Trichoderma

Introduction

Trichoderma is a genus of beneficial fungi that plays a dual role in agriculture — protecting crops from soil-borne pathogens and enhancing plant growth. It is one of the most commercially successful and scientifically validated biocontrol agents. Used in seed treatment, soil application, and even foliar sprays, Trichoderma is a cornerstone of integrated disease management and regenerative soil practices.

Scientific Description

Trichoderma spp. are fast-growing, filamentous fungi, commonly found in root zones and decaying organic matter. The most studied species include Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, and T. asperellum. These fungi are mycoparasitic, meaning they attack and inhibit other fungi, while also releasing enzymes and metabolites that stimulate plant defenses and nutrient uptake.

Key biological traits:

• Mycoparasitism: Coils around and penetrates pathogenic fungal hyphae, degrading them via enzymes like chitinases and glucanases.
• Antibiosis: Produces secondary metabolites (e.g., gliotoxin, viridin) that suppress pathogens.
• ISR (Induced Systemic Resistance): Triggers plant immune systems for long-lasting protection.
• Root Colonization: Enhances nutrient uptake and root branching.
• Organic Matter Decomposition: Aids in composting and soil structure improvement.

Benefits

• Suppresses Soil-Borne Pathogens: Effective against Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Pythium, Sclerotium, and others.
• Promotes Plant Growth: Releases auxin-like compounds, solubilizes phosphate, and enhances root development.
• Induces Resistance: Boosts plant immunity, reducing need for chemical fungicides.
• Improves Soil Structure: Breaks down organic residues, enhancing soil aeration and aggregation.
• Works in Compost & Soil: Active in decomposed organic matter, making it ideal for compost fortification.

Uses

• Crops Benefited: Most horticultural and field crops — tomato, chili, brinjal, cabbage, cotton, maize, rice, banana, sugarcane, turmeric, and more.
• Target Diseases: Root rots, wilt, damping-off, sheath blight, collar rot.
• Application Methods:
  • Seed treatment: 4–10 g/kg seed
  • Soil application: 2–5 kg/acre with compost or FYM
  • Nursery/root dipping: 5 g/L water for transplants
  • Compost inoculation: Added during curing stage to enrich compost
• Co-usage: Compatible with Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, and mycorrhizae

Trivia

• Trichoderma is one of the first fungal biocontrol agents to be commercialized globally.
• Some strains are known to degrade pesticide residues in soil.
• It is also studied for improving drought tolerance in crops.
• Trichoderma can survive in diverse environments — from acidic forest soils to alkaline arable lands.