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Trichoderma tlahuicanensis sp. nov. (Hypocreaceae), a novel mycoparasite of Fusarium oxysporum and Phytophthora capsici isolated from a traditional Mexican milpa

Summary

Scientists discovered and formally named a new fungal species called Trichoderma tlahuicanensis, found in traditional Mexican farming fields. This fungus naturally attacks harmful plant diseases like those caused by Fusarium and Phytophthora, making it valuable for protecting crops without synthetic chemicals. The researchers used advanced DNA sequencing to confirm it was indeed a new species, distinct from known Trichoderma relatives.

Background

Trichoderma species are cosmopolitan fungi known for their roles in mycoparasitism, plant growth promotion, and abiotic stress tolerance. The genus continues to expand with newly described species, requiring precise species delimitation methods. This study focuses on strain BMH-0061, isolated as a root endophyte from chili plants in Mexico’s traditional milpa agroecosystem.

Objective

To determine the taxonomic status of Trichoderma strain BMH-0061 through integrative phylogenomic analysis combined with phenotypic characterization. The study aimed to confirm whether this strain represents a novel species using genomic coherence metrics, phylogenetic analyses, and Bayesian speciation models.

Results

The strain exhibited a near-complete genome assembly of 39.9 Mb with 99.08% BUSCO completeness. Genomic analyses revealed ANI values of 83.93-94.43% compared to closest relatives, supporting its distinction as a separate lineage. Phylogenetic analyses consistently positioned BMH-0061 as an independent clade with strong Bayesian support (bPTP=0.94, GMYC=1.00).

Conclusion

Strain BMH-0061 is formally described as a novel species, Trichoderma tlahuicanensis sp. nov., based on comprehensive genomic and phylogenetic evidence. The strain demonstrates broad-spectrum mycoparasitic activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Phytophthora capsici, with potential as a biocontrol agent in sustainable agriculture.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41395474, PMCID: PMC12696181
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