Phylogeny and biodiversity of Trichoderma longibrachiatum

Trichoderma section Longibrachiatum (Hypocreales, Ascomycota) contains cosmopolitan soil-borne fungi frequently also found on decaying wood, of which some are economically important producers of industrial enzymes (e.g. Trichoderma reesei = H. jecorina) and antibiotics (T. ghanense), and others have application as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. More recently, the type species - T. longibrachiatum - has also become known as opportunistic pathogen of immunocompromised mammals including humans. These diverse implications of Trichoderma with human society render a knowledge on the phylogeny, physiology and evolution important. Molecular taxonomy has proven sect. Longibrachiatum to be monophyletic, but its species concept has not yet been tested by robust analysis. This project therefore aims at (a) elucidating the phylogenetic origin of sect. Longibrachiatum within the genus Trichoderma; (b) to identify marker genes, which can provide a reliable molecular phylogeny of section Longibrachiatum; (c) to use the Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Concept for recognition of species within this sections; and (d) to assess the ecological adaptability of these species with respect to carbon and nitrogen source utilization; physical and chemophysical parameters (T, pH, humidity, light/darkness); and susceptibility towards fungicides. This integrated approach will provide us with a comprehensive knowledge about the biodiversity of this important section, both for its biotechnological application as well as its medical hazard.

Trichoderma section Longibrachiatum (Hypocreales, Ascomycota) contains cosmopolitan soil-borne fungi frequently also found on decaying wood, of which some are economically important producers of industrial enzymes (e.g. Trichoderma reesei = H. jecorina) and antibiotics (T. ghanense), and others have application as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. More recently, the type species - T. longibrachiatum - has also become known as opportunistic pathogen of immunocompromised mammals including humans. These diverse implications of Trichoderma with human society render a knowledge on the phylogeny, physiology and evolution important. Molecular taxonomy has proven sect. Longibrachiatum to be monophyletic, but its species concept has not yet been tested by robust analysis. This project therefore aims at (a) elucidating the phylogenetic origin of sect. Longibrachiatum within the genus Trichoderma; (b) to identify marker genes, which can provide a reliable molecular phylogeny of section Longibrachiatum; (c) to use the Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Concept for recognition of species within this sections; and (d) to assess the ecological adaptability of these species with respect to carbon and nitrogen source utilization; physical and chemophysical parameters (T, pH, humidity, light/darkness); and susceptibility towards fungicides. This integrated approach will provide us with a comprehensive knowledge about the biodiversity of this important section, both for its biotechnological application as well as its medical hazard.