Isolation of metsulfuron methyl degrading fungi from agricultural soils in Argentina

Abstract

Strains of Mucor, Penicillium and Trichoderma, able to use metsulfuron-methyl (MM) as a sole carbon and energy source, were isolated from agricultural soils in Argentina. This is the first time this ability is recorded in the Mucor or Trichoderma species. When the isolated strains were compared as to their capacity to use the herbicide, those of Trichoderma showed the best results, so they were selected for further assays. The effect of metsulfuron on growth in liquid media was tested. Also, the ability of conidia to germinate in water agar medium containing the target herbicide was evaluated. All the strains could grow from spores using only metsulfuron-methyl as carbon and energy source. These strains of Trichoderma are promising candidates to be used in the recovery of soils and waters contaminated with this herbicide.