Vol. 12, Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
Bishal Chaudhary, Dr. Devina Seram and Sachitanand Das

Abstract:
Avirulent expedient plant symbionts include Trichoderma spp. Trichoderma species function as a cost-effective and environmentally acceptable biocontrol agent in addition to being in plant-dependent organisms. They will establish themselves in various pathosystems, have little effect on the soil's equilibrium, and don't harm beneficial organisms that aid in the control of infections. Trichoderma is primarily employed as a biocontrol agent against several plant diseases. Asexual fungi known as Trichoderma spp. can be found in all sorts of agricultural soils as well as in rotting wood. Trichoderma species' hostile behaviour demonstrated that they parasitize a number of soil-borne and foliar plant diseases. Trichoderma acts as a biocontrol agent in plants through a number of different methods. However, due to its adaptability, its potential cannot be fully realised. Trichoderma viride was found to be most likely effective against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri, followed by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum, when its in vitro antagonistic activity against phytopathogens (Sclerotium rolfsii, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri, and Trichoderma viride) was studied. This study provides an overview of the knowledge on Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent, its biocontrol activity, commercial production, and usage in plant disease management programmes. The information presented here strongly suggests that Trichoderma could be used as a secure, environmentally acceptable, and efficient biocontrol agent for many crop species.