Nitrogen source orchestrates pH modulation and secondary metabolism in Trichoderma harzianum

IF 5.2 2区农林科学 Q1 AGRICULTURE, MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture Pub Date : 2025-02-04 DOI:10.1186/s40538-025-00735-9

Stefania Vitale, Felice Salzano, Alessia Staropoli, Roberta Marra, David Turrà, Matteo Lorito, Francesco Vinale

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

The efficacy of biocontrol agents depends critically on their environmental adaptability, with nutrient availability being a key determinant of their success. In Trichoderma species, the mechanisms linking nutrient sensing to physiological responses remain poorly understood, despite their importance for biocontrol applications.

Results

This study reveals how different nitrogen sources fundamentally regulate the physiology and metabolism of Trichoderma harzianum through pH modulation. Under nutrient-rich conditions, T. harzianum exhibited a biphasic pH response characterized by initial acidification followed by alkalinization, which correlated with enhanced sporulation. Examining specific nitrogen sources, we found that sodium nitrate induced environmental alkalinization, while ammonium nitrate caused sustained acidification. These pH changes were linked to distinct physiological responses: alkaline conditions promoted sporulation, while acidic conditions enhanced mycelial growth and triggered specific metabolic responses. Notably, acidic conditions specifically induced the production of harzianic acid and related bioactive compounds, suggesting pH-dependent regulation of secondary metabolism. This nitrogen-dependent pH modulation pattern was conserved across Trichoderma species, as demonstrated by parallel responses in T. asperellum.

Conclusions

Our findings establish nitrogen source availability as a master regulator of Trichoderma physiology through pH-dependent mechanisms, controlling both development and secondary metabolism. This understanding provides new strategies for optimizing biocontrol formulations by manipulating nitrogen sources and pH conditions to enhance both fungal fitness and beneficial metabolite production.

Graphical Abstract

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来源期刊

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology-Biotechnology

CiteScore

6.80

自引率

3.00%

发文量

审稿时长

15 weeks

期刊介绍： Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture is an international, interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed forum for the advancement and application to all fields of agriculture of modern chemical, biochemical and molecular technologies. The scope of this journal includes chemical and biochemical processes aimed to increase sustainable agricultural and food production, the evaluation of quality and origin of raw primary products and their transformation into foods and chemicals, as well as environmental monitoring and remediation. Of special interest are the effects of chemical and biochemical technologies, also at the nano and supramolecular scale, on the relationships between soil, plants, microorganisms and their environment, with the help of modern bioinformatics. Another special focus is the use of modern bioorganic and biological chemistry to develop new technologies for plant nutrition and bio-stimulation, advancement of biorefineries from biomasses, safe and traceable food products, carbon storage in soil and plants and restoration of contaminated soils to agriculture. This journal presents the first opportunity to bring together researchers from a wide number of disciplines within the agricultural chemical and biological sciences, from both industry and academia. The principle aim of Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture is to allow the exchange of the most advanced chemical and biochemical knowledge to develop technologies which address one of the most pressing challenges of our times - sustaining a growing world population. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture publishes original research articles, short letters and invited reviews. Articles from scientists in industry, academia as well as private research institutes, non-governmental and environmental organizations are encouraged.