Trichoderma: A magical weapon against soil borne pathogens

Trichoderma species occur worldwide. The members of the genus Trichoderma are widely used as bioagent for the control of phytopathogenic fungi in agriculture sector. Trichoderma not only parasites pathogen but it also enhance plant plant growth, help in the bioremediation of soil etc.Biocontrol activity of Trichoderma is known since 1930s.The effect of Trichoderma on soil borne pathogens is higher as compared to chemical fertilizers and it persists in soil for longer period after application. The members of this genus are reproducing asexually by the formation of cyanide and chlamydospore, in wild habitats they reproduce by formation of ascospores. Trichoderma species are well known for the production of cell wall degrading enzymes. These cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) play a major role in biocontrol mechanism. They are also widely exploited in industries as sources of enzymes.Use of biocontrol agents for reducing disease incidences provides an alternative for the chemical pesticides. Trichoderma species are among the most studied biocontrol agents. It has been found that there are many genes which are responsible for biocontrol activity these genes are called biocontrol genes. The sequencing of these genes should be done in order to produce miccroorganisms with superior biocontrol ability and also for the production of transgenic plant, that are resistant against plant pathogens.   Key words:Trichoderma, phytopathogens, lytic enzymes, biocontrol genes.