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Diversity and Effects of Competitive Trichoderma Species in Ganoderma lucidum-Cultivated Soils

Summary

This research investigated how different species of Trichoderma fungi affect the cultivation of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. The study found that these fungi can significantly interfere with mushroom production by competing for resources and producing growth-inhibiting compounds. Impact on everyday life: • Affects the availability and cost of medicinal mushroom products used in traditional medicine • Influences sustainable farming practices for specialty mushroom growers • Demonstrates the complexity of managing agricultural systems • Provides insights for developing better mushroom cultivation methods • Has implications for natural product development and food security

Background

Ganoderma lucidum (GL) is a traditional medicinal mushroom valued for its nutritive and medicinal properties, including melanin synthesis inhibition, gut microbiota regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. Due to limited natural production, GL is extensively cultivated, especially in China. However, cultivation is hindered by competitive fungi, particularly Trichoderma species, which pose significant challenges to production.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the diversity of Trichoderma strains in GL-cultivated soils and examine their potential adverse effects on GL growth. The research focused on identifying species-level characteristics of Trichoderma strains and understanding their competitive effects on GL development.

Results

Eight Trichoderma species were identified: T. atrioviride, T. guizhouense, T. hamatum, T. harzianum, T. koningiopsis, T. pleuroticola, T. sp. irale, and T. virens. Trichoderma colonies increased dramatically during GL cultivation, with a 9.2-fold increase in the Lanju trail. T. virens was the most prevalent species at cultivation end. The volatile compound 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one (6-PP) showed significant inhibitory effects on GL growth with an 8.79 μl mL−1 headspace EC50.

Conclusion

The study revealed high diversity of competitive Trichoderma species associated with GL cultivation, with different species showing varying levels of antagonistic activity against GL growth. T. virens dominated the population, while T. atroviride produced the most efficient inhibitory volatile compounds. This first comprehensive analysis of competitive Trichoderma species in GL cultivation provides important insights for managing cultivation challenges.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Field Study and Laboratory Analysis,
  • Source: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1067822
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