A total of 36 Cryptococcus neoformans strains originating from South Africa were screened for wood degrading enzymes. All strains tested positive for cellulase activity while none where capable of xylan degradation. Three C. neoformans var. grubii strains, originating from clinical and environmental samples, representing the same genotype (VNI/AFLP1-C. neoformans var. grubii) and MATalpha, were evaluated for growth on debris of two common tree species in South Africa: Acacia mearnsii and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The mating capability of all the C. neoformans strains was evaluated on similar debris. Strains grown on A. mearnsii yielded substantially greater yeast populations. A total of 26%, 6%, 46%, and 80% of the 36 C. neoformans strains tested were either able to mate or develop filaments when crossed on A. mearnsii and E. camaldulensis debris, V8 juice, and yeast carbon base (YCB) agar, respectively. Filamentation and monokaryotic fruiting was observed in 3% of strains when C. neoformans was cultured on either A. mearnsii, E. camaldulensis debris, or YCB. The results indicate that this fungus is capable of completing its life cycle and can produce basidiospores on woody debris. In the future, these findings should be considered when studying the epidemiology, microbial ecology, and proposed infection process of this global pathogen.

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Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information:A Study of the Variation in the Essential Oil of Pdargonium capitatum (L.) L'Herit. (Geraniaceae) . Part 11. ABSTRACT: Pelargonium capitatum (L.) LH6rit. is one of the parent species of the cultivar Rose grown on the Island of Reunion for the production of geranium oil. The aim of the project was to identify chemotypes which could be included in hybridization programs to ennoble the cultivar Rose. Forty populations were selected along the coast of South Africa to describe the essential oil composition and identify possible chemotypes in P. capitatum. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed on the essential oil data. Examination of the composition of the oils proved the species to display high levels of essential oil variation which allows for the species to be divided into eight chemotypes.