Diversity of Cellulolytic Microorganisms Associated with the Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes grassei

Journal of Fungi · 6 authors, 3 centres

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The research found that fungi were the most prevalent associated microorganisms and that all identified fungal isolates could produce cellulase enzymes.

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This study investigated the diversity of cellulolytic microorganisms associated with the subterranean termite Reticulitermes grassei in natural ecosystems in southern Spain. The study discusses potential symbiotic benefits, suggesting fungi may aid termite digestion, provide nutrition, and produce antifungal compounds, while termites may disperse fungi. A key limitation is that the study is observational and correlational; further research is needed to clarify the specific mechanisms and causality of these microbial-termite interactions.

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other

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preclinical research

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ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10051133

Diversity of Cellulolytic Microorganisms Associated with the Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes grassei

Journal of Fungi

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ABSTRACT

Abstract Reticulitermes grassei is a subterranean termite species that forages on woody structures of the Iberian Peninsula, and is often a building and crops pest. A total of 23 microorganisms associated with the activity of R. grassei were isolated from colonized ecosystems in southern Spain. They were morphologically and molecularly characterized, with fungi being the most prevalent ones. The fungi showed high values of optimum growth temperature, suggesting that they could be able to survive and develop in warm regions. Their cellulolytic activity was tested in carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) agar, concluding that all fungal isolates produce cellulases, and the enzymatic index (EI) was revealed in CMC agar with Gram’s iodine solution, with Penicillium citrinum showing the highest EI and Trichoderma longibrachiatum the highest mycelial growth rate on CMC. A preliminary microorganism dispersion assay was carried out with the termites, concluding that these insects may have a positive influence on fungal dispersion and the subsequent colonization of new substrates. Our study suggests that fungi associated with R. grassei may potentially be of interest in biotechnological fields such as biofuel production and the food industry. Keywords: cellulolytic, enzymatic index, fungi, identification, subterranean termites

CITATION EXPORT

Juan Carbonero-Pacheco, José Aguilar, María Carmen Raya et al.. Diversity of Cellulolytic Microorganisms Associated with the Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes grassei. Journal of Fungi. (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9030294

AUTHORS

6 · 3 CENTRES

Juan Carbonero-Pacheco, José Aguilar, María Carmen Raya, Antonio Trapero, Miquel Gaju-Ricart, Carlos Agustí-Brisach

1Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Edaphology and Microbiology, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence CeiA3, Edif. C6, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
2Department of Agronomy (DAUCO, Unit of Excellence María de Maeztu 2020-23), Campus de Rabanales, Edif. C4, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
3Department of Zoology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Campus de Rabanales, Edif. C1, 14071 Córdoba, Spain