Expertise:
Fungal Classification and Systematics, Fungal Diversity, Fungal
Bioprospecting, Phylogenetic analysis and Thraustochytrids.
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Profile:
Fungi, despite their wide-ranging impact on health and
ecosystems, remain understudied compared to other microorganisms. The vast
fungal kingdom holds immense diversity, but only a tiny fraction has been
identified. Out of the estimated 2.2–3.8 million possible fungal species, a
mere 151,381 have undergone comprehensive characterization. This limited
knowledge hampers the discovery and exploitation of fungis economic potential.
The multifaceted nature of fungi, encompassing both advantageous and
detrimental aspects, contributes to their captivating nature. Our lab focuses
on discovering novel fungal species in various habitats to understand their
ecological roles and aid conservation. We also engage in fungal bioprospecting,
meticulously evaluating antimicrobial compounds, fatty acids, and fungal
enzymes to harness their potential applications in agriculture and
biotechnology.
Major Publications
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Devadatha, B., Jones, E. G., Wanasinghe, D. N., Bahkali, A. H.,
& Hyde, K. D. (2023). Characterization of novel estuarine Ascomycota based
on taxonomic and phylogenetic evaluation. Botanica Marina, vol. 66, no. 4,
281-300. https://doi.org/10.1515/bot-2022-0085.
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Devadatha, B., Jones, E. B. G., Pang, K. L., Abdel-Wahab, M. A.,
Hyde, K. D., Sakayaroj, J.,Bahkali, A.H., Calabon, M.S., Sarma, V.V., Sutreong,
S. & Zhang, S. N. (2021). Occurrence and geographical distribution of
mangrove fungi. Fungal Diversity, 106, 137-227.
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Devadatha, B, Sarma, V. V, Ariyawansa, H. A, & Jones, EBG
(2018). Deniquelata vittalii sp nov.,
a novel Indian saprobic marine fungus on Suaeda
monoica and two new records of marine fungi from Muthupet mangroves, East
coast of India. Mycosphere, 9(3), 565-582. Doi 10.5943/mycosphere/9/3/8
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Devadatha, B., Sarma, V. V., Jeewon, R.,
Wanasinghe, D. N., Hyde, K. D., & Gareth Jones, E. B. (2018). Thyridariella, a novel marine fungal
genus from India: morphological characterization and phylogeny inferred from
multigene DNA sequence analyses. Mycological progress, 17, 791-804.
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Parasuraman, P., Devadatha, B., Sarma, V. V., Ranganathan, S., Ampasala,
D. R., & Siddhardha, B. (2020). Anti-quorum sensing and antibiofilm
activities of Blastobotrys parvus
PPR3 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PAO1. Microbial Pathogenesis, 138, 103811.