Disinfecting Aspergillus flavus represents a promising strategy to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in agricultural soils and crops. In this study, the efficient disinfection of Aspergillus flavus using a g-C3N4/alpha-Fe2O3 heterojunction under visible light irradiation, along with the roles and mechanisms of the main reactive oxygen species involved in the disinfection process were demonstrated. The g-C3N4/alpha-Fe2O3 exhibited a high photocatalytic disinfection efficiency of up to 91 %, with hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH) identified as the main active species. The production of chitin in the cell walls of Aspergillus flavus was mainly interfered with center dot OH, leading to the destruction of cellular components such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids during the disinfection process. The metabolic interference induced by center dot OH resulted in cell structural damage and the release of essential intracellular constituents, ultimately leading to the death of Aspergillus flavus. These findings provided valuable insights into Aspergillus flavus control that was beneficial for its future agricultural applications.

Heavy metals (HMs) contamination is a major issue produced by industrial and mining processes, among other human activities. The capacity of fungi to eliminate HMs from the environment has drawn attention. However, the main process by which fungi protect the environment against the damaging effects of these HMs, such as cadmium (Cd), is still unknown. In this study, some fungi were isolated from HMs-polluted soil. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the tolerance indices of the tested isolates against Cd were evaluated. Moreover, molecular identification of the most tolerant fungal isolates (Aspergillus niger and A. terreus) was done and deposited in the GenBank NCBI database. The results showed that the colony diameter of A. niger and A. terreus was decreased gradually by the increase of Cd concentration. Also, all the tested parameters were influenced by Cd concentration. Lipid peroxidation (MDA content) was progressively increased by 12.95-105.95% (A. niger) and 17.27-85.38% (A. terreus), respectively, from 50 to 200 mg/L. PPO, APX, and POD enzymes were elevated in the presence of Cd, thus illustrating the appearance of an oxidative stress action. Compared to the non-stressed A. niger, the POD and PPO activities were enhanced by 92.00 and 104.24% at 200 mg/L Cd. Also, APX activity was increased by 58.12% at 200 mg/L. Removal efficiency and microbial accumulation capacities of A. niger and A. terreus have also been assessed. Production of succinic and malic acids by A. niger and A. terreus was increased in response to 200 mg/L Cd, in contrast to their controls (Cd-free), as revealed by HPLC analysis. These findings helped us to suggest A. niger and A. terreus as the potential mycoremediation microbes that alleviate Cd contamination. We can learn more about these fungal isolates' resistance mechanisms against different HMs through further studies.

Greece's olive oil production is significantly affected by the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae), and its presence is perceived when it is too late to act for damage recovery. In this work, some unexplored entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) were studied for their efficacy on olive fruit fly pupae in soil samples. Olive grove soil samples were collected to evaluate the effect of EPFs in their natural environment. The parameters that were analyzed to evaluate the performance of EPFs on B. oleae included the adult survival time, pupa hatch time, and the presence of mycelium on B. oleae pupae and dead adults. The efficacy of some EPFs was highlighted by the mycelium present on dead B. oleae adults after treating pupae with fungal isolates on the soil substrate. The results showed that for the soil substrate, external fungal growth was observed in dead adults with A. contaminans, A. keveii, A. flavus P. lilacinum, and T. annesophieae (100%). Remarkably, the lowest male proportion for soil and non-soil substrates was for A. flavus (0.41-0.42) for the first time, for A. keveii (0.36), and for P. citreosulfuratum (0.41) on the soil-only substrate in contrast to the control treatment (0.5 for both substrates). Given the high infestation caused by the olive fruit flies in Greece, the results of the study emphasize to use of incorporating certain EPF-based biopesticides into integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

The milky disease of Chinese mitten crabs caused by Metschnikowia bicuspidata is the most serious disease of the cultivated Chinese mitten crabs in northern China, and there have been no control measures for this disease until now. In this study, a fungus 2JHP001 with a strong antagonistic effect against M. bicuspidata was screened from soil samples by the double-layer plate method and the punching method. The strain was identified as Aspergullus sclerotiorum by analyzing its morphological, molecular, physiological and biochemical characteristics. The UHPLC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate extract showed that it contained maleic acid derivatives, terpenes, polyketides, 2,5-diketopiperazines, alkaloids, and other compounds. The morphology of yeast after treatment with 2JHP001 crude extract was observed by SEM and TEM, and the results showed that this treatment caused severe distortion of the yeast and different degrees of damage to the yeast cell walls, cell membranes and organelle. Moreover, animal experiment demonstrated that the survival rate of Chinese mitten crabs infected with milky disease was increased by 22.3 % within 21 d. The study provide new idea and possible strategy for the prevention and control strategy of milky disease in Chinese mitten crabs.

Certain Aspergillus spp. release harmful byproducts known as aflatoxins. These carcinogenic toxins contaminate crops, such as groundnut, maize, and rice. This contamination poses a significant health risk and economic burden. Current control methods have limitations. This review explores the potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a novel strategy to mitigate aflatoxin contamination (AC). The review highlights the advantages of AgNPs, such as (1) antimicrobial properties against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, the aflatoxin producers; (2) effectiveness at concentrations that do not inhibit fungal growth, potentially reducing aflatoxin production; and (3) potential for eco-friendly synthesis using plant extracts. The review also discusses the potential drawbacks of AgNPs viz. (a) environmental concerns regarding accumulation and impact on beneficial soil microbes; and (b) cytotoxicity towards various organisms, requiring further research on safety. Studies suggest AgNPs can inhibit aflatoxin synthesis by disrupting the transcription of aflatoxin biosynthesis genes, damaging the fungal cell membrane and causing leakage of cellular components, and interfering with the secondary metabolism pathway. The review concludes that AgNPs offer a promising approach for aflatoxin control. However, further research is needed to address cytotoxicity concerns and optimise their safe and effective application in agricultural settings.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are a vital pest that causes significant yield losses and economic damage to potato plants. The use of chemical pesticides to control these nematodes has led to environmental concerns and the development of resistance in the nematode populations. Endophytic fungi offer an eco-friendly alternative to control these pests and produce secondary metabolites that have nematicidal activity against RKNs. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of Aspergillus flavus (ON146363), an entophyte fungus isolated from Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds, against Meloidogyne incognita in filtered culture broth using GC-MS analysis. Among them, various nematicidal secondary metabolites were produced: Gadoleic acid, Oleic acid di-ethanolamide, Oleic acid, and Palmitic acid. In addition, biochemical compounds such as Gallic acid, Catechin, Protocatechuic acid, Esculatin, Vanillic acid, Pyrocatechol, Coumarine, Cinnamic acid, 4, 3-indol butyl acetic acid and Naphthyl acetic acid by HPLC. The fungus was identified through morphological and molecular analysis, including ITS 1-4 regions of ribosomal DNA. In vitro experiments showed that culture filtrate of A. flavus had a variable effect on reducing the number of egg hatchings and larval mortality, with higher concentrations showing greater efficacy than Abamectin. The fungus inhibited the development and multiplication of M. incognita in potato plants, reducing the number of galls and eggs by 90% and 89%, respectively. A. flavus increased the activity of defense-related enzymes Chitinas, Catalyse, and Peroxidase after 15, 45, and 60 days. Leaching of the concentrated culture significantly reduced the second juveniles' stage to 97% /250 g soil and decreased the penetration of nematodes into the roots. A. flavus cultural filtrates via soil spraying improved seedling growth and reduced nematode propagation, resulting in systemic resistance to nematode infection. Therefore, A. flavus can be an effective biological control agent for root-knot nematodes in potato plants. This approach provides a sustainable solution for farmers and minimizes the environmental impact.

Soil salinity is one of the major environmental stresses that results in reduction of cultivable land and decreased productivity. In the present study, halotolerant and plant growth-promoting endophytic fungi were isolated from Catharanthus roseus, and their effect in mitigating salt stress in Vigna radiata was evaluated. An isolate CR7, identified to be Aspergillus terreus, showing plant growth promotion activities, viz. IAA production (23.43 +/- 0.79 mu g/ml), phosphate solubilization (133.63 +/- 6.40 mu g/ml), ACC deaminase activity (86.36 +/- 2.70 mu mol alpha-ketobutyrate/h/mg protein) etc. and ability to grow at 15% NaCl was selected for further in vivo studies. Colonization of CR7 was carried out in V. radiata which was subjected to different concentrations of salt (150, 200, and 250 mM NaCl). Under salt stress, A. terreus CR7 inoculated plants showed substantially improved root and shoot length, biomass, chlorophyll content, relative water content, phenolics, protein content, and DPPH scavenging activity. Endogenous IAA level was enhanced by 5.28-fold in treated plants at maximum salt stress. Inoculation of A. terreus CR7 affected oxidative stress parameters, exhibiting an increase in catalase and superoxide dismutase and reduction in proline, electrolyte leakage, and malondialdehyde content. Fluorescent microscopic analysis of roots revealed improved cell viability and decreased levels of glutathione and hydrogen peroxide under salt stress in treated plants. The isolate A. terreus CR7 also protected against DNA damage induced by salt stress which was evaluated using comet assay. A decrease in DNA tail length, tail moment, and olive tail moment to the extent of 19.87%, 19.76%, and 24.81%, respectively, was observed in A. terreus CR7-colonized plants under salt stress. It can be concluded that A. terreus CR7 can be exploited for alleviating the impact of salt stress in crop plants.