Trichoderma a Holistic Fungus with Biocontrol Potential for Agricultural Diseases

Abstract

Trichoderma is a genus, belonging to the division Ascomycota (Sordariomycetes, Hypocreales, Hypocreaceae) that have been popularly used as a biocontrol agent in agriculture because of their ability to interact and antagonize phytopathogenic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and oomycetes. Trichoderma can easily be isolated from natural soil, dead and decaying plant organic matter, and wood and are classified as imperfect fungi. Production of antibiotics, competition for nutrients, and parasitism are considered as direct antagonistic mechanisms of Trichoderma during microbe-pathogen interactions. The production of secondary metabolites as well as the secretion of hydrolytic cell wall degrading enzymes also plays inevitable roles during microbial antagonism. The indirect mechanisms involve the interaction between Trichoderma with host plants. Working as a plant growth promoter, inducing systemic resistance against biotic and abiotic stressors, and enhancing the uptake of nutrients are other beneficial roles exhibited by Trichoderma during plant–microbe interactions. The current chapter is intended to discuss in detail on the mechanisms of Trichoderma-mediated management of plant pathogenesis. The knowledge and understanding on the tripartite symbiotic interaction between Trichoderma with other beneficial plant microorganisms and host plants would explore new avenues for improving sustainable agriculture.