[3] After being regarded as asexual since its discovery more than 50 years ago, sexual reproduction can now be induced in T. reesei QM6a leading to formation of fertilized stromata and mature ascospores.

These improvement programs originally consisted of classical (ionising-radiation-based and chemical-based) mutagenesis, which led to strains capable of producing 20 times as much cellulase as QM6a.

Several institutions and studies have been accomplished to explore possibilities of understanding and manipulating this process in order to boost the development of ethanol as an economic alternative to other fuel sources.

The cellulase produced by the fungus partially degrades the cotton material in places, making it soft and causing the jeans to look as if they had been washed using stones.

T. reesei, when used in laundry detergents, has rejuvenating properties that improve the color brightness, feel, dirt removal, and pilling in cotton fabrics.

[11] T. reesei is viewed as an emerging platform for biotechnology applications, as engineered organisms have proven capable of secreting high levels of recombinant protein in place of native enzymes.

[13][14] Studies show that the use of T. reesei in creating egg protein substitutes could reduce carbon emissions and other negative environmental impacts associated with traditional egg-white powder production.

[15] Companies like Onego Bio have already begun experimenting with the commercial production of animal-free egg protein with the assistance of T. reesei.

The cell walls of cereal crops (which primarily include wheat, barley, oats, and rye) are highly indigestible due to the presence of non starch polysaccharides.