Anti-inflammatory monomeric sorbicillinoids from the marine-fish-derived fungus Trichoderma sp. G13

Four new monomeric sorbicillinoids, trichillinoids A - D (1-4), along with two known dimeric sorbicillinoids (5 and 6), and five known monomeric sorbicillinoids (7-11), were obtained from the marine-fish-derived fungus Trichoderma sp. G13. They were structurally characterized on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic investigations (NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD). Compounds 1-4 displayed moderate anti-inflammatory activities, according to inhibiting the production of NO in RAW264.7 cells activated with IC50 values ranging from 14 to 20 μM.

New sesquiterpene from a soil fungus of Trichoderma sp

Sixteen secondary metabolites, including one new sesquiterpene (1, named isocyclonerodiol oxide), seven known sesquiterpenes (2-8), two sorbicillinoid polyketides (15, 16), and six known other compounds (9-14) were isolated from the fermentation broth of Trichoderma sp. T-4-1. The structure of 1 was determined by 1 D, 2 D NMR (HMBC, HSQC, 1H-1H COSY, NOESY), and HRESIMS spectra. In addition, sesquiterpenes and sorbicillinoid polyketides showed significant antiviral activities.

Polyphenols-Rich Extract of Calotropis procera Alone and in Combination with Trichoderma Culture Filtrate for Biocontrol of Cantaloupe Wilt and Root Rot Fungi

Fungal diseases have always been a major problem for cantaloupe crops; however, synthetic fungicides are hazardous to humans and the environment. Consequently, a feasible alternative to fungicides without side effects could be by using bio agents and naturally occurring plants with antibacterial potential. This study has achieved a novel procedure for managing wilt and root rot diseases by potentially using Trichoderma sp. culture filtrates in consortium with plant extract of Calotropis procera, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, and Pythium ultimum, which were isolated from infected cantaloupe roots with identified root rot symptoms. The antagonistic activity of four Trichoderma isolates and analysis of antibiotics and filtrate enzymes of the most active Trichoderma isolate were determined as well as phytochemical analysis of C. procera plant extract using HPLC-UV. The obtained results showed that all Trichoderma isolates considerably lowered the radial growth of P. ultimum, R. solani, and F. oxysporum in varying degrees. The scanning electron micrographs illustrate the mycoparasitic nature of Trichoderma sp. on F. oxysporum. The phytochemical analysis of C. procera indicated that phenolic contents were the major compounds found in extracts, such as vanillin (46.79%), chlorogenic acid (30.24%), gallic acid (8.06%), and daidzein (3.45%) but including only a low amount of the flavonoid compounds rutin, naringenin, and hesperetin. The Pot experiment's findings showed that cantaloupe was best protected against wilting and root rot diseases when it was treated with both Trichoderma sp. culture filtrates (10%) and C. procera extract of (15 mg/mL), both alone and in combination. This study demonstrates that the application of bio agent Trichoderma spp. filtrate with C. procera phenol extract appears useful for controlling wilting and root rot disease in cantaloupe. This innovative approach could be used as an alternative to chemical fungicide for the control of wilting and rot root diseases.

The Use of Fungi of the Trichoderma Genus in Anaerobic Digestion: A Review

Plant waste biomass is the most abundant renewable energy resource on Earth. The main problem with utilising this biomass in anaerobic digestion is the long and costly stage of degrading its complex structure into simple compounds. One of the promising solutions to this problem is the application of fungi of the Trichoderma genus, which show a high capacity to produce hydrolytic enzymes capable of degrading lignocellulosic biomass before anaerobic digestion. This article discusses the structure of plant waste biomass and the problems resulting from its structure in the digestion process. It presents the methods of pre-treatment of lignocellulose with a particular focus on biological solutions. Based on the latest research findings, key parameters related to the application of Trichoderma sp. as a pre-treatment method are discussed. In addition, the possibility of using the digestate from agricultural biogas plants as a carrier for the multiplication of the Trichoderma sp. fungi, which are widely used in many industries, is discussed.

Thirteen new peptaibols with antimicrobial activities from Trichoderma sp

From the fungus Trichoderma sp., we isolated seven novel 18-residue peptaibols, neoatroviridins E-K (1-7), and six new 14-residue peptaibols, harzianins NPDG J-O (8-13). Additionally, four previously characterized 18-residue peptaibols neoatroviridins A-D (14-17) were also identified. The structural configurations of the newly identified peptaibols (1-13) were determined by comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS/MS) data. Their absolute configurations were further determined using Marfey's method. Notably, compounds 12 and 13 represent the first 14-residue peptaibols containing an acidic amino acid residue. In antimicrobial assessments, all 18-residue peptaibols (1-7, 14-17) exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against Staphylococcus aureus 209P, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 8-32 μg·mL-1. Moreover, compound 9 exhibited moderate inhibitory effect on Candida albicans FIM709, with a MIC value of 16 μg·mL-1.

Trichodermatides A-D, four new polyketides from Trichoderma sp. XM-3

Four new polyketides named trichodermatides A-D (1-4), along with five known analogues (5-9), were isolated from the fungus Trichoderma sp. XM-3. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of HRESIMS and NMR analyses, and their absolute configurations were determined by ECD comparison, 1H and 13C NMR calculation, DP4+ analysis, modified Mosher's method, and X-ray crystallography. Trichodermaketone D (9) showed mild antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Bioremoval of copper by filamentous fungi isolated from contaminated soils of Puchuncaví-Ventanas Central Chile

Pollution represents a high risk to plants, animals, and human beings, causing an imbalance and affecting the environment. Soil is considered a universal sink, containing the highest load of environmental pollution. Puchuncaví-Ventanas sector, decreed as a saturated contamination zone in 1993, is considered one of the most affected areas by industrial pollution and belongs to one of the 5 sacrifice zones of Chile. The localities of Puchuncaví and Ventanas have heavy metal pollution levels that exceed up to 99% of the limits allowed by Canadian standards. The objective of this study was to characterize heavy metal tolerance and removal potential of filamentous fungi isolated from polluted soils for their use in decontamination systems and in situ soil improvement. Six fungal strains were selected based on their tolerance and a high capability to accumulate heavy metals, achieving copper bioaccumulation of 84% (Mortierella sp. strain LG01), 49% (Clonostachys sp. strain CQ23) and 48-77.5% (Trichoderma sp. strain LM01A). Trichoderma sp. strain LM01A was able to remove 41% of copper from contaminated soil under ex situ conditions. Some fungal strains belong to beneficial fungal genera, which are used as bioproducts in agriculture. The results of this study highlighted the use of Trichoderma sp. in soils contaminated, which may be of special interest in agriculture due to the large amounts of copper sulfate still applied as a pesticide in Chile and the world.

Two new octahydronaphthalene derivatives, trichodermic acids C and D produced by Trichoderma sp. HN-1.1

Two new octahydronaphthalene derivatives, trichodermic acid C (1) and trichodermic acid D (2), along with known analogs, trichodermic acid (3), trichodermic acid A (4) and trichodermic acid B (5), were isolated from an ethyl acetate extract of endophytic strain Trichoderma sp. HN-1.1. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated using spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, HRESITOFMS, ECD, 1 D and 2 D NMR. The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated on the rat hepatoma cell line H4IIE, using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. According to the results, only compound 3 showed a significant reduction of H4IIE cells from 75 to 21% (p < 0.01) with an IC₅₀ value of 50% cell survival estimated as 143.1 µM, which indicated weak cytotoxic activity.

Novel Sesquiterpene and Diterpene Aminoglycosides from the Deep-Sea-Sediment Fungus Trichoderma sp. SCSIOW21

Six new sesquiterpene aminoglycosides, trichaspside F (2) and cyclonerosides A-E (5-9), two new diterpene aminoglycosides, harzianosides A and B (10, 11), and three known sesquiterpenes, trichodermoside (1), cycloneran-3,7,10,11-tetraol (3), and cyclonerodiol (4), have been isolated from the n-butanol extract of Trichoderma sp. SCSIOW21 (Hypocreaceae), a deep-sea-sediment-derived fungus. The structures and relative configurations of the new compounds were determined using spectroscopic techniques and comparisons with those reported in the literature. The absolute configurations of the aglycone part of cyclonerosides A-E (5-9) were tentatively proposed based on optical rotation and biogenic considerations. Cyclonerosides A-E (5-9) represent the first glycosides of cyclonelane-type sesquiterpenes generated from Trichoderma. The NO-production-inhibitory activities were evaluated using macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Among the isolated compounds, trichaspside F (2) and cyclonerosides B-E (6-9) exhibited the strongest NO-production-inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values of 54.8, 50.7, 57.1, 42.0, and 48.0 µM, respectively, compared to the IC₅₀ value of 30.8 µM for the positive control (quercetin). When tested for anti-fungal activities against several pathogenic fungi, none of the compounds exhibited significant activities at a concentration of 100 µM.

A New Highly Oxygenated Polyketide Derivative from Trichoderma sp. and Its Antifungal Activity

A new highly oxygenated polyketide derivative, trichodersine (1), together with fourteen known compounds (2-15) were isolated from Trichoderma sp. MWTGP-04. The structure of trichodersine (1) was established based on comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, and biogenesis argument. The results of double culture experiments indicated that the strain exhibited potential antifungal activity. The antifungal activities of all isolated compounds were evaluated, among them compound 1 exhibited remarkable antifungal activities against Fusarium solani, Plectosphaerella cucumerina, Alternaria panax, and Aspergillus niger, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 4, 4, 16, and 32 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, the antifungal experiments of polyketide derivatives (1-3) disclosed that their degree of oxidation was a key factor affecting the antifungal activity.

Deciphering the role of Trichoderma sp. bioactives in combating the wilt causing cell wall degrading enzyme polygalacturonase produced by Fusarium oxysporum: An in-silico approach

The cell wall degrading enzymes polygalacturonase (PG) secreted by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FOL) is testified to trigger Fusarium crown and root rot disease in tomato crops; instigated due to the degradation of the pectin. Trichoderma sp. is documented as a potential biocontrol agent playing a pivotal role in plant health and disease management. An in-silico approach employing homology modelling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MMPBSA was employed to assess the prospective role of bioactives produced by Trichoderma sp. in combating the PG2 enzyme. The studies revealed that amongst the wide range of bioactives screened, Trichodermamide B produced by T. harzianum and Viridin, Virone, and Trichosetin produced by T. virens emerged as the potential inhibitors of the PG2. Docking results revealed that the complexes possessed most stable energy for Trichodermamide B (-8.1 kcal/mol) followed by Viridin (-7.7 kcal/mol), Virone (-7.1 kcal/mol), and Trichosetin (-7 kcal/mol), respectively. Interaction studies of FOL with T. virens and T. harzianum reported an inhibition of 83.33% and 75.87%, respectively. The structural rigidity and stability of the docked complex was confirmed through MD simulations evaluated across multiple descriptors from the simulation trajectories. Further, MMPBSA analysis validated the results that binding of the enzyme to the screened ligands was spontaneous. The study unravels new insights on the versatile potential of Trichoderma sp. Bioactives as a prospective agent for the inhibition of cell-wall degrading enzymes secreted by phytopathogens. The proposed study can be implemented for design of bioformulations that serve the role of biopesticide, promising a sustainable alternate to chemical-based products.

Potential use of beneficial fungal microorganisms and C-phycocyanin extract for enhancing seed germination, seedling growth and biochemical traits of Solanum lycopersicum L

Background

Biopriming as a new technique of seed treatment involves the application of beneficial microorganisms on the seed surface to stimulate seed germination, plant growth, and protect the seed from soil and seed-borne pathogens. The present investigation was carried out on seed germination, seedling vigor and biochemical traits of one of the most important vegetable crops (Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L.). The treatments comprised viz. T1: Non primed seeds (Control), T2: Hydropriming, T3: Biopriming with C-phycocyanin (C-PC) (Spirulina platensis extract), T4: Biopriming with Trichoderma asperellum, T5: Biopriming with T. viride, T6: Biopriming with Beauveria bassiana.

Results

Extraction and purification of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) from the dry S. platensis powder using various methods was performed. The purity after dialyses was 0.49 and its ultimate purity (A₆₂₀/A₂₈₀) after ion-exchange chromatography was 4.64. The results on tomato seedlings revealed that the maximum germination percentage (100%), germination index (15.46 and 15.12), seedling length (10.67 cm), seedling dry weight (1.73 and 1.97 mg) and seedling length vigor index (1066.7) were recorded for tomato biopriming with T. viride, and B. bassiana (T5 and T6). Moreover, the quantitative estimation of total carbohydrates and total free amino acids contents in bioprimed tomato seedlings indicated a significantly higher amount with T. viride, followed by those bioprimed with T. asperellum, B. bassiana and C-PC extract.

Conclusion

Thus, our results indicated that biopriming of tomato seeds with beneficial fungal inoculants and C-PC was very effective. The most operative biostimulants were those bioprimed with T. viride and B. bassiana compared to other biostimulants (T. asperellum and C-PC). Therefore, to ensure sustainable agriculture, this study offers new possibilities for the biopriming application as an alternative and ecological management strategy to chemical treatment and provides a valuable basis for improving seed germination.

(+)- and (-)-trichodermatrione A: a pair of enantiomers with a cyclobutane-containing skeleton from the endophytic fungus Trichoderma sp. EFT2

(±)-trichodermatrione A, a pair of cyclobutane-containing enantiomers with an undescribed tricyclic 6/4/6 skeleton, was isolated from Trichoderma sp. EFT2, an endophytic fungus from Euonymus fortunei (Turcz.) Hand.-Mazz (Celastraceae). The racemates were separated by chiral HPLC with the structures elucidated by a combination of MS, NMR, ECD calculation and X-ray crystallography analyses. (±)- trichodermatrione A and enantiomers were found to be antibacterial against phytopathogenic bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc).

Adsorption and enrichment of U in a cellulase-producing Trichoderma sp. and its physiological response mechanism

The cellulase produced by Trichoderma sp. was characterized by investigating the adsorption and enrichment of U and the physiological response to U exposure. The effects of U exposure (0 and 400 μM) on the growth, morphological characteristics, cellulase production, U adsorption, and U enrichment capacity of the Trichoderma strain were assessed. The effects of U exposure on the basic metabolism of this fungus were also analyzed by non-targeted metabolomics. Exposure to U (400 μM) for 24 h resulted in OD₆₀₀ turbidity of 0.278, and activities of carboxymethyl cellulase (CMC), filter paper enzyme (FPA), and β-glucosidase of 12834 U·mL^-1, 9285 U·mL^-1, and 12574 U·mL^-1, respectively. The measurement of the background α and β radioactivity showed an α activity concentration of 3.35 × 10⁶ Bq·kg^-1 in the fungus, a β activity concentration of 6.28 × 10⁵ Bq·kg^-1, and a U enrichment rate of 70.4 ± 4.5%. GC-MS metabolomics analysis identified a total of 319 metabolites (34 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated), which mainly caused the metabolic imbalance of organic acids and derivatives. The alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolic pathways were the most significantly enriched. Trichoderma sp. therefore has a strong ability to tolerate/accumulate U and continues to produce cellulase under U (400 μM) exposure. However, U interferes with the basic metabolism of this fungus.

Modification of post-industrial lignin by fungal strains of the genus Trichoderma isolated from different composting stages

One of the links in the environmental management chain is the environmentally friendly utilization of the emerging post-industrial waste and improvement of the methods of processing thereof. The aim and novelty of this research was to evaluate the potential of fungi to purify wastewater containing post-industrial lignin, i.e. waste originating from the pulp and paper industry. Trichoderma were dominant in the composts with different qualities and quantities of lignocellulosic compounds. The Trichoderma strains used in the research were isolated from two lignocellulosic composts at three different time points (from 10-, 20- and 30-week-old composting mass). Eighteen strains of the genus Trichoderma were tested for their ability to biodegrade 0.2% post-industrial lignin. It was evaluated by determination of decolorization, activities of ligninolytic enzymes, and concentration of phenolic compounds in the post-culture liquid. The Trichoderma strains isolated from 10-week-old compost I and 30-week-old compost II showed the highest decolorization activity and biotransformation of dark post-industrial lignin. All strains secreted horseradish-like peroxidase (HRP-like), superoxide dismutase-like (SOD-like), xylanase, and phenolic compounds. Strains isolated from 30-week-old compost I and from 10-week-old compost II released the greatest amounts of phenolic compounds into the culture liquid containing post-industrial lignin. The strains isolated from 10- and 20-week-old compost were characterized by high SOD-like and HRP-like activity, respectively. The concentration of phenolic compounds measured with HPLC in Trichoderma fungus culture VII from compost I corresponded with the decolorization degree and high HRP-like activity. The study results indicate that the genus Trichoderma with decolorization activity isolated from the first composting stages can be used in the biotransformation of post-industrial lignin waste.

Substantial Equivalence of a Transgenic Lemon Fruit Showing Postharvest Fungal Pathogens Resistance

The development of genetically modified (GM) crops speeds up the obtainment of novel varieties with improved agronomic characteristics. However, the risk evaluation of the use of GMs is mandatory before their release in the market. In this paper, an untargeted and comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomic study was carried out on the peel and flesh of a transgenic lemon clone (E23) expressing the chit42 gene and exhibiting an increased tolerance to some pathogenic fungi and on its wild type. Results highlighted a substantial equivalence of the metabolomics profile of the transgenic clone compared to the wild type. In addition, an enhanced response of the E23 clone toward fungal pathogens affecting the postharvest management in lemon was evidenced. These results confirm the potential of genetic engineering for the punctual modification of specific agronomic traits without altering the whole pattern of metabolites and open new perspectives for a more sustainable and effective management of specific postharvest diseases in citrus.

Purification and characterization of an endo-xylanase from Trichoderma sp., with xylobiose as the main product from xylan hydrolysis

Fungal endo-β-1,4-xylanases (endo-xylanases) can hydrolyze xylan into xylooligosaccharides (XOS), and have potential biotechnological applications for the exploitation of natural renewable polysaccharides. In the current study, we aimed to screen and characterize an efficient fungal endo-xylanase from 100 natural humus-rich soil samples collected in Guizhou Province, China, using extracted sugarcane bagasse xylan (SBX) as the sole carbon source. Initially, 182 fungal isolates producing xylanases were selected, among which Trichoderma sp. strain TP3-36 was identified as showing the highest xylanase activity of 295 U/mL with xylobiose (X2) as the main product when beechwood xylan was used as substrate. Subsequently, a glycoside hydrolase family 11 endo-xylanase, TXyn11A, was purified from strain TP3-36, and its optimal pH and temperature for activity against beechwood xylan were identified to be 5.0 and 55 °C, respectively. TXyn11A was stable across a broad pH range (3.0-10.0), and exhibited strict substrate specificity, including xylan from beechwood, wheat, rye, and sugarcane bagasse, with K_m and V_max values of 5 mg/mL and 1250 μmol/mg min, respectively, toward beechwood xylan. Intriguingly, the main product obtained from hydrolysis of beechwood xylan by TXyn11A was xylobiose, whereas SBX hydrolysis resulted in both X2 and xylotriose. Overall, these characteristics of the endo-xylanase TXyn11A indicate several potential industrial applications.

Involvement of lytic enzymes and secondary metabolites produced by Trichoderma spp. in the biological control of Pythium myriotylum

This investigation was aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activities and involvement of extracellular lytic enzymes produced by four strains of Trichoderma in the inhibition of Pythium myriotylum. Antagonistic effects were tested by dual culture. Activities of lytic enzymes were evaluated from the filtrate of each strain after cultivation in selected media. Organic extracts were obtained from liquid media subsequent to the cultivation of Trichoderma in potato dextrose broth (PDB). Non-volatile organic compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids were evaluated spectrophotometrically while volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the organic extracts was determined using the poisoning method. Results have shown that all the strains were antagonists against P. myriotylum. T. erinaceum (IT-58), T. gamsii (IT-62), T. afroharzianum (P8), and T. harzianum (P11) that were found to produce cellulase, protease, and xylanase. Over 20 compounds were identified in each extract, including esters, lactones, and organic acids. The organic extracts also contained high amounts of polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids and significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of P. myriotylum. The minimal inhibition concentrations were 80 μg/μL, 40 μg/μL, 20 μg/μL, and 10 μg/μL, for extracts obtained from T. erinaceum (IT-58), T. gamsii (IT-62), T. afroharzianum (P8), and T. harzianum (P11), respectively. There was significant correlation between the production of total polyphenol and flavonoid content and the antagonistic effects of the tested strains.

Hydrophobin HFBII-4 from Trichoderma asperellum induces antifungal resistance in poplar

Herein, the class II hydrophobin gene HFBII-4 was cloned from the biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum ACCC30536 and recombinant rHFBII-4 was expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115. Treatment of Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis (PdPap poplar) with rHFBII-4 altered the expression levels of genes in the auxin, salicylic acid (SA), and jasmonic acid (JA) signal transduction pathways. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzyme activities were induced with rHFBII-4. Evans Blue and nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) staining indicated that cell membrane permeability and reactive oxygen species were lower in the leaves of plants treated with rHFBII-4. The chlorophyll content was higher than that of control at 2-5 days after treatment. Furthermore, poplar seedlings were inoculated with Alternaria alternata, disease symptoms were observed. The diseased area was smaller in leaves induced with rHFBII-4 compared with control. In summary, rHFBII-4 enhances resistance to A. alternata.

Solid-state fermentation of oil palm frond petiole for lignin peroxidase and xylanase-rich cocktail production

In current practice, oil palm frond leaflets and stems are re-used for soil nutrient recycling, while the petioles are typically burned. Frond petioles have high commercialization value, attributed to high lignocellulose fiber content and abundant of juice containing free reducing sugars. Pressed petiole fiber is the subject of interest in this study for the production of lignocellulolytic enzyme. The initial characterization showed the combination of 0.125 mm frond particle size and 60% moisture content provided a surface area of 42.3 m²/g, porosity of 12.8%, and density of 1.2 g/cm³, which facilitated fungal solid-state fermentation. Among the several species of Aspergillus and Trichoderma tested, Aspergillus awamori MMS4 yielded the highest xylanase (109 IU/g) and cellulase (12 IU/g), while Trichoderma virens UKM1 yielded the highest lignin peroxidase (222 IU/g). Crude enzyme cocktail also contained various sugar residues, mainly glucose and xylose (0.1-0.4 g/L), from the hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose. FT-IR analysis of the fermented petioles observed reduction in cellulose crystallinity (I_900/1098), cellulose-lignin (I_900/1511), and lignin-hemicellulose (I_1511/1738) linkages. The study demonstrated successful bioconversion of chemically untreated frond petioles into lignin peroxidase and xylanase-rich enzyme cocktail under SSF condition.

Construction of Potent Recombinant Strain Through Intergeneric Protoplast Fusion in Endophytic Fungi for Anticancerous Enzymes Production Using Rice Straw

Among all fungal endophytes isolates derived from different ethno-medical plants, the hyper-yield L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase wild strains Trichoderma sp. Gen 9 and Cladosporium sp. Gen 20 using rice straw under solid-state fermentation (SSF) were selected. The selected strains were used as parents for the intergeneric protoplast fusion program to construct recombinant strain for prompt improvement production of these enzymes in one recombinant strain. Among 21 fusants obtained, the recombinant strain AYA 20-1, with 2.11-fold and 2.58-fold increase in L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase activities more than the parental isolates Trichoderma sp. Gen 9 and Cladosporium sp. Gen 20, respectively, was achieved using rice straw under SSF. Both therapeutic enzymes L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase were purified and characterized from the culture supernatant of the recombinant AYA 20-1 strain with molecular weights of 50.6 and 83.2 kDa, respectively. Both enzymes were not metalloenzymes. Whereas thiol group blocking reagents such as p-chloromercurybenzoate and iodoacetamide totally inhibited L-asparaginase activity, which refer to sulfhydryl groups and cysteine residues involved in its catalytic activity, they have no effect toward L-glutaminase activity. Interestingly, potent anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities were detected for both enzymes.

Trichoderma viride Laccase Plays a Crucial Role in Defense Mechanism against Antagonistic Organisms

Fungal laccases are involved in a variety of physiological functions such as delignification, morphogenesis, and parasitism. In addition to these functions, we suggest that fungal laccases are involved in defense mechanisms. When the laccase secreting Trichoderma viride was grown in the presence of a range of microorganisms including bacteria and fungi, laccase secretion was enhanced in response to antagonistic organisms alone. In addition, growth of antagonistic microbes was restricted by the secreting fungi. Besides, our study for the first time shows the inability of the secreting fungi (T. viride) to compete with antagonistic organism when laccase activity is inhibited, further emphasizing its involvement in rendering a survival advantage to the secreting organism. When laccase inhibitor was added to the media, the zone of inhibition exerted by the antagonist organism was more pronounced and consequently growth of T. viride was significantly restricted. Based on these observations we accentuate that, laccase plays an important role in defense mechanism and provides endurance to the organism when encountered with an antagonistic organism in its surrounding.

Bioaugmentation and biostimulation as strategies for the bioremediation of a burned woodland soil contaminated by toxic hydrocarbons: a comparative study

In this work, the natural attenuation strategy (no soil amendments done) was compared with two different bioremediation approaches, namely bioaugmentation through soil inoculation with a suspension of Trichoderma sp. mycelium and biostimulation by soil addition with a microbial growth promoting formulation, in order to verify the effectiveness of these methods in terms of degradation efficiency towards toxic hydrocarbons, with particular attention to the high molecular weight (HMW) fraction, in a forest area impacted by recent wildfire in Northern Italy. The area under investigation, divided into three parcels, was monitored to figure out the dynamics of decay in soil concentration of C₁₂₋₄₀ hydrocarbons (including isoalkanes, cycloalkanes, alkyl-benzenes and alkyl-naphthalenes besides PAHs) and low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs, following the adoption of the foregoing different remediation strategies. Soil hydrocarbonoclastic potential was even checked by characterizing the autochthonous microbial cenoses. Field experiments proved that the best performance in the abatement of HMW hydrocarbons was reached 60 days after soil treatment through the biostimulation protocol, when about 70% of the initial concentration of HMW hydrocarbons was depleted. Within the same time, about 55% degradation was obtained with the bioaugmentation protocol, whilst natural attenuation allowed only a 45% removal of the starting C12-40 hydrocarbon fraction. Therefore, biostimulation seems to significantly reduce the time required for the remediation, most likely because of the enhancement of microbial degradation through the improvement of nutrient balance in the burned soil.

Formulation of Trichoderma sp. SL2 inoculants using different carriers for soil treatment in rice seedling growth

BACKGROUND

Trichoderma sp. SL2 has been previously reported to enhance rice germination, vigour, growth and physiological characteristics. The use of Potato Dextrose Agar as carrier of Trichoderma sp. SL2 inoculant is not practical for field application due to its short shelf life and high cost. This study focuses on the use of corn and sugarcane bagasse as potential carriers for Trichoderma sp. SL2 inoculants.

FINDINGS

A completely randomized design was applied for this study. Trichoderma sp. SL2 suspension mixed with corn and sugarcane bagasse were used as treatment mixture in soil. Growth parameters including rice seedling height, root length, wet weight, leaf number and biomass were measured and compared to control. The results showed that Trichoderma sp. SL2 mixed with corn significantly enhanced rice seedlings root length, wet weight and biomass compared to Trichoderma sp. SL2 mixed with sugarcane bagasse and control.

CONCLUSION

Corn can be a potential carrier for Trichoderma spp. inoculants for field application.

Dichlorodiaportinol A - A new chlorine-containing isocoumarin from an endophytic fungus Trichoderma sp. 09 from Myoporum bontioides A. Gray and its cytotoxic activity

Background:

Myoporum bontioides A. Gray, an evergreen shrub from the Myoporaceae family, is a commonly used medicinal plant. Many studies have been conducted on the biologically active constituents of whole parts of M. bontioides. However, the endophytes of M. bontioides have not been intensively investigated. A new chlorine-containing isocoumarin, named dichlorodiaportinol A (1) was isolated from the endophytic fungus Trichoderma sp. 09 isolated from the root of M. bontioides. Its cytotoxic activity against human breast cancer (MCF-7) and human liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines was evaluated.

Materials and Methods:

Different open silica gel column chromatographic techniques with different solvent systems were used for the separation of the constituents of the ethyl acetate extract of the culture broth of the endophytic fungus Trichoderma sp. 09. The structure of compound one was identified by analysis of spectroscopic data [one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D)-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR) and Mass spectrometry (MS)]. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay method was used for the evaluation of cytotoxic activity of compound one against MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines.

Results:

Compound one was identified as 3-(3,3-dichloro-2,3-dihydroxy-propyl)-8-hydroxy-6- methoxy-isochromen-1-one. It inhibited MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 17.8 and 39.6 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusions:

Compound one is a new chlorine-containing isocoumarin with moderate cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines. Thus, endophytes of M. bontioides are worthy of consideration for the development and research of antitumor agents.

Deciphering the hormonal signalling network behind the systemic resistance induced by Trichoderma harzianum in tomato

Root colonization by selected Trichoderma isolates can activate in the plant a systemic defense response that is effective against a broad-spectrum of plant pathogens. Diverse plant hormones play pivotal roles in the regulation of the defense signaling network that leads to the induction of systemic resistance triggered by beneficial organisms [induced systemic resistance (ISR)]. Among them, jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) signaling pathways are generally essential for ISR. However, Trichoderma ISR (TISR) is believed to involve a wider variety of signaling routes, interconnected in a complex network of cross-communicating hormone pathways. Using tomato as a model, an integrative analysis of the main mechanisms involved in the systemic resistance induced by Trichoderma harzianum against the necrotrophic leaf pathogen Botrytis cinerea was performed. Root colonization by T. harzianum rendered the leaves more resistant to B. cinerea independently of major effects on plant nutrition. The analysis of disease development in shoots of tomato mutant lines impaired in the synthesis of the key defense-related hormones JA, ET, salicylic acid (SA), and abscisic acid (ABA), and the peptide prosystemin (PS) evidenced the requirement of intact JA, SA, and ABA signaling pathways for a functional TISR. Expression analysis of several hormone-related marker genes point to the role of priming for enhanced JA-dependent defense responses upon pathogen infection. Together, our results indicate that although TISR induced in tomato against necrotrophs is mainly based on boosted JA-dependent responses, the pathways regulated by the plant hormones SA- and ABA are also required for successful TISR development.