Genomic and metabolomic insights into Trichoderma harzianum T9, a resilient biocontrol fungus from arid environments.

ABSTRACT: The search for sustainable agricultural solutions to reduce pesticide dependence is urgent, particularly under the growing pressures of climate change. Although Trichoderma species are well-known biocontrol agents, many strains perform poorly in extreme soils characterized by high salinity or alkaline pH. Here, we characterize Trichoderma harzianum T9, an isolate from the alkaline desert soils of Nuevo León, Mexico, that exhibits exceptional ecological resilience. A competition assay revealed that T9 exhibits significantly higher biocontrol activity against the phytopathogenic fungi Macrophomina sp., Neopestaloptiosis rosae, and two strains of Fusarium sp., all major threats to strawberry production in Mexico, outperforming other Trichoderma strains. Genome sequencing and phylogenomics con

SUBMITTER: Vargas-Gasca F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12835104 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature