The mycelial response of the white-rot fungus, Schizophyllum commune to the biocontrol agent, Trichoderma viride

• Published in: Fungal biology Vol. 116; no. 2; pp. 332 - 341
• Main Authors: Ujor, Victor C., Monti, Monia, Peiris, Diluka Gayani, Clements, Mark Owen, Hedger, John Norman
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01-02-2012
• Subjects: Agar; Biocontrol agents; biological control agents; butyric acid; calcium; cell walls; Combative interactions; Culture Media - chemistry; Fungal Proteins - analysis; hydrolysis; Hypocrea rufa; Metabolome; Metabolomics; Microbial Interactions; monophenol monooxygenase; mycelium; Mycelium - cytology; Mycelium - growth & development; Mycelium - metabolism; Mycelium - physiology; Mycology - methods; Osmotic Pressure; Oxidative Stress; peroxides; phenolic compounds; physiological response; pigmentation; Pigments, Biological - metabolism; pyridoxine; Schizophyllum - cytology; Schizophyllum - growth & development; Schizophyllum - metabolism; Schizophyllum - physiology; Schizophyllum commune; Scizophyllum commune; Stress, Physiological; sugar alcohols; Trichoderm viride; Trichoderma - cytology; Trichoderma - growth & development; Trichoderma - metabolism; Trichoderma - physiology; Trichoderma viride; white-rot fungi; Metabolomics; Scizophyllum commune; Biocontrol agents; Combative interactions; Trichoderm viride
• ISSN: 1878-6146; 1878-6162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2011.12.008

In this study, agar plate interaction between Schizophyllum commune and Trichoderma viride was investigated to characterise the physiological responses occurring during interspecific mycelial combat. The metabolite profiles and morphological changes in both fungi paired on agar were studied relative to the modulation of phenoloxidase activity in S. commune. The calcium ionophore A23187 was incorporated in self-paired cultures of S. commune to explore possible involvement of calcium influx in the response of S. commune to T. viride. The levels of lipid peroxides and protein carbonyls in the confronted mycelia of S. commune were also measured. Contact with T. viride induced pigmentation and cell wall hydrolysis in S. commune with concomitant increase in phenoloxidase activity, rise in the levels of oxidative stress indicators and increased levels of phenolic compounds, antioxidant γ-amino butyric acid, and pyridoxine and osmo-protective sugar alcohols. Calcium ionophore mimicked the pigmentation in the T. viride-confronted mycelia of S. commune, implicating calcium influx in the response to T. viride. The changes in S. commune are indicative of targeted responses to osmotic and oxidative stresses and phenoloxidase-mediated detoxification of noxious compounds in the contact interface with T. viride, which may confer resistance in natural environments.
► The response of Schizophyllum commune to Trichoderma viride was investigated. ► Contact with T. viride elicited increased levels of oxidative stress indicators in S. commune. ► Calcium influx is implicated in the pigmentation in S. commune upon cell wall damage. ► Both fungi may employ sugar alcohols to contain osmotic stress upon contact. ► Specific responses by S. commune to T. viride may enhance resistance to the latter.