Resumen Introducción. Los hongos micorrícicos arbusculares (HMA) forman asociaciones simbióticas estrechas con el 90 % de las especies vegetales. Entablan un “diálogo” molecular mediante moléculas infoquímicas y de nutrientes para la regulación de esta asociación mutualista. Objetivo. Recopilar información sobre los mecanismos moleculares implicados en la comunicación entre los HMA, su planta hospedera y otros organismos edáficos. Desarrollo. La simbiosis entre los hongos micorrícicos y las plantas depende de moléculas señalizadoras específicas que permiten el reconocimiento, la señalización y la comunicación, además del contacto físico entre ambos organismos. Se describen los mecanismos de comunicación molecular y de las interacciones biológicas entre los HMA y las plantas en los diferentes tiempos de la interacción, con énfasis en la descripción de genes reguladores, proteínas y moléculas diana conocidas. También se describen interacciones moleculares con otros organismos edáficos. Conclusiones. Los mecanismos de comunicación molecular entre hongos micorrícicos y plantas son complejos y aún presentan vacíos de conocimiento que deben ser superados para comprender a cabalidad la importancia ecológica de los HMA y sus interacciones con otros organismos edáficos y así lograr su aprovechamiento.

Abstract Introduction. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form close symbiotic associations with 90 % of plant species. They engage in a molecular dialogue using infochemicals and nutrient molecules to regulate this mutualistic association. Objective. To gather information on the molecular mechanisms involved in the communication between AMF, their host plant and other soil organisms. Development. The symbiosis between mycorrhizal fungi and plants depends on specific signaling molecules that allow recognition, signaling and communication, in addition to physical contact between both organisms. The mechanisms of molecular communication and biological interactions between AMF and plants at different times of interaction are described, with emphasis on the description of currently known regulatory genes, proteins and target molecules. Additionally, molecular interactions with other soil organisms are described. Conclusions. The mechanisms of molecular communication between mycorrhizal fungi and plants are complex and still present gaps in knowledge that must be filled to fully understand the ecological importance of AMF and their interactions with other edaphic organisms, and thus achieve their use.

Abstract Bananas are the most widely consumed tropical fruit worldwide. Its production is an important source of economic income in Latin American and Caribbean countries. Recently, banana crops have been affected by the attack of overly aggressive pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Chemical control is a widely used strategy, which has led to the excessive use of agrochemicals in banana production. There is great concern worldwide about the state of banana crops, which makes environmentally friendly alternatives necessary to cope with the actual threats. Ecuador is one of the main banana producers in the world, so it is essential to innovate production systems by implementing biologically sustainable alternatives to minimize environmental impacts and warranty productivity. This review aims to consolidate key information on banana-associated fungi, including isolation and introduction techniques of endophytic fungi. Finally, relevant research on biotechnological strategies based on endophytic and mycorrhizal fungi to improve banana production is included. We expect this review will provide insights into experimental investigations in the design of fungal inoculants.

Resumen El banano es la fruta tropical de mayor consumo mundial. Su producción es un importante ingreso económico en países de Latinoamérica y el Caribe. Recientemente, el cultivo de banano se ha visto afectado por el ataque de patógenos muy agresivos como Fusarium oxysporum y Mycosphaerella fijiensis. El control químico es una estrategia ampliamente utilizada, que ha llevado al uso excesivo de agroquímicos en la producción bananera. Existe una gran preocupación mundial por el estado de los cultivos de banano, siendo necesario encontrar alternativas amigables con el medio ambiente. Ecuador es uno de los principales productores de banano en el mundo, por lo que es fundamental innovar el sistema de producción mediante la implementación de alternativas biológicamente sostenibles para minimizar el impacto ambiental y garantizar la productividad. La presente revisión pretende consolidar información clave sobre los hongos asociados al banano, incluyendo técnicas de aislamiento e introducción de endófitos. Finalmente, se incluyen investigaciones relevantes sobre estrategias biotecnológicas basadas en hongos endofíticos y micorrízicos para mejorar la producción de banano. Nuestro objetivo es que esta revisión proporcione información para la investigación experimental en el diseño de inoculantes fúngicos.

ABSTRACT In Mexico, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) crop production is extensively limited and reduced by a disease known as wilt, caused by a complex of soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antagonistic capacity of 31 isolates of Trichoderma spp. against the fungi Macrophomina phaseolina, Agroathelia rolfsii, Rhizoctonia solani, Neocosmospora falciformis, Fusarium languescens, F. nirenbergiae, and F. verticillioides. Trichoderma spp. isolates were obtained from rhizospheric soil and chickpea roots collected in the municipalities of Angostura and Salvador Alvarado, in Sinaloa, Mexico. Dual confrontations between the pathogen isolates and antagonistic agents were evaluated on PDA culture medium, using a completely randomized two-factor experimental design with three replicates. The recorded variable was the percentage of inhibition of radial mycelial growth. Of the 31 Trichoderma isolates evaluated, 22 induced > 55% inhibition of the plant pathogens; meanwhile, 7 Trichoderma isolates showed the highest antagonistic effect on each of the plant pathogens, causing > 59% inhibition. These 7 Trichoderma isolates were identified through multilocus phylogenetic analysis using internal transcribed spacer (ITS), EF-1ɑ, and rpb2 sequences, distinguishing 5 isolates as T. afroharzianum and 2 isolates as T. afarasin. These Trichoderma spp. isolates represent a biological control alternative against the complex of fungi causing chickpea wilt in Sinaloa.

Abstract Wetlands worldwide face increasing challenges due to human activities such as water extraction, deforestation, and overfishing. These ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity, water retention, and purification. In Ecuador, the “Abras de Mantequilla” wetland exemplifies these pressures. It serves as a vital site for studying the interactions between soil fertility and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in forest ecosystems. The study focused on the soil fertility, particularly in relation to AMF in "Noah Morán" secondary forest within the Abras de Mantequilla wetland. The key role of AMF in improving soil fertility was highlighted. Soil samples were collected from the root zone of four forest tree species i.e., Guazuma ulmifolia, Albizia guachapele, Eugenia pustulescens, Cecropia peltate. The four investigated soil samples had marginal differences in the soil physicochemical properties. Number of AMF species were found in the four soils in the range of 16 to 39; Number of por Several AMF lowest por the lowest (16) and highest (39) AMF species were found in E. pustulescens and A. guachapele soils, respectively. AMF species ‘Akent’ was the most dominant (abundance #16) AMF species found in the soils of C. peltate. The ranges of Shannon_H and Simpson_1-D values were found to be 1.78-1.9 and 0.79-0.85, respectively. These insights are important to understanding soil-plant-microorganism interactions in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the Abras de Mantequilla wetland.

Abstract The genus Pleurotus presents a multivariate species diversity due to its ability to grow in different substrates and environments. Whether wild or cultivated, they are edible mushrooms, as they present a high nutritional value and are medicinal due to their bioactive compounds with positive health effects. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of the genus Pleurotus, since it is a cosmopolitan mushroom, and its properties can be used in different industrial applications and be a functional alternative for our future. Due to their saprophytic nature, they produce enzymes that act on the substrate in which they grow, degrading lignocellulosic material such as wood, forest and agricultural residues, hardwoods, wood by-products, cereal straw, bagasse, etc., and thanks to this degradative capacity, their enzymes are used in a wide range of biotechnological and environmental applications. In order to increase their production and consumption not only for their nutritional qualities, but also for their nutraceutical and biotechnological qualities, ease of cultivation, low investment cost, etc., new ways are being sought to increase their performance in cultivation. Recently, research has expanded the search for alternative uses of the Pleurotus genus, which has led to an increase in its cultivation, as well as its application in different fields of biotechnology. The cultivation of Pleurotus mushrooms represents an opportunity to generate a sustainable process and incorporate the process into a circular economy, generating environmental, social and economic benefits. The use of agro-industrial substrates and the subsequent reuse of the spent substrate as compost or organic fertilizer reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and minimizes methane production. This allows for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly production model. Therefore, it is necessary to develop strategies for the promotion, marketing and sustainable production of products derived from these fungi.

RESUMO: A qualidade das sementes é uma característica essencial para a reprodução das espécies. Cenostigma pyramidalis apresenta características importantes para fins de recuperação de áreas degradadas. No entretanto, por ser encontrada na Caatinga, esta espécie tende a ser mais propensa à infecção por fitopatógenos. Portanto, é importante tratar tais sementes para evitar a incidência dos fungos antes e após o plantio. Uma dessas alternativa é o uso do silício que pode contribuir com o aumento do vigor e no controle de doenças. Neste cenário, objetivou-se avaliar diferentes fontes de silício no controle de fungos de ocorrência natural associados às sementes de C. pyramidalis, e sua qualidade fisiológica. O experimento foi desenvolvido no Laboratório de Fitopatologia, da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Campus II, Areia-PB. As sementes, após escarificação para superação de dormência foram tratadas com: T1 - Controle; T2 - Captana, T3 - Agrosilício plus®; T4 - Rocksil®; T5 - Sifol®; T6 - Chelal®; T7 - Bugram®. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. As sementes foram submetidas aos testes de sanidade, germinação e emergência. Foram utilizadas 100 sementes por tratamento para os testes de germinação e emergência em quatro repetições cada um com 25 sementes, enquanto para o teste de sanidade foram utilizadas 10 repetições de 10 sementes cada. Todas as fontes de silício foram eficientes no controle dos fungos Aspergillus spp., Cladosporium sp. e Penicillium sp. em sementes de C. pyramidalis. O tratamento com Sifol® é recomendado para controlar a incidência de fungos sem afetar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes.

ABSTRACT Seed quality is an essential characteristic for species reproduction. In this scenario, Cenostigma pyramidalis has important characteristics for the purpose of recovering degraded areas. However, because it is found in the Caatinga, this species tends to be more prone to infection by phytopathogens. Therefore, it is important to treat its seeds to prevent the incidence of fungi before and after planting. One of these alternatives is the use of silicon, which can contribute to increased vigor and disease control. In this scenario, the objective was to evaluate different sources of silicon in the control of naturally occurring fungi associated with C. pyramidalis seeds, and their physiological quality. The experiment was carried out at the Phytopathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraíba, Campus II, Areia, PB, Brazil. The seeds, after scarification to overcome dormancy, were treated with: T1 - Control; T2 - Captana, T3 - Agrosilício plus®; T4 - Rocksil®; T5 - Sifol®; T6 - Chelal®; and T7 - Bugram®. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design. The seeds were subjected to sanitary, germination, and emergence tests. 100 seeds were used per treatment for the germination and emergence tests in four replicates each with 25 seeds, while for the health test 10 replicates of 10 seeds each were used. All silicon sources were efficient in controlling Aspergillus spp., Cladosporium sp., and Penicillium sp. fungi in C. pyramidalis seeds. The treatment with Sifol® is recommended to control the incidence of fungi without affecting the physiological quality of seeds.

ABSTRACT One of the main phytosanitary problems in major crops are phytonematodes, which are characterised as difficult to control. In view of this, biocontrol, through the use of biological agents, has become a driving force in controlling these pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of microorganisms, and detect the possibility of antagonistic effects, influence on growth, or synergistic action when microorganisms are jointly applied to crops. Microbiological analyses were carried out to observe the interaction of the fungus Trichoderma asperellum with the bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus methylotrophicus. It was found that the interaction between the genera Bacillus and Trichoderma did not promote any increase in the fresh or dry weight of the roots or shoots of the soya plants; however, based on the results of the microbiological analysis of the fungi and bacteria, the interaction was found to be promising, particularly in the evaluation carried out on the seventh day. Considering the number of viable spores, the interaction between B. subtilis + T. asperellum showed better results than B. methylotrophicus + T. asperellum. The Interaction between the genera Bacillus and Trichoderma showed the potential for joint use in the biological control of the soya bean.

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) is a limiting nutrient for coffee seedlings. To meet this requirement, coffee growers usually apply di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), which is highly sensitive to local price fluctuations. The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate-solubilizing fungi (PSF) has been recommended, but the results derived from their application are inconsistent and uncertain, depending on soil fertility status. The response of AMF and PSF application in the plant growth of coffee seedlings during the nursery stage was evaluated in four non-sterile soils, which represent the most abundant type of soils in the coffee regions of Colombia: Eutropept, Dystropept, Fulvudand, and Ultisol. The treatments included a commercial AMF inoculum, PSF-Phlebia subserialis-CH4, and a consortium of AMF+PSF, at four P levels (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g.plant-1 P2O5) using DAP fertilizer. Shoot dry weight (SDW) was affected by P applications in Fulvudand. In the other soils, a P-response occurred with 0.5 g.plant-1 , whereas 1 and 2 g.plant-1 of P2O5 caused a significant reduction in SDW. AMF increased SDW by 40% in Eutropept. The negative effect of higher P amounts was mitigated (> 70%) through PSF and AMF+PSF in Ultisol and Eutropept, respectively. In plants in which microorganisms increased SDW, the P concentration was 0.17 to 0.22%. The plant growth promotion of coffee seedlings during the nursery stage with AMF and/or PSF applications varied according to soil type and P amounts applied.

Abstract Antimicrobial drug resistance is a challenge to public health. Various microorganisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pythium insidiosum, and Candida auris, have developed resistance to commonly used antimicrobials in infection disease treatments. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore and develop novel therapeutic drugs. Natural products, particularly medicinal plants, have received attention in the quest for innovative treatments for various diseases. Plantago major is a plant endowed with several biological properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal, and healing actions. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activities of the methanolic extract obtained from the leaves of P. major. Microdilution assays were conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentration. Additionally, synergism with antimicrobial drugs was assessed using a time-kill curve analysis. A synergistic bactericidal interaction between the extract and imipenem was observed against carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae. For MRSA, a bacteriostatic synergism was noted in combinations of the extract with cephalotin and oxacillin. For C. auris, a fungistatic interaction was observed between the extract and amphotericin B. These results suggest the presence of bioactive compounds within the extract with therapeutic potential for combating infections caused by these microorganisms.

Abstract Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli can cause gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacteremia, and other severe infections. Some isolates of this species are capable of producing extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes, which mediate resistance against penicillin derivates and cephalosporins. Fungi of the Ascomycota phylum are known to produce antibiotics from different classes with activity against various bacterial agents. Among them, the genera Penicillium, Cephalosporium, Acremonium and Fusidium are known for the production of antimicrobial substances such as penicillin derivates, cephalosporins and fusidic acid. Currently, the search for new antimicrobials produced by species of the Ascomycota phylum includes the assessment of less explored habitats including aquatic environments, extreme environments, and the interior of plants/animals. The genus Penicillium remains promising for the discovery of new antimicrobial substances against resistant bacteria. In addition, those fungi have also been investigated regarding their usefulness for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity. This narrative review introduces clinically relevant Escherichia coli pathovars, the historical contributions of the phylum Ascomycota to the production of antimicrobials, aspects of bioprocesses in the production of antimicrobial metabolites and different approaches of research targeting new antimicrobials such as screenings for fungi in environments not yet studied and the green synthesis mediated by fungi with antimicrobial activity.

Abstract Hybrid structures containing multiple pharmacophore units with known activity have attracted attention due to their promising outcomes. In this study, several new hybrid structures containing benzimidazole and thiadiazole units were synthesized. The newly synthesized compounds were structurally analyzed using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HRMS, and elemental analysis. The antimicrobial, in vitro anti-cancer, and antioxidant activities of all compounds were investigated. In vitro antimicrobial activities of the compounds were determined against Gram-positive (S. aureus ATCC 29213, E. faecalis ATCC 29212), Gram-negative (E. coli ATCC 25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853) bacteria and fungi (C. albicans ATCC 10231) by using broth microdilution method. The compound 5g bearing 4-methoxyphenyl derivative showed the best activity with 32 μg/mL against S. aureus ATCC 29213 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853. The MTT test was used to determine the cytotoxicity of the produced compounds on the MCF-7 (human breast cancer) and L-929 (fibroblast) cell lines. FRAP method was used to determine the antioxidant properties of synthesized compounds. The Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power of the compounds 5a, 5b, and 5c showed more antioxidant properties than vitamin E. The compound 5g stands out in the series in that it is not toxic on the healthy cell line and has promising antimicrobial activity.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to report the use, efficacy, and safety of intracameral voriconazole as an adjuvant treatment for deep fungal keratitis. Methods: This was a prospective case series of seven eyes with fungal keratitis with anterior chamber involvement or a corneal ulcer refractory to conventional topical treatment. In addition to topical treatment with 0.15% amphotericin B eye drops, voriconazole 50 μg/ 0.1 mL was administered to the anterior chamber of each affected eye up to four times within 72 h. The primary outcome measures were healing (fungal eradication) and the need for therapeutic keratoplasty. Best-corrected visual acuity was a secondary outcome measure. Results: Three cases were confirmed by confocal microscopy, and four were diagnosed from positive culture tests. At presentation, one patient had a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/80, while all others had hand motion or worse. Four cases received one intracameral injection, two cases received three, and one case received four injections. There were no complications after any of the intracameral voriconazole injections. Four patients had imminent corneal perforations and were treated with cyanoacrylate adhesive and bandage contact lenses. Four patients recovered from the infection, and three underwent therapeutic keratoplasty. The final best-corrected visual acuity was improved in two cases but all patients had a final visual acuity of counting fingers or worse. Conclusion: As an adjuvant treatment for deep fungal keratitis, intracameral voriconazole injection is a feasible option. Although fungal eradication was achieved in all patients, three required therapeutic keratoplasty and all patients had unsatisfactory visual acuity outcomes.

ABSTRACT Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increase water and nutrient absorption from the soil by plants. However, its benefits to plants vary depending on the inoculated species. This study aimed to determine the influence of different species of mycorrhizal fungi on the development and productivity of grain sorghum cultivars. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, consisting of two sorghum cultivars (BRS 310 and BRS 330) and five treatments (control without inoculation and four species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: Gigaspora margarita, Glomus formosanum, Acaulospora scrobiculata, and Scutellospora pellucida), with four replications. Plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, length, volume, specific surface area, root diameter, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, thousand-grain weight, grain productivity, colonization, dependence, and mycorrhizal efficiency were evaluated. The results showed that inoculation with the species S. pellucida induced higher root and shoot development of plants of the cultivar BRS 310, as well as higher productivity of sorghum grains. The cultivar BRS 330 showed higher root development when inoculated with the species G. formosanum and a higher shoot development when inoculated with the species A. scrobiculata. Mycorrhizal dependence for grain productivity was low and varied with the inoculated species of mycorrhizal fungi. The mycorrhizal efficiency for shoot dry mass was higher with the inoculation of A. scrobiculata and S. pellucida in the cultivar BRS 310 and A. scrobiculata and G. margarita in the cultivar BRS 330. However scheme 31 control pellucida, , pellucida) replications height diameter area length volume thousandgrain thousand weight colonization evaluated S grains 33 G A 3

RESUMO A demanda mundial por produtos madeireiros e a escassez de espécies de madeira de boa qualidade estão pressionando as florestas nativas. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência do óleo de candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus) bruto para melhorar a resistência da madeira de Pinus taeda aos fungos apodrecedores Rhodonia (≈Postia) placenta, Gloeophyllum trabeum, Neolentinus lepideus (podridão parda) e Pycnoporus sanguineus (podridão branca) em ensaios de apodrecimento acelerado em laboratório. As amostras tinham dimensões nominais de 1,90 × 1,90 × 1,90 cm. O óleo foi aplicado nas superfícies da madeira com pincel, visando obter retenções nominais de 15; 30; 45 e 60 kg de óleo por m3 de madeira. As amostras após o tratamento atingiram retenções médias de 16,25; 28,75; 41,50; e 53,75 kg m-3, e foram submetidas ao teste solo-bloco (apodrecimento acelerado) durante 12 semanas. O aumento da retenção de óleo provocou redução na perda de massa da madeira de Pinus taeda submetida aos fungos testados. Observou-se que a retenção de 16,25 kg m-3 foi capaz de inibir a degradação do fungo Rhodonia (≈Postia) e prevenir o ataque de outros fungos xilófagos. Os maiores danos foram observados para Rhodonia (≈Postia) e os menores danos para Pycnoporus sanguineus. O óleo conferiu maior resistência à madeira de Pinus taeda aos fungos testados, indicando ser útil para o tratamento de madeiras que ficarão em contato com animais domésticos e seres humanos, uma vez que não é toxico a tais organismos. nativas Eremanthus erythropappus ≈Postia Postia (≈Postia placenta trabeum podridão parda branca laboratório 190 1 90 1,9 cm pincel 15 30 4 6 m 1625 16 25 28,75 2875 28 75 41,50 4150 41 50 5375 53 53,7 m3, 3, 3 solobloco solo bloco semanas testados Observouse Observou se 16,2 m- xilófagos humanos organismos 19 9 1, 162 2 28,7 287 7 41,5 415 5 537 53, 16, 28, 41,

ABSTRACT World demand for wood products and the shortage of good quality lumber species are exerting pressure on native forests. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Eremanthus erythropappus crude oil in improving the resistance of Pinus taeda wood to Rhodonia (≈Postia) placenta, Gloeophyllum trabeum, Neolentinus lepideus (brown rot) and Pycnoporus sanguineus (white rot) in accelerated laboratory decay tests. Test samples measured 1.90 × 1.90 × 1.90 cm. Oil was applied to wood surfaces using a brush to obtain nominal retentions of 15, 30, 45, and 60 kg of oil per m3 of wood. After treatment, the samples reached average retentions of 16.25, 28.75, 41.50, and 53.75 kg m-3, respectively, and were submitted to a soil block decay test (accelerated decay test) for 12 weeks. Increased oil retention caused a decline in the mass loss of Pinus taeda wood exposed to the fungi tested. A retention of 16.25 kg m-3 inhibited Rhodonia placenta degradation and prevented other xylophagous fungi attacks. The most severe decay occurred with Rhodonia placenta and the least with Pycnoporus sanguineus. Oil improved Pinus taeda resistance to the decay fungi, indicating that it is useful for treating wood in contact with domestic animals and humans, since it is not toxic to them. forests ≈Postia Postia (≈Postia trabeum brown rot white tests 190 1 90 1.9 cm 15 30 45 6 m treatment 1625 16 25 2875 28 75 28.75 4150 41 50 41.50 5375 53 53.7 m3, 3, 3 respectively weeks tested 16.2 m- attacks humans them 19 9 1. 4 162 2 287 7 28.7 415 5 41.5 537 53. 16. 28. 41.

Resumen Introducción. La producción de banano es una de las actividades económicas más significativas para el país. Sin embargo, enfrenta serios desafíos debido a la presencia de diversos patógenos, entre los más significativos se encuentran los nematodos fitoparásitos que afectan el rendimiento y la calidad del cultivo. El uso de hongos nematófagos (HN) para el control biológico de nematodos es una alternativa para reducir la aplicación de productos químicos en cultivos agrícolas. En Costa Rica existe gran variedad de hongos debido a la diversidad de los suelos, por lo que el aislamiento y la correcta identificación de estos hongos es crucial para determinar su potencial antagonista. Objetivo. Aislar e identificar potenciales hongos nematófagos (PHN) presentes en muestras de suelo de plantaciones de banano de la región Huetar Atlántica. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron seis muestras de suelo provenientes de cinco cantones de la región Huetar Atlántica de Costa Rica mediante el método de espolvoreado en placas con agar-agua en búsqueda de PHN. Para la selección y purificación de los PHN se utilizaron placas Petri con papa dextrosa agar (PDA), identificando las estructuras morfológicas para el diagnóstico a nivel de género. Los hongos identificados morfológicamente se replicaron y se conservaron en viales con PDA y en aceite mineral a 4°C. Se extrajo ADN de los PHN y mediante amplificación por PCR (Reacción de Cadena de la Polimerasa) y secuenciación de diferentes regiones del genoma (ITS, tef 1-alfa, rpb2 y β-tubulina), se identificaron molecularmente. Resultados. Se aislaron e identificaron doce hongos, entre ellos Trichoderma asperellum, Penicillium steckii, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium sp., Fusarium pseudocircinatum, y Talaromyces sp. Conclusión. El descubrimiento e identificación correcta de PHN subraya la importancia de investigar su aplicación en programas de manejo integrado de plagas, así como la necesidad de evaluar su eficacia y seguridad en diferentes condiciones agroecológicas para maximizar su impacto positivo en la agricultura.

Abstract Introduction. Banana production is one of the most significant economic activities for the country. However, it faces serious challenges due to the presence of various pathogens, among the most significant are plant-parasitic nematodes that affect crop yield and quality. The use of nematophagous fungi (NF) for biological control of nematodes is an alternative to reduce the application of synthetic chemicals in agricultural crops. In Costa Rica there is a great variety of fungi due to the diversity of soils. Therefore, the isolation and correct identification of these fungi is crucial to determine their antagonistic potential. Objective. To isolate and identify the potential nematophagous fungi (PNF) present in soil samples from banana plantations at the Huetar Atlantic region. Materials and methods. Six soil samples from the Huetar Atlantic region of Costa Rica were analyzed by the agar-water sprinkling plates method in search of PNF. For PNF selection and purification, Petri dishes with potato dextrose agar (PDA) were used, identifying morphological structures for diagnosis at genus level. Morphologically identified fungi were replicated and preserved in vials with PDA and in mineral oil at 4°C. DNA was extracted from the isolated PNF and through PCR amplification (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and sequencing of different regions of the genome (ITS, tef 1-alpha, rpb2 and β-tubulin), they were molecularly identified. Results. Twelve fungi were isolated and identified, including Trichoderma asperellum, Penicillium steckii, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium sp., Fusarium pseudocircinatum, and Talaromyces sp. Conclusion. The correct discovery and identification of PNF underscores the importance of investigating its application in integrated pest management programs, as well as the need to evaluate its efficacy and safety under different agroecological conditions to maximize its positive impact on agriculture.