Elucidating the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma yunnanense TM10 for managing sheath blight disease (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Trichoderma species are well known biological control agents due to their production of bioactive metabolites and ability to induce plant defense responses. This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma yunnanense TM10 against Rhizoctonia solani Kühn, the causal agent of rice sheath blight, using in vitro assays, metabolomic analyses, and greenhouse experiments. Secondary metabolite extracts of T. yunnanense TM10 showed strong antifungal activity, with ethyl acetate extracts inhibiting mycelial growth by up to 75.43%. HS-SPME–GC–MS analysis identified 13 volatile organic compounds, dominated by ethanol and cyclotetrasiloxane, while LC–MS/MS revealed 19 non-volatile metabolites, including peptaibols, siderophores, antimicrobial peptides, and plant defense–related compounds. Greenhouse trials demonstrated significant disease suppression, reducing disease severity from 62% to 8%, and enhancing rice physiological and defense responses. T. yunnanense TM10 also promoted rice growth and biomass accumulation. Overall, T. yunnanense TM10 shows strong potential as an eco-friendly biocontrol agent for sustainable management of rice sheath blight.