timely reviews can facilitate dissemination of vital knowledge, promote innovation, and strengthen the very essence of scholarly dialogue. Through the lens of rigorous peer review, manuscripts undergo meticulous scrutiny, ensuring that only the highest calibre of research garners the sanction of scholarly validation. Regressive peer reviewing, characterized by constructive criticism, incisive feedback, and a commitment to excellence, lays the groundwork for the cultivation of knowledge and the advancement of scientific discourse. Beyond mere dissemination, publication in reputable journals serves as a testament to the scholarly merit and significance of research findings.
Furthermore, the publication of good quality papers on the scientific forum transcends the mere dissemination of information; it engenders a culture of excellence, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and catalyses transformative change. Each published paper represents a milestone in the collective pursuit of diligence, contributing to the edifice of human knowledge and leaving an indelible imprint on the annals of scientific history.
As custodians of intellectual integrity, it is incumbent upon us to uphold the highest standards of scholarly rigor and editorial excellence, thereby safeguarding the veracity and reliability of published research. Let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture of timeliness, quality, and regressive peer review, thereby fortifying the foundations of scientific progress and perpetuating the noble pursuit of truth.
The imperative of timely and quality review in scholarly journals cannot be overstated. It is not merely a procedural formality but rather a solemn obligation to uphold the sanctity of knowledge and the integrity of scientific inquiry. In closing, I extend my sincerest gratitude to our esteemed reviewers, authors, and readers for their invaluable contributions to KAVAKA. Together, let us continue to uphold the principles of scientific rigor, integrity, and excellence, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge remains a noble and transformative endeavour.
31st March 2024
Sincerely,
Prof. Rupam Kapoor
Editor-in-Chief (KAVAKA) Professor,
Department of Botany University of Delhi, Delhi -110 007
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KAVAKA 60(1): 1-8 (2024) DOI:10.36460/Kavaka/60/1/2024/1-8
Dermatophytes: Keratin Eaters
Aruna G.L*1 and Ramalingappa B2
*1Postgraduate Department of Microbiology, Maharani’s Science Collage for Women, Mysore - 570 005, Karnataka, India.
2Department of Studies and Research in Microbiology, Davangere University, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
Corresponding author Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on June 14, 2023; Accepted on March 11, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Dermatophytes are a group of closely related keratinophilic fungi belonging to the anamorphic genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. They have the capacity to invade keratinized tissue such as skin, hair, and nails of humans and animals to produce a superficial mycotic infection called dermatophytosis. In one of the survey conducted by World Health Organization (WHO), it has been reported that about 25% people worldwide have cutaneous infections. People of all ages are affected by the dermatophytosis. Migration, climatic factors, growth in tourism, changes in socioeconomic conditions, overcrowding, healthcare, environmental hygiene, culture and individual characteristics may influence the epidemiology of dermatophytoses. There are different types of dermatophytosis and have been named according to the anatomic locations involved.. The main aim of this paper is to review the etiology, prevalence, and clinical presentation, the latest knowledge on pathogenesis of dermatomycosis. This article mainly focuses on recent published work on different aspects of dermatophytes.
Keywords: Dermatophytosis, Keratinophilic, Anthropophilic, Dermatophytes, Serology, Onychomycosis, Ringworm, Griseofulvin.
KAVAKA 60(1): 9-20 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/1/2024/9-20
Antibacterial and Anticancer activity of Glycolipid Biosurfactant from Manglicolous Yeast Geotrichum candidum PV 37
K. A. Nimsi and K. Manjusha*
Department of Marine Biosciences, Faculty of Ocean Science and Technology, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies Panangad, Madavana, Kochi - 682 506, India.
*Corresponding Author 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 July 13, 2023; Accepted on March 18, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Bioprospecting potentials of manglicolous yeasts are noteworthy. They have been considered a potent source of biosurfactants. In this perspective, 99 strains (PV1-99) isolated from the mangrove forest of Puthuvype, Kerala, India were screened for the production of biosurfactants. These yeasts were analyzed by the oil displacement test with 5 different oils (sunflower, olive, gingelly, diesel, coconut). Out of these 99 isolates, PV 37 Geotrichum candidum was found to be the most potent strain. The physical and chemical characterization of the biosurfactant of PV 37 revealed that it was glycolipid in nature. This was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The maximum yield of the biosurfactant obtained was 2.8 g/L after 120 hrs of incubation. The biosurfactant exhibited stability in a wide range of temperatures, pH, and salinity. In the prevailing scenario of multidrug resistance and limitations of chemotherapeutic agents, the search is on for safe therapeutic agents. As the biosurfactant of PV 37 displayed cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell line MCF-7 as well as antibacterial against MDR Gram-negative bacteria, it indicates its possible application in the pharmaceutical industry
Keywords: Agriculture, Biosurfactant, Yeast, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Geotrichum candidum, Glycolipid
KAVAKA 60(1): 21-31 (2024) DOI:10.36460/Kavaka/60/1/2024/21-31
A Survey of Macrofungal Diversity in the Ayodhya Region, Uttar Pradesh, India
Balwant Singh1*, Vinay Kumar Singh1 and Shailendra Kumar2
1Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, K. S. Saket P.G. College Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India.
2Department of Microbiology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Corresponding Author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on August 11, 2023; Accepted on March 25, 2024)
ABSTRACT
A survey of wild macrofungi of Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, India, yielded specimens of 30 different species representing 17 genera and 9 families. During the field work, we collected several fruiting bodies of macrofungi from their wild growing habitat and owing to their macroscopic and microscopic characteristic features. Major specimen components including the pileus, stipe, gills, and spore are expressed and concentrated from the fruiting body. A seasonal variation noted herein with nature and edibility. This is the first report of the macrofungal wealth from this holy place of the Ayodhya region in the Uttar Pradesh, India. Collected specimens certainly provide evidence of the high level of macrofungal diversity of study area.
Keywords: Ayodhya, Diversity, Macrofungi, Mushroom, Mycoflora.
KAVAKA 60(1): 32-38 (2024) DOI:10.36460/Kavaka/60/1/2024/32-38
Myco-fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles from Endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum Ehrenb. ex Schlecht: A Novel Approach for Sustainable Plant Disease Management
Sudhir S. Shende1,2,†, Dilip V. Hande3,†,*, Pramod U. Ingle2, Rahul Bhagat4, Patrycja Golinska5, Mahendra Rai2,6, Tatiana Minkina1, and Aniket K. Gade2,5,7,‡
1Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Stachki Ave, 194/1, Rostov-on-Don - 344 090, Russian Federation.
2Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati - 444 602, Maharashtra, India.
3Shri. Pundlik Maharaj Mahavidyalaya, Nandura Rly., Buldhana - 443 404, Maharashtra, India.
4Department of Biotechnology, Government Institute of Science, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar - 431 004, India.
5Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, 87-100, Poland.
6Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Piaui (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil.
7Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Matunga, Mumbai - 400 019, Maharashtra, India.
† These authors contributed equally and share first authorship.
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 December 05, 2023; Accepted on March 15, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Resistance against fungicides or antibiotics in plant pathogens is nowadays a greater challenge to the scientific community, as most of the pathogenic strains survive unless treated with anti-agents. Therefore, there is a need to develop sustainable approaches that could manage the diseases in plants. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received attention due to their eco-friendly fabrication methods and interesting antimicrobial properties. This study reported the myco-fabrication of AgNPs by a novel biogenic approach using an extract of endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum Ehrenb. ex Schlecht isolated from Dioscorea bulbifera (L.) leaves. The primary detection was done visually and by UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis. The color change in the reaction solution from pale yellow to brown indicated the formation of myco-AgNPs. The UV-Vis spectral analysis revealed a typical surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 447 nm. Nanoparticle tracking and analysis (NTA) demonstrated a mean size of 51 nm with a standard deviation (SD) of 22 nm and a concentration of 5.4 × 109 particles/mL. The zeta potential value was found to be -8.70 mV. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups, stabilizing the myco-AgNPs that corresponded to the proteins from the fungal extract. TEM analysis showed spherical-shaped AgNPs with an average size range of 20-30 nm. The results suggest that the endophytic fungal extract is capable of synthesizing myco-AgNPs. The synthesized myco-AgNPs could be used in the formulation of novel nano-products for sustainable disease management of agricultural crops.
Keywords: Agriculture, Epicoccum nigrum, Myco-AgNPs, Nanobiotechnology
KAVAKA 60(1): 39-47 (2024) DOI:10.36460/Kavaka/60/1/2024/39-47
Preliminary Studies on the Screening of Substrates for Spawn Production and Cultivation of Indigenous Strain of Lentinus sajor-caju (Fr.) Fr.
Lata*1 and Narender Singh Atri2
1Department of Botany, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmour - 173 101, Himachal Pradesh, India.
2Department 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 August 21, 2023; Accepted on March 18, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Lentinus sajor-caju (Fr.) Fr. is a lignicolous edible basidiomycetous mushroom. The sporophores of this mushroom are valuable health food with high nutritional and nutraceutical properties. The work presented in this manuscript pertains to the screening of substrate for spawn production and cultivation of indigenous strain of L. sajor-caju collected from North West India. In this paper, the vegetative growth of L. sajor-caju on seven different substrates and reproductive growth on six different ligno-cellulosic substrates have been evaluated. As in other mushrooms, wheat grains supported the maximum mycelia growth amongst the evaluated substrates. L. sajor-caju, when grown on six different ligno-cellulosic substrates, gave maximum biological efficiency (56.06%) on paddy straw substrate on fresh weight basis which was far better in comparison to 44.55% biological efficiency obtained on wheat straw substrate.
Keywords: Biological efficiency, Lentinus sajor-caju, Ligno-cellulosic substrates, Primordia, Spawn, Sporophore
KAVAKA 60(1): 48-49 (2024) DOI:10.36460/Kavaka/60/1/2024/48-49
Gasteroid fungus Phellorinia herculeana (Pers.) Kreisel Eaten by Rat: New Report from Indian Thar Desert, Rajasthan
Jaipal Singh1, Khushboo Rathore1, Alkesh Tak1, Joginder Singh2, and Praveen Gehlot1*
1Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, JNV University, Jodhpur - 342 001, India.
2Department of Botany, Nagaland University, Nagaland, Lumami - 798 627, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on August 29, 2023; Accepted on March 18, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Rats (Rattus norvegicus) have been found to eat the sporophore of the Gasteroid fungus, Phellorinia herculeana from the Indian Thar Desert, Rajasthan as new report. Feeding studies were used to validate the incidence, since rats were shown to consume fresh P. herculeana sporophore even when they were barely hungry. It is the first report in this direction.
Keywords: Phellorinia herculeana, Rat, Edible Sporophore, Indian Thar Desert, New Report
KAVAKA 60(1): 50-54 (2024) DOI:10.36460/Kavaka/60/1/2024/50-54
Superficial Mycosis: Epidemiological and Mycological profile from District Jammu
Bharti Sharma and Skarma Nonzom*
Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu - 180 006, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on November 1, 2023; Accepted on March 15, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Superficial mycoses, which are strictly limited to the outermost keratinized non-living layers of the skin and its appendages i.e., hair and nails are known to be caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophytes and yeasts. During a clinico-mycological survey for superficial mycosis, the residents of District Jammu were screened for such infections. Diagnosis and identification of the recovered fungal isolates were based on direct microscopy, cultural and microscopic examinations. Among the recovered fungal isolates, maximum representation was of the genus Aspergillus. These infections were more prevalent among males than females. Moreover, variation in the prevalence of such infections was also observed with respect to age group, health status, and occupation of the patients. The isolations of diverse opportunistic fungal species from the human clinical samples clearly showed their potential to degrade the outermost keratinized layer of the skin eventually causing superficial mycosis. The correct and timely diagnosis of such infections and their causal agents is vital, which can further be helpful in adopting antifungal treatment.
Keywords: Superficial mycosis, Clinico-mycological profile, Fungal infections, North India
KAVAKA 60(1): 55-63 (2024) DOI:10.36460/Kavaka/60/1/2024/55-63
Developmental Studies of Indian Laboulbeniomycetes II – Peyritschiella sp.
Anupama Shukla and Anita Narang*
Department of Botany, Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi - 110 019, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on November 19, 2023; Accepted on March 15, 2024)
ABSTRACT
The Laboulbeniales are a group of fungi known for their obligate ectoparasitic relationships with arthropods, primarily insects. Here we are describing the developmental studies of two species of Peyritschiella occurring on the rove beetle Philonthus.
Keywords: Peyritschiella , Perithecium, Antheridium, Development.
KAVAKA 60(1): 64-76 (2024) DOI:10.36460/Kavaka/60/1/2024/64-76
Induction of Systemic Resistance in Persea bombycina Against Pestalotiopsis disseminata Using Bioinoculants
Bishwanath Chakraborty1*, Amrita Acharya2, Usha Chakraborty1, and Shilpi Ghosh3
1Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Siliguri - 734 013, West Bengal, India.
2Department of Microbiology, Siliguri College, Siliguri - 734 001, West Bengal, India.
3Department of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Siliguri - 734 013, West Bengal, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on January 15, 2024; Accepted on March 14, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Among eight different morphotypes (S1–S8) of Persea bombycina, locally known as som plant, screened for resistance against Pestalotiopsis disseminata causing grey blight disease, S5morphotype was found to be highly susceptible under field conditions. Immunodetection of P. disseminata in leaf tissue using Polyclonal antibody raised against the pathogen has been demonstrated following various immunological formats such as immunodiffusion, dot immunobinding assay, plate trapped antigen (PTA) coated enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence. Immunogold localization of grey blight pathogen (P. disseminata) in som leaf tissue using transmission electron microscopy has been demonstrated for the first time for this host-pathogen system .Strategies for induction of immunity in som plants (S5 morphotype) against P. disseminata using bioinoculants such as PGPF (Trichoderma asperellum), AMF (Rhizophagus fasciculatus) and PGPR (Bacillus pumilus) alone or in combinations have been developed. Plant growth promotion and reduction in disease severity were evident following application of bioinoculants. Significant increase in defense enzymes such as chitinase (CHT), β-1,3 glucanase (GLU), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and peroxidase (POX) were observed in both roots and leaves following the application of bioinoculants. Cellular localization of chitinase and glucanase in leaf and root tissue following induced immunity against grey blight pathogen using PAbs of chitinase and glucanase have been demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence and immunogold labelling. It is clearly evident that the applications of bioinoculants greatly improved the health status of som plants (S5) and also induced systemic resistance in the plant against grey blight pathogen.
Keywords: Persea bombycina, Pestalotiopsis disseminata, Grey blight, Induced resistance, Bioinoculants
KAVAKA 60(1): 77-84 (2024) DOI:10.36460/Kavaka/60/1/2024/77-84
In-vitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant activities of Himalayan Lichen Heterodermia obscurata (Nyl.) Trevis
Praphool Kumar1,2, Tuhina Verma2*, Sanjeeva Nayaka1, and Dalip Kumar Upreti1
1Lichenology Laboratory, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow - 226 001, India.
2Department of Microbiology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Allahabad Road, Ayodhya - 224 001, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on March 14, 2024; Accepted on March 29, 2024)
ABSTRACT
The lichen Heterodermia obscurata is a foliose lichen, collected from the Munsiyari Hills of the Himalayan region. In the present study, we investigated the antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of this macro lichen. The acetone, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of lichen were subjected to antimicrobial activities at 5mg/ml (10µl/disc) concentration by disc diffusion assay. Methanol extract of H. obscurata showed more inhibition against A. baumannii with zone of inhibition (ZOI) 13.2±0.5mm than other microorganisms. In contrast, the significant minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) observed against K. pneumoniae was 120µg/ml. Methanol extracts showed more inhibition of F. oxysporum than A. niger. The ZOI of antimicrobial activities also summarised by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The antioxidant activities of methanol extract are the most active than the other extracts at 1 mg/ml concentrations. The maximum free radicals scavenging activities was 68.45±0.6% calculated in methanol extract. The lichen thallus forms a potential candidate for drug discovery and development. Further studies on the isolation of active principles from the lichens and their bioactivities are under investigation.
Keywords: Lichen, Secondary metabolites, Antimicrobials, MDR, PCA