A Novel Endophytic Trichoderma longibrachiatum WKA55 With Biologically Active Metabolites for Promoting Germination and Reducing Mycotoxinogenic Fungi of Peanut

Abstract

Plant residuals comprise the natural habitat of the plant pathogen; therefore, attention is currently focusing on biological-based bioprocessing of biomass residuals into benefit substances. The current study focused on the biodegradation of peanut plant residual (PNR) into citric acid (CA) through a mathematical modeling strategy. Novel endophytic Trichoderma longibrachiatum WKA55 (GenBank accession number: MZ014020.1), having lytic (cellulase, protease, and polygalacturonase) activity, and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) solubilization ability were isolated from peanut seeds and used during the fermentation process. As reported by HPLC, the maximum CA (5505.1 μg/g PNR) was obtained after 9 days in the presence of 15.49 mg TCP, and 15.68 mg glucose. GC–MS analysis showed other bioactive metabolites in the filtrate of the fermented PNR. Practically, the crude product (40%) fully inhibited (100%) the growth and spore germination of three mycotoxinogenic fungi. On peanuts, it improved the seed germination (91%), seedling features, and vigor index (70.45%) with a reduction of abnormal seedlings (9.33%). The current study presents the fundamentals for large-scale production in the industry for the sustainable development of PNR biomass as a natural source of bioactive metabolites, and safe consumption of lignocellulosic-proteinaceous biomass, as well. T. longibrachiatum WKA55 was also introduced as a novel CA producer specified on PNR. Application of the resulting metabolite is encouraged on a large scale.

Plant-growth promoting activity of three fungal endophytes isolated from plants living in dehesas and their effect on Lolium multiflorum

“…For instance, a novel endophytic Trichoderma sp. has been found to produce metabolites that increase the germination of peanut seeds 74 . However, filtrates of Epicoccum nigrum have shown a neutral effect on the germination of Lepidium sativum 75 , although application of the culture medium as a control had a slightly negative effect on germination.…”

Trichoderma and its role in biological control of plant fungal and nematode disease

“…After the application of Trichoderma , the soluble sugar content of muskmelon fruit increases significantly, improving the quality of muskmelon. The application of Trichoderma can increase the SPAD value of chlorophyll in peanut leaves, improve the main agronomic traits of peanuts, significantly increase the activity of protective enzymes in peanut roots, stems, and leaves, and reduce the content of MDA ( Kovács et al, 2021 ; Al-Askar et al, 2022 ). When 1.5 kg/666.7 m −2 was applied, the number of pods per plant, pod weight, seed kernel weight, 100 fruit quality, 100 fruit kernel quality, and yield per plant of peanut increased by 24.63, 20.22, 14.10, 4.86, 7.63, and 12.85%, respectively, compared with the control ( Al-Askar et al, 2022 ).…”

Trichoderma longibrachiatum’s Secondary Metabolite-A Review on Potential Compounds for Plant Growth and Biological Control for Plant Pathogens

“…), have been linked to the success of Trichoderma species as plant growth promoters 15 . Other fungus produces useful VOCs through various methods that influence biological regulation, trigger defense reactions and stimulate plant growth 16 .…”

“…Trichoderma longibrachiatum's secondary metabolites, for instance, have been shown to be effective against Candida albicans and Pyricularia oryzae 28 . In addition to this, it was discovered that the secondary metabolites could stimulate protection against disease and modulate the growth of plants 16 .…”