Fungal and bat diversities along a landscape gradient in central Mexico.

Species interactions between bats and fungi are poorly known. We documented the association between fungal and bat diversities along a landscape gradient. Ten, eight, and seven bat species were captured in conserved, semi-conserved, and urban sites, respectively.

Pioneer plant species and fungal root endophytes in metal-polluted tailings deposited near human populations and agricultural areas in Northern Mexico.

As a consequence of industrial mining activity, high volumes of tailings are scattered around Mexico. Frequently, tailings contain heavy metals (HM) which entail threats against all organisms. The aim of this research was to identify plants and root fungal endophytes in polymetallic polluted tailings with the potential to be used in strategies of bioremediation.

Virulence testing and extracellular subtilisin-like (Pr1) and trypsin-like (Pr2) activity during propagule production of Paecilomyces fumosoroseus isolates from whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae).

To properly characterize several isolates of Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, a fungal entomopathogen of whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) and other insect pests for biocontrol purposes, virulence towards Trialeurodes vaporariorum, and subtilisin-like (Pr1) and trypsin-like (Pr2) protease activity during propagule production were investigated in monospore cultures (MCs). The virulence of three MCs towards second instar whiteflies was measured and expressed as lethal median concentration (LC50). Number and widthlength ratio of propagules (blastospores, hyphal bodies, short hyphae, submerged conidia) and extracellular proteolytic activity was determined simultaneously in liquid medium.