A Review on the Overview of Trichoderma - A Versatile Biocontrol Agent and Plant Growth Promotor

Yogasankari Raju; Ganesh Punamalai

doi:doi:10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11

Review Article |

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A Review on the Overview of Trichoderma - A Versatile Biocontrol Agent and Plant Growth Promotor

Yogasankari Raju

, Ganesh Punamalai^*

Published in Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology (Volume 11, Issue 2)

Received: 22 March 2025 Accepted: 3 April 2025 Published: 27 April 2025

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Abstract

Trichoderma is an economically important microorganism that arises from farming fields to industry. Trichoderma species are beneficial microorganisms in agro-ecosystems, enhancing soil health, promoting crop growth, and encouraging the uptake and utilization of micro- and macronutrients through mutualistic endophytic associations. It regulates microbial interactions and influences the soil microbiome through direct antagonism and competition, particularly in the rhizosphere. Trichoderma species serve as biocontrol agents and enhancers of plant growth, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. This study explored the ecological flexibility of Trichoderma, which thrives in soil and forms beneficial relationships with plants, leading to improved nutrient uptake, increased crop yields, and greater disease resistance. This review discusses the potential of Trichoderma in promoting plant growth through the solubilization of nutrients and the production of phytohormones, reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. As eco-friendly substitutions to conventional chemical pesticides in disease management and crop development, biocontrol agents have gained prominence. Species of Trichoderma possess grown into a flexible tool for biocontrol, biofertilization, and phyto-stimulation, and they assemble a key microbial community that impacts climate-resilient agriculture. Recent studies have highlighted Trichoderma's capacity to improve soil health and establish sustainable farming methods, making it an essential element in tackling environmental sustainability and food production problems.

Published in	Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology (Volume 11, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11
Page(s)	19-25
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Trichoderma, Biocontrol Mechanism, Phytohormones, Endophtyic Association, Sustainable Farming, Disease Resistance

1. Introduction

Agriculture’s impact on the environment is significant, but it can become more harmonious with nature through sustainable practices and innovation. Balancing the need for food production with environmental protection is critical for ensuring a healthy planet and future generations’ food security. It depends on balancing sustainability and productivity. Combined with traditional knowledge, technological innovations can generate a more resilient and effective agricultural system. Policymakers’ support and funding for R&D are crucial for addressing issues and securing opportunities in the agricultural sector.

We can guarantee agriculture and humanity a sustainable and successful future by resolving their challenges and embracing improvements. A growing trend in sustainable agriculture is the use of biocontrol and bio-stimulate agents, particularly for fungi. Biological (BCAs), which are based on live microorganisms or their metabolites and naturally occurring products that regulate plant pathogen populations, are among these techniques. A significant amount of work has been done in the last few decades to investigate the viability and efficacy of nonpathogenic bacteria and fungi to promote them as BCAs

[1]

. Using well-known species; Trichoderma, Beauveria, and Metarhizium, are examples. Certain distinct qualities are necessary for an efficient and possible BCA to enable successful bio-control of plant diseases, i.e., i) a long lifespan and the ability to survive in the soil in both an inactive and an active state; ii) host specificity; iii) ease of laboratory multiplication; and iv) economical and ecologically friendly. Trichoderma uses a range of mechanisms to manage the phenomenon of bio-control. These mechanisms include its direct presence at the infection site and its ability to passively activate and trigger different biochemical pathways within the plant system. Therefore, a great deal of research has gone into identifying the specific mechanisms that a given BCA uses to function in various experimental conditions

[2]

. An extensive study of the functions of Trichoderma species as biocontrol agents was presented by

[3]

, emphasizing the latter's capacity to improve nutrient intake and create systemic resistance in plants.

Trichoderma, a genus of filamentous fungi, has gained significant attention in the field of agriculture because of its remarkable ability as a biocontrol agent and plant growth stimulator. These fungi are ubiquitous in the soil and rhizosphere, where they thrive and establish multitrophic interactions with various organisms, including plants and arthropods. The biocontrol potential of Trichoderma is well-documented, as it is effective against a wide range of soil-borne and foliar plant pathogens. The versatility of Trichoderma in occupying diverse ecological niches can be attributed to its nutritional adaptability and ability to produce a variety of secondary metabolites, enzymes, and other compounds that inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms

[4, 5]

. One of the key mechanisms by which Trichoderma exerts its biocontrol activity is through the production of potent inhibitory molecules, such as gliovirin and siderophore. These compounds can directly suppress the growth and development of phytopathogenic microorganisms, thus protecting plants from disease. In addition to its biocontrol activities, Trichoderma also plays a crucial role in stimulating plant growth and development. Endophytic associations between Trichoderma and the seeds and roots of host plants can result in enhanced plant growth, improved crop productivity, and alleviation of abiotic stress. Such beneficial effects are mediated through the activation of endogenous mechanisms controlled by phytohormones, such as auxins and abscisic acid, as well as by alterations in host plant metabolism

[6]

. Known for their widespread occurrence in soil and root ecosystems, Trichoderma spp. are celebrated for their capabilities in biological control of plant diseases and as biostimulators of plant growth.

Recent research highlights the efficacy of Trichoderma species in managing a variety of plant pathogens through mechanisms such as mycoparasitic, competition for nutrients and space, and the production of antimicrobial compounds

[7]

. Trichoderma has been found to enhance plant growth by improving nutrient uptake, promoting root development, and inducing systemic resistance against plant pathogens

[8]

. These properties make Trichoderma a valuable tool in sustainable agriculture, providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. This review discusses recent research that underscores these dual roles, highlighting the mechanisms through which Trichoderma species contribute to sustainable agriculture.

2. Environmental Performance of Trichoderma

Many important biological control strategies that Trichoderma spp. Used to inhibit fungal infections has been highlighted in recent study. Trichoderma species employ various tactics, including mycoparasitism, antibiosis, gliotoxin, competition, and environmental condition modification. They also produce secondary metabolites, such as peptaibols, gliotoxin, and Trichoderma.

2.1. Biocontrol Potential of Trichoderma

Biocontrol agents are preferred over chemical pesticides with no harm to the environment and target specific. Live organisms such as parasites, predators, and pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi are examples of biological control agents. The many physicochemical factors to which they are exposed primarily influenced these functions. Therefore, biocontrol exerted by Trichoderma strains is sometimes unpredictable. The genetic diversity of strains within Trichoderma species and their mechanisms of biocontrol will lead to improved application of the different strains as BCAs

[9]

. emphasized the efficiency of different microbial strains, including Trichoderma, in controlling Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum strains in cucumber, banana, and tomato. Trichoderma generates chitinases and β-1, 3-glucanases, which break down fungal cell walls, and elicit such chitin oligosaccharides and β-glucan that cause systemic or localized resistance in plants

[10]

. Trichoderma is a powerful biocontrol agent that has advantages over traditional pesticide-based crop protection techniques because of these complex mechanisms.

Trichoderma is a genus of fungi that can combat relationships with plants through several mechanisms, such as (1) Competing for resources; (2) producing antifungal metabolites; (3) Stimulating plant defense mechanisms; (4) Engaging in mycoparasitism, where it directly attacks and degrades pathogenic fungi

[11]

. Trichoderma provides a more environmentally friendly and long-lasting disease treatment option. They support a balanced ecology by assisting in lowering dependency on chemical treatments. Trichoderma employs a variety of strategies, including competition, antibiosis, mycoparasitism, and inducing plant defense responses, to function as a powerful biocontrol agent against plant infections.

2.2. Plant-Defense Mechanisms

Trichoderma species produce secondary metabolites like peptaibols, gliotoxin, and chitinases that inhibit fungal growth by degrading the cell walls of pathogens. Additionally, Trichoderma can induce systemic or localized resistance in plants by producing elicitors that activate plant defense mechanisms, promoting plant growth and nutrient uptake. Potential for these communities to enhance plant health and disease management strategies

[12]

. According to studies, Trichoderma isolates like T. Chinese and T. citrinoviride are potential substitutes for synthetic chemical fungicides in agriculture because they efficiently suppress soil-borne pathogens like Pythium aphanidermatum, lowering disease incidence and promoting plant growth. The efficacies of Trichoderma ghanese and Trichoderma citrinoviride against Pythium aphanidermatum, the pathogen that causes cucumber damping-off disease, were studied. Trichoderma's antifungal properties are because of its production of metabolites that cause morphological changes in the pathogen's mycelium, leading to significant malformations in P. aphanidermatum mycelia

[13]

. In plant tissues, Trichoderma promotes the deposition of structural polymers like glycoproteins and lignins. These substances fortify the plant's physical defenses against pathogens, increasing its resistance to invasions

[14]

. Subsequent generations may inherit the favorable effects of Trichoderma on plant health, suggesting a long-term influence on plant development and resilience. Highlighting the potential of Trichoderma that leads to a solution for sustainable disease management in agriculture.

2.3. Mycoprasitism and Antibiosis

Trichoderma-mediated plant pathogen biocontrol relies heavily on mycoparasitic and competition. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are regulated by Trichoderma species, including Trichoderma virens and Trichoderma harzianum, which display mycoparasitic behavior by identifying and penetrating host cells and efficiently eliminating plant diseases like Rhizoctonia solani.

This study analyzes the genome and transcriptome of T. harzianum T4 access gene expression during contact with Rhizoctonia solani and examined the molecular mechanisms influencing T. Hrozny's infiltration.

[15]

. Trichoderma is effective against a wide range of phytopathogens. Recent studies have investigated the antagonistic effects of Trichoderma, a species (T. harzianum, T. koningiopsis, T. asperellum, T. tomentosum, and T. virens) on Colletotrichum, the pathogen that causes anthracnose in pecans, in vitro. Techniques are crucial for assessing antagonistic activity using inhibition tests and dual culture assays. Significantly, the ability to produce volatile metabolites and the degree of antagonism exhibited by Trichoderma virens and T. tomentosum are key factors influencing their biocontrol potential

[16]

. This mechanism is crucial in controlling soil-borne diseases in crops and developing Trichoderma as an effective biocontrol agent.

2.4. Antimicrobial Compound Production

Trichoderma species are known for their production of antimicrobial compounds, making them valuable biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. This genus of species and many more compounds are being identified daily because of advancements in technology. Production of Secondary Metabolites (SM) is the primary focus of research on Trichoderma. Trichoderma species are helpful in their ability to regulate biological processes and potentially produce bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties, making them essential for the production of natural fungicides. Recent research on Trichoderma strains of Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma atroviride exhibit significant antifungal activity against a range of pathogenic fungi and oomycetes with Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values ranging from 0.19 to 6.25 mg/mL, showing their potential as effective biocontrol agents. The direct contact method resulted in the highest percentage of radial growth inhibition (76% for T. asperellum) and 81% for T. Atroviride). A total of seven classes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and twelve nonvolatile organic compounds (VOCs) molecules were identified through GC-MS and HPLC-Q-TOF-MS analyses, which may contribute to their antifungal properties. It could be developed into an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides

[17]

. Trichoderma fungus, found in plant roots, enhances nutrient intake and disease resistance by producing secondary metabolites that activate defense mechanisms and inhibit pathogen growth. Trichoderma-derived metabolites could be a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides, aiding in disease management and promoting environmental sustainability by reducing agricultural chemical inputs

[18]

. One of the significant research for the design of new antimicrobial agents and cytotoxic drugs for cancer treatment from the derivatives of trichodermin, particularly those with a short chain at the C-4 position, exhibited selective antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans. Cytotoxic selectivity of certain derivatives against the MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line but not against the non-tumoral Fa2N4 human hepatocytes, suggesting a targeted approach in cancer treatment. The significance of trichodermin derivatives could lead to the development of more effective therapeutic agents and enhance the knowledge of their biological activities

[19]

3. Plant Growth Promotion

Microorganisms such as algae, actinomycetes, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa are abundant in soil. The diverse collection of nonpathogenic fungi known as plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPFs) can be found in the rhizosphere, on the surfaces of plant roots, or inside plant roots. Plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs) in soils comprise both fungi (PGPF) and rhizobacteria PGPR

[20]

. Recent developments in our knowledge of the interactions between plants and PGPMs have given us profound insights into the precise molecular mechanisms behind these beneficial interactions in adverse environmental settings. Trending research explores the potential of beneficial microorganisms as sustainable alternatives to environmental stressors in crop protection.

3.1. Nutrient Solubilization

The free-living fungi known as Trichoderma spp., are found in almost all terrestrial habitats. These soil fungi can promote plant development, improve macro- and micronutrient intake, and enhance plant water uptake. The importance of particular fungi's capacity to solubilize insoluble phosphates for plants to acquire phosphorus. Because of their proven effectiveness in this process, fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma are crucial parts of commercial microbial products meant to increase soil fertility. This implies that employing the utilization of these microbes can help promote more environmentally friendly farming methods by lowering the need for chemical fertilizers. This study examines previous research and conclusions regarding mycorrhizal fungi, as well as how effective they are at acquiring nutrients.

[21]

. Several important fungi are identified, including Trichoderma species, which are associated with plant roots and function as biological control agents against plant diseases. They should be studied to improve plant health and nutrient uptake because of their dual roles. In a recent study, researchers evaluated the in vitro potential of various Trichoderma spp, isolates to solubilize calcium phosphate in a specific culture medium (PVK) and investigate the ability to acidify the medium and produce phosphatase enzymes, which are critical for phosphate solubilization. The researchers used a specific culture medium known as PVK (Pikovskaya's medium), which is designed to promote the solubilisation of calcium phosphate. During the examined time intervals, ICB08 (T. asperellum) solubilized higher amounts of phosphate than the other isolates. This shows that it can be a very strong phosphate solubilisation agent

[22]

. The effective Phosphate -solubilization process of Trichoderma aids plant nourishment. A recent study, which also emphasizes its role in nutrient solubilization, highlights the potential of this approach in sustainable agriculture methods.

3.2. Projection of Growth-Promoting Hormones

Plant growth hormones are signaling molecules produced within plants that control all aspects of plant growth. Plant hormones are not nutrients but chemical substances that, in small amounts, impact and stimulate the growth, development, and differentiation of cells and tissues. It's also known as “phytohormones”. Generally, plant growth promotion by Trichoderma is a consequence of the activity of potent fungal signaling metabolites diffused in soil with hormone-like activity. Key compounds include indolic compounds like indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which are produced in varying concentrations, and volatile organic compounds such as sesquiterpene isoprenoids and 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one (6-PP) and it can lead to significant biochemical changes in plants, affecting their content of carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, and lipids. It has been observed in various plant species, including Arabidopsis thaliana, maize, tomato, and barley. The importance of Trichoderma spp. In promoting plant growth, enhancing nutrient acquisition, and providing resilience against environmental stresses has been studied

[23]

. Trichoderma species are effective bio-fertilizers, and their ability to produce phytohormones to enhance plant growth.

According to recent findings, Trichoderma isolates from the olive ecosystem have a significant potential to generate biomolecules known to promote plant growth. (PGP). Trichoderma harzianum T11 (OL587563) was the most promising strain among the isolates that were evaluated. Through in vitro screening, the ability of the isolated strains were produce plant growth metabolites, phytohormone quantification, phosphatase solubilization, and HPLC precise method to measure the concentration of phytohormone (IAA- Indole 3-acetic acid) to be tested. The capacity to generate substantial quantities of advantageous biomolecules makes it a competitive substitute for the growth of olive crops. They emphasize the importance of conducting field studies to evaluate the efficiency of the T11 strain in real soil-plant systems and the use of Trichoderma harzianum T11 as a bio-fertilizer, which could contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in olive farming

[24]

3.3. Root Colonization Mechanisms

A mycorrhizal association occurs when a fungus invades the root tissues of the host plant, either extracellularly with ectomycorrhizal fungi or intracellularly in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. From the symbiotic association between plants and fungi, fungi help nutrient uptake to the plant through association. Trichoderma species have a well-established history of stimulating aboveground biomass growth and generating phytohormones that boost root development. According to comparative genomics research, the lifestyle of Trichoderma underwent a transition in a later evolutionary event that resulted in root colonization, endophytism, and the development of stable and advantageous partnerships with plants. Provided a wealth of information that enabled a deeper understanding of this important fungal genus. Trichoderma is a beneficial fungus found in soil and root ecosystems worldwide. Trichoderma atroviride, Serendipita indica, and S. vermifera promote plant growth when they colonize the roots of host plants. Particularly in the field of Trichoderma research, the relationship between plant roots and Trichoderma species is beneficial, leading to an improvement in the plant's immune responses referred to known as “Priming of Defences”. They identified various genes and proteins that are regulated differently in various tissues of maize after inoculation with Trichoderma atroviride and conducted a time-course expression experiment to monitor changes from the initial interaction with T. atroviride, through the plant's growth, and during an infection by Colletotrichum graminicola, a pathogen that affects maize. To examine the function of epigenetic modifications as well, which are modifications to gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence, these epigenetic markers contribute to the prolonged activation of the primed state in maize plants, we devised assays to evaluate chromatin structure and changes

[25]

. However,

[26, 27]

noted that while Trichoderma shows promise, the variability in colonization success across different plant species suggests that further research is needed to optimize its application in diverse agricultural settings

[28-30]

. From the Overall findings, Trichoderma's role in root colonization presents a valuable avenue for enhancing plant health and productivity.

4. Conclusion

Trichoderma is a highly versatile and beneficial fungus that plays a crucial role in modern agriculture and environmental sustainability it is a vital component of sustainable agricultural operations because of its capacity to function as a natural biocontrol agent, encourage plant development, improve soil health, and increase plant resilience to diseases. With applications ranging from agriculture and horticulture to bioremediation and aquaculture, Trichoderma offers eco-friendly solutions that reduce the reliance on chemical inputs, promote healthier crops, and contribute to the overall health of ecosystems. The significance of Trichoderma in influencing the direction of agriculture is increasing as the demand for organic and sustainable farming grows.

Abbreviations

BCA	Biological Control Agent
DEG	Differently Expressed Genes
SM	Secondary Metabolites
MFC	Minimum Fungicidal Concentration
VOC	Volatile Organic Compounds
PGPF	Plant Growth-promoting Fungi
PGPM	Plant Growth-promoting Microbes
PVK	Pikovskaya's Medium
IAA	Indole-3-Acetic Acid
HPLC	High- Performance Liquid Chromatography
DNA	Deoxy-Ribo Nucleic Acid

Acknowledgments

I would like to sincerely thank my mentors and colleagues for their valuable guidance and support throughout the preparation for this review. We are also thankful to the authors and researchers whose work provided a strong foundation for this paper. Their contributions have helped to shape the literature and advance knowledge in this field.

Author Contributions

Yogasankari Raju: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Methodology, Resources, Software, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Ganesh Punamalai: Conceptualization, Investigation, Supervision, Validation

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Raju, Y., Punamalai, G. (2025). A Review on the Overview of Trichoderma - A Versatile Biocontrol Agent and Plant Growth Promotor. Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology, 11(2), 19-25. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11

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Raju, Y.; Punamalai, G. A Review on the Overview of Trichoderma - A Versatile Biocontrol Agent and Plant Growth Promotor. Front. Environ. Microbiol. 2025, 11(2), 19-25. doi: 10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11

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AMA Style

Raju Y, Punamalai G. A Review on the Overview of Trichoderma - A Versatile Biocontrol Agent and Plant Growth Promotor. Front Environ Microbiol. 2025;11(2):19-25. doi: 10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11

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@article{10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11,
  author = {Yogasankari Raju and Ganesh Punamalai},
  title = {A Review on the Overview of Trichoderma - A Versatile Biocontrol Agent and Plant Growth Promotor
},
  journal = {Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {19-25},
  doi = {10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.fem.20251102.11},
  abstract = {Trichoderma is an economically important microorganism that arises from farming fields to industry. Trichoderma species are beneficial microorganisms in agro-ecosystems, enhancing soil health, promoting crop growth, and encouraging the uptake and utilization of micro- and macronutrients through mutualistic endophytic associations. It regulates microbial interactions and influences the soil microbiome through direct antagonism and competition, particularly in the rhizosphere. Trichoderma species serve as biocontrol agents and enhancers of plant growth, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. This study explored the ecological flexibility of Trichoderma, which thrives in soil and forms beneficial relationships with plants, leading to improved nutrient uptake, increased crop yields, and greater disease resistance. This review discusses the potential of Trichoderma in promoting plant growth through the solubilization of nutrients and the production of phytohormones, reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. As eco-friendly substitutions to conventional chemical pesticides in disease management and crop development, biocontrol agents have gained prominence. Species of Trichoderma possess grown into a flexible tool for biocontrol, biofertilization, and phyto-stimulation, and they assemble a key microbial community that impacts climate-resilient agriculture. Recent studies have highlighted Trichoderma's capacity to improve soil health and establish sustainable farming methods, making it an essential element in tackling environmental sustainability and food production problems.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Review on the Overview of Trichoderma - A Versatile Biocontrol Agent and Plant Growth Promotor

AU  - Yogasankari Raju
AU  - Ganesh Punamalai
Y1  - 2025/04/27
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11
T2  - Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology
JF  - Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology
JO  - Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology
SP  - 19
EP  - 25
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2469-8067
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11
AB  - Trichoderma is an economically important microorganism that arises from farming fields to industry. Trichoderma species are beneficial microorganisms in agro-ecosystems, enhancing soil health, promoting crop growth, and encouraging the uptake and utilization of micro- and macronutrients through mutualistic endophytic associations. It regulates microbial interactions and influences the soil microbiome through direct antagonism and competition, particularly in the rhizosphere. Trichoderma species serve as biocontrol agents and enhancers of plant growth, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. This study explored the ecological flexibility of Trichoderma, which thrives in soil and forms beneficial relationships with plants, leading to improved nutrient uptake, increased crop yields, and greater disease resistance. This review discusses the potential of Trichoderma in promoting plant growth through the solubilization of nutrients and the production of phytohormones, reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. As eco-friendly substitutions to conventional chemical pesticides in disease management and crop development, biocontrol agents have gained prominence. Species of Trichoderma possess grown into a flexible tool for biocontrol, biofertilization, and phyto-stimulation, and they assemble a key microbial community that impacts climate-resilient agriculture. Recent studies have highlighted Trichoderma's capacity to improve soil health and establish sustainable farming methods, making it an essential element in tackling environmental sustainability and food production problems.

VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Yogasankari Raju

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, India

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0007-9281-6996
Ganesh Punamalai

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, India

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6509-857X

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APA Style

Raju, Y., Punamalai, G. (2025). A Review on the Overview of Trichoderma - A Versatile Biocontrol Agent and Plant Growth Promotor. Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology, 11(2), 19-25. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11

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ACS Style

Raju, Y.; Punamalai, G. A Review on the Overview of Trichoderma - A Versatile Biocontrol Agent and Plant Growth Promotor. Front. Environ. Microbiol. 2025, 11(2), 19-25. doi: 10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11

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AMA Style

Raju Y, Punamalai G. A Review on the Overview of Trichoderma - A Versatile Biocontrol Agent and Plant Growth Promotor. Front Environ Microbiol. 2025;11(2):19-25. doi: 10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11,
  author = {Yogasankari Raju and Ganesh Punamalai},
  title = {A Review on the Overview of Trichoderma - A Versatile Biocontrol Agent and Plant Growth Promotor
},
  journal = {Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {19-25},
  doi = {10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.fem.20251102.11},
  abstract = {Trichoderma is an economically important microorganism that arises from farming fields to industry. Trichoderma species are beneficial microorganisms in agro-ecosystems, enhancing soil health, promoting crop growth, and encouraging the uptake and utilization of micro- and macronutrients through mutualistic endophytic associations. It regulates microbial interactions and influences the soil microbiome through direct antagonism and competition, particularly in the rhizosphere. Trichoderma species serve as biocontrol agents and enhancers of plant growth, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. This study explored the ecological flexibility of Trichoderma, which thrives in soil and forms beneficial relationships with plants, leading to improved nutrient uptake, increased crop yields, and greater disease resistance. This review discusses the potential of Trichoderma in promoting plant growth through the solubilization of nutrients and the production of phytohormones, reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. As eco-friendly substitutions to conventional chemical pesticides in disease management and crop development, biocontrol agents have gained prominence. Species of Trichoderma possess grown into a flexible tool for biocontrol, biofertilization, and phyto-stimulation, and they assemble a key microbial community that impacts climate-resilient agriculture. Recent studies have highlighted Trichoderma's capacity to improve soil health and establish sustainable farming methods, making it an essential element in tackling environmental sustainability and food production problems.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Review on the Overview of Trichoderma - A Versatile Biocontrol Agent and Plant Growth Promotor

AU  - Yogasankari Raju
AU  - Ganesh Punamalai
Y1  - 2025/04/27
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11
T2  - Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology
JF  - Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology
JO  - Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology
SP  - 19
EP  - 25
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2469-8067
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.fem.20251102.11
AB  - Trichoderma is an economically important microorganism that arises from farming fields to industry. Trichoderma species are beneficial microorganisms in agro-ecosystems, enhancing soil health, promoting crop growth, and encouraging the uptake and utilization of micro- and macronutrients through mutualistic endophytic associations. It regulates microbial interactions and influences the soil microbiome through direct antagonism and competition, particularly in the rhizosphere. Trichoderma species serve as biocontrol agents and enhancers of plant growth, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. This study explored the ecological flexibility of Trichoderma, which thrives in soil and forms beneficial relationships with plants, leading to improved nutrient uptake, increased crop yields, and greater disease resistance. This review discusses the potential of Trichoderma in promoting plant growth through the solubilization of nutrients and the production of phytohormones, reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. As eco-friendly substitutions to conventional chemical pesticides in disease management and crop development, biocontrol agents have gained prominence. Species of Trichoderma possess grown into a flexible tool for biocontrol, biofertilization, and phyto-stimulation, and they assemble a key microbial community that impacts climate-resilient agriculture. Recent studies have highlighted Trichoderma's capacity to improve soil health and establish sustainable farming methods, making it an essential element in tackling environmental sustainability and food production problems.

VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download