The Longibrachiatum Clade of Trichoderma: A Revision with New Species
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2012-02-05
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Summary
This research provides a comprehensive update on an important group of fungi called the Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Clade. These fungi are significant because they produce enzymes used in industry and can act as both beneficial and harmful organisms. The study identified eight new species and provided detailed information about their characteristics and relationships.
Impacts on everyday life:
• These fungi produce enzymes used in manufacturing biofuels, textiles, and food products
• Some species can help protect plants from diseases, potentially reducing the need for chemical pesticides
• Understanding these fungi helps prevent and treat opportunistic infections in humans
• The research aids in identifying harmful vs. beneficial species for building material safety
• The findings contribute to developing better industrial processes using fungal enzymes
Background
Before 1969, few species were included in Trichoderma and even fewer appeared in the literature. The genus has gone through remarkable transformation in the past 40 years, with approximately 150 species now recognized. The Longibrachiatum Clade members are known for producing cellulase enzymes, causing opportunistic infections, and their association with wet building materials.
Objective
To revise the taxonomy of the Longibrachiatum Clade of Trichoderma following molecular phylogenetic analysis, including the description of eight new species.
Results
Eight new species were described: T. aethiopicum, T. capillare, T. flagellatum, T. gillesii, T. gracile, T. pinnatum, T. saturnisporopsis, and T. solani. Twenty-one species are now known to belong to the Longibrachiatum Clade. Hypocrea teleomorphs were reported for T. gillesii and T. pinnatum. Previously described species were annotated with updated information.
Conclusion
The Longibrachiatum Clade of Trichoderma has been significantly expanded with eight new species. The clade shows considerable diversity in morphology and geographic distribution, with some species showing restricted distributions while others are more cosmopolitan.
- Published in:Fungal Diversity,
- Study Type:Taxonomic Revision,
- Source: 10.1007/s13225-012-0152-2