Implementation of Trichoderma spp. for conservation of soil health

Abstract

Applications of extensive use of fungicides for the protection of crops from diseases have serious consequences on the environment and consumers. Disease suppression, through biocontrol agents (BCAs), is outcome interaction among the plants, pathogens and the microbial community. Soil microbes are capable of influencing the productivity, composition and diversity of plant communities directly or indirectly. Trichoderma spp. have potential to keep safe plants from pathogen populations under distinct soil conditions. Trichoderma spp. produce biologically active compounds, antibiotics, hydrolytic enzymes including cell wall-degrading enzymes and secondary metabolites which act against pathogen and promote growth of plants. It also releases metabolites helping resistance against biotic stress. BCAs Trichoderma spp. have been studied broadly and commercially marketed as biofertilizers, biopesticides and soil amendments. In the rhizosphere region, Trichoderma spp. act against soilborne pathogens and have potential to conserve soil health by replacing harmful chemicals in the near future.