Characterization of Four Unrecorded Cadophora Species from Freshwater in Korea

This study investigated the identification and physiological characteristics of four previously unrecorded Cadophora species in freshwater environments in Korea. Samples were collected from plant litter in streams and filtered freshwater. Fungal isolates NNIBRFG31097 (FBCC-F1434) and NNIBRFG6052 (FBCC-F3780) were obtained from plant litter, while NNIBRFG33135 (FBCC-F1694) and NNIBRFG27355 (FBCC-F1462) were isolated from filtered freshwater. Using internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU) analysis, the four Cadophora strains were identified: C. constrictospora NNIBRFG31097, C. fallopiae NNIBRFG6052, C. fastigiata NNIBRFG33135, and C. luteoolivacea NNIBRFG27355. Physiological studies were conducted to evaluate their industrial applicability, including assessments of antimicrobial activity, siderophore production, and enzyme activity. This study contributes to the understanding of the diversity of Cadophora species in Korean freshwater environments by investigating their physiological characteristics.