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<p>Global food security is increasingly threatened by plant diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, which reduce crop yields by approximately 11–30% worldwide and cause substantial economic losses. Although synthetic fungicides have long been the primary defense control strategy, their overuse has created environmental and health risks while promoting resistant pathogen strains. Consequently, there is growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Among biological control agents, <i>Trichoderma</i> species, a genus of filamentous fungi, have emerged as effective and versatile antagonists of plant pathogens due to their diverse mechanisms of action. <i>Trichoderma</i> spp. combats pathogens through both direct and indirect means. Direct mechanisms include mycoparasitism, in which fungal cell walls are attacked and degraded by hydrolytic enzymes such as chitinases, and antibiosis, involving the production of antifungal metabolites. Indirectly, these fungi enhance plant defense by competing for nutrients and space in the rhizosphere and by inducing systemic resistance (ISR). ISR is primarily mediated by signalling pathways, particularly jasmonic acid and ethylene-dependent signalling pathways, leading to the activation of defense-related enzymes and accumulation of protective metabolites, boosting plant resilience against diverse pathogens. This review also highlights the taxonomy and biological characteristics of agriculturally important species such as <i>T. harzianum</i>, <i>T. viride</i>, and <i>T. asperellum</i>, each known for specific biocontrol properties and commercial applications. Owing to their ecological adaptability and proven efficacy, <i>Trichoderma</i> spp. represents a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides, thereby enhancing crop productivity and environmental safety. Future research focussing on the molecular mechanisms, host-pathogen interactions, and advanced bioformulation development will be essential for their effective integration into sustainable agricultural systems.</p>

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Trichoderma species as sustainable biocontrol agents: mechanisms, applications, and future prospects in plant disease management

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月29日

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  • Sunil Kumar,
  • Sheetal Jaiswal,
  • Vinod Kumar,
  • Punam Kumari,
  • Ram Sanmukh Upadhyay

摘要

Global food security is increasingly threatened by plant diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, which reduce crop yields by approximately 11–30% worldwide and cause substantial economic losses. Although synthetic fungicides have long been the primary defense control strategy, their overuse has created environmental and health risks while promoting resistant pathogen strains. Consequently, there is growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Among biological control agents, Trichoderma species, a genus of filamentous fungi, have emerged as effective and versatile antagonists of plant pathogens due to their diverse mechanisms of action. Trichoderma spp. combats pathogens through both direct and indirect means. Direct mechanisms include mycoparasitism, in which fungal cell walls are attacked and degraded by hydrolytic enzymes such as chitinases, and antibiosis, involving the production of antifungal metabolites. Indirectly, these fungi enhance plant defense by competing for nutrients and space in the rhizosphere and by inducing systemic resistance (ISR). ISR is primarily mediated by signalling pathways, particularly jasmonic acid and ethylene-dependent signalling pathways, leading to the activation of defense-related enzymes and accumulation of protective metabolites, boosting plant resilience against diverse pathogens. This review also highlights the taxonomy and biological characteristics of agriculturally important species such as T. harzianum, T. viride, and T. asperellum, each known for specific biocontrol properties and commercial applications. Owing to their ecological adaptability and proven efficacy, Trichoderma spp. represents a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides, thereby enhancing crop productivity and environmental safety. Future research focussing on the molecular mechanisms, host-pathogen interactions, and advanced bioformulation development will be essential for their effective integration into sustainable agricultural systems.