Metabolomic profiling of Trichoderma spp. using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS)

Fungi are known to produce a wide array of bioactive secondary metabolites encompassing diverse chemical classes, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, aromatic compounds, esters, furans, ketones, and sulfur-and nitrogen-containing compounds. Among them, Trichoderma have emerged as the most extensively studied fungal biocontrol agent, widely employed as biofungicides and biofertilizers in both greenhouse and field applications. The secondary metabolites produced by Trichoderma spp. have attracted considerable scientific interest due to their unique chemical structures and significant biological activities. In recent years, a substantial number of these metabolites have been isolated and characterized. These compounds play a crucial role not only in the mycoparasitic activity of Trichoderma spp. but also in mediating their interactions with plants and other organisms in the surrounding environment. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro potential of Trichoderma spp. to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. The study focused on analyzing extracts of 10 different isolates of Trichoderma spp. using ethyl acetate as solvent and the compounds have been identified by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). All Trichoderma isolates were found to produce secondary metabolites, with the highest production observed in isolate T7. GC-MS analysis identified 22 potential compounds with numerous benefits that could be used in agriculture. Most of the detected compounds were related to aliphatic (alkanes and ketones) hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds (diterpenoids), which include phenol, 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-, Asarone, myristic acid, retinoic acid, stearic acid, 8-pentadecanone, 10-nonadecanone, etc. The antifungal properties of these compounds suggest that the biological control efficacy of Trichoderma species may be closely associated with their production. These compounds hold promise as natural fungicidal agents for crop protection, offering effective control of fungal pathogens while minimizing environmental impact.