Role of trichoderma spp. As a biocontrol agent of fungal plant pathogens

Abstract

In developing countries, there is rampant use of chemical pesticides to control plant diseases by agriculturist. Pesticides not only pollute the soil but also cause environmental pollution and human hazard. Among the fungal biocontrol agents, Trichoderma spp. Are being used most abundantly against plant pathogens. Several species of Trichoderma which produce volatile and non-volatile antibiotics and enzymes are antagonistic to phytopathogenic fungi and nematodes. Trichoderma spp. Are free-living and abundantly present in the soil and rhizosphere region and are mycoparasitic of several soilborne plant pathogens. It has also been exploited successfully as a biocontrol agent for controlling the foliar diseases of economically important plants. The fungus is effective against pathogens causing various diseases of the root region of plants, viz. Collar rot, foot rot, damping off, etc. In the rhizosphere region, some strains of Trichoderma spp. Release metabolites which improve the growth of seedling, and it also causes resistance against abiotic stress. Trichoderma spp. Have great potential against soilborne pathogens, and it may be able to replace chemical pesticides in the near future.