Trichoderma in sustainable agriculture: Advances, applications, and future prospects for biocontrol and plant growth promotion

Trichoderma species are extensively studied for their biocontrol potential and plant growth-promoting properties, making them invaluable in sustainable agriculture. These rhizosphere-dominant filamentous fungi are abundant in soil and exhibit strong antagonistic activity against plant pathogens. Notably, approximately 60% of commercially available biofungicides are derived from Trichoderma species. Their efficacy stems from the production of plant growth regulators and the secretion of secondary metabolites with antifungal properties, which degrade pathogen cell walls and suppress their proliferation. Beyond disease control, Trichoderma enhances root architecture, nutrient uptake efficiency, and soil health, contributing to improved crop productivity. Their mycoparasitic nature further reinforces their role as potent biocontrol agents, particularly against fungal pathogens. Excessive reliance on chemical fertilisers and synthetic pesticides in modern agriculture has led to soil degradation, environmental contamination, and the emergence of resistant pathogens, posing serious threats to global food security and ecosystem stability. As a sustainable alternative, Trichoderma presents a promising eco-friendly approach to integrated disease management and crop enhancement. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in Trichoderma research, highlighting its applications in biocontrol, biofertilisation, and stress tolerance, along with emerging formulation technologies and synergistic interactions with beneficial microbes.