Trichoderma simmonsii

Trichoderma tlahuicanensis sp. nov. (Hypocreaceae), a novel mycoparasite of Fusarium oxysporum and Phytophthora capsici isolated from a traditional Mexican milpa

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Scientists discovered and formally named a new fungal species called Trichoderma tlahuicanensis, found in traditional Mexican farming fields. This fungus naturally attacks harmful plant diseases like those caused by Fusarium and Phytophthora, making it valuable for protecting crops without synthetic chemicals. The researchers used advanced DNA sequencing to confirm it was indeed a new species, distinct from known Trichoderma relatives.

Functional diversification of epidithiodiketopiperazine methylation and oxidation towards pathogenic fungi

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This research shows that Trichoderma hypoxylon, a beneficial fungus used in agriculture, produces different versions of antifungal compounds called epidithiodiketopiperazines (ETPs) to fight various harmful fungi. By deleting genes responsible for modifying these compounds, scientists found that different modifications work better against different pathogens—some modifications are more effective against mold fungi while others work better against grain pathogens. This demonstrates that the fungus uses chemical diversity as a strategy to protect crops from multiple threats.

Fungal Species: Trichoderma simmonsii

Trichoderma tlahuicanensis sp. nov. (Hypocreaceae), a novel mycoparasite of Fusarium oxysporum and Phytophthora capsici isolated from a traditional Mexican milpa

Functional diversification of epidithiodiketopiperazine methylation and oxidation towards pathogenic fungi