Application of Trichoderma Strains and Their Metabolites in Agriculture

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Fungi in Agriculture and Biotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2023) | Viewed by 7138

Special Issue Editors

Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, NA, Italy
Interests: biological control; metabolomics; beneficial microbes; plant disease control; microbial metabolites; post-harvest disease control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, NA, Italy
Interests: root exudates; microbial consortia; Trichoderma; plant protection; plant growth promotion; co-cultures; biopesticides; biostimulants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microorganisms represent a key component of the soil–plant system in the rhizosphere. Filamentous fungi of the genus Trichoderma are known for their ability to antagonize plant phytopathogens, produce bioactive metabolites, promote plant growth, and induce systemic resistance. Bioformulation based on Trichoderma strains and their metabolites offer a promising alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture. In addition, due to their resistance to numerous toxic compounds, Trichoderma strains can be included in bioremediation strategies, thus promoting the concept of sustainable agriculture. Comprehensive knowledge about the mechanisms of Trichoderma towards plants and pathogens can significantly improve the effectiveness of their action. Given recent developments in this field, this Special Issue will focus on the development of effective methods for the detection, formulation, and application of Trichoderma antagonistic fungi and their metabolites in agriculture, the estimation of the risk related to their use in in vitro and in vivo conditions, and the enhancement of the efficacy of Trichoderma bioformulations through the stimulation of their competitiveness in the rhizosphere and rhizoplane. Studies aimed at unravelling the compounds affecting the nature of the interaction of these microbes with plants, i.e., effector-like molecules, are also welcome.

Dr. Roberta Marra
Dr. Nadia Lombardi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • biological control
  • bioactive compounds
  • phytopathogens
  • plant–microbe interaction rhizosphere
  • bioformulation
  • effectors
  • plant colonization
  • bioremediation

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 2052 KiB  
Article
Biodegradable Mulch Films and Bioformulations Based on Trichoderma sp. and Seaweed Extract Differentially Affect the Metabolome of Industrial Tomato Plants
by Alessia Staropoli, Ida Di Mola, Lucia Ottaiano, Eugenio Cozzolino, Angela Pironti, Nadia Lombardi, Bruno Nanni, Mauro Mori, Francesco Vinale, Sheridan Lois Woo and Roberta Marra
J. Fungi 2024, 10(2), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10020097 - 25 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1034
Abstract
The use of biostimulants and biofilms in agriculture is constantly increasing, as they may support plant growth and productivity by improving nutrient absorption, increasing stress resilience and providing sustainable alternatives to chemical management practices. In this work, two commercial products based on Trichoderma [...] Read more.
The use of biostimulants and biofilms in agriculture is constantly increasing, as they may support plant growth and productivity by improving nutrient absorption, increasing stress resilience and providing sustainable alternatives to chemical management practices. In this work, two commercial products based on Trichoderma afroharzianum strain T22 (Trianum P®) and a seaweed extract from Ascophyllum nodosum (Phylgreen®) were tested on industrial tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum var. Heinz 5108F1) in a field experiment. The effects of single and combined applications of microbial and plant biostimulants on plants grown on two different biodegradable mulch films were evaluated in terms of changes in the metabolic profiles of leaves and berries. Untargeted metabolomics analysis by LC-MS Q-TOF revealed the presence of several significantly accumulated compounds, depending on the biostimulant treatment, the mulch biofilm and the tissue examined. Among the differential compounds identified, some metabolites, belonging to alkaloids, flavonoids and their derivatives, were more abundant in tomato berries and leaves upon application of Trichoderma-based product. Interestingly, the biostimulants, when applied alone, similarly affected the plant metabolome compared to control or combined treatments, while significant differences were observed according to the mulch biofilm applied. Full article
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14 pages, 5214 KiB  
Article
Biological Control Activities of Rhizosphere Fungus Trichoderma virens T1-02 in Suppressing Flower Blight of Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum Lind.)
by Dusit Athinuwat, On-Uma Ruangwong, Dulanjalee L. Harishchandra, Kitsada Pitija and Anurag Sunpapao
J. Fungi 2024, 10(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10010066 - 15 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1057
Abstract
Flower blight caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora is an emerging disease of flamingo flower (Anthurium andraeanum Lind.) that negatively impacts flower production. The use of rhizosphere fungi as biocontrol agents is an alternative way to control this disease instead of using synthetic fungicides. [...] Read more.
Flower blight caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora is an emerging disease of flamingo flower (Anthurium andraeanum Lind.) that negatively impacts flower production. The use of rhizosphere fungi as biocontrol agents is an alternative way to control this disease instead of using synthetic fungicides. This research aimed to screen the potential of rhizosphere fungi, Trichoderma spp., with diverse antifungal abilities to control N. clavispora and to reduce flower blight in flamingo flowers. A total of ten isolates were tested against N. clavispora by dual culture assay, and T1-02 was found to be the most effective isolate against N. clavispora, with inhibition of 78.21%. Morphology and molecular phylogeny of multiple DNA sequences of the genes, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α), and RNA polymerase 2 (rpb2) identified isolate T1-02 as Trichoderma virens. Sealed plate method revealed T. virens T1-02 produced volatile antifungal compounds (VOCs) against N. clavispora, with inhibition of 51.28%. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was applied to trap volatiles, and GC/MS profiling showed VOCs emitted from T. virens T1-02 contained a sesquiterpene antifungal compound—germacrene D. The pre-colonized plate method showed that T. virens T1-02 aggressively colonized in tested plates with inhibition of 100% against N. clavispora, and microscopy revealed direct parasitism onto fungal hyphae. Furthermore, the application of T. virens T1-02 spore suspension reduced the disease severity index (DSI) of flower blight in flamingo flowers. Based on the results from this study, T. virens T1-02 displays multiple antagonistic mechanisms and has the potential ability to control flower blight of flamingo flowers caused by N. clavispora. Full article
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18 pages, 6390 KiB  
Article
Preparation of High Water-Soluble Trichoderma Co-Culture Metabolite Powder and Its Effects on Seedling Emergence Rate and Growth of Crops
by Lusheng Chen, Dazhi Hao, Kai Dou, Bo Lang, Xinhua Wang, Yaqian Li and Jie Chen
J. Fungi 2023, 9(7), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9070767 - 20 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1099
Abstract
Trichoderma spp. are widely used beneficial microbes in agricultural production; however, the improper carrier choice for Trichoderma agent preparation can alter the effectiveness of Trichoderma fungicides. In this study, the co-culture of four Trichoderma strains produced a large amount of free amino acids, [...] Read more.
Trichoderma spp. are widely used beneficial microbes in agricultural production; however, the improper carrier choice for Trichoderma agent preparation can alter the effectiveness of Trichoderma fungicides. In this study, the co-culture of four Trichoderma strains produced a large amount of free amino acids, with a content of 392.8414 ug/mL, and significantly improved the production level of γ-aminobutyric acid. A greenhouse experiment further showed that the co-culture of Trichoderma synergistically improved the female flower development and bacterial angular leaf spot resistance. The effects of ten kinds of carriers were compared in terms of water absorption and heat generation, as well as their effects on the seedling emergence rate and the plant growth promotion of maize, cucumber, and pakchoi cabbage. Each carrier was screened to mix with four strains of co-culture metabolites to prepare highly soluble and quality powders. The results showed that there were different effects of the carriers themselves and Trichoderma strain co-culture metabolite powder prepared with the carriers on seedling emergence rate and seedling growth. Β-cyclodextrin performed best in high solubility and low heat generation upon absorbing water and in easy drying in processing operations. Trichoderma strains co-culture metabolite powder with β-cyclodextrin as a carrier provided the most obvious promotion effects on seedling emergence rate and seedling growth. Therefore, β-cyclodextrin was determined to be an ideal carrier to prepare a highly water-soluble Trichoderma agent. Taken together, the study successfully developed a new type of highly soluble powder containing Trichoderma co-culture metabolites that is expected to benefit farming drip irrigation and spraying systems for the promotion of crop growth and disease control. Full article
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20 pages, 1489 KiB  
Article
Fungistatic Activity Mediated by Volatile Organic Compounds Is Isolate-Dependent in Trichoderma sp. “atroviride B”
by Eline van Zijll de Jong, Janaki Kandula, Michael Rostás, Diwakar Kandula, John Hampton and Artemio Mendoza-Mendoza
J. Fungi 2023, 9(2), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9020238 - 10 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1617
Abstract
Trichoderma spp. produce multiple bioactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs). While the bioactivity of VOCs from different Trichoderma species is well documented, information on intraspecific variation is limited. The fungistatic activity of VOCs emitted by 59 Trichoderma sp. “atroviride B” isolates against the [...] Read more.
Trichoderma spp. produce multiple bioactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs). While the bioactivity of VOCs from different Trichoderma species is well documented, information on intraspecific variation is limited. The fungistatic activity of VOCs emitted by 59 Trichoderma sp. “atroviride B” isolates against the pathogen Rhizoctonia solani was investigated. Eight isolates representing the two extremes of bioactivity against R. solani were also assessed against Alternaria radicina, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. VOCs profiles of these eight isolates were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify a correlation between specific VOCs and bioactivity, and 11 VOCs were evaluated for bioactivity against the pathogens. Bioactivity against R. solani varied among the fifty-nine isolates, with five being strongly antagonistic. All eight selected isolates inhibited the growth of all four pathogens, with bioactivity being lowest against F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. In total, 32 VOCs were detected, with individual isolates producing between 19 and 28 VOCs. There was a significant direct correlation between VOC number/quantity and bioactivity against R. solani. 6-pentyl-α-pyrone was the most abundant VOC produced, but 15 other VOCs were also correlated with bioactivity. All 11 VOCs tested inhibited R. solani growth, some by >50%. Some of the VOCs also inhibited the growth of the other pathogens by >50%. This study demonstrates significant intraspecific differences in VOC profiles and fungistatic activity supporting the existence of biological diversity within Trichoderma isolates from the same species, a factor in many cases ignored during the development of biological control agents. Full article
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19 pages, 4154 KiB  
Article
Effect of Farnesol in Trichoderma Physiology and in Fungal–Plant Interaction
by Rosa E. Cardoza, Susan P. McCormick, Laura Lindo, Sara Mayo-Prieto, David González-Cazón, Natalia Martínez-Reyes, Guzmán Carro-Huerga, Álvaro Rodríguez-González, Robert H. Proctor, Pedro A. Casquero and Santiago Gutiérrez
J. Fungi 2022, 8(12), 1266; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8121266 - 30 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1623
Abstract
Farnesol is an isoprenoid intermediate in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway and is produced by the dephosphorylation of farnesyl diphosphate. Farnesol plays a central role in cell growth and differentiation, controls production of ubiquinone and ergosterol, and participates in the regulation of filamentation and [...] Read more.
Farnesol is an isoprenoid intermediate in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway and is produced by the dephosphorylation of farnesyl diphosphate. Farnesol plays a central role in cell growth and differentiation, controls production of ubiquinone and ergosterol, and participates in the regulation of filamentation and biofilm formation. Despite these important functions, studies of farnesol in filamentous fungi are limited, and information on its effects on antifungal and/or biocontrol activity is scarce. In the present article, we identified the Trichoderma harzianum gene dpp1, encoding a diacylglycerol pyrophosphatase that catalyzes production of farnesol from farnesol diphosphate. We analyzed the function of dpp1 to address the importance of farnesol in Trichoderma physiology and ecology. Overexpression of dpp1 in T. harzianum caused an expected increase in farnesol production as well as a marked change in squalene and ergosterol levels, but overexpression did not affect antifungal activity. In interaction with plants, a dpp1-overexpressing transformant acted as a sensitizing agent in that it up-regulated expression of plant defense salicylate-related genes in the presence of a fungal plant pathogen. In addition, toxicity of farnesol on Trichoderma and plants was examined. Finally, a phylogenetic study of dpp1 was performed to understand its evolutionary history as a primary metabolite gene. This article represents a step forward in the acquisition of knowledge on the role of farnesol in fungal physiology and in fungus-environment interactions. Full article
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