Plant growth promotion and biocontrol potential of Parametarhizium and its genomic adaptations for cross-kingdom colonization

BACKGROUND Parametarhizium , a phylogenetically and morphologically distinct genus in Clavicipitaceae erected in 2021, represents an emerging model for multifunctional ecology (root colonizers, entomopathogens and saprophytes) in hypocrealean fungi. RESULT This study presents the first genomic characterization of Parametarhizium species ( P. changbaiense and P. hingganense ) and their beneficial effects on common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ), specifically addressing growth promotion and biocontrol potential. Comparative genomics revealed distinctive traits including compacted genomes, elevated GC content, expanded CAZymes (carbohydrate-active enzymes) and GPCRs (G-protein coupled receptors). Notably, significant expansions in key glycoside hydrolase families (GH6, GH7, GH13, GH16, GH18) underpin adaptations for plant colonization, insect pathogenesis, and saprophytic nutrition. Functionally, both species enhanced the growth of common bean through root symbiosis, with P. changbaiense exhibiting biocontrol activity against Rhizoctonia solani . CONCLUSION These findings establish Parametarhizium not only as a novel clade in Clavicipitaceae with unique genomic signatures, but also as a promising candidate for developing multifunctional biocontrol agents and biofertilizers. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.