This study, published in Nature Microbiology, presents a comprehensive phenogenomic map of the fungal genus Trichoderma, which is widely used in sustainable agriculture for crop protection and soil health. By combining large-scale genomic sequencing with high-throughput phenotypic profiling, the researchers linked genetic variation to traits that shape how these fungi adapt to different environments and interact with plant hosts.
A key component of the methodology involved the IKOSA Fungi REPAINT Assay, an AI-driven image analysis approach used to objectively quantify fungal development and sporulation. The findings help clarify how metabolic and ecological traits contribute to the effectiveness of Trichoderma as biocontrol agents and support the development of more reliable bio-based alternatives to chemical pesticides.
View the full article in the journal and see how IKOSA supported the research