Abstract Phosphorus is essential for plant growth, but its low availability and rapid immobilization in soil create challenges for agricultural production. A promising solution is the use of plant growth-promoting fungi, such as Trichoderma which can solubilize phosphate, produce phytohormones and enzymes, and protect plants from pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the phosphate-solubilizing and plant growth-promoting potential of Trichoderma isolates from the Brazilian Cerrado. Twenty-two Trichoderma strains were screened for their ability to solubilize inorganic phosphates and commercial fertilizers. The most efficient isolate was further evaluated for enzyme production (acid phosphatase, phytase), siderophores, indole-3-acetic acid, tolerance to abiotic stresses (pesticides, salinity, drought), and molecular identification. Its effects on maize growth were tested under greenhouse conditions using half the recommended rate of phosphorus fertilizer. Trichoderma G41 was the most efficient in solubilizing Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 (645.26 µg P mL − 1 ), AlPO 4 (814.66 µg P mL − 1 ), FePO 4 (132.76 µg P mL − 1 ), and commercial fertilizers.The strain was found to produce acid phosphatase (4.37 U mL − 1 ), phytase (1.51 U mL − 1 ), siderophores (74% siderophore units), indole-3-acetic acid (42.19 µg mL − 1 ), and organic acids. Additionally, it showed tolerance to pesticides, salinity, drought stress and effectively colonized maize roots without impairing germination. Inoculation under reduced phosphorus increased root (47%) and shoot (38%) biomass, chlorophyll, carotenoids, amino acids, reducing sugars, and soil enzyme activity. Trichoderma rifaii (G41) demonstrates strong potential as a phosphate-solubilizing agent and plant growth promoter, representing a sustainable strategy to reduce fertilizer dependence and enhance agricultural production of maize in the Brazilian Cerrado. Graphical Abstract
Ribeiro et al. (Fri,) studied this question.