Trichoderma as a possible biocontrol agent and its use in agriculture

Abstract

Increased agricultural food production is required to feed the growing global population. However, risk of pest infestation hugely hampers the agricultural production every year. The main factor reducing this loss is the usage of chemical insecticides. Even though these compounds are highly effective, they have a severe impact on both human life and the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to create innovative, secure alternatives that are both effective and safe. Trichoderma species are opportunistic, avirulent plant symbionts. Their symbiotic relationship with plants increases plant resilience to diseases, enhances growth and productivity, encourages nutrient uptake and fertilizer use efficiency. Antibiosis, competition, and mycoparasitism are a few of the key ways that Trichoderma responds to the presence of other competing pathogenic organisms by inhibiting or blocking their growth, among other biocontrol mechanisms. Indirectly and directly, the use of Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent for insect pest has been contemplated recently. Trichoderma is capable of directly reducing insect pests through parasitism and the formation of insecticidal secondary metabolites, antifeedant chemicals, and repellent metabolites, according to studies conducted so far. Additionally, indirectly, through the induction of innate plant defence mechanisms, the recruitment of natural enemies, or the parasitism of microorganisms that lives in symbiotic relationship with insects. The existing data on Trichoderma spp. and its biocontrol activity in long-term disease management programmes are reviewed in this work.