In vitro antagonism of bioluminescent fungi by Trichoderma harzianum

Two species of bioluminescent fungi, Panellus stypticus and Omphalotus olearius were placed in contact with three different strains of interfungal pathogenic Trichoderma harzianum. Subsequent light emission by the luminous fungi and advance of the interfungal pathogens were compared. Relative differences among the pathogens were reflected in their rate of mycelial advance, the total area over which they produced spores upon the host fungi, and decreases in host bioluminescence. After ten days differences in the total surface areas of spore production varied from 1 to 53 per cent. Differences in the reduction of bioluminescence of the same material ranged over 2 orders of magnitude. Final reduction in luminescence ranged over 6 orders of magnitude. A marked reduction in bioluminescence was observed to precede the advance of spore production. The greatest reduction in luminescence was correlated with the presence of T. harzianum hyphae. Two strains of T. harzianum, NRRL 1698 and ATCC 58674, were effective against both bioluminescent fungi within the study period while a third strain, NRRL 13019, was only effective against Omphalotus olearius.     

Desorption of zinc by extracellularly produced metabolites of Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma reesei and Coriolus versicolor

AIMS: To determine the role of fungal metabolites in the desorption of metals. METHODS AND RESULTS: Desorption of Zn from charcoal by three different fungi was compared against metal desorption with reverse osmosis water, a 0.1% Tween 80 solution and a 0.1 mol l(-1) CaCl(2) solution. All three fungal filtrates desorbed three times more Zn than either 0.1% Tween 80 or 0.1 mol l(-1) CaCl(2). Metal chelator production in Trichoderma harzianum and Coriolus versicolor was constitutively expressed while chelator production in Trichoderma reesei was induced by Zn. The presence of Zn inhibited the production of metal chelators by C. versicolor. Only C. versicolor was found to produce oxalic acid (a strong metal chelator). All fungi caused a marked decrease in pH, although this was not enough to explain the increased desorption of the metals by the different fungal filtrates. CONCLUSIONS: Metal chelation via organic acids and proteins are the main mechanisms by which the fungal filtrates increase zinc desorption. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results of this study explain why plants inoculated with T. harzianum T22 take up more metal from soil, than noninoculated plants while metabolites produced by fungi could be used for metal leaching from contaminated soils.     

Cell wall synthesis is a major target of mycoparasitic antagonism by Trichoderma harzianum.

We have investigated the molecular basis for the reported synergism between peptaibols and cell wall hydrolytic enzymes in the antagonism of phytopathogenic fungi by Trichoderma harzianum. beta-Glucan synthase activity on isolated plasma membranes of Botrytis cinerea was inhibited in vitro by the peptaibols trichorzianin TA and TB, and this inhibition was reversed by the addition of phosphatidylcholine. beta-Glucan synthesis in vivo, assayed by the incorporation of [2-(3)H]glucose into cell wall material, was inhibited by the presence of peptaibols, and this inhibition was synergistic with exogenously added T. harzianum beta-1,3-glucanase. This synergism is therefore explained by an inhibition of the membrane-bound beta-1,3-glucan synthase of the host by the peptaibols, which inhibit the resynthesis of cell wall beta-glucans, sustain the disruptive action of beta-glucanases, and all together enhance the fungicidal activity. Therefore, we have identified cell wall turnover as a major target of mycoparasitic antagonism.     

Chitinase production during interaction of Trichoderma aggressivum and Agaricus bisporus

The competitor fungus Trichoderma aggressivum causes green mould disease, a potentially devastating problem of the commercial mushroom Agaricus bisporus. Due to the recent appearance of this problem, very little is known about the mechanisms by which T. aggressivum interacts with and inhibits A. bisporus. A mechanism generally used by Trichoderma species in the antagonism of other fungi is the secretion of cell wall degrading enzymes. In this study, we determined the activities of chitinases produced in dual cultures of these fungi over a 2 week period. Both intracellular and extracellular enzymes were studied. Agaricus bisporus produced N-acetylglucosaminidases with apparent molecular masses of 111, 105, and 96 kDa. Two resistant brown strains produced greater activities of the 96 kDa N-acetylglucosaminidase than susceptible off-white and white strains. This result suggested that this enzyme might have a role in the resistance of commercial brown strains to green mould disease. Trichoderma aggressivum produced three N-acetylglucosaminidases with apparent molecular masses of 131, 125, and 122 kDa, a 40 kDa chitobiosidase, and a 36 kDa endochitinase. The 122 kDa N-acetylglucosaminidase showed the greatest activity and may be an important predictor of antifungal activity.     

In vitro antagonism of cotton seedlings fungi and characterization of chitinase isozyme activities in Trichoderma harzianum

The antagonistic fungus Trichoderma harzianum is widely recognized as a potential biocontrol agent against several soil-borne plant pathogens. T. harzinum is rich source of chitinoltic enzymes. In vitro screening of 5 isolates of T. harzinum, one isolate of Chaetomium globosum and one isolate of Conetherium mentance, revealed that all of them had reduced growth area of Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium solaniand Rhizoctonia solani on PDA medium, significantly. The inhibition percentage ranged from 77.9 % to 55.9% for M. phaseolina and 59.2% to 40.4% for R. solani by T. harzinum and C. mentance, respectively. Inhibition for F. solani ranged from 76.5% to 55.7% by T. harzinum and C. globosum, respectively. Isozyme gel electrophoresis was used to assess chitinase activity secreted by selected isolates of T. harzinum under different pH degrees and temperatures. Obtained results indicated that activity of chitinase isozyme produced at 30 °C was higher than 15–20 °C for all tested isolates and activity of chitinase produced by isolates No. 4 and 5 of T. harzinum at pH (7–7.5) was higher than at pH 6, respectively.     

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of SOD gene to Trichoderma harzianum

Trichoderma harzianum is a soil-borne filamentous fungus that exhibits biological control properties because it parasitizes a large variety of phytopathogenic fungi. In this study the SOD gene was successfully transferred into the bio-control fungus Trichoderma harzianum with an efficiency of 60–110 transformants per 10⁷ spores by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Putative transformants were analyzed to test the transformation by the southern blot. Antifungal activities of the transformants were examined under abiotic stresses. The transformants were exposed to 40°C for three days and 2 mol/l NaCl at 27°C for 5–10 days to assay antifungal activities with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The inhibition rates of the transformants, comparing to Trichoderma harzianum with no SOD gene transferred, were respectively 83.96% after 40°C and 60.13% after 2 mol/l NaCl. The results showed that the SOD transformants had significantly higher resistance to heat and salt stress.     

Role of Bacillus spp. in antagonism between Pleurotus ostreatus and Trichoderma harzianum in heat-treated wheat-straw substrates

This study aimed to identify bacteria involved in Trichodermaharzianum inhibition while promoting Pleurotus ostreatus defences in order to favour cultivation-substrate selectivity for mushroom production. PCR-DGGE profiles of total DNA from wheat-straw substrate showed weak differences between bacterial communities from substrate inoculated with P. ostreatus with or without T. harzianum. The major cultivable bacteria were isolated from three batches of wheat-straw-based cultivation substrates showing an efficient selectivity. They were screened for their ability to inhibit T.harzianum. By using specific media for bacterial isolation and by sequencing certain 16S-rDNA, we observed that Bacillus spp. were the main inhibitors. Among them, a dominant species was identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa. This species was co-cultivated on agar media with P. ostreatus. The measurement of laccase activities from culture plugs indicated that P. polymyxa induced increases in enzyme activities. Bacillus spp. and specifically P. polymyxa from cultivation substrates are implicated in their selectivity by both inhibiting the growth of T.harzianum and stimulating defences of the mushroom P. ostreatus through the induction of laccases. The management of microbial communities during P.ostreatus cultivation-substrate preparation in order to favour P. polymyxa and other Bacillus spp. growth, can be a way to optimize the development of P. ostreatus for mushroom production or other environmental uses of this fungus.     

Proteomic response of Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum to Agaricus bisporus tissue and mushroom compost

A cellular proteomic analysis was performed on Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum. Thirty-four individual protein spots were excised from 2-D electropherograms and analysed by ESI-Trap Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS). Searches of the NCBInr and SwissProt protein databases identified functions for 31 of these proteins based on sequence homology. A differential expression study was performed on the intracellular fraction of T. aggressivum f. europaeum grown in media containing Agaricus bisporus tissue and Phase 3 mushroom compost compared to a control medium. Differential expression was observed for seven proteins, three of which were upregulated in both treatments, two were down regulated in both treatments and two showed qualitatively different regulation under the two treatments. No proteins directly relating to fungal cell wall degradation or other mycoparasitic activity were observed. Functions of differentially produced intracellular proteins included oxidative stress tolerance, cytoskeletal structure, and cell longevity. Differential production of these proteins may contribute to the growth of T. aggressivum in mushroom compost and its virulence toward A. bisporus.     

Raffinose-induced mutanase production from Trichoderma harzianum

Abstract The enzyme α (1 → 3),3-glucanohydrolase (referred to as mutanase) from the filamentous fungus Trichoderma harzianum OMZ 779 is capable of degrading the water-insoluble glucan in dental plaque. Previously, it was necessary to produce the glucan (referred to as mutan) in vitro for use as the sole carbon source and inducer of mutanase synthesis in fungal cultures. We report here that raffinose also induces the production of mutanase. The metabolism of raffinose differed from that of other sugars in metabolic end products and secreted protein profile. In addition to mutanase, we observed an approximately 15 000 M _r protein that was also regulated by carbon source and by illumination conditions.     

Factors affecting the production of Trichoderma harzianum secondary metabolites during the interaction with different plant pathogens

Aims: Strains of Trichoderma spp. produce numerous bioactive secondary metabolites. The in vitro production and antibiotic activities of the major compounds synthesized by Trichoderma harzianum strains T22 and T39 against Leptosphaeria maculans, Phytophthora cinnamomi and Botrytis cinerea were evaluated. Moreover, the eliciting effect of viable or nonviable biomasses of Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum or B. cinerea on the in vitro production of these metabolites was also investigated. Methods and Results: T22azaphilone, 1‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐anthraquinone, 1,8‐dihydroxy‐3‐methyl‐anthraquinone, T39butenolide, harzianolide, harzianopyridone were purified, characterized and used as standards. In antifungal assays, T22azaphilone and harzianopyridone inhibited the growth of the pathogens tested even at low doses (1–10 μg per plug), while high concentrations of T39butenolide and harzianolide were needed (>100 μg per plug) for inhibition. The in vitro accumulation of these metabolites was quantified by LC/MS. T22azaphilone production was not enhanced by the presence of the tested pathogens, despite its antibiotic activity. On the other hand, the anthraquinones, which showed no pathogen inhibition, were stimulated by the presence of P. ultimum. The production of T39butenolide was significantly enhanced by co‐cultivation with R. solani or B. cinerea. Similarly, viable and nonviable biomasses of R. solani or B. cinerea increased the accumulation of harzianopyridone. Finally, harzianolide was not detected in any of the interactions examined. Conclusions: The secondary metabolites analysed in this study showed different levels of antibiotic activity. Their production in vitro varied in relation to: (i) the specific compound; (ii) the phytopathogen used for the elicitation; (iii) the viability of the elicitor; and (iv) the balance between elicited biosynthesis and biotransformation rates. Significance and Impact of the Study: The use of cultures of phytopathogens to enhance yields of Trichoderma metabolites could improve the production and application of novel biopesticides and biofertilizers based on the active compounds instead of the living microbe. This could have a significant beneficial impact on the management of diseases in crop plants.     

Xylanase production by Trichoderma harzianum E58

Summary Growth of Trichoderma harzianum E58 on hemicellulose-rich media, both in batch and fermentor cultures, resulted in independent profiles for the production of xylanase and endoglucanase enzymes. Dramatic differences in the ratio of xylanase to endoglucanase activities were observed among cultures grown on cellulose-rich Solka Floc and xylan. These results indicated that the induction of xylanases and cellulases was likely to be under separate regulatory control. The specific activity and amount of xylanases produced were found to be dependent on the concentration of xylan in the growth media. Growth on oat spelts xylan or the hemicellulose-rich, water-soluble fraction from steam-treated aspenwood (SEA-WS) greatly enhanced the production of xylanases and xylosidase in the culture filtrates. Constitutive levels of xylanase and endoglucanase enzymes were detected during growth of the fungus on glucose.Offprint requests to: D. J. Senior     

Cytostatic effect of L-lysine-alpha-oxidase from Trichoderma harzianum Rifai and Trichoderma viride

L-lysine-alpha-oxidase, a new fungal enzyme catalyzing oxidative L-lysine deamination, was shown to have an inhibitory effect on the in vitro synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins in human carcinoma ovarian (CaOv) cells.     

Mycoparasitism studies of Trichoderma harzianum against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: evaluation of antagonism and expression of cell wall-degrading enzymes genes

Trichoderma spp. are known for their biocontrol activity against several plant pathogens. A specific isolate of Trichoderma harzianum, 303/02, has the potential to inhibit the growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, an important agent involved in several crop diseases. In this study, the interaction between T. harzianum 303/02 and mycelia, sclerotia and apothecia of S. sclerotiorum was studied by scanning electron microscopy. RT-qPCR was used to examine the expression of 11 genes potentially involved in biocontrol. T. harzianum 303/02 parasitizes S. sclerotiorum by forming branches that coil around the hyphae. The fungus multiplied abundantly at the sclerotia and apothecia surface, forming a dense mycelium that penetrated the inner surface of these structures. The levels of gene expression varied according to the type of structure with which T. harzianum was interacting. The data also showed the presence of synergistic action between the cell-wall degrading enzymes.     

哈茨木霉的培养及其对烟草疫霉生长的抑制研究

哈茨木霉是一类重要的植病生防因子。哈茨木霉TH-1分别在PDA培养基、麦芽糖培养基、查氏培养基和琼脂培养基上培养均能产孢,其中PDA培养基为最适培养基。PDA培养基上,菌丝生长适宜温度27．5℃～35℃,最适温度32．5℃,产孢最适温度27．5℃。菌丝生长适宜pH值为3～7,产孢适宜pH值为5-9,生长与产孢最适pH值为5。光照对菌丝生长影响不大但明显影响菌株的产孢数量,光照时间越长产孢量越大。对峙培养试验表明TH-1明显抑制疫霉菌的生长速率,其无菌滤液明显抑制烟草疫霉菌游动孢子的萌发,并抑制游动孢子芽管的伸长,TH-1对游动孢子萌发的相对抑制率为12．7％,对芽管生长长度的相对抑制率为63．1％。水解酶平板活性测定显示,TH-1产生β-1,3葡聚糖酶与纤维素酶,从而使烟草疫霉菌细胞壁的消解,产生非挥发性抗生素抑制烟草疫霉菌孢子萌发,但对菌丝生长影响不大。     

影响根癌农杆菌介导的木霉菌遗传转化因素分析

采用根癌农杆菌介导的转化方法,以木霉菌分生孢子为受体材料,对影响转化效率的主要因素进行了分析。结果表明,农杆菌菌株类型、初始菌液量、分生孢子浓度、共培养时间以及乙酰丁香酮的诱导等因素对转化效率都具有重要的影响。通过对这些因素的分析,基本得出了根癌农杆菌转化系统对木霉菌遗传转化的特点和规律,为将该转化系统用于其它丝状真菌的遗传转化提供了重要参考。     

Viability of dry Trichoderma harzianum spores under storage

Spores of the potential biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum P1 were prepared without (M1) and with heat shock (40?°C for 90?min) after fermentation (M2), filtered into a paste and dried over silica gel. M1 and M2 exhibited high viability (55%) and similar initial trehalose contents (4.0 and 5.4%, respectively) after slow drying. No significant differences in viability were found between treatments during storage for 110 days under different temperatures, T (8, 33 and 42?°C) and water activities, a _w (0.03, 0.33 and 0.75). Viability of spores, after storage at a _w =0.03 were 100 and 70% for 8 and 33?°C, respectively. During storage, decrease in trehalose content and viability was faster at a _w =0.75 and 42?°C. Loss of viability was modeled by a first order kinetic model depending on 1/T and a _w . M2 (with heat shock) showed slightly higher trehalose contents than M1 which resulted in 100% viability after 52 days at 8?°C.     

A new xylanase from a Trichoderma harzianum strain

A new xylanase (XYL2) was purified from solid-state cultures of Trichoderma harzianum strain C by ultrafiltration and gel filtration. SDS-PAGE of the xylanase showed an apparent homogeneity and molecular weight of 18 kDa. It had the highest activity at pH 5.0 and 45°C and was stable at 50°C and pH 5.0 up to 4 h xylanase. XYL2 had a low K _m with insoluble oat spelt xylan as substrate. Compared to the amino acid composition of xylanases from Trichoderma spp, xylanase XYL2 presented a high content of glutamate/glutamine, phenylalanine and cysteine, and a low content of serine. Xylanase XYL2 improved the delignification and selectivity of unbleached hardwood kraft pulp. Received 02 February 1999/ Accepted in revised form 17 April 1999     

Regulation of chitinase synthesis in Trichoderma harzianum.

The production of chitinase by Trichoderma species is of interest in relation to their use in biocontrol and as a source of mycolytic enzymes. Fourteen isolates of the genus were screened to identify the most effective producer of chitinase. The best strain for chitinase was Trichoderma harzianum 39.1, and this was selected for study of the regulation of enzyme synthesis. Washed mycelium of T. harzianum 39.1 was incubated with a range of carbon sources. Chitinase synthesis was induced on chitin-containing medium, but repressed by glucose and N-acetylglucosamine. Production of the enzyme was optimal at a chitin concentration of 0.5%, at 28 degrees C, pH 6.0 and was independent of the age of the mycelium. The synthesis of chitinase was blocked by both 8-hydroxyquinoline and cycloheximide, inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis, respectively. The mode of chitinase synthesis in this fungus is discussed.     

Hypocrea lixii, the teleomorph of Trichoderma harzianum

Cultures derived from ascospores of Hypocrea lixii (= H. nigricans, H. lentiformis) produced the morphological species Trichoderma harzianum in pure culture. Trichoderma harzianum, the most commonly found species of the genus, is also one of the most species frequently used in biocontrol of plant pathogens. It has not been connected previously to a teleomorph. The connection was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. Similar to the anamorph, the teleomorph collections have a wide geographic distribution. Described in the 19^th century, Hypocrea lixii is epitypified by a collection from Thailand.