Genetic regulation of conidiation in Trichoderma hamatum

Abstract

Many members of the fungal genera Trichoderma have superior biocontrol capabilities towards fungal diseases. This capability has led to frequent commercialisation of isolates and currently Trichoderma spp. represent one third of all commercial fungal biocontrol agents sold globally. Commercial preparations usually consist of dried comidia (asexual spores) within an inert matrix, therefore, achieving high in vitro conidiation rates is necessary for cost effective production. In this study, conidiation in the biocontrol species T. hamatum is being investigated using a combined morphological and molecular approach.