Spatial and temporal changes in microclimate affect disease distribution in two ancient tombs of Southern Tang Dynasty.

Two tombs of the Southern Tang Dynasty (Qinling Tomb and Shunling Tomb), the most important cultural heritages in China, were built for emperors 1000 years ago and decorated with murals and stone sculptures. After their excavation in the 1950s, it was found that drastic fluctuations in the environment within the tombs had caused multiple diseases, such as salt efflorescence, powdering, and biodeterioration, which led to irreversible damage to the murals. This research comprised long-term (yearly) environmental monitoring and short-term (monthly) investigation into the distribution of salt crystallization and microbial growth within the two tombs.

Effects of Cd- and Pb-resistant endophytic fungi on growth and phytoextraction of Brassica napus in metal-contaminated soils.

Metal-resistant endophytic fungi from roots improved phytoremediation efficacy of host plants; however, the effects of endophytic fungi from plant aerial parts on host plants are unknown. The aim of this study was to develop a feasible method to screen fungal endophytes from stems and roots of Brassica napus and to investigate effects of the endophytic fungi on growth and phytoremediation efficiency of the plant. Endophytic Fusarium sp.