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Hui-Ling Liao

Specialist

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Hui-Ling Liao

Orcid ID0000-0002-1648-3444

Specialist

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Publications

thumbnail for publication: A Preliminary Survey of Mycotoxins Identified from Florida Bahiagrass Pastures

A Preliminary Survey of Mycotoxins Identified from Florida Bahiagrass Pastures

Hui-Ling (Sunny) Liao, Ko-Hsuan Chen, Florencia Marcon, Robert (Robbie) Jones, Brittany Justesen, Joseph Walter, Ann Blount, Cheryl Mackowiak, Doug Mayo, and Marcelo Wallau

The beef cattle ranchers in Florida reported some health issues related to cattle grazing on warm-season grass pastures, such as bahiagrass and bermudagrass. The illness was not attributable to nutritional imbalances, or other possible causes. The focus then turned to what the animals were consuming, and forages were implicated. In general, the forages in Florida are just fine, however, sometimes under certain circumstances the fungi that live in our forages may produce “secondary metabolites”. All the forage harbor fungi. Some fungi are good in that they aid our forages to grow better, helping to mine nutrients from the soil or atmosphere. Sometimes they are not so good, like when high levels of ergotized seed occur in the seed heads of bahiagrass.

thumbnail for publication: Biology, Ecology, and Benefits of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in Natural and Managed Forest Ecosystems

Biology, Ecology, and Benefits of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in Natural and Managed Forest Ecosystems

Holly Andres, Kaile Zhang, Kaile Zhang, yHui-Ling Liao

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) form symbiotic relationships with approximately 60% of trees and woody plants among temperate and boreal forests. EMF also serve as the primary symbionts in subtropical and tropical forests, particularly in conifer forests, including those in Florida's climate. These fungi influence the global carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles, sequestering or supplying these elements as necessary for ecosystem processes and resilience. However, EMF are susceptible to environmental stressors and management practices, including fertilizers, fungicides, and mechanical disturbances. This publication aims to provide general knowledge to the general public on the biology and ecological functions of EMF in natural and managed forest ecosystems. By understanding the role and benefits of EMF in these environments, forest managers, tree nursery operators, and timber industry stakeholders can gain valuable insights for incorporating EMF into their management practices.

thumbnail for publication: Survey of Mycotoxins Present in Florida Pastures Across Time, Locations, and Grass Species

Survey of Mycotoxins Present in Florida Pastures Across Time, Locations, and Grass Species

Hui-Ling Liao, Kaile Zhang, Kaile Zhang, Vijay Verma, Haihua Wang, Brittany Justesen, Justesen,Brittany L., Joseph Walter, Joseph H. Walter, Valerie Mendez Stansly, Ann Blount, Cheryl Mackowiak, Marcelo Wallau, Robert (Robbie) Jones, Ko-Hsuan Chen, Ed Jennings, J. K. Yarborough, Doug Mayo, Ray Bodrey, yAaron Stam

The toxicity of grasses caused by mycotoxins has led to economic losses in the United States due to the health impact on livestock feeding on it. Florida's warm and humid weather is favorable for the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi on grasses. The JECFA has provided evaluations and risk management for some high-risk mycotoxins; however, more research is needed in Florida to determine the maximum levels of these mycotoxins, how different environmental conditions affect these levels, and the specialized risk management to prevent animals from getting sick. Our Extension agents were able to collect and examine 195 grass samples from 13 ranchers across dry and wet seasons in Florida. In this publication, we summarized the results for our ranchers to learn more about (1) what (dominant) mycotoxins are generally present in Florida’s pastures, (2) what grass species could harbor more of these mycotoxins, and (3) what seasons or locations may favor these dominant mycotoxins.

thumbnail for publication: Biology, Ecology, and Benefits of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agricultural Ecosystems

Biology, Ecology, and Benefits of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agricultural Ecosystems

Holly Andres, Hui-Ling Liao, Kaile Zhang, yKaile Zhang

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, as symbionts to host plants, play a pivotal role in regulating plant nutrient uptake and maintaining soil health. As approximately 80%-90% of terrestrial plants are colonized by mycorrhizal fungi, this fungal group significantly contributes to the overall yield and functions in crop production. This publication provides updated general knowledge on the biology and ecological functions of the most common types of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi are highly sensitive to environmental stressors and management practices, such as the application of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers, as well as fungicides. An enhanced understanding of mycorrhizal fungi can raise awareness among growers, prompting them to consider mycorrhizal fungal activities when managing their farms. Moreover, it can improve the general public's knowledge of the role mycorrhizal fungi play in natural terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural and forest ecosystems.