An insightful review on the impact of Trichoderma species as potent biocontrol agents for enhancing crop resilience

Abstract

Recent research has highlighted the various roles of Trichoderma species as soil fertility improvers and rhizosphere inhabitants, which enhance root growth, promote plant growth, and increase crop yields. In addition to their well-known function as biocontrol agents, Trichoderma species play a significant role in commercial crops such as sugarcane, Paddy, groundnut, plantation crops, vegetables, and flowers. Historically, most plant diseases and nematodes have been controlled using conventional methods. However, recent studies have emphasized the incorporation of biocontrol agents in integrated disease management. Among these, Trichoderma species have proven to be particularly effective in managing phytopathogenic fungi and nematodes while also promoting growth and yield in various crops. Some plant diseases require species-specific interactions, so this review focuses on the different strains of Trichoderma and their effectiveness in controlling various diseases affecting agricultural and horticultural crops.