Trichoderma: A Potential Arsenal for Industries

Abstract

The genus Trichoderma (fungi) is a very large group of microorganisms that play a significant role in the environment. This is omnipresent in the climate, particularly in soils. Trichoderma species could be easily isolated from the soil by all traditional methods available because of their rapid growth and abundant conidiation. These are used both as biofungicides for biological plant protection as well as for bioremediation. In addition, the genus Trichoderma includes edible and medicinal mushrooms but also human pathogens. Members of the Trichoderma genus are often used primarily in the processing of enzymes, antibiotics, and other metabolites, but also for biofuel in various branches of industry. Several researchers have confirmed, based on phylogenetic analysis, that Trichoderma and Hypocrea form a single holomorphic genus. In which two can be differentiated by large clades. Several Trichoderma spp. positively affect plants by stimulating plant growth and protecting plants from fungal and bacterial pathogens. Trichoderma has entered the genomic period at present, and sections of the genome sequences are open to the public. For this purpose, Trichoderma can be used to an even greater degree than before for human needs. Trichoderma species possess diverse biotechnological applications, such as acting as biofungicides to control various plant diseases and as biofertilizers to promote plant production. Trichoderma secretes various volatile compounds, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, ethylene, hydrogen cyanide, and monoterpenes, as well as non-volatile compounds known to exhibit antibiotic activity, including peptaibols, and diketopiperazine-like gliotoxins and gliovirins. Nonetheless, further studies are required to make the application of these fungi more effective and safe.