Discovery of a sexual cycle in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus.

Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprotrophic fungus whose spores are ubiquitous in the atmosphere. It is also an opportunistic human pathogen in immunocompromised individuals, causing potentially lethal invasive infections, and is associated with severe asthma and sinusitis. The species is only known to reproduce by asexual means, but there has been accumulating evidence for recombination and gene flow from population genetic studies, genome analysis, the presence of mating-type genes and expression of sex-related genes in the fungus.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Penicillium roqueforti and P. paneum isolated from baled grass silage.

The morphological and molecular features of Penicillium roqueforti and P. paneum isolated from baled grass silage were characterised. A total of 315 isolates were investigated, comprising 237 P.

Mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites produced in vitro by Penicillium paneum Frisvad and Penicillium roqueforti Thom isolated from baled grass silage in Ireland.

Secondary metabolites produced by Penicillium paneum and Penicillium roqueforti from baled grass silage were analyzed. A total of 157 isolates were investigated, comprising 78 P. paneum and 79 P.

Fungi isolated from contaminated baled grass silage on farms in the Irish Midlands.

The incidence of fungal growth on baled grass silage was recorded on 35 farms in the Irish Midlands in 2003. Fungal colonies were visible on 58 of 64 bales examined and the number of colonies per bale ranged from 1 to 12. On average, 5% of bale surface areas were affected.