Trichoderma a Holistic Fungus with Biocontrol Potential for Agricultural Diseases

Trichoderma is a genus, belonging to the division Ascomycota (Sordari
omycetes, Hypocreales, Hypocreaceae) that have been popularly used as a biocon
trol agent in agriculture because of their ability to interact and antagonize
phytopathogenic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and oomycetes.
Trichoderma can easily be isolated from natural soil, dead and decaying plant organic
matter, and wood and are classified as imperfect fungi. Production of antibiotics, competition for nutrients, and parasitism are considered as direct antagonistic mech
anisms of Trichoderma during microbe-pathogen interactions. The production of
secondary metabolites as well as the secretion of hydrolytic cell wall degrading
enzymes also plays inevitable roles during microbial antagonism. The indirect mech
anisms involve the interaction between Trichoderma with host plants. Working as a
plant growth promoter, inducing systemic resistance against biotic and abiotic stres
sors, and enhancing the uptake of nutrients are other beneficial roles exhibited by
Trichoderma during plant–microbe interactions. The current chapter is intended to
discuss in detail on the mechanisms of Trichoderma-mediated management of plant
pathogenesis. The knowledge and understanding on the tripartite symbiotic inter
action between Trichoderma with other beneficial plant microorganisms and host
plants would explore new avenues for improving sustainable agriculture.