Advances in Trichoderma seed and soil application for Eco-sustainable Agriculture
Aradhana Dohroo1, Desh Raj Thakur2
1,2School of Agricultural Sciences Baddi University of Emerging Sciences & Technology, Makhnumajra, Baddi, Distt. Solan (HP)
Trichoderma is a large group of microorganisms that plays an important role in our eco-environment. Trichoderma has a positive impact on plant system by stimulating plant growth and protecting plants from fungal and bacterial infection. They play an important role in bioremediation and are also used as biofungicides. Trichoderma are utilized in industry for production of enzymes, antibiotics, metabolites, and biofuel. Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to high level of soil toxicity and thus the demand of biofertilizers has increased manifold. The advancement of agricultural technologies including use of fertilizers and pesticides has undeniably ameliorated production, yet these practices pose environmental challenges viz., soil and ecosystem pollution. A pressing need in modern organic agriculture is thus the quest for eco-friendly practices for elevated yields of crop plants. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for environment-friendly agricultural practices for which use of Trichoderma in an innovative manner is a modern approach for their widespread adoption in biological control for enhanced agricultural productivity. Thus, Trichoderma stands out for its biocontrol ability on one hand and also to produce diverse biochemicals crucial for its biocontrol activities in the soil microbiome. These activities encompass the degradation of cell walls as well as tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses for protection of soilborne and seedborne diseases and also various crop disorders. The present brief review is a futuristic vision for modern agriculture.
Keywords: Trichoderma, Plant protection, Biocontrol agent, agriculture
