Fungal diversity of root vegetables and soil rhizosphere collected from organic and conventional farms in Eastern Poland

Abstract

It was found that the mean concentration of fungi was higher in vegetables and soil from conventional farms than in those from organic farms. In the case of carrots and soil from conventional farms, this concentration was 4.93 and 5.10 log₁₀ CFU g^-1, respectively, whereas from organic farms - respectively, 3.81 and 4.20 log₁₀ CFU g^-1. In the case of beetroots and soil from conventional farms, the mean concentrations were also higher compared to organic farms - 5.09 vs. 3.93 and 4.95 vs. 4.23 log₁₀ CFU g^-1. In the examined vegetables and rhizosphere soil, 61 species of filamentous fungi were found, of which 12 belonged to the genus <i>Penicillium</i>, 4 to the genus Fusarium, and 2 species each to the genera: <i>Aspergillus, Cladosporium</i> and <i>Trichoderma</i>. As many as 28 (45.9%) fungal species that occurred in vegetables and soil are regarded as pathogenic for humans.

Levels of filamentous fungi and selected mycotoxins in leafy and fruit vegetables and analysis of their potential health risk for consumers

“…The authors most often determined only a total concentrations of fungi defined as 'moulds and yeasts', in most cases ranging within the limits 3.0-6.0 log 10 CFU g -1 , much lower compared to bacteria [14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21]. Also until recently, fungi occurring in vegetables were identified down to the generic or specific level only in a small number of studies performed in the USA [6], Venezuela [22], Italy [7], Iran [23], Korea [24] and Poland [25]. The most common were isolates belonging to the Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium,…”

The effect of fruit on the extracellular enzyme profiles of fungi

“…In recent years, the number of diseases caused by fungal pathogens has increased significantly [2]. Many species of fungi are pathogenic for plants, causing a threat to food production and to humans, and are among the causes of chronic diseases [3,4]. Considering the diversity of fungal infections, they can be divided into two groups: saprophytic opportunistic fungi that cause endogenous infections by penetration through damaged epidermis or weakened host's immune system, and primary pathogens that can cause disease in all humans, regardless of their health condition [1,5].…”

<p>Potential effects of microbial air quality on the number of new cases of diabetes type 1 in children in two regions of Poland: a pilot study</p>

“…Bioaerosols can be emitted from the ground, soil, forests, desert dust, farming and composting, rural areas, marshy areas, inshore areas and maritime areas 4,5. Modern industrial activities, including the storage and sorting of organic waste, composting, agricultural production, food processing, animal husbandry and wastewater treatment systems also emit large volumes of bioaerosols, which leads to a significant exposure to biological factors 6,7. The first studies devoted to the occurrence and spread of microorganisms and spores in the air date back to the beginning of the 19th century 8.…”