Mycoparasitic fungi Trichoderma spp. in plant protection – Review

Abstract

Trichoderma harzianum is a worldwide soilborne anamorphic fungus. It is a facultative parasite of a wide spectrum of fungi, but can also live as a saprophyte. The manifestation of its antagonism displays as support competition, parasitism and antibiosis. Some species of the genus Trichoderma can be utilised in plant protection because of their mycoparasitic and other properties. The biofungicide Supresivit containing conidia of T. harzianum is registered in the Czech Republic. A commercially prepared mixture of the biopreparation and granulated mineral fertiliser is a novel way to introduce it into the plant environment. To make optimal use of biological control methods it is necessary to integrate them in a complete system for the control of plant diseases. It is quite possible to combine two or more biological control agents, but these could also be used together with certain chemicals to improve disease control.