Trichoderma: A Review of its Mechanisms of Action in Plant Sustainable Disease Control

Abstract

Trichoderma has been widely studied for its potential as a bioagent for managing plant pathogens. Trichoderma's biological control mechanisms include competition, modification of environmental conditions, antibiosis, induction of plant defensive mechanisms, mycoparasitism, and plant growth promotion. Trichoderma produces diverse metabolites that have antifungal activity. These metabolites include peptaibols, gliotoxin, and trichokonins. Trichoderma also produces β-1,3-glucanases and chitinases that can break down fungal pathogens' cell walls. In addition to direct antagonism against fungal pathogens, Trichoderma can also trigger localised or systemic resistance in plants, which is achieved through the production of elicitors such as chitin oligosaccharides and β-glucans that activate plant defence responses. Trichoderma can also form mutualistic associations with plants. Trichoderma colonises plant roots in these partnerships, enhancing growth by boosting nutrient uptake and triggering systemic resistance. As a biomanagement agent, Trichoderma offers numerous benefits compared to traditional crop protection methods, like synthetic pesticides.