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The Trichoderma koningii Aggregate Species

Summary

This research revealed that what was thought to be a single fungal species, Trichoderma koningii, is actually twelve distinct species that look very similar but can be distinguished using DNA analysis and careful study of their growth patterns and geographic distributions. This finding has important implications for agriculture and biotechnology since these fungi are used to protect crops from diseases. Impacts on everyday life: • Better identification of beneficial fungi used in biological control of plant diseases • More effective selection of fungal strains for protecting important crops like cacao • Improved understanding of fungal diversity and distribution in different regions • More accurate testing and development of natural antimicrobial compounds • Enhanced ability to match specific fungal strains to particular agricultural applications

Background

Trichoderma koningii is one of the most commonly cited species of Trichoderma, with hundreds of publications reporting its involvement in biological control of plant diseases caused by other fungi. It produces compounds like 6-pentyl alpha pyrone and trichokonins that have antimicrobial activity. Despite its importance, prior to 1984 only 35 species were included in the genus Trichoderma, and the true diversity within T. koningii was not well understood.

Objective

To examine the phenotypic and phylogenetic diversity found within the T. koningii aggregate species, and develop a taxonomy combining morphological, cultural, and molecular-phylogenetic analyses.

Results

The analysis revealed twelve distinct species and one variety within three main lineages of the T. koningii morphological species complex. The species could be distinguished by subtle morphological differences, growth rates, biogeography, and molecular phylogenetic data. True T. koningii was found to be restricted to Europe and eastern North America, while other species showed distinct geographic patterns. Several new species were discovered to be endophytes of Theobroma species in tropical America.

Conclusion

The T. koningii morphological species comprises multiple cryptic species that can be distinguished through an integrated approach using molecular phylogenetics, morphology, growth studies and biogeography. The study developed new taxonomic tools including a morphological key and molecular identification methods to distinguish the species in this complex.
  • Published in:Studies in Mycology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3114/sim.2006.56.03
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