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Trichoderma from Brazilian Garlic and Onion Crop Soils and Description of Two New Species: Trichoderma azevedoi and Trichoderma peberdyi

Summary

This research identified and characterized beneficial fungi from Brazilian farm soils that could help protect garlic and onion crops from disease. The scientists discovered two completely new species among the fungi collected. These fungi belong to the genus Trichoderma, which is known to naturally protect plants from harmful pathogens. Impacts on everyday life: – Could lead to better natural protection for garlic and onion crops, reducing the need for chemical pesticides – May help increase crop yields and food security by controlling plant diseases – Demonstrates the continuing discovery of new species even in agricultural settings – Provides sustainable alternatives for crop protection – Contributes to the development of environmentally-friendly farming practices

Background

White rot disease caused by the fungus Sclerotium cepivorum is one of the most important fungal diseases affecting garlic and onion crops worldwide, often causing severe losses in production. In Brazil, despite recent advances in Allium production, output is not sufficient to meet internal demand. Biological control using Trichoderma species is being investigated as a viable option for controlling white rot disease, given the lack of reliable conventional control methods.

Objective

To collect and identify Trichoderma strains from crop soils from multiple localities in some of the principal garlic and onion growing areas in Brazil. The study aimed to correctly identify the strains to species level using multi-gene DNA sequence analysis and assess their genetic and phenotypic variation using AFLP and MALDI-TOF techniques.

Results

The phylogenetic analysis identified eight known Trichoderma species among the isolates: T. asperellum, T. asperelloides, T. afroharzianum, T. hamatum, T. lentiforme, T. koningiopsis, T. longibrachiatum and T. erinaceum. Additionally, two new species were identified and described: Trichoderma azevedoi sp. nov. and Trichoderma peberdyi sp. nov., both in the harzianum clade of section Pachybasium. AFLP and MALDI-TOF analysis confirmed the species identifications and revealed significant genetic and phenotypic variability within species.

Conclusion

The study revealed considerable diversity of Trichoderma species in Brazilian garlic and onion crop soils, including two previously undescribed species. This diversity represents a valuable resource for biocontrol programs. The complementary use of molecular phylogenetics, AFLP genotyping and MALDI-TOF phenotyping proved effective for species identification and characterization of infraspecific variation.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228485
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