Biochemical Engineering Journal 37 (2007) 1–20
Review
Antagonistic fungi, Trichoderma spp.: Panoply of biological control
Mausam Verma
a
, Satinder K. Brar
a
, R.D. Tyagi
a,∗
, R.Y. Surampalli
b
, J.R. Val´ ero
a
a
INRS-ETE, Universit´ e du Qu´ ebec, 490, Rue de la Couronne, Qu´ ebec, Canada G1K 9A9
b
US EPA, P.O. Box-17-2141, Kansas City, Kansas, KS 66117, United States
Received 31 October 2005; received in revised form 6 May 2007; accepted 18 May 2007
Abstract
Trichoderma spp. have been widely used as antagonistic fungal agents against several pests as well as plant growth enhancers. Faster metabolic
rates, anti-microbial metabolites, and physiological conformation are key factors which chiefly contribute to antagonism of these fungi. Myco-
parasitism, spatial and nutrient competition, antibiosis by enzymes and secondary metabolites, and induction of plant defence system are typical
biocontrol actions of these fungi. On the other hand, Trichoderma spp. have also been used in a wide range of commercial enzyme productions,
namely, cellulases, hemicellulases, proteases, and -1,3-glucanase. Information on the classification of the genus, Trichoderma, mechanisms of
antagonism and role in plant growth promotion has been well documented. However, fast paced current research in this field should be carefully
updated for the fool-proof commercialization of the fungi. The aim of this review is to sum up the BCA activity potential of these fungi and to
shed light on commercial production processes. In this regard, this review focuses on Trichoderma spp. discussing different aspects—pest control,
growth promotion, bioremediation, production processes and market values. Nevertheless, more research and review of the information regarding
these biocontrol agents are needed to exploit their actual potential, which is the salient objective of this review.
© 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Antagonism; Biocontrol agents; Microbial propagules; Trichoderma spp.; Wastewater; Wastewater sludge
Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 2
1.1. Existence of biological control agents (BCAs) .......................................................................... 2
1.2. Fungal BCAs ....................................................................................................... 2
1.3. Status of Trichoderma spp............................................................................................ 2
1.4. Constraints in commercialization of Trichoderma spp. BCAs ............................................................ 3
2. Pest control ............................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Fungi .............................................................................................................. 3
2.1.1. Trichoderma spp. as biofungicides ............................................................................ 3
2.1.2. Modes of action ............................................................................................. 3
2.1.3. Application in wood preservation ............................................................................. 6
2.1.4. Application in agriculture .................................................................................... 6
2.2. Bacteria ............................................................................................................ 8
2.2.1. Limited application .......................................................................................... 8
2.2.2. Potential—future application ................................................................................. 8
2.3. Invertebrates ........................................................................................................ 8
2.3.1. Application potential ........................................................................................ 8
2.3.2. Rhizosphere—nematodes .................................................................................... 8
2.3.3. Foliar application—aphids ................................................................................... 8
2.4. Weeds .............................................................................................................. 8
∗
Corresponding author.
E-mail address: tyagi@ete.inrs.ca (R.D. Tyagi).
1369-703X/$ – see front matter © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.bej.2007.05.012