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Chaetomium: Goldmine for Sustainable Agriculture
Author(s)
Date Issued
January 1, 2026
Type
Book Chapter
Abstract
Chaetomium species are saprophytic fungi that are valuable resources for sustainable agriculture. It is found all over the world because it is durable and survives in living organisms in different climates. Chaetomium species are mostly ascomycete saprophytic fungi that survive well under stressful environmental conditions. This area has become one of the gold mines for sustainable agricultural production to maintain a balanced ecological system. The specific, potent isolates of Chaetomium were found to protect economic plants through disease, insect, and nematode control and to strongly produce cellulase to degrade organic materials in the fermentation process to increase soil nutrient fertility. All the discovered strains are recommended for acute and dermal toxicity, screening for agrochemical resistance and durability in different climates, including acidic or alkaline conditions, and growing in a wide range of temperature regimes. Research has revealed that Chaetomium species can be developed as biological fungicides, biological insecticides, biological nematicides, and natural active metabolites for plant disease control as well as biosensors for soil revitalization. These bioproducts can be used for sustainable agricultural development and maintain biological diversity in surrounding environments. Research on microbial products of Chaetomium species and other fungi for plant disease control has been conducted since 1989. After several years, 22 effective strains of Chaetomium were discovered and patented as broad-spectrum microbial fungicides, noted as Patent No. 6266, International Code: AO 1 N 25/12, and then registered as Ketomium® microbial fungicides in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam and as microbial fertilizers in P. R. China. Chaetomium as a microbial fungicide and microbial fertilizer can be applied in combination with integrated pest management (IPM). It has been shown to have pathogen and disease suppressive, curative, and protective effects to control plant diseases. It is strongly recommended to prove acute and dermal toxicity, agrochemical resistance screening, acidity or alkaline conditions, and temperature regimes before developing microbial fungicides and microbial fertilizers. Chaetomium spp. are distributed worldwide and survive well under stress conditions. It serves as a natural goldmine for sustainability to maintain and revitalize the environment and preserve the natural and ecological balance in nature. Chaetomium species are broad habitats in soil, water, and endophytes with various biological properties of antagonists of phytopathogens, some insects, plant parasitic nematodes, and human pathogens, as well as the production of active metabolites, enzymes, etc.
Citation
Microorganisms for Sustainability, 61, 143-172, 2026