HARNESSING TRICHODERMA SPP. FOR SUSTAINABLE PLANT DISEASE MANAGEMENT: MECHANISMS, METABOLITES AND APPLICATION STRATEGIES- A REVIEW
Ayyandurai M.1M. Theradimani2*, I. Yesu Raja1, R. Balakumbahan3, S. Merina Prem Kumari4, A. Kavitha Pushpam5 and N. Revathy1
1Department of Plant Pathology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai – 625 104, Tamil Nadu, India
2*Department of Plant Pathology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Killikulam – 628 252, Tamil Nadu, India
3Horticulture Research Station (TNAU), Thadiyankudisai, Dindugal-624 212, Tamil Nadu, India
4Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai – 625 104, Tamil Nadu, India
5Department of Crop Physiology & Biochemistry, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Kllikulam – 628 252, Tamil Nadu, India
*Corresponding author’s E-mail: ayyanduraipatho9793@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Trichoderma spp. has emerged as a potent biological control agent (BCA) for managing plant diseases, offering sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides. This review explores the multifaceted roles of Trichoderma spp. in plant disease suppression, growth promotion, and induced systemic resistance. The success of Trichoderma spp. as a BCA lies in its diverse mechanisms of action, including mycoparasitism, competition, antibiosis, and induction of systemic resistance. Notably, Trichoderma spp. produce a range of volatile compounds that inhibit plant pathogens while promoting plant growth. Furthermore, their ability to solubilize nutrients, such as iron and phosphate, and produce phytohormones like auxins, contributes to enhanced plant vitality. Molecular characterization has facilitated the identification of various Trichoderma species with distinct biocontrol properties. Application methods, including seed treatment, soil application, and foliar spray, have been developed to optimize the efficacy of Trichoderma-based biocontrol strategies. Overall, Trichoderma spp. exhibited the multiple mode of actions against the pathogens and which used as a versatile and effective biocontrol agent for integrated disease management and sustainable agriculture
Keywords: Trichoderma spp., Biological control agent, Plant diseases, Disease suppression, Growth promotion, Sustainable agriculture
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