Description
Tailored and natural solutions through state-of-the-art fungal research
Naturally adapted to the soil and local climate
Scientifically characterised by DNA barcoding and biological laboratory tests
No risk from the introduction of new or non-native species
Scientific know-how at MyPilz
Behind »MykoMatch« is a team of PhD-trained researchers specialising in Trichoderma fungi. Our scientific director, Dr. Wolfgang Hinterdobler, is a co-author of a 2026 study published in Nature Microbiology on the ecology and evolution of this genus. Dr. Miriam Schalamun contributes expertise in modern sequencing technologies and bioinformatics, while Dr. Valeria Ellena specialises in industrial fungal biotechnology. Together, the team defines the scientific standards used to characterise each »MykoMatch« isolate. Practical insights from our customers are continuously integrated into the ongoing refinement of our methods.
The methods used in »MykoMatch« are derived directly from our own research: DNA barcoding, biological characterisation in standardised confrontation assays, and classification of each strain in line with the current scientific literature.
Publications in scientific journals (selection)
Steindorff, A.S., Cai, F.M., Ding, M., et al. 2026. Phenogenomics reveals the ecology and evolution of Trichoderma fungi for sustainable agriculture. Nature Microbiology.
Schalamun, M., Li, G., Hinterdobler, W., Großkinsky, D., Compant, S., Dreux-Zigha, A., Schmoll, M. 2026. Plant recognition by Trichoderma harzianum elicits upregulation of a novel secondary metabolite cluster required for colonisation. Scientific Reports.
Hinterdobler, W., Li, G., Spiegel, K., Basyouni-Khamis, S., Gorfer, M., Schmoll, M. 2021. Trichoderma reesei Isolated From Austrian Soil With High Potential for Biotechnological Application. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12:105.
Speckbacher, V., Ruzsanyi, V., Martinez-Medina, A., Hinterdobler, W., Doppler, M., Schreiner, U., Böhmdorfer, S., Beccaccioli, M., Schuhmacher, R., Reverberi, M., Schmoll, M., Zeiliger, S. 2020. The Lipoxygenase Lox1 Is Involved in Light- and Injury-Response, Conidiation, and Volatile Organic Compound Biosynthesis in the Mycoparasitic Fungus Trichoderma atroviride. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11:2004
Soil fungi in the media
Native recycling specialists
Permaculture MAGAZINE, Dr. Wolfgang Hinterdobler, September 2023
“A vital and healthy soil is the basis for sustainable agriculture. Currently, the overuse of our soils is threatening the biodiversity of the microorganisms living in them, such as fungi and bacteria. With them, we are losing the most diverse and oldest architects of our ecosystems.”
The invisible world
Unser Hof, Blick ins Land, Stefan Nimmervoll, October 2023
“Soil fungi are crucial to a successful agriculture. A start-up is now helping farmers to create optimal growing conditions. A fungal researcher from Lower Bavaria and a farmer from Upper Austria: this duo is embarking on an expedition into the soil universe. There's plenty to discover.”
How native fungi help strengthen the soil
NO today, Max Ryba, August 2023
“Few people experience the effects of climate change as directly as farmers. Drought and extreme weather put increasing pressure on their soils and impact crop yields. There is a growing need for solutions that strengthen soil resilience. This is where the fungal research start-up MyPilz comes in.”
FAQ · Good to know
How does »MykoMatch« work?
The process is straightforward and efficient. After placing your order, you receive a sampling kit with detailed instructions. You use it to collect soil samples from your field or garden and return them to us.
We then isolate and analyse the fungi in our laboratory. Each isolate is characterised in two steps:
- Biological characterisation: In standardised confrontation assays (dual culture assays), we assess growth rates and competitive behaviour against plant-pathogenic soil fungi.
- DNA analysis: We identify species based on marker sequences and compare them with internal and public databases, as well as the scientific literature. This enables a well-founded assessment of their biological properties.
This approach also ensures that fungi known to have adverse effects on human, animal, or plant health are excluded.
Once we have identified a suitable fungal strain for your location, it is cultivated in our laboratory and returned to you as a highly concentrated spore solution.
The entire process takes 8 to 12 weeks.
Who is »MykoMatch« suitable for?
We work exclusively with fungi naturally present in your soil. To produce the spore solution, we use isotonic water (water + salt) – therefore, no foreign substances or new organisms are introduced.
»MykoMatch« is suitable for both conventional and organic farming, and can also be used in gardening.
As each isolate is derived individually from a client’s soil, »MykoMatch« is not a standardised product but a customised service. The isolate provided is therefore neither a plant protection product nor a fertiliser within the meaning of current regulations. As a result, there is currently no category under organic input lists in which this service can be classified. We are happy to provide all necessary information to your organic advisor upon request.
Can I reorder my soil fungus?
In most cases, a single order is sufficient. As your soil fungus is naturally adapted to your location, it should persist in the field in adequate quantities beyond winter, provided there is sufficient ground cover.
Following major soil disturbances, re-cultivation may be advisable.
Your fungal isolate is stored frozen in our facility and can be reordered at any time. A flat fee of €225.00 (incl. 20% VAT) applies.
When is the best time for sampling?
Soil samples can be collected throughout the growing season. Conditions with adequate soil moisture and moderate temperatures, such as in spring or autumn, are particularly favourable.
We are happy to advise you on the optimal sampling time for your location.
Why are fungi so important for healthy soils?
Living soils with adequate humus content support a functioning ecosystem and its associated benefits. Soil fungi play a key role in soil structure: their extensive networks of microscopic filaments spread through the upper soil layers, loosening them and binding particles into stable aggregates. This contributes to improved water retention and reduced erosion.
As natural decomposers, soil fungi break down organic matter into forms that can be utilised within the soil system and contribute to the formation of humus. Many also form symbiotic associations with plants, supporting nutrient exchange processes. Active soil biology, including fungi, is therefore an important component of resilient soil systems and plant development.
What advantages do native soil fungi offer in comparison to commercially available products?
Native soil fungi are already adapted to your soil and local climatic conditions as part of the natural ecosystem. Unlike the introduction of non-native organisms, this approach avoids the risk of introducing new species or of the fungi failing to establish.
Can native fungi be selected for specific requirements?
Using advanced testing methods, we can selectively isolate soil fungi with defined biological profiles. For example:
- Strains with specific competitive characteristics
- Composting strains
- Strains relevant to soil regeneration and restoration
We are happy to help you identify a suitable fungal strain for your requirements and look forward to hearing from you.
What are the characteristics of my soil fungus?
All soil fungi provided by our laboratory are naturally adapted to local soil conditions and climate. In addition, each isolate is assessed according to the following criteria:
- Demonstrates strong competitive behaviour against other soil fungi under laboratory conditions
- Belongs to species with a documented role in soil microbiomes, as described in the scientific literature
- Exhibits rapid growth and reproduction
