We investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of Trichoderma and Hypocrea in Manipur which lies in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hot spot region. 65 Trichoderma isolates were identified at species level by morphological as well as sequence based analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region 1 and 4. Altogether 22 different species of Trichoderma and Hypocrea were found, of which Trichoderma harzianum represent the dominant species. Phylogenetic analysis reveals a clear cut distinction of strains isolated from various collection sites which further hints the need for detail study of Trichoderma on molecular level.

Background

The hypocreomycetidae genus Trichoderma was known for their rapid growth, capability of utilizing diverse substrates and resistance to noxious chemicals [1]. They are often the predominant components of the mycoflora in soils of various ecosystems, such as agricultural fields, prairie, forest, salt marshes and deserts, in all climatic zones [2]. Several Trichoderma species are significant biocontrol agents against fungal plant pathogens for nutrients, stimulators of plant health, or inducers of plant systemic resistance to pathogens [3]. Trichoderma species produce a wide diversity of metabolites as well as the toxins and trichothecenes that display in vitro cytotoxicity [4].