Abstract
Aspergillus terreus is an important saprophytic filamentous fungus that can be found in soils. Like many other soil microorganisms, A. terreus demonstrates multiple functions and offers various important metabolites, which can be used in different fields of human activity. The first application of A. terreus on an industrial level is the production of itaconic acid, which is now considered as one of the most important bioproducts in the Green Chemistry field. The general schemes for itaconic acid production have been studied, but in this mini-review some lines of future research are presented based on analysis of the published results. A. terreus is also intensively studied for its biocontrol activity and plant growth-promoting effect. However, this microorganism is also known to infect important crops such as, amongst others, rice, wheat, potato, sugar cane, maize, and soybean. It was suggested, however, that the balance between positive vs. negative effects is dependent on the soil-plant-inoculant dose system. A. terreus has frequently been described as an important human pathogen. Therefore, its safety manipulation in biotechnological processes for the production of itaconic acid and some drugs and its use in soil-plant systems should be carefully assessed. Some suggestions in this direction are discussed, particularly concerning the uses in crop production.
Highlights
According to the hologenome theory of evolution, all plants and animals are associated with abundant and diverse microbiota and this naturally selected cooperation is transmitted between generations playing important role in adaptation and survival of higher organisms [1]
In some cases A. terreus is known to produce tremorgenic mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites that elicit either intermittent or sustained tremors in mammals [13], as well as to act as plant pathogen [14,15]. In this mini-review, we describe the multifaceted role of A. terreus as plant growth promoting and biocontrol microorganism and as itaconic acid producer because of the significant renewed interest in this microorganism within the Green Chemical Industry
A. terreus can be accepted as a typical example of the claim that “Everything is everywhere” [90]
Summary
According to the hologenome theory of evolution, all plants and animals are associated with abundant and diverse microbiota and this naturally selected cooperation is transmitted between generations playing important role in adaptation and survival of higher organisms [1]. In some cases A. terreus is known to produce tremorgenic mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites that elicit either intermittent or sustained tremors in mammals [13], as well as to act as plant pathogen [14,15]. In this mini-review, we describe the multifaceted role of A. terreus as plant growth promoting and biocontrol microorganism and as itaconic acid producer because of the significant renewed interest in this microorganism within the Green Chemical Industry. Special attention is paid to possible solutions aimed at avoiding its detrimental effects in soil-plant systems
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