Pithomyces chartarum

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Pithomyces chartarum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Fungi
Division:
Ascomycota
Subdivision:
Pezizomycotina
Class:
Dothideomycetes
Order:
Pleosporales
Family:
Pleosporaceae
Genus:
Pithomyces
Species:
P. chartarum
Binomial name
Pithomyces chartarum
(Berk. & M.A. Curtis) M.B. Ellis (1960)
Synonyms
  • Sporidesmium chartarum Berk. & M.A. Curtis (1874)
  • Piricauda chartarm R.T. Moore (1959)
  • Sporidesmium bakeri Syd. & P. Syd. (1914)

Pithomyces chartarum is a fungus predominantly found in subtropical countries and other localities with warmer climates. [1] However, it occurs throughout the world including the United Kingdom, Europe and Netherlands. [2] Pithomyces chartarum produces a mycotoxin called sporidesmin when it grows on plants, particularly grasses. [2] Presence of the toxin in forage grasses causes facial eczema in sheep, and is especially problematic in areas such as New Zealand where sheep are intensively raised. [3] Other health effect of P. chartarum are not well understood. [3]

History and taxonomy

This species was first discovered by Miles Berkeley and Moses Ashley Curtis as Sporidesmium chartarum in 1874. It was independently named Sporidesmium bakeri by German mycologists Hans and Paul Sydow in 1914. [1] Canadian mycologist Stanley Hughes examined specimens of both taxa in 1958 and concluded that they represented the same taxon which he contemplated assigning them to the genus Scheleobrachea. [1] Several years later, the British mycologist Martin Ellis described the fungus in the genus Pithomyces as P. chartarum. [1] It has been suggested that P. chartarum may be indigenous to New Zealand. [1]

Growth and morphology

Pithomyces chartarum produces spores that are multicellular and darkly pigmented, although they are produced sparsely. [3] The spores can be barrel-shaped, ellipsoidal or club-shaped. [3] Pithomyces chartarum has three vegetative hyphal types: sparsely septate, densely septate, and densely septate with surface spines. [4] The colonies are fast growing [5] and their morphology depends on temperature. [4] When the temperature is below 20 °C (68 °F), the sparsely septate morphology predominates in contrast to the densely septate for that is stimulated by temperatures of 26 °C (79 °F). [1] The spores that are germinating produce hyaline superficial hyphae which can easily penetrate plant cell walls. [1] The conidiophores bear simple conidia, [6] they are short, thin walled and usually nonseptate. [1] The conidia are considered aleurioconidia because they arise singly at the apex of each conidiophore. [6] [7] Conidia may also form in clusters on a network of conidiogenous branches. [1] Mature conidia typically have three transverse septa and up to two longitudinal septa. [1]

Physiology

The production of conidia and vegetative hyphae are good at 24 °C (75 °F). [4] Conidia require free water to germinate and do not germinate at water potentials below -140 bars. [4] The production of conidia is stimulated in vitro by exposure to near UV-light. [4] Warm ground temperatures and high humidity cause rapid growth [8] but lower temperatures result in higher sporidesmin content of conidia. [4] Pithomyces chartarum produces sporidesmin but also has been seen to produce cyclodepsipeptides and sporidemolides. [3]

Habitat and ecology

Pithomyces chartarum is more likely to be found in tropical locations but its range might be expanding. [2] It can be found in pastures growing on debris and on damaged potato leaves, [1] on dead leaves and stem of plants [4] and occasionally in indoor environments on paper, ceiling tiles and may be present in carpet and mattress dust. [9] It is thought to be especially frequent on fodder grasses. [10] Pithomyces chartarum foliar infections can be clearly observed because they result in the formation of necrotic spots; however, recent studies have suggested that plant infections may be asymptomatic under certain circumstances. [2] Growth of the fungus is inhibited in vitro by Bacillus subtilis and cochliodinol. [4]

Disease

Pithomyces chartarum is known to cause facial eczema in sheep and cattle, [4] prevalent in New Zealand and occasionally in Australia. [11] It is more common in sheep and deer, and goats seem to be less affected. [2] Due to the growth required for the spores, we normally see cases occur after warm rains in fall or in summer. [8] Symptoms of animal illness are usually apparent 10–14 days after ingestion. [8] Animal disease caused by this fungus can be controlled in farm animals by avoiding short grazing, feeding cattle zinc or by using benzimidazole fungicides on pastures. [8] The effects on human health are not well understood but it is thought that P. chartarum could also be involved in glue blotch disease of rice. [4]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ascomycota</span> Division or phylum of fungi

Ascomycota is a phylum of the kingdom Fungi that, together with the Basidiomycota, forms the subkingdom Dikarya. Its members are commonly known as the sac fungi or ascomycetes. It is the largest phylum of Fungi, with over 64,000 species. The defining feature of this fungal group is the "ascus", a microscopic sexual structure in which nonmotile spores, called ascospores, are formed. However, some species of Ascomycota are asexual and thus do not form asci or ascospores. Familiar examples of sac fungi include morels, truffles, brewers' and bakers' yeast, dead man's fingers, and cup fungi. The fungal symbionts in the majority of lichens such as Cladonia belong to the Ascomycota.

<i>Aspergillus flavus</i> Species of fungus

Aspergillus flavus is a saprotrophic and pathogenic fungus with a cosmopolitan distribution. It is best known for its colonization of cereal grains, legumes, and tree nuts. Postharvest rot typically develops during harvest, storage, and/or transit. Its specific name flavus derives from the Latin meaning yellow, a reference to the frequently observed colour of the spores. A. flavus infections can occur while hosts are still in the field (preharvest), but often show no symptoms (dormancy) until postharvest storage or transport. In addition to causing preharvest and postharvest infections, many strains produce significant quantities of toxic compounds known as mycotoxins, which, when consumed, are toxic to mammals. A. flavus is also an opportunistic human and animal pathogen, causing aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conidium</span> Asexual, non-motile spore of a fungus

A conidium, sometimes termed an asexual chlamydospore or chlamydoconidium, is an asexual, non-motile spore of a fungus. The word conidium comes from the Ancient Greek word for dust, κόνις (kónis). They are also called mitospores due to the way they are generated through the cellular process of mitosis. They are produced exogenously. The two new haploid cells are genetically identical to the haploid parent, and can develop into new organisms if conditions are favorable, and serve in biological dispersal.

<i>Penicillium expansum</i> Species of fungus

Penicillium expansum is a psychrophilic blue mold that is common throughout the world in soil. It causes Blue Mold of apples, one of the most prevalent and economically damaging post-harvest diseases of apples.

Nigrospora sphaerica is an airborne filamentous fungus in the phylum Ascomycota. It is found in soil, air, and plants as a leaf pathogen. It can occur as an endophyte where it produces antiviral and antifungal secondary metabolites. Sporulation of N. sphaerica causes its initial white coloured colonies to rapidly turn black. N. sphaerica is often confused with the closely related species N. oryzae due to their morphological similarities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Facial eczema</span> Mycotoxic disease of ungulates

Facial eczema is a mycotoxic disease that affects the liver of several animals, mainly sheep and cattle, but can also infect other ungulates. It is caused by ingesting sporidesmins released by the fungus Pithomyces chartarum. Its visible symptoms are characterized by red skin that turns black and crusty before peeling off, as well as inflammation that can cause swelling of the udder, teats, ears and face. The disease is not always visible. Other symptoms include weight loss, weakness and death.

<i>Ulocladium</i> Genus of fungi

Ulocladium is a genus of fungi. Species of this genus contain both plant pathogens and food spoilage agents. Other species contain enzymes that are biological control agents. Some members of the genus can invade homes and are a sign of moisture because the mold requires water to thrive. They can cause plant diseases or hay fever and more serious infections in immuno-suppressed individuals.

<i>Conidiobolus coronatus</i> Species of fungus

Conidiobolus coronatus is a saprotrophic fungus, first described by Costantin in 1897 as Boudierella coronata. Though this fungus has also been known by the name Entomophthora coronata, the correct name is Conidiobolus coronatus. C. coronatus is able to infect humans and animals, and the first human infection with C. coronatus was reported in Jamaica in 1965.

<i>Purpureocillium lilacinum</i> Species of fungus

Purpureocillium lilacinum is a species of filamentous fungus in the family Ophiocordycipitaceae. It has been isolated from a wide range of habitats, including cultivated and uncultivated soils, forests, grassland, deserts, estuarine sediments and sewage sludge, and insects. It has also been found in nematode eggs, and occasionally from females of root-knot and cyst nematodes. In addition, it has frequently been detected in the rhizosphere of many crops. The species can grow at a wide range of temperatures – from 8 to 38 °C for a few isolates, with optimal growth in the range 26 to 30 °C. It also has a wide pH tolerance and can grow on a variety of substrates. P. lilacinum has shown promising results for use as a biocontrol agent to control the growth of destructive root-knot nematodes.

Massarina carolinensis is a species of fungus in the Lophiostomataceae family. The species is found exclusively on the lower parts of the culms of the saltmarsh Juncus roemerianus on the Atlantic Coast of North Carolina.

<i>Paraphaeosphaeria pilleata</i> Species of fungus

Paraphaeosphaeria pilleata is a species of fungus in the Lophiostomataceae family. The species fruits exclusively in the lower parts of the culms of the black needlerush. It is found on the Atlantic Coast of North Carolina.

<i>Trichothecium roseum</i> Species of fungus

Trichothecium roseum is a fungus in the division Ascomycota first reported in 1809. It is characterized by its flat and granular colonies which are initially white and develop to be light pink in color. This fungus reproduces asexually through the formation of conidia with no known sexual state. Trichothecium roseum is distinctive from other species of the genus Trichothecium in its characteristic zigzag patterned chained conidia. It is found in various countries worldwide and can grow in a variety of habitats ranging from leaf litter to fruit crops. Trichothecium roseum produces a wide variety of secondary metabolites including mycotoxins, such as roseotoxins and trichothecenes, which can infect and spoil a variety of fruit crops. It can act as both a secondary and opportunistic pathogen by causing pink rot on various fruits and vegetables and thus has an economical impact on the farming industry. Secondary metabolites of T. roseum, specifically Trichothecinol A, are being investigated as potential anti-metastatic drugs. Several agents including harpin, silicon oxide, and sodium silicate are potential inhibitors of T. roseum growth on fruit crops. Trichothecium roseum is mainly a plant pathogen and has yet to show a significant impact on human health.

<i>Arthrobotrys oligospora</i> Species of fungus

Arthrobotrys oligospora was discovered in Europe in 1850 by Georg Fresenius. A. oligospora is the model organism for interactions between fungi and nematodes. It is the most common nematode-capturing fungus, and most widespread nematode-trapping fungus in nature. It was the first species of fungi documented to actively capture nematodes.

Paecilomyces marquandii is a soil-borne filamentous fungus distributed throughout temperate to tropical latitudes worldwide including forest, grassland, sewage sludge and strongly metal polluted area characterized by high tolerance in heavy metals. Simultaneous toxic action of zinc and alachlor result an increase in uptake of metal in this fungus but disrupts the cell membrane. Paecilomyces marquandii is known to parasitize the mushroom, Cuphophyllus virgineus, in the family, Hygrophoraceae. Paecilomyces marquandii is categorised as a biosafety risk group 1 in Canada and is not thought to be a significant pathogen of humans or animals.

Ulocladium chartarum is an ascomycetes mushroom, one of the many in the genus Ulocladium.

<i>Penicillium spinulosum</i> Species of fungus

Penicillium spinulosum is a non-branched, fast-growing fungus with a swelling at the terminal of the stipe (vesiculate) in the genus Penicillium. P. spinulosum is able to grow and reproduce in environment with low temperature and low water availability, and is known to be acidotolerant. P. spinulosum is ubiquitously distributed, and can often be isolated from soil. Each individual strain of P. spinulosum differs from others in their colony morphology, including colony texture, amount of sporulation and roughness of conidia and conidiophores.

Botryotrichum piluliferum is a fungal species first identified in 1885 by Saccardo and Marchal. It was discovered to be the asexual state of a member of the ascomycete genus, Chaetomium. The name B. piluliferum now applies to the fungus in all its states. B. piluliferum has been found worldwide in a wide range of habitats such as animal dung and vegetation. The colonies of this fungus start off white and grow rapidly to a brown colour. The conidia are smooth and white. B. piluliferum grows optimally at a temperature of 25-30 °C and a pH of 5.5.

Curvularia geniculata is a fast-growing anamorphic fungus in the division Ascomycota, most commonly found in soil, especially in areas of warmer climates. The fungus is a pathogen, mainly causing plant and animal infections, and rarely causing human infections. C. geniculata is characterized by its curved conidia, which has a dark brown centre and pale tapered tips, and produces anti-fungal compounds called Curvularides A-E.

Stylopage is a polytypic genus of predacious fungus in the order Zoopagales, within the subphylum Zoopagomycotina. All known species of Stylopage subsist on various species of amoebae or nematodes by trapping their prey, typically using an adhesive substance that coats their vegetative hyphae, and absorbing nutrients through the projection of a haustorium. 17 extant Stylopage species have been described thus far.

Meristacrum is a fungal genus in the monotypic family Meristacraceae, of the order Entomophthorales. They are parasites of soil invertebrates, they typically infect nematodes, and tardigrades.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Dingley, Joan M. (1962). "Pithomyces chartarum, its occurrence, morphology and taxonomy". New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research. 5 (1–2): 49–61. doi:10.1080/00288233.1962.10419976.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Wearn, James (2009). "Pithomyces chartarum–a fungus on the up?". Field Mycology. 10 (1): 36–37. doi: 10.1016/s1468-1641(10)60497-5 .
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Putty, Murali (2011). "Pithomyces". The Environmental Reporter. 9 (3). Eurofins Scientific. Archived from the original on 2013-05-16.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Domsch, K.H.; Gams, Walter; Andersen, Traute-Heidi (1980). Compendium of soil fungi (2nd ed.). London, UK: Academic Press. ISBN   9780122204029.
  5. ↑ "Pithomyces chartarum". The University of Adelaide. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  6. 1 2 Watanabe, Tsuneo (2010). Pictorial Atlas of Soil and Seed Fungi (3rd ed.). Boca Raton, Fl: CRC Press. ISBN   978-1439804193.
  7. ↑ Kwon-Chung, K.J; Bennett, J.E. (1992). Medical mycology. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger. ISBN   0812114639.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Osweiler, Gary D. (2016). "Facial Eczema". Merk Veterinary Manual. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  9. ↑ Flannigan, Brian; Samson, Robert A.; Miller, J. David (2011). Microorganisms in home and indoor work environments (3rd ed.). Boca Raton: CRC Press. ISBN   978-1-4200-9334-6.
  10. ↑ Ellis, MB (1971). Dematiaceous Hyphomycetes. Wallingford, UK: CABI. ISBN   0851980279.
  11. ↑ Christensen, Clyde M. (1975). Molds, Mushrooms, and Mycotoxins. Minnesota: Univ of Minnesota. ISBN   0816657297.
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