Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #194182
Title: TRICHODERMA ENDOPHYTES OF SAPWOOD

Author
item Samuels, Gary
item THOMAS, SARAH - UNITED KINGDOM
item EVANS, HARRY - UNITED KINGDOM

Submitted to: Inoculum
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2006
Publication Date: 6/30/2006
Citation: Samuels, G.J., Thomas, S.E., Evans, H.C. 2006. Trichoderma endophytes of sapwood (Abstract). Inoculum 57(4):34.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Trichoderma endophytes occur in sapwood of trunks of Theobroma spp., Cola spp., Fagus sylvatica, Scalesia pedunculata, and in the woody liana Ancistroderma korupensis. Trichoderma is a genus of soil fungi; thus trunks of trees represent a new niche for soil fungi. Trichoderma endophytes are rare in leaves. Sequences of at least two genes are available for each of the approximately 100 described Trichoderma species, making accurate identification possible. Thus species diversity and host specificity of endophytes in one genus, Trichoderma, can be assessed. Many new species were found, including one non sporulating species. New infra specific lineages distinct from non endophytic lineages represent new genetic diversity, suggesting that endophytic strains may have been isolated. Many new species are based on single cultures or single clones from individual trees; others are based on a few cultures. Only rarely did isolates from different tree genera cluster together, but often isolates from different Theobroma species found in the same area clustered together. Thus, while there is evidence of host specificity, this may be a reflection of locale. Trichoderma endophytes are abundant in trunks of Theobroma trees in America but rare in Theobroma trees grown in Africa, suggesting that cacao germplasm moved from its center or origin may have lost an originally rich endophytic biota.