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The Trichoderma atroviride Strains P1 and IMI 206040 Differ in Their Light-Response and VOC Production

Summary

This research compared two strains of a beneficial fungus that helps protect plants from harmful fungi. The study found important differences in how these strains respond to light and produce chemical compounds that affect their ability to fight plant diseases. The findings have practical implications for agriculture and plant protection. Impacts on everyday life: • Better understanding of natural plant protection methods could reduce chemical pesticide use • Improved selection of beneficial fungi for organic farming and sustainable agriculture • Development of more effective biological control products for plant diseases • Potential for new natural compounds discovery for various applications • Enhanced crop protection methods that are environmentally friendly

Background

Trichoderma atroviride is a necrotrophic mycoparasite that antagonizes and feeds on fungal phytopathogens while beneficially affecting plants by enhancing growth and inducing systemic resistance. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play a major role in these processes. Light is an important modulator of secondary metabolite biosynthesis but its influence on fungal volatiles is often neglected in research.

Objective

To systematically compare and analyze differences between T. atroviride strains IMI 206040 and P1 regarding their light-dependent behavior and VOC biosynthesis, including their influence on conidiation and mycoparasitic interactions.

Results

The study revealed that T. atroviride P1 conidiation occurs independently of light, unlike strain IMI 206040. Significant strain- and light-dependent differences in VOC production were observed between the strains. T. atroviride P1 showed higher antagonistic potential against F. oxysporum in darkness and produced substantially higher amounts of most detected VOCs compared to IMI 206040. A novel volatile, 2-octanone, was exclusively detected during co-cultivation with F. oxysporum.

Conclusion

T. atroviride P1 demonstrates superior characteristics compared to IMI 206040 for potential use in plant protection, including light-independent conidiation and enhanced VOC production. The study revealed complex regulation of VOC biosynthesis linked to abiotic and biotic stress responses in T. atroviride, with certain volatiles showing strain-specific, light-dependent, and interaction-dependent production patterns.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/molecules25010208
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