Trichoderma: The “Secrets” of a Multitalented Biocontrol Agent

Abstract

The plant-Trichoderma-pathogen triangle is a complicated web of numerous processes. Trichoderma spp. are avirulent opportunistic plant symbionts. In addition to being successful plant symbiotic organisms, Trichoderma spp. also behave as a low cost, effective and ecofriendly biocontrol agent. They can set themselves up in various patho-systems, have minimal impact on the soil equilibrium and do not impair useful organisms that contribute to the control of pathogens. This symbiotic association in plants leads to the acquisition of plant resistance to pathogens, improves developmental processes and yields and promotes absorption of nutrient and fertilizer use efficiency. Among other biocontrol mechanisms, antibiosis, competition and mycoparasitism are among the main features through which microorganisms, including Thrichoderma, react to the presence of other competitive pathogenic organisms, thereby preventing or obstructing their development. Stimulation of every process involves the biosynthesis of targeted metabolites like plant growth regulators, enzymes, siderophores, antibiotics, etc. This review summarizes the biological control activity exerted by Trichoderma spp. and sheds light on the recent progress in pinpointing the ecological significance of Trichoderma at the biochemical and molecular level in the rhizosphere as well as the benefits of symbiosis to the plant host in terms of physiological and biochemical mechanisms. From an applicative point of view, the evidence provided herein strongly supports the possibility to use Trichoderma as a safe, ecofriendly and effective biocontrol agent for different crop species.

Inhibitory Mechanism of Trichoderma virens ZT05 on Rhizoctonia solani

“…The “hunger” caused by nutrition deficiency is the most common cause of microbial death. The use of a biological control to compete for limited nutrition is an important way to prevent plant diseases [ 71 ]. In this study, T. virens ZT05 and R. solani formed an antagonistic line.…”

An Endophytic Trichoderma Strain Promotes Growth of Its Hosts and Defends Against Pathogen Attack

“…Szczałba et al, 2019). Those studies are important for a successful biocontrol agent, as Trichoderma species are also competitors of beneficial microbes (Sood et al, 2020), which could impair plant growth or yield. , and JA-Ile (D) levels from control and co-cultured seedlings in roots and shoots 2, 4, and 7 days after co-cultivation.…”

Sustainable Approaches of Trichoderma under Changing Environments for Vegetable Production

“…Several species in this Trichoderma genus (e.g., T. asperellum, T. hamatum, T. harzianum, T. koningii) could be characterized as excellent biocontrol agents (biofungicides) enhance plant resistance, biofertilizers promote plant growth and improve soil quality (Saravanakumar and Wang, 2020). Persoon successed to isolate Trichoderma in 1794 for the first time from decomposing organic matter and soil (Sood et al 2020). Trichoderma spp.…”