Root-Associated Mycobiome Differentiate between Habitats Supporting Production of Different Truffle Species in Serbian Riparian Forests.

Balkan lowlands bordering with the Pannonia region are inhabited by diverse riparian forests that support production of different truffle species, predominantly the most prized white truffle of Piedmont ( Pico), but also other commercial species ( Vitt., . Vitt.

Essential Elements as a Distinguishing Factor between Mycorrhizal Potentials of Two Cohabiting Truffle Species in Riparian Forest Habitat in Serbia.

True truffles (Tuber sp.) that establish ectomycorrhizal symbiosis (ECM) with trees in the Mediterranean and temporal regions have species specific abilities to assimilate soil born elements. Suitable habitats are usually inhabited by few truffle species, while distinguishing their symbiotic potentials appeared very difficult.

Phenolic profile, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of black (Tuber aestivum Vittad.) and white (Tuber magnatum Pico) truffles.

The aim of this study was a comprehensive investigation on phenolic profile, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of the still insufficiently explored black summer truffles (Tuber aestivum Vittad.) and white (Tuber magnatum Pico) truffles. Methanol and water extracts, obtained by maceration and Soxhlet extraction, were examined.

Soil properties and trace elements contents following 40 years of phosphate fertilization.

Long-term application of P fertilizers may eventually result in excess and/or toxic accumulations of trace elements and microelements in soil. The effect of monoammonium-phosphate (MAP) on basic soil properties (pH, CEC, texture), the total content of C, N, and F, hot acid-extractable Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Co, As, Hg, and F, and the content of extractable macro- and trace elements (P, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, F) were studied on a Stagnosol soil. Phosphate fertilizer had been applied (26, 39, and 52 kg P ha(-1)) over a 40-yr period.

Anticancer properties of Ganoderma lucidum methanol extracts in vitro and in vivo.

Anticancer activities of various extracts of the medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, have been widely demonstrated and are mainly associated with the presence of different bioactive polysaccharides and triterpenoids. We have evaluated and compared in vitro and in vivo the antitumor effects of two preparations from Ganoderma lucidum: a methanol extract containing total terpenoids (GLme) and a purified methanol extract containing mainly acidic terpenoids (GLpme). Both extracts inhibited tumor growth of B16 mouse melanoma cells inoculated subcutaneously into syngeneic C57BL/6 mice and reduced viability of B16 cells in vitro, whereby GLme exhibited stronger effect.

Mycorrhiza formation enhances adaptive response of hybrid poplar to drought.

Mycorrhized and nonmycorrhized plants of hybrid poplar (Populus tremula L. x Populus tremuloides Mich) were cultivated in petri dishes until the amount of water became limiting (detected by a decrease of photosynthetic yield). RNA was isolated from both main and fine roots and used for analysis of water channel (aquaporin) gene expression by semiquantitative RT-PCR.

Aquaporins in poplar: what a difference a symbiont makes!

The formation of ectomycorrhizas, a tight association between fine roots of trees and certain soil fungi, improves plant nutrition in a nutrient-limited environment and may increase plant survival under water stress conditions. To investigate the impact of mycorrhiza formation on plant water uptake, seven genes coding for putative water channel proteins (aquaporins) were isolated from a poplar ectomycorrhizal cDNA library. Four out of the seven genes were preferentially expressed in roots.