Fungi of the Trichoderma Genus: Future Perspectives of Benefits in Sustainable Agriculture

The negative impact of chemical pesticides on the environment and human health has contributed to the introduction of legal regulations that ensure the reduction in the use of agrochemicals in favor of biological products. The existing review of the literature, including our research, clearly shows that the ideal biocontrol agents are Trichoderma fungi. The production of antibiotics, lytic enzymes degrading the cell walls of plant pathogens, or inducing a defense response in plants are just some of the features supporting the wide use of these microorganisms in sustainable agriculture. It is estimated that currently about 60% of biofungicides used to eliminate fungal pathogens are produced based on Trichoderma sp. strains.

Automated summary

The negative impact of chemical pesticides on the environment and human health has led to the promotion of legal regulations for the reduction of agrochemicals in favor of biological products. Trichoderma fungi are considered ideal biocontrol agents in sustainable agriculture due to their ability to produce antibiotics, lytic enzymes, and induce defense responses in plants. Around 60% of biofungicides used to eliminate fungal pathogens are currently based on Trichoderma sp. strains.