Isolation of Trichoderma spp. from Malta and alternative method of preservation

Abstract

The Maltese Islands are located in the central Mediterranean sea and have a strongly bi-seasonal climate characterised by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The average annual precipitation is 530 mm. Trichoderma spp. are endophytic, soil-borne fungi, green-spored filamentous ascomycetes and are found world wide. This genus was first described by Persoon 1794 and Tulasne 1865. According with Druzhinina et al. 2011, to date at least 1100 strains of Hypocrea (sexual telomorphic stage), and Trichoderma (asexual anamorphic stage), have been identified, and many new species are being recognized. Trichoderma spp. are widely studied due to their uses as mycoparasites biocontrol agents. Furthermore, they stimulate plant growth, suppress plant diseases by one or more different direct and/or indirect mechanisms and solubilize nutrients. Some strains can induce host growth under abiotic stress, and improve seed germination under saline conditions. These fungi are producers of a number of secondary metabolites with antibiosis properties and they also have several biotechnological applications. On the other hand, T. harzianum, T. longibrachiatum and T. viride have been recognized as opportunistic pathogens of immunocompromised persons. Trichoderma is a powerful organism to study for its capacity of helping good practise against climate change. Since, few studies on Trichoderma spp. are recorded on the Maltese Island, the present work was aimed to investigate presence, isolation and preservation on different substrates.