Two New Trichoderma Species (Hypocreales, Hypocreaceae) Isolated from Decaying Tubers of Gastrodia elata

Summary

This research discovered two new species of fungi that were found growing on and potentially causing disease in medicinal plant roots in China. The discovery helps us better understand the diversity of fungi and their relationships with plants. Impact on everyday life: – Helps farmers better identify and manage plant diseases affecting crops – Contributes to protecting the cultivation of important medicinal plants – Advances our understanding of fungal biodiversity – Provides insight into potential new sources of beneficial compounds – Improves our ability to detect and control plant pathogens

Background

Trichoderma species are widely distributed fungi that play important ecological and economic roles in agriculture, industry and medicine. They are used as bio-fungicides, plant growth regulators, soil fertility enhancers, and producers of antibiotics and enzymes. However, some species can also cause plant diseases. The genus is hyper-diverse and found in various ecosystems including soils, decaying wood, and plant tissues.

Objective

To identify and characterize two new species of Trichoderma isolated from diseased tubers of Gastrodia elata in China through morphological analysis and multi-gene phylogenetic studies.

Results

Two new species were identified and described: T. albidum belonging to the Harzianum clade and T. variegatum belonging to the Spirale clade. T. albidum is characterized by white to whitish colonies and ovoid to subglobose conidia. T. variegatum produces luteous to amber colonies and ellipsoidal to oblong conidia. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed these as distinct species within their respective clades.

Conclusion

The study expanded the known diversity of Trichoderma by describing two novel species isolated from diseased G. elata tubers. This is the first report of a Spirale clade species found in plant tissues, indicating flexible nutrition modes. The findings provide a foundation for future research on tuber diseases in G. elata cultivation.
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