TRICHODERMA: A DIVERSE FUNGUS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Abstract

The ever-growing global population’s increasing demand for food depends on sustainable agriculture methods. There are several possibilities for sustainable agriculture provided bythe fungi Trichoderma. Plant protection from unfavourable biotic and abiotic conditions under circumstances of changing global climatic scenario and promoting their growth in soil with limited or poor nutrient conditions are marvellous attributes of Trichoderma spp. Understanding the mechanisms such as the function of secondary metabolites and cell wall degrading enzymes in mycoparasitism and antibiosis, pathways triggered for induced systemic resistance and enhanced nutrient use efficiency displayed by different strains of Trichoderma at the physiological, biochemical, and molecular level are essential for harnessing their potential efficiently. This chapter aims to gather information on the benefits and mechanisms of Trichoderma strains at various stages to support future research prospects.