Trichoderma: A scientific approach against soil borne pathogens

The members of the genus Trichoderma are widely used as bioagent for the control of phytopathogenic fungi in agriculture sectors. 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 (CWDEs). These CWDEs, play a major role in biocontrol mechanism. We all know that all living organisms are made up of genes that code for a particular function. Similarly, in Trichoderma, some genes are responsible for the secretion of these CWDEs. These genes, which aid in the biocontrol action, are called biocontrol genes. These bacterial genes code for a particular enzyme and protein that degrade the pathogen cell wall. These biocontrol genes can be isolated and cloned for large scale commercial production. It has also been found that some of the genes of Trichoderma are also helpful in the abiotic and biotic stress. The mechanisms which are employed by Trichoderma for the phytopathogenic action are generally included atibiosis, mycoparasistism, competition for nutrients, etc.   Key words: Trichoderma, biocontrol, phytopathogen, lytic enzymes, biocontrol mechanisms, biocontrol agent.