Search Results (98)

Red grapes often suffer from postharvest diseases like blue mold and black mold caused by Penicillium expansum and Aspergillus niger. Biological control using beneficial yeasts and bacteria is an effective method to manage these diseases. Rhodotorula sp. and Bacillus sp. are effective microorganisms for the control of postharvest diseases of red grapes. This study combined two yeast strains (Rhodotorula graminis and Rhodotorula babjevae) and two bacterial strains (Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus velezensis) to investigate their biological control effects on major postharvest diseases of red grapes and explore the underlying physiological mechanisms. Research showed that compound microorganism W3 outperformed the others; it reduced spore germination and germ tube growth of P. expansum and A. niger, while its volatiles further inhibited pathogen growth. Additionally, the treatment enhanced the antioxidant capacity of grapes and increased resistance to pathogens by boosting peroxidase activities, superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonolyase, and polyphenol oxidase. Furthermore, the combined treatment increased the activity and accumulation of antifungal compounds such as total phenols and flavonoids, thereby improving disease resistance and reducing decay. Therefore, composite microorganisms combining various antagonistic strains may offer a viable substitute for tackling postharvest diseases in red grapes. Full article

Difenoconazole (DIF), a demethylation inhibitor fungicide, was registered in 2016 for the control of postharvest diseases of pome fruits. In this study, 162 isolates from P. expansum (n = 31) and 13 other “non-expansum” Penicillium spp., i.e., P. solitum (n = 52), P. roqueforti (n = 32), P. commune (n = 15), P. paneum (n = 9), P. psychrosexuale (n = 8), P. crustosum (n = 5), P. carneum (n = 3), P. palitans (n = 2), along with one isolate each of P. citrinum, P. griseofulvum, P. raistrickii, P. ribium, and P. viridicatum, were collected from multiple packinghouses in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. In vitro sensitivity assays showed similar sensitivities of spores and mycelia across species with the mean EC₅₀ values ranging from 0.01 for P. psychrosexuale (n = 8) to 1.33 μg mL⁻¹ for P. palitans (n = 2), whereas the mean EC_50s were 0.03, 0.12, 0.19, and 0.51 μg mL⁻¹ for P. expansum (n = 31), P. paneum (n = 9), P. solitum (n = 52), and P. crustosum (n = 5), respectively. The recommended rate of DIF controlled P. expansum and P. roqueforti isolates but not all isolates of four other Penicillium spp. on Fuji apples after five months at 1.5 °C. The mixture of DIF + fludioxonil (FDL) (Academy^TM) controlled all the dual-sensitive isolates (DIF^SFDL^S) and DIF single-resistant (DIF^R) isolates among the six species tested but not the FDL^R and dual DIF^RFDL^R isolates. Notable polymorphism was detected in the CYP51 gene of the “non-expansum” species with four mutations located at four residues. Although the isolates analyzed in this study had not previously been exposed to DIF, the findings indicate variable sensitivity levels among the Penicillium spp. Full article

Penicillium expansum is a ubiquitous pathogenic fungus that causes blue mold decay of apple fruit postharvest, and another member of the genus, Penicillium chrysogenum, is a well-studied saprophyte valued for antibiotic and small molecule production. While these two fungi have been investigated individually, a recent discovery revealed that P. chrysogenum can block P. expansum-mediated decay of apple fruit. To shed light on this observation, we conducted a comparative genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic study of two P. chrysogenum (404 and 413) and two P. expansum (Pe21 and R19) isolates. Global transcriptional and metabolomic outputs were disparate between the species, nearly identical for P. chrysogenum isolates, and different between P. expansum isolates. Further, the two P. chrysogenum genomes revealed secondary metabolite gene clusters that varied widely from P. expansum. This included the absence of an intact patulin gene cluster in P. chrysogenum, which corroborates the metabolomic data regarding its inability to produce patulin. Additionally, a core subset of P. expansum virulence gene homologues were identified in P. chrysogenum and were similarly transcriptionally regulated in vitro. Molecules with varying biological activities, and phytohormone-like compounds were detected for the first time in P. expansum while antibiotics like penicillin G and other biologically active molecules were discovered in P. chrysogenum culture supernatants. Our findings provide a solid omics-based foundation of small molecule production in these two fungal species with implications in postharvest context and expand the current knowledge of the Penicillium-derived chemical repertoire for broader fundamental and practical applications. Full article

Green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum is a major post-harvest disease in citrus fruits. Therefore, the search for sustainable and low-environmental-impact alternatives for the management of these fungi is of utmost importance. Physalis peruviana L. is a native fruit of the Peruvian Andes with rich bioactive components present throughout the plant. Its antifungal activity stands out, attributed to its high content of phenols, coupled with its antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity. Plants were cultivated aeroponically under a combination of red, mixed (50% red, 50% blue), and green LED lights. Additionally, in vitro-habituated roots free of plant growth regulators were also cultivated. An ethanol extraction assisted by ultrasound for 30 min followed by maceration for 72 h was performed, and the extract was filtrated and evaporated in an extraction hood. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH method, total polyphenols were measured using the Folin–Ciocâlteu method, and an antifungal test in vitro by the poisoned food method was conducted against P. digitatum. In vitro assays revealed that extracts from leaves, roots, and fruits exerted a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of P. digitatum, as evidenced by a reduction in colony radius when cultured employing the poisoned food method, with IC₅₀ values of 62.17, 53.15, and 286.34 µg·mL⁻¹, respectively, compared to 2297 µg·mL⁻¹ for the commercial fungicide Captan 50WP. Although leaves had higher total polyphenol content, no direct correlation with antifungal activity was found. Colored LEDs enhanced phenol accumulation, antioxidant capacity, and antifungal properties in plant parts compared to white LEDs and in vitro roots. These findings suggest P. peruviana as a new alternative biological production system to provide natural compounds for post-harvest disease management. Full article

We explored the use of biomimetic structures, including those that mimic leaf structures, to enhance the angular color uniformity of flat phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (pcLEDs). The distinct microstructures found on natural leaf surfaces, such as micro-scale bumps, ridges, and hierarchical patterns, have inspired the design of artificial microstructures that can improve light extraction, scattering, and overall optical performance in LED applications. The effects of these leaf surface microstructures on the phosphor layer of flat pcLEDs were evaluated. An imprinting technique was employed to directly replicate the surface morphology structures from fresh plant leaves. The results indicated that this method provided excellent scattering capability and reduced the disparity in light output between blue and yellow light emissions from flat pcLEDs at various angles. Subsequently, uniform correlated color temperature in the flat pcLEDs was achieved, reducing the yellow ring effect. Furthermore, the availability of diverse wrinkle and surface patterns from a wide range of natural prototypes could reduce design costs compared with traditional mold fabrication, making the method suitable for application in mass production. Full article

Penicillium expansum causes blue mold, a major post-harvest disease affecting apples. This disease is commonly managed using fungicides, including Difenoconazole (Dif), a demethylation inhibitor (DMI) approved for its control. This investigation aims to evaluate the baseline sensitivity of 100 P. expansum isolates to Difenoconazole. The isolates were collected from symptomatic apples in 34 storage warehouses across the Fes-Meknes and Draa-Tafilalet regions over three years (2020, 2021, and 2022). The study revealed an increase in the percentage of inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination of P. expansum proportional to the increasing concentration of the fungicide. Moreover, the results indicate that 46 isolates were able to develop even at a concentration of 5 µg/mL of Dif (the suggested discriminatory dose), indicating reduced sensitivity to this fungicide. The analysis of the values of the effective concentration to inhibit 50% (EC50) of mycelial growth of P. expansum ranging from 0.027 to 1.673 µg/mL (mean: 0.263 µg/mL, variation factor: 62.507) and for spore germination from 0.0002 to 0.787 µg/mL (mean: 0.048 µg/mL, variation factor: 4113.835). The wide variation in EC50 values indicates significant variability in the isolates’ responses to Dif, likely due to diverse sampling in space and time. Our results showed that some P. expansum isolates could grow even at high concentrations of Dif, indicating limited efficacy of this treatment. The EC50 of five isolates exceeded 0.92 µg/mL, suggesting potential resistance. This study indicates reduced sensitivity and possible emergence of resistant strains. Notably, it is the first evaluation of P. expansum sensitivity to Dif in Morocco. Full article

Excessive consumption of natural resources to meet the growing demands of building and infrastructure projects has put enormous stress on these resources. On the other hand, a significant quantity of soil is excavated for development activities across the globe and is usually treated as waste material. This study explores the potential of excavated soils in the Brittany region of France for its reuse as earthen construction materials. Characterization of soil recovered from building sites was carried out to classify the soils and observe their suitability for earthen construction materials. These characteristics include mainly Atterberg limits, granulometry, organic matter and optimum moisture content. Soil samples were separated into fine and coarse particles through wet sieving. The percentage of fines (particles smaller than 0.063 mm) in studied soil samples range from 28% to 65%. The methylene blue value (MBV) for Lorient, Bruz and Polama soils is 1, 1.2 and 1.2 g/100 g, and French classification (Guide de terrassements des remblais et des couches de forme; GTR) of soil samples is A1, B5 and A1, respectively. The washing of soils with lower fine content helps to recover excellent-quality sand and gravel, which are a useful and precious resource. However, residual fine particles are a waste material. In this study, three soil formulations were used for manufacturing earth blocks. These formulations include raw soil, fines and restructured soil. In restructured soil, a fine fraction of soil smaller than 0.063 mm was mixed with 15% recycled sand. Restructuring of soil fine particles helps to improve soil matrix composition and suitability for earth bricks. Compressed-earth blocks of 4 × 4 × 16 cm were manufactured at a laboratory scale for flexural strength testing by using optimum molding moisture content and compaction through Proctor normal energy. Compressive strength tests were performed on cubic blocks of size 4 × 4 × 4 cm. Mechanical testing of bricks showed that bricks with raw soil had higher resistance with a maximum of 3.4 MPa for Lorient soil. Removal of coarse particles from soil decreased the strength of bricks considerably. Restructuring of fines with recycled sand improves their granular skeleton and increases the compressive strength and durability of bricks. Full article

Blue mold disease, caused by Penicillium italicum (P. italicum), presents a significant challenge to orange fruits (Citrus sinensis L.) and other citrus crops globally. Biological control, particularly Trichoderma species, offers a promising alternative to synthetic fungicides. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the antagonistic activities of two Trichoderma isolates against P. italicum. These isolates were molecularly identified and assigned accession numbers PP002254 and PP002272, respectively. Both isolates demonstrated significant antifungal activity in dual culture assays. Moreover, the culture filtrates (CFs) of Trichoderma longibrachiatum PP002254 and Trichoderma harzianum PP002272 suppressed the mycelial growth of P. italicum by 77.22% and 71.66%, respectively. Additionally, CFs reduced the severity of blue mold on orange fruits by 26.85% and 53.81%, compared to 100% in the control group. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that treated P. italicum hyphae were shrunken and disfigured. Enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase) in treated oranges increased, along with total soluble phenolics and flavonoids. Conversely, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in treated fruits. These findings suggest that T. longibrachiatum PP002254 and T. harzianum PP002272 could be effective biocontrol agents for managing blue mold and other citrus postharvest diseases. Full article

Over the past decade, biophilic architecture has been widely developed across the Asia–Pacific region. However, there is a notable lack of research based on online public reviews focusing on mid- to high-rise biophilic buildings, especially quantitative studies combining traditional architectural design features. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the typical floor plans and online public reviews of nine renowned biophilic buildings in the Asia–Pacific region. Using space syntax and natural language processing tools, the design features of typical floor plans and public feedback will be analyzed separately, and their correlation will be evaluated. Additionally, the content of negative and low-score reviews will be categorized to identify issues in current biophilic building designs. The findings suggest that biophilic design can stimulate widespread public discussion, with large direct blue–green elements receiving overwhelming attention. However, biophilic elements can also lead to negative sentiments due to factors like humidity, high temperatures, mold, and insects. This study provides insights and design recommendations for future biophilic buildings, demonstrating the value of biophilic design in public reviews and emphasizing the need to balance these factors to enhance public satisfaction and acceptance. Full article

Citrus fruits, particularly mandarins, are highly valued globally for their nutritional benefits and versatile culinary uses. However, the challenge of post-harvest decay, primarily due to blue mold (Penicillium italicum) infections, results in significant food losses and necessitates effective preservation strategies. Traditional methods often rely on fungicides, raising concerns about chemical residues and environmental impact. This study investigates the efficacy of ozone as an alternative approach to controlling blue mold in mandarins. Various gaseous ozone treatments were tested, including single, double, and triple treatments, with durations ranging from 10 to 60 min and concentrations from 3.3 to 20 ppm. Additionally, ozonated water treatments were evaluated with concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 ppm. To simulate a realistic infestation scenario, mandarins were artificially infected with P. italicum spores before undergoing both gaseous ozone and ozonated water treatments. The storage conditions for the mandarins were meticulously controlled, maintaining a humidity level of 50–60% and a temperature range of 10–12 °C. Each fruit was analyzed, and the presence of P. italicum infection was determined two and three weeks after the ozonation. Results indicated that ozone treatments significantly reduced mold growth, with gaseous ozone demonstrating efficacy rates up to 97.5% and ozonated water treatments achieving preservation rates between 95% and 97%. These results underscore ozone’s potential as a safe, efficient, and sustainable alternative to conventional fungicides, offering promising solutions for extending the shelf life of mandarins. Further research is recommended to optimize ozone treatment parameters, assess long-term effects on fruit quality and nutritional content, and refine application techniques to harness ozone’s potential in citrus fruit preservation fully. This approach not only addresses food security challenges but also aligns with global efforts to reduce chemical inputs in agriculture and promote environmentally sustainable practices. Full article

Penicillium italicum, a major postharvest pathogen, causes blue mold rot in citrus fruits through the deployment of various virulence factors. Recent studies highlight the role of the epigenetic reader, SntB, in modulating the pathogenicity of phytopathogenic fungi. Our research revealed that the deletion of the SntB gene in P. italicum led to significant phenotypic alterations, including delayed mycelial growth, reduced spore production, and decreased utilization of sucrose. Additionally, the mutant strain exhibited increased sensitivity to pH fluctuations and elevated iron and calcium ion stress, culminating in reduced virulence on Gannan Novel oranges. Ultrastructural analyses disclosed notable disruptions in cell membrane integrity, disorganization within the cellular matrix, and signs of autophagy. Transcriptomic data further indicated a pronounced upregulation of hydrolytic enzymes, oxidoreductases, and transport proteins, suggesting a heightened energy demand. The observed phenomena were consistent with a carbon starvation response potentially triggering apoptotic pathways, including iron-dependent cell death. These findings collectively underscored the pivotal role of SntB in maintaining the pathogenic traits of P. italicum, proposing that targeting PiSntB could offer a new avenue for controlling citrus fungal infections and subsequent fruit decay. Full article

In an attempt to reduce such decay induced by pathogenic causes, several studies investigated the effectiveness of nanoparticles (NPs) that play a vital role in saving food products, especially fruits. Current research delves into biogenic silver nanoparticles (using marine alga Turbinaria turbinata (Tt/Ag-NPs) and their characterization using FT-IR, TEM, EDS, and zeta potential. Some pathogenic fungi, which cause fruit spoilage, were isolated. We studied the impact of using Tt/Ag-NPs to protect against isolated fungi in vitro, and the influence of Tt/Ag-NPs as a coating of tomato fruit to protect against blue mold caused by Penicillium italicum (OR770486) over 17 days of storage time. Five treatments were examined: T1, healthy fruits were used as the positive control; T2, healthy fruits sprayed with Tt/Ag-NPs; T3, fruits infected with P. italicum followed by coating with Tt/Ag-NPs (pre-coating); T4, fruits coated with Tt/Ag-NPs followed by infection by P. italicum (post-coating); and T5, the negative control, fruits infected by P. italicum. The results displayed that Tt/Ag-NPs are crystalline, spherical in shape, with size ranges between 14.5 and 39.85 nm, and negative charges. Different concentrations of Tt/Ag-NPs possessed antifungal activities against Botrytis cinerea, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Penicillium expansum, Alternaria alternate, and Stemphylium vesicarium. After two days of tomatoes being infected with P. italicum, 55% of the fruits were spoilage. The tomato fruit coated with Tt/Ag-NPs delayed weight loss, increased titratable acidity (TA%), antioxidant%, and polyphenol contents, and decreased pH and total soluble solids (TSSs). There were no significant results between pre-coating and post-coating except in phenol contents increased in pre-coating. A particular focus is placed on the novel and promising approach of utilizing nanoparticles to combat foodborne pathogens and preserve commodities, with a spotlight on the application of nanoparticles in safeguarding tomatoes from decay. Full article

Penicillium expansum is the predominant causal agent causing blue mold in postharvest fresh Codonopsis pilosula during storage. The pathogen reduces the yield and affects the quality of C. pilosula and even generates patulin, threatening human health. In this study, postharvest fresh, healthy C. pilosula was sprayed with P. expansum, and the control effect of ozone on postharvest diseases of C. pilosula was studied, and the effect of ozone on the contents in the main active ingredients of C. pilosula was compared; finally, the effect of ozone on reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism in C. pilosula was analyzed. The results showed that 2 mg L⁻¹ ozone application significantly inhibited the occurrence of postharvest blue mold caused by P. expansum, reduced weight loss rate, controlled the accumulation of patulin and maintained the contents of the main active components in C. pilosula. The study will provide a theoretical basis for ozone treatment to control the occurrence of postharvest diseases of C. pilosula. Full article

Apple production holds a prominent position in Morocco’s Rosaceae family. However, annual production can fluctuate due to substantial losses caused by fungal diseases affecting stored apples. Our findings emphasize that the pre-storage treatment of apples, disinfection of storage facilities, box type, and fruit sorting are pivotal factors affecting apple losses during storage. Additionally, the adopted preservation technique was significantly correlated with the percentage of damage caused by fungal infections. Blue mold accounts for nearly three-quarters of the diseases detected, followed by gray rot with a relatively significant incidence. This study has revealed several fungal diseases affecting stored apples caused by pathogens such as Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, Trichothecium roseum, Fusarium avenaceum, Cadophora malorum, and Neofabraea vagabunda. Notably, these last two fungal species have been reported for the first time in Morocco as pathogens of stored apples. These data affirm that the high losses of apples in Morocco, attributed primarily to P. expansum and B. cinerea, pose a significant threat in terms of reduced production and diminished fruit quality. Hence, adopting controlled atmosphere storage chambers and implementing good practices before apple storage is crucial. Full article

Patulin is a secondary metabolite primarily synthesized by the fungus Penicillium expansum, which is responsible for blue mold disease on apples. The latter are highly susceptible to fungal infection in the postharvest stages. Apples destined to produce compotes are processed throughout the year, which implies that long periods of storage are required under controlled atmospheres. P. expansum is capable of infecting apples throughout the whole process, and patulin can be detected in the end-product. In the present study, 455 apples (organically and conventionally grown), destined to produce compotes, of the variety “Golden Delicious” were sampled at multiple postharvest steps. The apple samples were analyzed for their patulin content and P. expansum was quantified using real-time PCR. The patulin results showed no significant differences between the two cultivation techniques; however, two critical control points were identified: the long-term storage and the deck storage of apples at ambient temperature before transport. Additionally, alterations in the epiphytic microbiota of both fungi and bacteria throughout various steps were investigated through the application of a metabarcoding approach. The alpha and beta diversity analysis highlighted the effect of long-term storage, causing an increase in the bacterial and fungal diversity on apples, and showed significant differences in the microbial communities during the different postharvest steps. The different network analyses demonstrated intra-species relationships. Multiple pairs of fungal and bacterial competitive relationships were observed. Positive interactions were also observed between P. expansum and multiple fungal and bacterial species. These network analyses provide a basis for further fungal and bacterial interaction analyses for fruit disease biocontrol. Full article