Common Fungus Shows Promise for Crops

By Blake Jackson

Penn State researchers found new clues about how a common soil fungus may help improve crop growth and plant health. The study focused on Trichoderma, a fungus found naturally in many soils. Scientists said it may offer a useful alternative to chemical pesticides.

The research showed that different Trichoderma species had varying effects on tomato plants and soil bacteria. Some types improved plant growth more than others. The findings also suggested that certain soil bacteria may affect how well the fungus survives and performs.

The study was published in The Microbe and was led by researchers in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. Scientists said their goal was to improve the use of biological controls for soilborne diseases.

“Certain fungi and bacteria not only protect plants from diseases but also enhance plant stress tolerance and growth,” Kang said. “Many studies have reported the successful use of such microbes as biological control agents, and some have been commercialized. However, their use has faced several hurdles and pitfalls, which have eroded confidence in using them among some growers.”

Researchers collected soil from the Penn State Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center and tested tomato seedlings in treated and untreated soil. Seedlings were placed into four treatment groups using one of two Trichoderma species, both species together, or water as a control.

They later analyzed plant growth and changes in soil bacteria near the roots. Results showed that some treatments improved tomato growth and increased shoot weight. The fungus also helped restore bacterial richness in sterilized soil.

Scientists said soilborne diseases are hard to detect because they spread underground and damage many important crops. Natural tools like Trichoderma may help farmers lower crop losses while reducing heavy fungicide use.

“Our findings also indicated that certain types of soil bacteria may influence Trichoderma abundance and persistence, which could help explain their inconsistencies in promoting crop growth and biocontrol efficacy at larger scales,” Bandara said.

Future studies may use machine learning and soil data to predict where Trichoderma can deliver the best results for farmers.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov