Biology and applications of Clonostachys rosea.

Clonostachys rosea is a promising saprophytic filamentous fungus that belongs to Phylum, Ascomycota. C. rosea is widespread around the world and exists in many kinds of habitats, with the highest frequency in soil. As an excellent mycoparasite, C. rosea exhibits strong biological control ability against numerous fungal plant pathogens, nematodes and insects. These behaviours are based on the activation of multiple mechanisms such as secreted cell wall-degrading enzymes, production of antifungal secondary metabolites, and induction of plant defence systems. Besides having significant biocontrol activity, C. rosea also functions in the biodegradation of plastic waste, biotransformation of bioactive compounds, as a bioenergy sources and in fermentation. This mini-review summarizes information about the biology and various applications of C. rosea, and expands on its possible uses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.