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Trichoderma versus Fusarium-Inhibition of Pathogen Growth and Mycotoxin Biosynthesis

Marta Modrzewska1, Lidia Błaszczyk2, Łukasz Stępień3

  • 1Department of Food Safety and Chemical Analysis, Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology-State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Selected Trichoderma strains effectively inhibit Fusarium mycelial growth and mycotoxin production, including deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN). Some strains also modify these toxins, showcasing biocontrol potential against Fusarium species.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Mycology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Fusarium species are significant plant pathogens responsible for crop losses.
  • Mycotoxins produced by Fusarium, such as deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN), pose risks to food safety and animal health.
  • Biological control agents are sought to manage Fusarium infections and mycotoxin contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma viride, T. viridescens, and T. atroviride strains against Fusarium culmorum and F. cerealis.
  • To assess the impact of Trichoderma on Fusarium mycelial growth and the biosynthesis of key mycotoxins (DON, NIV, ZEN, α-ZOL, β-ZOL).

Main Methods:

  • In vitro co-culture experiments were conducted on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and rice substrates.
  • Trichoderma strains were co-cultured with Fusarium species to observe inhibition of mycelial growth.
  • Mycotoxin levels and potential transformations were analyzed in co-cultures.

Main Results:

  • All tested Trichoderma strains significantly inhibited Fusarium mycelial growth (24%–66%).
  • Trichoderma colonized 75%–100% of the medium and overgrew Fusarium mycelium.
  • Significant inhibition of DON (73%–98%), NIV (87%–100%), and ZEN (12%–100%) biosynthesis was observed.
  • Trichoderma glycosylated DON and converted ZEN to β-ZOL, indicating mycotoxin modification.

Conclusions:

  • Trichoderma species demonstrate strong potential as biocontrol agents against Fusarium pathogens.
  • These Trichoderma strains effectively reduce mycotoxin contamination in agricultural settings.
  • The ability of Trichoderma to modify mycotoxins warrants further investigation for detoxification strategies.
Keywords:
Fusarium spp.Trichoderma spp.mycotoxinsplant biocontrol

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