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Biology and Application of Chaetomium globosum as a Biocontrol Agent: Current Status and Future Prospects

Summary

Chaetomium globosum is a fungus that can protect crops from various plant diseases by producing toxic compounds and parasitizing harmful pathogens. It also helps plants defend themselves naturally and improves soil health by promoting beneficial microorganisms. This makes it a promising alternative to chemical pesticides for sustainable farming, though more research is needed to optimize its effectiveness in real field conditions.

Background

Chaetomium globosum is a widely distributed saprotrophic fungus that plays a significant ecological role in decomposing organic matter and nutrient cycling. In recent years, C. globosum has attracted scientific interest due to its potential as a biocontrol agent against various plant diseases across numerous crop species.

Objective

This review examines the role of C. globosum as a biocontrol agent, focusing on its underlying mechanisms including genomics and transcriptomics, and explores the effects of C. globosum application on soil health and the rhizosphere microbiome for sustainable agriculture applications.

Results

C. globosum effectively controls multiple plant diseases through antibiosis, mycoparasitism, competition for nutrients, and induction of plant defense responses. Field trials showed 26-73% biocontrol efficacy against fusarium crown rot and 20-40% reduction in late blight disease. Application enhanced soil enzyme activity, nutrient content, and beneficial microbial abundance while suppressing pathogenic fungi.

Conclusion

C. globosum shows significant promise as a biocontrol agent with multiple modes of action and plant growth promotion capabilities. Enhanced research into its genomics, transcriptomics, and strain-specific compatibility is needed to optimize efficacy and facilitate integration into sustainable crop production systems.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40732155, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13071646
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