Registro de ocorrência de Aspergillus brevijanus e taxonomia e potencial de biocontrole de fitopatógenos de novas espécies de Trichoderma

Abstract

Fungi play a key role in nutrient cycling and can produce enzymes with great economic potential. Therefore, it is important to know the diversity of microorganisms in these environments and explore their biotechnological potential. The taxonomy of fungi uses morphological, regulatory and genetic characteristics to classify them, with the polyphasic approach being the most used. The genus Aspergillus is widely distributed and adaptable, used in the production of enzymes, food, medicine and biofuels, but some species can produce mycotoxins. The genus Trichoderma is important in industry and agriculture, being used in the bioremediation of pollutant residues, production of industrial enzymes and biological control of plant diseases. The research and use of these fungi are relevant for ecology, conservation and biotechnology. Therefore, the objective of this work is to register the occurrence of Aspergillus brevijanus and the polyphasic description of a new species of Trichoderma, as well as to test the biocontrol potential of three new species of this genus. The isolates were reactivated in the culture medium, the DNA was extracted and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. The morphological characterization of the isolates was performed. Phylogenetic analyzes indicated that Trichoderma sp. MON24 is a new species belonging to the clade Harzianum and Aspergillus sp. AMSO53 is the first occurrence record of A. brevijanus. For biocontrol assays, phytopathogens were inoculated in culture medium and paired culture and production of volatile compounds were tested. The three Trichoderma isolates showed the ability to inhibit the phytopathogens tested. These results highlight the importance of studying the diversity of the mycobiota as well as exploring its biotechnological potential in the context of biocontrol.