Trichoderma and Their Secondary Metabolites ? A Potential Approach in Plant Disease Management

Trichoderma spp. are avirulent expedient plant symbionts. In addition, as plant-dependent organisms, Trichoderma species conjointly behave as a cost-effective and eco-friendly biocontrol agent. This review provides several mechanisms on how Trichoderma exerts useful effects on plants as a biocontrol agent. In addition to preventing disease, Trichoderma increases plant resistance and growth, improves nutrient uptake efficiency, and cleans the environment from pesticide contamination. Trichoderma spp. also functions as a safe, affordable, efficient, and environmentally beneficial biocontrol agent for various crops. The biological control mechanisms of Trichoderma, such as competition, antibiosis, antagonism, and mycoparasitism, as well as the mechanisms by which Trichoderma and plants promote plant growth and induce systemic resistance, have been discussed. In addition, the impact and applications of Trichoderma in treating different plant diseases are provided. Developing a diverse range of application technologies for Trichoderma is a crucial avenue for further research and development, given its potential to contribute to the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector. Nevertheless, due to its adaptable qualities, its entire potential cannot be fully realized. The knowledge of Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent, its secondary metabolites, and their use in plant disease management programs is explained, which suggests the potential use of Trichoderma as a safe, environmentally acceptable, and efficient biocontrol agent for several crop species.. KEYWORDS :Antibiosis,,Biocontrol, Mycoparasitism, Secondary metabolites, Trichoderma