Species concepts and biodiversity in Trichoderma and Hypocrea: from aggregate species to species clusters?

Abstract

Trichoderma/Hypocrea is a genus of soil-borne or wood-decaying fungi containing members important to mankind as producers of industrial enzymes and biocontrol agents against plant pathogens, but also as opportunistic pathogens of immunocompromised humans. Species identification, while essential in view of the controversial properties of taxa of this genus, has been problematic by traditional methods. Here we will present a critical survey of the various identification methods in use. In addition, we will present an update on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the 88 taxa (which occur as 14 holomorphs, 49 teleomorphs and 25 anamorphs in nature) of Trichoderma/Hypocrea that have been confirmed by a combination of morphological, physiological and genetic approaches.

Phylogeny and antagonistic activity of some protoplast fusants in Trichoderma and Hypocrea

“…By comparing the sequences of the 5.8S-ITS region to the sequences deposited in GenBank database, all of the Trichoderma isolates can be identified to species level with homology percentage of at least 99%. However, Druzhinina and Kubicek (2004) mentioned that GenBank database contain many sequences of Trichoderma isolates and it was recently used by many literatures and resulted in successful identification of Trichoderma isolates (Anees et al, 2010 andMigheli et al, 2009). From the TrichOKEY results obtained, all isolates were identified, and the results were in agreement with the BLAST results.…”

Trichoderma: sensing the environment for survival and dispersal

“…Fungi are the principal decomposers in the ecosphere, and are essential for recycling nutrients in the environment. Some of them have symbiotic associations with plants and algae, while others are used as biocontrol agents against phytopathogenic organisms (Druzhinina & Kubicek, 2005). Further, some groups of fungi are infectious agents and can cause a wide variety of diseases in animals, plants and humans (Idnurm & Heitman, 2005).…”

Molecular Characterization of Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride Isolated from Rhizosphere Soils by RAPD Markers

“…In order to utilize the full potential of Trichoderma species in specific applications, precise identification and characterization of these fungi is vital (Druzhinina and Kubicek, 2005).…”