Phylogeny and Taxonomical Investigation ofTrichodermaspp. from Indian Region of Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hot Spot Region with Special Reference to Manipur

Abstract

Towards assessing the genetic diversity and occurrence ofTrichodermaspecies from the Indian region of Indo-Burma Biodiversity hotspot, a total of 193Trichodermastrains were isolated from cultivated soils of nine different districts of Manipur comprising 4 different agroclimatic zones. The isolates were grouped based on the morphological characteristics. ITS-RFLP of the rDNA region using three restriction digestion enzymes: Mob1, Taq1, and Hinf1, showed interspecific variations among 65 isolates ofTrichoderma. Based on ITS sequence data, a total of 22 different types of representativeTrichodermaspecies were reported and phylogenetic analysis showed 4 well-separated main clades in whichT. harzianumwas found to be the most prevalent spp. among all theTrichodermaspp. Combined molecular and phenotypic data leads to the development of a taxonomy of all the 22 differentTrichodermaspp., which was reported for the first time from this unique region. All these species were found to produce different extrolites and enzymes responsible for the biocontrol activities against the harmful fungal phytopathogens that hamper in food production. This potential indigenousTrichodermaspp. can be targeted for the development of suitable bioformulation against soil and seedborne pathogens in sustainable agricultural practice.