Phosphite promotes the growth of the filamentous fungus Trichoderma atroviride by activating genes involved in cell cycle and cell division
Phosphite (Phi) is widely used in agriculture due to its biostimulant effects on plants and its ability to control various phytopathogens. However, its impact on beneficial soil microorganisms remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Phi on the growth and transcriptional response of the beneficial fungus Trichoderma atroviride. Our results show that low concentrations of Phi, in the presence of phosphate (Pi), promote the growth of T. atroviride, whereas higher concentrations inhibit its development. Transcriptomic analysis via RNA-Seq revealed the activation of genes associated with growth, amino acid biosynthesis, and siderophore transport. Furthermore, Phi enhanced the antagonistic capacity of T. atroviride against Rhizoctonia solani. These findings reveal a novel role of Phi in stimulating beneficial fungi and suggest its combined use with T. atroviride as a sustainable strategy for phytopathogen biocontrol in agricultural systems. Overall design: RNA-Seq profile of the wild strain of Trichoderma atroviride IMI206040 under different concentrations of phosphite (Phi) in the presence of phosphate (Pi) in the medium: control (1 mM Pi), treatment 1 (1 mM Pi + 0.1 mM Phi), treatment 2 (1 mM Pi + 0.5 mM Phi).