Trichoderma Species Research Articles

In-vitro Evaluation of Trichoderma Species and Some Selected Botanical Extracts against Alternaria helianthi (Hansf) Causing Alternaria Blight of Sunflower

This study investigates the in vitro efficacy of bioagents and selected botanicals in managing Alternaria helianthi, the pathogen responsible for Alternaria blight in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Two bioagents, Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride, and six botanicals—Azadirachta indica (neem), Lantana camara (lantana), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera), Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), and Mentha spicata (pudina)—were evaluated using the dual culture and poison food technique, respectively. The results showed that T. harzianum exhibited the highest inhibition of mycelial growth at 76.32%, while neem extract was the most effective among botanicals, achieving a maximum inhibition of 75.03% at 15% concentration. These findings suggest the potential of bioagents and botanicals in eco-friendly management strategies for Alternaria blight in sunflower cultivation.

Purification and Identification of the Nematicidal Activity of S1 Family Trypsin-Like Serine Protease (PRA1) from Trichoderma longibrachiatum T6 Through Prokaryotic Expression and Biological Function Assays

Background/Objectives: Heterodera avenae is a highly significant plant-parasitic nematode, causing severe economic losses to global crop production each year. Trichoderma species have been found to parasitize nematodes and control them by producing enzymes that degrade eggshells. The T. longibrachiatum T6 (T6) strain has been demonstrated the parasitic and lethal effects on H. avenae cysts and eggs, associated with the increased serine protease activity and trypsin-like serine protease gene (PRA1) expression. Methods: Our present study aimed to purify the recombinant PRA1 protease through a prokaryotic expression system and identify its nematicidal activity. Results: The recombinant PRA1 protease was identified as S1 family trypsin-like serine protease, with a molecular weight of 43.16 kDa. The purified soluble protease exhibited the optimal activity at 35 °C and pH 8.0, and also demonstrating higher hydrolytic ability toward casein and skimmed milk. Meanwhile, the Ca2+ and Mg2+ enhanced its activity, while the inhibitor PMSF significantly reduced it. The contents of H. avenae eggs leaked out after treatment with the recombinant PRA1 protease, with egg hatching inhibition and relative hatching inhibition rates at 70.60% and 66.58%, respectively. In contrast, there was no sign of content dissolution, and embryos developed normally in the control group. Conclusions: Our present study revealed that the PRA1 protease of T6 strain has a lethal effect on H. avenae eggs, which providing a theoretical basis for developing biocontrol agents to control nematodes.

Trichoderma azadirachtae sp. nov. from rhizosphere soil of Azadirachta indica from Guangdong Province, China

Trichoderma species are distributed worldwide and they play an important role in plant protection, growth promotion and also as biocontrol agents of plant diseases. In this study, a new species of Trichoderma was isolated from Azadirachta indica rhizosphere soils in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, China. Based on the morphology and combined multigene phylogeny of nuclear internal transcribed spacer of rDNA region (ITS), translation elongation factor 1 alpha (tef1-α) and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2), a new Trichoderma species belongs to the Harzianum-clade was identified, namely Trichoderma azadirachtae sp. nov. Distinctions between the new species and its close relatives are discussed in detail.

Genome sequencing and functional analysis of potential Trichoderma species for controlling Pythium schmitthenneri-Induced root rot in olive trees

Root rot disease caused by Pythium schmitthenneri is a significant challenge in olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivation. Due to the limitations of chemical control, this study explores the potential of Trichoderma species as a sustainable alternative with an overview in the genetic properties involved in it. Eight Trichoderma isolates were obtained from olive roots and identified using rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, revealing four species: T. harzianum, T. longibrachiatum, T. virens, and T. viride. Among these, T. harzianum T-BM6 and T. virens T-KH4, showed 81.4 and 78.77 % inhibition rates of pathogen growth, respectively, in vitro. Greenhouse trials demonstrated that these isolates reduced disease severity to 18.75 % for T-BM6 and 31.25 % for T-KH4. All isolates produced cellulase, with T-BM6 exhibiting high cellulolytic activity. Genomic analysis highlighted key genes related to the MAPK signaling pathway, sulfur metabolism, and inositol phosphate metabolism in T-BM6, and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan metabolism in T-KH4. These results suggest that T. harzianum T-BM6 and T. virens T-KH4 are promising candidates for biological control, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical treatments for managing olive root rot.

Indigenous Trichoderma isolates from Bukit Kijang, North Sumatra, Indonesia, are biocontrol agents against Ganoderma boninense in infected oil palm seedlings

Basal stem rot, caused by Ganoderma boninense is a serious disease in oil palm plantations in North Sumatra, Indonesia. However, the use of fungicides to control this pathogen can cause instability in terrestrial ecosystems and decrease the number of beneficial microorganisms. Therefore, identifying other effective and environmentally friendly control methods, such as Trichoderma, is essential. Trichoderma was previously isolated from the leaf, rachis, stem, and root tissues of oil palms but not from the rhizosphere soil. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potency of indigenous Trichoderma isolates from the rhizosphere soil of oil palm seedling plantations in Bukit Kijang, North Sumatra, Indonesia, as biocontrol agents to reduce G. boninense infection. Four Trichoderma isolates were isolated from healthy oil palm rhizospheres in Bukit Kijang and screened in vitro. Based on molecular identification, the Trichoderma isolates were identified as T. asperellum1, T. virens1, T. asperellum2, and T. virens2. All Trichoderma species inhibited the development of Ganoderma and stimulated the vegetative growth of oil palm seedlings. Therefore, T. asperellum and T. virens can be used as biocontrol agents to control G. boninense and stimulate the vegetative growth of oil palm seedlings. To our knowledge, this is the first report of indigenous Trichoderma isolates from Bukit Kijang that can be used as biocontrol agents to control G. boninense.

Assessment of Trichoderma Species Isolated From Volcanic Soil of a Durian Field in Sisaket Province, Thailand for Plant Growth Promotion and Biocontrol Potential

Trichoderma species are ubiquitous saprophytic fungi commonly found in soil, with potential as fungal biocontrol agents for plant disease control and growth promotion. This research aimed to assess the attributes of Trichoderma sp. as plant growth promoters, focusing on nitrogen fixation, siderophore production, plant nutrient solubilization and indole-3-acetic acid production. Out of 19 isolates tested, 6 (T05, T19, T25, T27, T28 and T33) showed superior plant growth promotion abilities. These isolates were further evaluated for their capacity to enhance the germination of Khao Dawk Mali 105 rice seeds. Seeds were soaked in a suspension of conidia at a concentration of 1×1012 conidia/mL, and germination rates were measured. The germination rate ranged between 77.67 - 86.67 %, statistically significantly higher than the control rate of 33.33 %. Among the isolates, T05 exhibited the highest promotion of plant growth, evidenced by root length (7.27 cm), shoot length (8.50 cm), fresh weight (0.54 g) and dry weight (0.27 g), all significantly different from the control. Additionally, the potential of isolates to inhibit the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sp. MN-3 was assessed using a dual culture method, with T35 showing the highest inhibition percentage (60.90 %). Morphological classification and nucleotide sequencing of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of rDNA gene identified the isolates as T. harzianum, T. reesei, T. asperellum and T. longibrachiatum. These findings underscore the effectiveness of Trichoderma sp. in promoting plant growth and suppressing plant pathogenic fungi. HIGHLIGHTSSix Trichoderma isolates (T05, T19, T25, T27, T28 and T33) exhibited superior plant growth promotion abilities. These isolates significantly enhanced germination rates of Khao Dawk Mali 105 rice seeds compared to the method. Among the isolates, T05 showed the greatest promotion of plant growth, as evidenced by root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight. Trichoderma isolates demonstrated potential for inhibiting the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sp. MN-3. Morphological classification divided the Trichoderma sp. into 4 groups, and species identification through nucleotide sequencing revealed T. harzianum, T. reesei, T. asperellum and T. longibrachiatum. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

New Trichoderma Strains Suppress Blue Mold in Oranges by Damaging the Cell Membrane of Penicillium italicum and Enhancing Both Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Defense Mechanisms in Orange Fruits

Blue mold disease, caused by Penicillium italicum (P. italicum), presents a significant challenge to orange fruits (Citrus sinensis L.) and other citrus crops globally. Biological control, particularly Trichoderma species, offers a promising alternative to synthetic fungicides. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the antagonistic activities of two Trichoderma isolates against P. italicum. These isolates were molecularly identified and assigned accession numbers PP002254 and PP002272, respectively. Both isolates demonstrated significant antifungal activity in dual culture assays. Moreover, the culture filtrates (CFs) of Trichoderma longibrachiatum PP002254 and Trichoderma harzianum PP002272 suppressed the mycelial growth of P. italicum by 77.22% and 71.66%, respectively. Additionally, CFs reduced the severity of blue mold on orange fruits by 26.85% and 53.81%, compared to 100% in the control group. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that treated P. italicum hyphae were shrunken and disfigured. Enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase) in treated oranges increased, along with total soluble phenolics and flavonoids. Conversely, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in treated fruits. These findings suggest that T. longibrachiatum PP002254 and T. harzianum PP002272 could be effective biocontrol agents for managing blue mold and other citrus postharvest diseases.

Genomic Characterization and Establishment of a Genetic Manipulation System for Trichoderma sp. (Harzianum Clade) LZ117.

Trichoderma species have been reported as masters in producing cellulolytic enzymes for the biodegradation of lignocellulolytic biomass and biocontrol agents against plant pathogens and pests. In our previous study, a novel Trichoderma strain LZ117, which shows potent capability in cellulase production, was isolated. Herein, we conducted multilocus phylogenetic analyses based on DNA barcodes and performed time-scaled phylogenomic analyses using the whole genome sequences of the strain, annotated by integrating transcriptome data. Our results suggest that this strain represents a new species closely related to T. atrobrunneum (Harzianum clade). Genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), transporters, and secondary metabolites were annotated and predicted secretome in Trichoderma sp. LZ117 was also presented. Furthermore, genetic manipulation of this strain was successfully achieved using PEG-mediated protoplast transformation. A putative transporter gene encoding maltose permease (Mal1) was overexpressed, which proved that this transporter does not affect cellulase production. Moreover, overexpressing the native Cre1 homolog in LZ117 demonstrated a more pronounced impact of glucose-caused carbon catabolite repression (CCR), suggesting the importance of Cre1-mediated CCR in cellulase production of Trichoderma sp. LZ117. The results of this study will benefit further exploration of the strain LZ117 and related species for their applications in bioproduction.

Antibacterial and anticancer potential of bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites of endophytic fungi isolated from Anethum graveolens.

Fungal endophytes are known to produce bioactive chemicals and secondary metabolites that are often identical to those produced by their host plants. The main objective of the current study was to isolate and identify endophytic fungi associated with the medicinal plant Anethum graveolens, and to investigate their potential antibacterial and anticancer properties. The ethyl acetate extracts from the isolated endophytic fungi, as well as the host plant A. graveolens, were subjected to bioactivity assays to evaluate their antibacterial and anticancer potential against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. The endophytic fungi isolated and identified from the A. graveolens samples included Diaporthe, Auxarthron, Arthrinium, Aspergillus, Microsporum, Dothiorella, Trichophyton, Lophiostoma, Penicillium, and Trichoderma species. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay revealed that the A. graveolens extract exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, with an MIC value of 4 μg/ml, followed by the Trichoderma sp. (5 μg/ml) and Penicillium sp. (6 μg/ml) extracts. Additionally, the crude extracts of Trichoderma sp., Penicillium sp., and Fusarium sp. demonstrated high anticancer activity against HepG2 cells, with inhibition rates ranging from 89 to 92% at a concentration of 50 μg/ml. Interestingly, the A. graveolens extract showed the most potent anticancer activity, with a 95% inhibition rate against HepG2 cells at the same concentration. These findings highlight the significant potential of endophytic fungi associated with A. graveolens, as a source of bioactive compounds with promising antibacterial and anticancer properties. The results reinforce the hypothesis that medicinal plants and their endophytic fungi can serve as an attractive alternative for the development of novel therapeutic agents, potentially offering a more sustainable and less harmful approach to disease management compared to traditional chemical-based methods.

Molecular characterization of plant growth-promoting Trichoderma from Saudi Arabia.

Fungi in the genus Trichoderma are widespread in the environment, mainly in soils. They are used in agriculture because of their mycoparasitic potential; Trichoderma have the ability to increase plant health and provide protection against phytopathogens, making them desirable plant symbionts. We isolated, identified, and characterized Trichoderma from different regions of Saudi Arabia and evaluated the ability of Trichoderma to promote plant growth. Morphological and molecular characterization, along with phylogenetic studies, were utilized to differentiate between Trichoderma species isolated from soil samples in the Abha and Riyadh regions, Saudi Arabia. Then, plant growth-promoting traits of the isolated Trichoderma species were assessed. Eight Trichoderma isolates were characterized via morphological and molecular analysis; six (Trichoderma koningiopsis, Trichoderma lixii, Trichoderma koningii, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma brevicompactum, and Trichoderma velutinum) were from Abha and two (T. lixii and T. harzianum) were from Riyadh. The isolated Trichoderma strains belonged to three different clades (Clade 1: Harzianum, Clade 2: Brevicompactum, and Clade 3: Viride). The Trichoderma isolates varied in plant growth-promoting traits. Seeds treated with most isolates exhibited a high percentage of germination, except seeds treated with the T3-T. koningii isolate. 100% germination was reported for seeds treated with the T4-T. harzianum and T6-T. brevicompactum isolates, while seeds treated with the T1-T. koniniopsis and T5-T. lixii isolates showed 91.1% and 90.9% germination, respectively. Seeds treated with the T8-T. velutinum, T2-T. lixii, and T7-T. harzianum isolates had germination rates of 84.1%, 82.2%, and 72.7%, respectively. The Trichoderma isolate T5-T. lixii stimulated tomato plant growth the most, followed by T7-T. harzianum, T8-T. velutinum, T4-T. harzianum, T1-T. koniniopsis, T2-T. lixii, and T6-T. brevicompactum; the least effective was T3-T. koningii. A maximum fresh weight of 669.33mg was observed for the T5-T. lixii-treated plants. The Abha region had a higher diversity of Trichoderma species than the Riyadh region, and most isolated Trichoderma spp. promoted tomato growth.

Integrated Disease Management, Combining Chemical and Bio-control Agents, is Effective Against Agroathelia rolfsii Infecting Eggplants

The seeds of Guibourtia coleosperma serve as potential Agroathelia rolfsii severely infects 500 plant species causing stem and root rots on plants including eggplants. This study evaluated the compatibility of integration of chemical fungicides x biological agents for the management of recalcitrant disease agents like A. rolfsii. A factorial trial was set up using the completely randomized design with each treatment being replicated thrice. Interaction of Mancozeb (at 50 and 100% concentrations) x Trichoderma species caused 29.3-100% inhibition of A. rolfsii and Ketoconazole (at 50 and 100% concentrations) x Trichoderma species caused 95.8-100% inhibition of A. rolfsii. Mancozeb (100% concentration) x T. harzianum controlled the pathogen most, followed by the T. viride combination. The percentage inhibition by chemical fungicide (main effects) ranged from 100% inhibition by Ketoconazole (100% concentration) to 97.9-100% for Ketoconazole (50% concentration), to 65.2-93.6% for Mancozeb (100% concentration) and lastly 23.3-78.6% for Mancozeb (50% concentration) with time. The percentage inhibition (main effects) ranged from 60.3-96.7% for T. virens, 60.8-92.1% for T. harzianum, and 69.3-95.8% for T. viride with time. The chemical fungicides and Trichoderma species were highly positively correlated (0.522** at p ≤ 0.05). The high concentrations of the fungicides antagonized the Trichoderma species as well, so more work should be carried out on this aspect. This approach to disease management for eggplants is highly effective using chemical x bio-control agents to safeguard eggplants from A. rolfsii. Applying this method can protect crops and result in long-term profitability. The combination of fungicides and biocontrol agents is strongly recommended for the management of this fungal pathogen.

Competitive antagonistic action of laccase between Trichoderma species and the newly identified wood pathogenic Ganoderma camelum.

Ganoderma, a well-known genus in the Ganodermataceae family, has caused the extinction of several tree species due to its pathogenicity. This study explored the pathogenic effect of a newly identified Ganoderma species on trees and its competitive efficiency against Trichoderma species. Ganoderma camelum sp. nov. is characterized by small sessile basidiomata and a velvety, soft, camel-brown pileus. Phylogenetic analysis and ITS rDNA sequences indicated that the species were Trichoderma and Ganoderma camelum. Both fungal species competed antagonistically by secreting laccase. The laccase activity of G. camelum, with a value of 8.3 ± 4.0 U/mL, demonstrated the highest competitive activity against Trichoderma species. The laccase produced by T. atroviride (2.62 U/mL) was most effective in countering the pathogenic action of the novel G. camelum. The molecular weights of laccase were determined using SDS-PAGE (62.0 kDa for G. camelum and 57.0 kDa for T. atroviride). Due to the white rot induced by this Ganoderma species in the host tree, G. camelum showed the highest percentage inhibition of radial growth (76.3%) compared to T. atroviride (28.7%). This study aimed to evaluate the competitive antagonistic activity of Ganoderma and Trichoderma on malt extract agar media in the context of white rot disease in the host tree. This study concluded that the laccase from G. camelum caused weight loss in rubber wood blocks through laccase action, indicating tissue injury in the host species. Therefore, it was also concluded that G. camelum was more effective in pathogenic action of the host and resisted the biological action of T. atroviride. In principal components analysis (PCA), all the species associated with laccase exhibited a very strong influence on the variability of the system. The PIRG rate (percentage inhibition of radial growth) was strongly and positively correlated with laccase activity.

Effect of pH on the growth and competition of Trichoderma spp. and Fusarium spp.

Collar rot caused by Fusarium spp. is a serious threat to the production of Passiflora edulis. However, biocontrol methods are lacking. Trichoderma spp., as the most widely applied biocontrol fungus, can be effective in managing crop diseases. The effectiveness is significantly influenced by environmental factors, such as soil pH. To screen potential biocontrol strains against collar rot of P. edulis, and to explore the effect of pH on the inhibition rate of Trichoderma spp., we selected four Trichoderma species and four Fusarium species isolated from P. edulis planting area in Xishuangbanna. The growth dynamics of different strains under different pH conditions were determined using the mycelial growth rate method. The effect of pH on the growth inhibition of Fusarium spp. by Trichoderma spp. was investigated using the plate confrontation assay. The results showed that the optimal growth pH range was 4-6 for Trichoderma spp. and 7-9 for Fusarium spp. All four Trichoderma strains exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the growth of the four Fusarium strains. T. harzianum showed the most notable inhibition, reaching up to a 72% inhibitory rate. Moreover, pH significantly influenced the inhibitory effect of Trichoderma spp., with variations observed depending on the specific species of Trichoderma spp. and Fusarium spp. Therefore, it is essential to consider the environmental pH impact on the efficacy of biocontrol agents when applying biological control measures in the field, tailored to the specific pathogen and biocontrol agent involved.

Impact of different illegal Artisanal Small-Scale Mining techniques on soil properties in a major mining landscape in Ghana

The widespread prevalence of illegal Artisanal Small-Scale Mining has raised significant concerns about its environmental and health impacts. This study investigates the effects of two mining methods (alluvial and chamfi) on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties four years after mining in three municipalities of the Western Region of Ghana. The study identified four species of Aspergillus fungi (niger, flavus, ochraceous and fumigatus) and Trichoderma species in both mined and control soils. The quantity of A. fumigatus was significantly higher in control plots compared to mined plots. In alluvial sites, bacterial numbers were significantly higher in control plots than in mined plots, while in chamfi sites, bacterial numbers did not differ significantly between mined and control plots. Soil texture in both mined sites was predominantly sandy loam and loamy sand, with a generally high silt to clay ratio. Mined plots at both sites were significant and more acidic (p < 0.05) than the control plots. Additionally, cation exchange capacity (CEC), electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (P), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+) levels were significantly higher in control plots compared to mined plots. The control plots also exhibited higher base saturation and lower exchangeable acidity than mined plots. Bacteria count at Chamfi sites was generally higher at mined areas than the control sites, with the reverse being the case for Alluvial sites. Soil chemical parameters were higher at control areas than at mined sites, irrespective of the mining approach used. However, there was no clear pattern of differences in soil chemical properties at Chamfi and Alluvial mined sites. This study provides insights and additional perspectives for improving decision-making and guiding the potential restoration of these areas.

Antagonism of rhizosphere Trichoderma brevicompactum DTN19 against the pathogenic fungi causing corm rot in saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in vitro.

Corm rot in saffron (Crocus sativus L.) significantly impacts yield and quality. Non-toxic fungi, particularly Trichoderma species, are valuable for biological control due to their production of diverse and biologically active secondary metabolites. This study aimed to isolate an effective antagonistic fungus against the pathogenic fungi causing corm rot in saffron. Four pathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Penicillium citreosulfuratum, and Penicillium citrinum) were isolated from diseased saffron bulbs in Chongming. Initial screening through dual culture with these pathogens re-screening from rhizosphere soil samples of C. sativus based on its inhibitory effects through volatile, nonvolatile, and fermentation broth metabolites. The inhibitory effect of biocontrol fungi on pathogenic fungi in vitro was evaluated by morphological observation and molecular biology methods. Antagonistic fungi were identified as Trichoderma brevicompactum DTN19. F. oxysporum was identified as the most severe pathogen. SEM (scanning electron microscope) and TEM (transmission electron microscope) observations revealed that T. brevicompactum DTN19 significantly inhibited the growth and development of F. oxysporum mycelium, disrupting its physiological structure and spore formation. Additionally, T. brevicompactum DTN19 demonstrated nitrogen fixation and production of cellulase, IAA (Indole acetic acid), and siderophores. Whole-genome sequencing of strain DTN19 revealed genes encoding protease, cellulase, chitinase, β-glucosidase, siderophore, nitrogen cycle, and sulfate transporter-related proteins. T. brevicompactum DTN19 may inhibit the propagation of pathogenic fungi by destroying their cell walls or producing antibiotics. It can also produce IAA and iron carriers, which have the potential to promote plant growth. Overall, T. brevicompactum DTN19 showed the development prospect of biological agents.

Protective and Curative Applications of Some Trichoderma species to Tomato Plants Infected by Tomato Mosaic Virus

Protective and Curative Applications of Some Trichoderma species to Tomato Plants Infected by Tomato Mosaic Virus

Anti-Aflatoxigenic Burkholderia contaminans BC11-1 Exhibits Mycotoxin Detoxification, Phosphate Solubilization, and Cytokinin Production.

The productivity and quality of agricultural crops worldwide are adversely affected by disease outbreaks and inadequate nutrient availability. Of particular concern is the potential increase in mycotoxin prevalence due to crop diseases, which poses a threat to food security. Microorganisms with multiple functions have been favored in sustainable agriculture to address such challenges. Aspergillus flavus is a prevalent aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-producing fungus in China. Therefore, we wanted to obtain an anti-aflatoxigenic bacterium with potent mycotoxin detoxification ability and other beneficial properties. In the present study, we have isolated an anti-aflatoxigenic strain, BC11-1, of Burkholderia contaminans, from a forest rhizosphere soil sample obtained in Luzhou, Sichuan Province, China. We found that it possesses several beneficial properties, as follows: (1) a broad spectrum of antifungal activity but compatibility with Trichoderma species, which are themselves used as biocontrol agents, making it possible to use in a biocontrol mixture or individually with other biocontrol agents in an integrated management approach; (2) an exhibited mycotoxin detoxification capacity with a degradation ratio of 90% for aflatoxin B1 and 78% for zearalenone, suggesting its potential for remedial application; and (3) a high ability to solubilize phosphorus and produce cytokinin production, highlighting its potential as a biofertilizer. Overall, the diverse properties of BC11-1 render it a beneficial bacterium with excellent potential for use in plant disease protection and mycotoxin prevention and as a biofertilizer. Lastly, a pan-genomic analysis suggests that BC11-1 may possess other undiscovered biological properties, prompting further exploration of the properties of this unique strain of B. contaminans. These findings highlight the potential of using the anti-aflatoxigenic strain BC11-1 to enhance disease protection and improve soil fertility, thus contributing to food security. Given its multiple beneficial properties, BC11-1 represents a valuable microbial resource as a biocontrol agent and biofertilizer.

The effects of EDTA and Trichoderma species on growth and Cu uptake of maize (Zea mays) plants grown in a Cu-contaminated soil.

Metal contamination in soil poses a significant environmental concern worldwide, necessitating effective remediation strategies such as phytoremediation. The present study investigated the effects of EDTA dosage (1.5 and 3mmolkg-1) and two Trichoderma species (T. harzianum and T. aureoviride) on copper (Cu) content and growth of maize plants grown in a Cu-contaminated soil, as well as Cu fractionation in the soil. In the absence of EDTA, only inoculation with T. harzianum led to a significant increase in shoot biomass. Combining fungal inoculum with EDTA only yielded a significant increase in shoot biomass when using T. aureoviride at a low EDTA rate, highlighting the interplay between fungal species and EDTA rates on plant growth. Results also indicated that EDTA application increased Cu bioavailability, enhancing Cu dissolution and root (not shoot) Cu concentrations. Conversely, inoculation with both Trichoderma species reduced Cu mobility and bioavailability in soil, thereby decreasing the shoot Cu concentrations of plants. When combined with EDTA, only application of T. harzianum resulted in an enhanced shoot Cu concentration, whereas combined application of T. aureoviride and EDTA did not make a significant change compared to the corresponding control (no fungal inoculation, no EDTA), possibly due to a lower compatibility of the T. aureoviride isolate with EDTA. Our results demonstrated that EDTA application, in both non-inoculated and inoculated treatments, increased Cu availability by facilitating its redistribution and transformation from less plant-available fractions (residual, Fe/Mn oxide-bound, and carbonate-bound) to the more readily plant-available forms (water-soluble and exchangeable fractions). In conclusion, although individual Trichoderma application proved beneficial for phytostabilization by reducing Cu content and mitigating Cu toxicity in plants, the combined application of EDTA and a compatible Trichoderma isolate (here, the T. harzianum isolate) holds promise for enhancing the phytoextraction capacity of plants. Although using maize has the advantage of being a food crop, to optimize phytoextraction, plant species with superior metal tolerance and phytoextraction capabilities should be selected, exceeding those of maize.

Abiotic stress alleviation and contribution to resilient crop growth: A trichodermal perspective

Over the past few decades, the use of different biocontrol agents in agricultural methods has resulted in significant improvements in the safety and nutritional quality of food products. Consequently, there has been an increasing interest in finding effective alternative approaches to reduce abiotic stress pressures that also promote plant growth. Trichoderma harzianum is a biocontrol agent that has attracted scientific attention due to its remarkable capacity to combat various abiotic influences. The multifaceted mechanisms of disease prevention and crop growth acceleration exhibited by the filamentous fungus T. harzianum have rendered it a highly useful biocontrol agent. Trichoderma spp. positively influence several physiological cellular processes in plants, such as photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, gas exchange, nutrient absorption and assimilation, and water expenditure efficiency. Trichoderma species promoted optimal root development and improved the absorption of mineral nutrients from the soil. In summary, the fungus Trichoderma shows significant potential as a biocontrol agent for the sustainable protection of crops and the stimulation of plant growth. The varied mechanisms of Trichoderma species make them indispensable for the management of plant diseases. The utilization of Trichoderma potential is a significant avenue for achieving robust and ecologically sound crop production, particularly in challenging circumstances, as the worldwide agricultural sector strives for substitutes to harmful pesticides and excessive use of fertilizers.

Potential biological control agents of Geosmithia morbida restrict fungal pathogen growth via mycoparasitism and antibiosis

Thousand cankers disease of Juglans (walnut) and Pterocarya (wingnut) spp. (Fagales: Juglandaceae) is caused by the fungal pathogen Geosmithia morbida Kolarík, Freeland, Utley, and Tisserat (Hypocreales: Bionectriaceae) and bark beetle pest/vector, Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). To further the development of biological management strategies for thousand cankers disease, we assessed the ability of 14 endophytic Trichoderma (Hypocreales: Hypocreaceae) isolates and the commercially available isolate T. afroharzianum strain KRL-AG2 to inhibit the in vitro growth of three different G. morbida isolates via mycoparasitism and antibiosis. To identify factors that may affect field success of candidate biological control agents, we quantified the growth responses of Trichoderma spp. and the commercially available entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) strain GHA, to the plant secondary metabolite and antimicrobial compound, juglone in vitro. A total of 12 Trichoderma isolates (from six different Trichoderma species) demonstrated antagonistic activity towards G. morbida in dual-plate assays. Juglone consistently reduced the growth of B. bassiana strain GHA and 14 of the 15 screened Trichoderma isolates in vitro. Additionally, one metabolite-producing Trichoderma isolate, TN4-47, completely inhibited the growth of all three G. morbida isolates across all tested metabolite concentrations and had comparatively greater tolerance to juglone compared to other Trichoderma isolates. Future lines of research should focus on characterizing the active antagonistic compound present in the metabolite filtrates, determine the mode of action of the active component(s), and elucidate how abiotic and biotic factors may influence the growth, persistence, and antagonistic activity of candidate biological control agents in planta.