Examinando por Materia "Fungi"

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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community shifts driven by heavy metals in cocoa agroecosystems at different crop age
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2026-06-09) Del Aguila Torres, Cecil Eduardo; Pezo Torres, Maria Nelly; Vega Herrera, Sergio Sebastian; Verde Girbau, Carlos; Meseth Macchiavello, Enrique; Corazon Guivin, Mike Anderson; Paz Urrelo, Jorge Luis
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is an economically important tropical crop, but its production is increasingly constrained by strict regulations related to heavy metal accumulation in soils. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are a key biological component of cocoa agroecosystems due to their role in soil processes and plant nutrition. However, information on AMF diversity and their response to heavy metals remains limited. In this study, AMF communities were evaluated in cocoa plantations of different ages established under contrasting heavy metal conditions. A total of 53 AMF taxa were identified, indicating high fungal richness across all plantations. No significant differences were found in α-diversity indices or community composition among plantation ages. In contrast, multivariate analyses showed that variation in AMF community structure was primarily associated with soil heavy metal gradients, particularly cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). Species-level models revealed contrasting responses among taxa, with both positive and negative associations along Cd and Zn gradients, suggesting differential tolerance strategies. Overall, these results indicate that edaphic factors, especially heavy metal concentrations, play a more important role than plantation age in shaping AMF community composition. These findings provide a basis for identifying AMF taxa adapted to metal-enriched soils and for developing management strategies that support sustainable cocoa production.
In vitro biological activity of Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria peruviensis, and Metarhizium sp. against Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
(Hindawi, 2023-09-30) Chuquibala Checan, Beimer; Torres de la Cruz, Magdiel; Leiva, Santos; Hernandez Diaz, Elgar; Rubio, Karol; Goñas Goñas, Malluri; Arce Inga, Marielita; Oliva Cruz, Manuel
Coffee (Coffea arabica) is the main commodity in Peru and is the economic support for thousands of small farmers. However, coffee production is affected by the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei). Currently, H. hampei is the most important pest in whole coffee-growing regions in Peru. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro biological activity of Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria peruviensis, and Metarhizium sp. against Hypothenemus hampei in two trials at different times. Conidia production, Conidia viability, and pathogenicity against H. hampei were evaluated at three concentrations (1 × 105, 1 × 107, and 1 × 109 conidia/mL−1). In addition, lethal times (LT50 and LT90) and lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were calculated. There were significant differences in conidia production ( < 0.001) and conidia viability ( < 0.041). The highest conidia production and conidia viability were reached by B. bassiana and B. peruviensis, respectively. Likewise, there were differences in the pathogenicity of the strains in the two tests carried out (test 1: < 0.0009 and test 2: < 0.0001). The highest mortality occurred in the treatments of B. bassiana 1 × 109 conidia/mL−1, B. bassiana 1 × 107 conidia/mL−1, and B. peruviensis 1 × 109 conidia/mL−1. The treatments with lower LT50 and LT90 were B. bassiana 1 × 109 conidia/mL−1 and B. peruviensis 1 × 109 conidia/mL−1, and the strains with the lowest LC50 and LC90 were B. peruviensis and B. bassiana. The in vitro characteristics shown by B. bassiana and B. peruviensis conditions suggest they should be evaluated in the field to determine the capability of these strains to reduce populations of H. hampei.