A viroid-like RNA can be transmitted among different Trichoderma species affecting their antagonistic capacity.

A viroid-like RNA, TsvlRNA1, can autonomously replicate and transfer among Trichoderma species, influencing their biocontrol ability against plant pathogens.

• Why it matters: Understanding the role of viroid-like agents in fungi is crucial because they may alter fungal functions and impact sustainable agriculture practices, especially biocontrol strategies.
• What they did: Researchers identified and characterized TsvlRNA1 in Trichoderma spirale using bioinformatics, molecular validation, and reverse genetics, revealing its circular structure and ribozyme activity, and demonstrated its transmission between species.
• The result: TsvlRNA1 modulates Trichoderma’s antagonistic capacity variably, negatively affecting biocontrol, and its horizontal transfer raises concerns about the spread of traits like fungicide resistance, impacting ecological and agricultural outcomes.