• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.685-691
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• 2022

Plants produce chemicals of immense diversity that provide great opportunities for development of new antifungal compounds. In search for environment-friendly alternatives to the fungicide of current use, we screened plant extracts obtained from more than eight hundred plant materials collected in Korea for their antifungal activity against the model plant pathogenic fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae. This initial screening identified antifungal activities from the eleven plant extract samples, among which nine showed reproducibility in the follow-up screening. These nine samples were able to suppress not only M. oryzae but also other fungal pathogens. Interestingly, the plant extracts obtained from Actinostemma lobatum comprised five out of eight samples, and were the most effective in their antifungal activity. We found that butanol fraction of the A. lobatum extract is the most potent. Identification and characterization of antifungal substances in the A. lobatum extracts would provide the promising lead compounds for new fungicide.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2014

Twelve Universal fungal PCR fingerprint (UFPF) primers that were modified from Universal rice primer (URP) were used to assess genetic diversity of 64 Agaricus strains including 45 A. bisporus strains and other 19 strains of other Agaricus spp. Eight primers, UFPF1, UFPF2, UFPF3, UFPF7, UFPF9, UFPF10, UFPF11, and UFPF12 produced PCR polymorphic bands within and between the Agaricus species. Primer UFPF7 produced specific PCR polymorphic bands that are distinct Korean strain from different strains. Ninety five PCR polymorphic bands were inputted for UPGMA cluster analysis. Forty five strains of A. bisporus are genetically clustered into 8 groups, showing coefficient similarity from 0.75 to 0.9 among them. The varieties, Saea, Saedo, Saejeong and Saeyeon that have recently been developed in Korea were involved in the same group with close genetic relationship of coefficient similarity over 0.96, whereas, other Korean strains were genetically related to A. bisporus strains that were introduced from USA, Eroupe and Chinese.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.110-116
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• 2012

Nuruk plays a significant role in the flavor and quality of Takju and Yakju, which are produced through saccharification and alcohol fermentation by various microorganisms. In this study, we identified microbial strains isolated from a plate count and PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis targeting the 16S and 28S rRNA genes, in order to characterize bacterial and fungal diversity in Sansung Nuruk. The numbers of bacteria and fungi in Nuruk were $1.5{\times}10^9$ CFU/g and $2.2{\tims}10^8$ CFU/g, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the predominant bacteria in the isolates and PCR-DGGE profile of Nuruk were Kocuria spp., Pantoea spp., Lactobacillus spp., Pediococcus spp., Weissella spp., Staphylococcus spp., endophytic bacterium, uncultured Gamma-proteobacteria, uncultured Cyanobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Dominant bacteria from the PCR-DGGE profile were Pediococcous pentosaceus and uncultured Cyanobacteria. The 28S rRNA gene sequence indicated the predominant fungi in the isolates and PCR-DGGE profile to be Trichomonascus spp. Pichia spp., Torulaspora spp., Wickerhamomyces spp., Sacharomycopsis spp., Lichtheimia spp., Mucor spp., Rhizopus spp. Aspergillus spp., and Cladosporium spp. Dominant fungi from the PCR-DGGE profile were Pichia kudriavzevii and Aspergillus oryzae. The PCR-DGGE technique was used for the first time in this study to assess a microbial community in Nuruk and proved to be an effective protocol for profiling microbial diversity.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.79-85
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• 2002

Ecological characteristics of microorganisms in tideland soils were studied by investigation of microbial diversity and population. Twenty soil samples were taken at surface, 10, 20 and 30 cm depth each. Bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi were isolated on each selective isolation medium containing different concentration of NaCl. Actinomycetes were the most isolated from soil samples taken at 10 cm depth and isolated by humic acid-vitamin (HV) medium without sea water or salt. Twenty nine strains of actinomycetes were isolated at surface soil and 74, 39, 37 strains were at 10, 20, and 30 cm depth, respectively. All these isolates were analysed and grouped by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR analysis. Many of the isolates were clustered into Microtetraspora and Pseudonocardia. Fungal isolates were highly distributed at the surface soil and isolated well on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium with sea water. Bacterial isolates were higly distributed at surface soil and isolated well by nutrient medium without sea water or salt. Soil samples taken at 10 cm depth showed the highest microbial diversity and population.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.289-305
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• 2014

This survey was conducted in order to clarify the species diversity and distribution of mushrooms at Worldcup Park in Seoul, from May to November 2010 and 2014. In the survey, a total of 98 taxa, 98 species, 86 genera, 38 families, 12 orders, three classes, and two phyla were identified. A total of 250 specimens of Mushrooms were collected from Pyonghwa Park and 63 species, 71 genera, 36 families, 13 orders, three classes, and two phyla were identified. Coprinus atramentarius and Psathyrella candolleana were high in frequency, as ten times and nine times, respectively. In Noeul Park, 102 specimens were collected, 41 species, 42 genera, 19 families, 19 orders, two classes, and two phyla were identified. In Noeul Park mostly layed with lawn, Agrocybe semiorbicularis and Agaricus campestris were high in frequency, as ten times and nine times, respectively. There were no mushrooms in succession during three years. In Haneul Park, a total of 128 specimens of mushrooms were collected. 49 species, 57 genera, 30 families, 11 orders, three classes, and two phyla were identified. Agrocybe semiorbicularis and Phallus rugulosus were high in frequency, as four times. In Nanjicheon Park, a total of 68 specimens of mushrooms were collected. 31 species, 34 genera, 30 families, nine orders, one class, and one phylum were identified. Coprinus atramentarius and Psathyrella velutina were high in frequency, as three times. Investigation on the diversity of mushrooms at the Worldcup Park, piled up with the city's waste, will be of the great significance in the aspect of the ecological change. All specimens examined in this work are preserved in HCCN (Herbarium Conservation Center of National Academy of Agricultural Science).

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.1149-1161
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• 2014

Cotton plants were sampled and ranked according to their resistance to Verticillium wilt. In total, 642 endophytic fungi isolates representing 27 genera were recovered from Gossypium hirsutum root, stem, and leaf tissues, but were not uniformly distributed. More endophytic fungi appeared in the leaf (391) compared with the root (140) and stem (111) sections. However, no significant difference in the abundance of isolated endophytes was found among resistant cotton varieties. Alternaria exhibited the highest colonization frequency (7.9%), followed by Acremonium (6.6%) and Penicillium (4.8%). Unlike tolerant varieties, resistant and susceptible ones had similar endophytic fungal population compositions. In three Verticillium-wilt-resistant cotton varieties, fungal endophytes from the genus Alternaria were most frequently isolated, followed by Gibberella and Penicillium. The maximum concentration of dominant endophytic fungi was observed in leaf tissues (0.1797). The evenness of stem tissue endophytic communities (0.702) was comparatively more uniform than the other two tissues. Eighty endophytic fungi selected from 27 genera were evaluated for their inhibition activity against highly virulent Verticillium dahliae isolate Vd080 in vitro. Thirty-nine isolates exhibited fungistasis against the pathogen at varying degrees. Seven species, having high growth inhibition rates (${\geq}75%$), exhibited strong antifungal activity against V. dahliae. The antifungal activity of both volatile and nonvolatile metabolites was also investigated. The nonvolatile substances produced by CEF-818 (Penicillium simplicissimum), CEF-325 (Fusarium solani), CEF-714 (Leptosphaeria sp.), and CEF-642 (Talaromyces flavus) completely inhibited V. dahliae growth. These findings deepen our understanding of cotton-endophyte interactions and provide a platform for screening G. hirsutum endophytes with biocontrol potential.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.38-43
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• 2011

Almost 10~30% of vegetables were discarded by the spoilage from farms to tables. After harvest, vegetables are often spoiled by a wide variety of microorganisms including many bacterial and fungal species. This investigation was conducted to extent the knowledge of relationship the spoilage of vegetables and the diversity of microbes. The total aerobic bacterial numbers in fresh lettuce, perilla leaf, and chicory were $2.6{\sim}2.7{\times}10^6$, $4.6{\times}10^5$, $1.2{\times}10^6\;CFU/g$ of fresh weight, respectively. The most common bacterial species were Pseudomonas spp., Alysiella spp., and Burkholderia spp., and other 18 more genera were involved in. After one week of incubation of those vegetables at $28^{\circ}C$, the microbial diversity had been changed. The total aerobic bacterial numbers increased to $1.1{\sim}4.6{\times}10^8$, $4.9{\times}10^7$, and $7.6{\times}10^8\;CFU/g$ of fresh weight for lettuce, perilla leaf, and chicory that is about $10^2$ times increased bacterial numbers than that before spoilage. However, the diversity of microbes isolated had been simplified and fewer bacterial species had been isolated. The most bacterial population (~48%) was taken up by Pseudomonas spp., and followed by Arthrobacter spp. and Bacillus spp. The spoilage activity of individual bacterial isolates had been tested using axenic lettuce plants. Among tested isolates, Pseudomonas fluorescence and Pantoea agglomerans caused severe spoilage on lettuce.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.158-164
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• 2015

A total of 509 rice panicle samples were collected at harvest time from fields in 8 provinces from 2010 to 2014. One hundred five grains per sample were plated on potato dextrose agar and 6,658 Fusarium isolates were obtained; among them, 67 were identified as Fusarium armeniacum by sequencing the translation elongation factor $1{\alpha}$ ($EF-1{\alpha}$) and confirmed by their morphological and cultural characteristics. Considerable variation in conidial size, colony color and $EF-1{\alpha}$ sequences was observed among the fungal isolates. The ability of 24 F. armeniacum isolates to produce T-2 and HT-2 toxin in potato sucrose agar was determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Twenty one isolates produced T-2 and HT-2 toxin, resulting in varying toxin levels among the isolates. The results show that Korean isolates of F. armeniacum have diversity with respect to morphological, cultural, genetic, and toxigenic properties.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.1286-1298
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• 2005

The genus Paenibacillus is a new group of bacilli separated from the genus Bacillus, and most of species have been isolated from soil. In the present study, we collected 450 spore-forming bacilli from the roots of winter crops, such as barley, wheat, onion, green onion, and Chinese cabbage, which were cultivated in the southern part of Korea. Among these 450 isolates, 104 Paenibacillus-like isolates were selected, based on their colony shape, odor, color, and endospore morphology, and 41 isolates were then finally identified as Paenibacillus spp. by 16S rDNA sequencing. Among the 41 Paenibacillus isolates, 23 were classified as P. polymyxa, a type species of the genus Paenibacillus, based on comparison of the 16S rDNA sequences with those of 32 type strains of the genus Paenibacillus from the GenBank database. Thirty-five isolates among the 41 Paenibacillus isolates exhibited antagonistic activity towards plant fungal and bacterial pathogens, whereas 24 isolates had a significant growth-enhancing effect on cucumber seedlings, when applied to the seeds. An assessment of the root-colonization capacity under gnotobiotic conditions revealed that all 41 isolates were able to colonize cucumber roots without any significant difference. Twenty-one of the Paenibacillus isolates were shown to contain the nifH gene, which is an indicator of $N_{2}$ fixation. However, the other 20 isolates, including the reference strain E681, did not incorporate the nifH gene. To investigate the diversity of the isolates, a BOX-PCR was performed, and the resulting electrophoresis patterns allowed the 41 Paenibacillus isolates to be divided into three groups (Groups A, B, and C). One group included Paenibacillus strains isolated mainly from barley or wheat, whereas the other two groups contained strains isolated from diverse plant samples. Accordingly, the present results showed that the Paenibacillus isolates collected from the rhizosphere of winter crops were diverse in their biological and genetic characteristics, and they are good candidates for further application studies.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.42 no.spc
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• pp.20-28
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• 2009

The sustainability of conventional agriculture which is characterized by input dependent and ecologically simplified food production system is vague. Chemicals and present practices used in agriculture are not only costly but also have widespread implications on human and animal health, food quality and safety and environmental quality. Thus there is a need for alternative farming practices to sustain food production for the escalating population and conserve environment for future generations. The present research scenario in the area of plant microbe interactions for maintaining sustainable agriculture suggests that the level of internal regulation in agro-ecosystems is largely dependent on the level of plant and microbial diversity present in the soil. In agro-ecosystems, biodiversity performs a variety of ecological services beyond the production of food, including recycling of nutrients, regulation of microclimate and local hydrological processes, suppression of undesirable organisms and detoxification of noxious chemicals. Controlling the soil microflora to enhance the predominance of beneficial and effective microorganisms can help improve and maintain soil chemical and physical properties. The role of beneficial soil microorganisms in sustainable productivity has been well construed. Some plant bacteria referred to as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can contribute to improve plant growth, nutrient uptake and microbial diversity when inoculated to plants. Term PGPR was initially used to describe strains of naturally occurring non-symbiotic soil bacteria have the ability to colonize plant roots and stimulate plant growth PGPR activity has been reported in strains belonging to several other genera, such as Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Arthrobacter Bacillus, Burkhokderia, Methylobacterium, and Pseudomonas etc. PGPR stimulate plant growth directly either by synthesizing hormones such as indole acetic acid or by promoting nutrition, for example, by phosphate solubilization or more generally by accelerating mineralization processes. They can also stimulate growth indirectly, acting as biocontrol agents by protecting the plant against soil borne fungal pathogens or deleterious bacteria. Present review focuses on some recent developments to evolve strategies for better biotechnological exploitation of PGPR's.