Identification and Genome Analysis of Clonostachys reniana, a Novel Mycoparasitic Fungal Species.

Abstract

This study identifies Clonostachys reniana sp. nov., a newly recognized mycoparasitic fungus with potential as a biocontrol agent in sustainable agriculture and forestry. Dual cultivation experiments demonstrated a significant antagonistic activity of C. reniana against tree canker pathogens Botryosphaeria dothidea and Cytospora chrysosperma, achieving over 80% colonization of pathogenic colonies within 15 days, ultimately leading to the demise of the pathogenic colonies. Morphological assessment reveals differential features in conidiophore and conidia size and colony formation, setting C. reniana apart from closely related species, despite its phylogenetic proximity to C. pseudochroleuca as inferred from multilocus sequence analysis (ITS, LSU, RPB2, TEF1, TUB2). Phylogenomic tree and some gene families related to mycoparasitism also presented that this strain exhibits unique traits to the other species in Clonostachys, including the well-known biocontrol agents Trichoderma atroviride and C. rosea strains. Therefore, the distinct taxonomic status, antagonistic efficacy, and genetic attributes, making the native species a promising new mycoparasitic fungus for a potential candidate in integrated disease management in agricultural and forest ecosystems.