Transcriptome Analysis Of A Salt-Tolerant Fungus Trichoderma Spp. At Hypersaline Growth Condition

Abstract

Saline soil conditions pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity worldwide. This study explores the resilience and adaptability of Trichoderma spp., a salt-tolerant fungus, in hypersaline conditions through comprehensive transcriptome analysis. Trichoderma spp., known for their plant-growth-promoting characteristics and antagonistic activity against pathogens, presents a viable solution for enhancing agricultural resilience to salinity. We investigated the growth morphology, antagonistic behavior against Rhizoctonia solani, and differential gene expression of Trichoderma spp. under varying salt concentrations. Our results reveal that Trichoderma spp. not only exhibit considerable salt tolerance but also maintain their antagonistic potential against R. solani under saline stress. RNA sequencing and subsequent bioinformatic analyses identified significant changes in gene expression related to stress response, metabolic processes, and antagonistic activity. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the salt tolerance of Trichoderma spp., highlighting its potential as a biocontrol agent in saline-affected agricultural landscapes. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices, offering a natural solution to the challenges posed by soil salinization.