Comparison of aerial and submerged spore properties for Trichoderma harzianum

Abstract Spores produced by aerial mycelium of Trichoderma harzianum PI, a potential biocontrol agent, showed both higher UV-resistance and longer viability after storage than those produced within liquid media ('submerged' spores). Aerial spores were produced in clusters, had a thick outer wall, and few organelles. Trehalose content was significantly lower than in submerged spores. Conversely, submerged spores were mostly collapsed, not clustered and larger than aerial spores. They had many cytoplasmic organelles and a thinner outer wall. These spores were hydrophilic, while aerial ones were highly hydrophobic. On analysis, the latter was related with the presence of a single major low molecular mass protein (< 14 kDa). This protein was nearly absent in extracts from walls of submerged spores but was found in the extracellular medium. An involvement of the outer wall layer in the resting state of T. harzianum spores is proposed.