Use of GUS Transformants of Trichoderma harzianum Isolate T39 (TRICHODEX) for Studying Interactions on Leaf Surfaces

Trichoderma harzianum , isolate T39 (TRICHODEX), was transformed with the GUS ( &#103 glucuronidase) reporter gene to visualize the interaction with Botrytis cinerea and to determine potential mechanisms involved in biocontrol. T39GUS transformants did not appear to penetrate the bean leaf epidermis nor grow into the mesophyll via stomata. No direct penetration or coiling was observed between hyphae and conidia of the T39GUS transformants and of B. cinerea , however, structures of the pathogen were stained blue. Similarly, blue substrate accumulated in various non-transformed fungi such as Alternaria sp., Colletotricum acutatum and the wild-type isolate T39 when co-inoculated on leaves and plates with the T39GUStransgenic strains of T. harzianum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum . Therefore, the role of diffusible compounds, specifically from T. harzianum transformants, will need further investigation.

Keywords:

• Biocontrol
• Mechanisms
• Botrytis Cinerea
• Grey
• Mould
• Gus-TRANSFORMANTS
• Trichoderma Harzianum
• Trichodex