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Seven Wood-Inhabiting New Species of the Genus Trichoderma (Fungi, Ascomycota) in Viride Clade

Summary

This research discovered and described seven new species of fungi in China that belong to the genus Trichoderma. These fungi are commonly found growing on wood and are important because many Trichoderma species have beneficial applications in agriculture and industry. The study helps us better understand fungal biodiversity in China and provides valuable information for potential future applications. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps identify beneficial fungi that could be used for biological control in agriculture • Contributes to the discovery of new species that might have industrial or medical applications • Improves our understanding of wood-decay fungi that affect timber products • Aids in the development of sustainable agricultural practices using beneficial fungi • Advances our knowledge of fungal biodiversity in Asia

Background

The Viride clade is the largest and most diverse group of the genus Trichoderma, with species that can be isolated from diverse sources with wide geographic distribution. These fungi are beneficial to industry, agriculture, medicine and other fields. Some species inhibit wood decay while others can threaten commercial mushroom production or human health.

Objective

To examine over 200 recent collections of Trichoderma from China and identify species belonging to the Viride clade based on integrated studies of phenotypic and molecular data. The study aimed to describe and characterize seven new wood-inhabiting species discovered within this clade.

Results

Seven new species were identified and described: T. albofulvopsis, T. densum, T. laevisporum, T. sinokoningii, T. sparsum, T. sphaerosporum and T. subviride. These species form trichoderma- to verticillium-like conidiophores, lageniform to subulate phialides and globose to ellipsoidal conidia, but vary in colony features, growth rates, and sizes of phialides and conidia. Phylogenetic analysis placed the new species in the Koningii, Rogersonii and Neorufum subclades as well as independent terminal branches.

Conclusion

The seven newly discovered species are well-located within the Viride clade and are clearly distinguishable from existing species based on morphological and molecular evidence. The findings contribute to the growing knowledge of Trichoderma diversity in China, which now represents 40% of known world species. This improved understanding will aid in the utilization of these fungi as biological resources.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.1038/srep27074
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