Trichomycetes

Trichomycetes represent a distinct group of organisms historically classified together due to their specialized ecological niche. Currently, they are understood to be phylogenetically diverse, with most species belonging to the subphylum Kickxellomycotina within the fungi kingdom.

These organisms are obligate endosymbionts, living exclusively within the digestive tracts of arthropods, such as larvae of insects, millipedes, and crustaceans. They do not infect plant tissues, as they rely entirely on the chitinous lining of the host's hindgut for attachment.

From an agronomical perspective, Trichomycetes should not be categorized as a plant disease. There is no evidence of these fungi causing necrotic lesions, wilting, or any form of physiological stress in crops, vegetables, or ornamental plants.

Their life cycle is synchronized with the host's molt. As the arthropod sheds its exoskeleton, including the gut lining, the fungal spores are released back into the environment, ready to be ingested by a new host.

Researchers focus on these organisms primarily in the field of entomology to understand the gut microbiome of soil-dwelling insects, rather than in plant pathology as a threat to food production.

Trichomycetes do not pose any threat to agricultural crops. They are harmless to the plants they inhabit or exist around, as they are strictly adapted to the internal environment of arthropods.

Their presence on or near plants is irrelevant to plant health. Therefore, no agricultural losses are associated with these organisms, and they do not require any protective measures or fungicides.

In fact, some scientific interest lies in whether these fungi can negatively affect the health of insect pests, potentially serving as a biological regulator of pest populations in nature.

Since they do not impact crop yield or quality, there is no economic justification for attempting to control or eradicate these fungi in agricultural settings.

Agronomists and farmers should not confuse these insect symbionts with actual phytopathogenic fungi. Misidentifying Trichomycetes could lead to unnecessary and costly applications of chemical substances that have no effect on the target.