Trichoderma spp.: Efficient Inducers of Systemic Resistance in Plants

Defense response in plants, triggered by biocontrol agents (BCAs), is an intensively investigated area. In recent past, various agriculturally important microorganisms have been identified and described as efficient inducer of systemic resistance in plant. Trichoderma spp. are established plant root colonizers and their biocontrol nature is primarily due to mycoparasitism and antibiosis mechanisms against various pathogens. Progress in research in plant immunity induced by beneficial microorganisms suggests that other than mycoparasitism and antibiosis, Trichoderma spp. are potent inducers of ISR in plants. There is need for more intensive studies aimed at gaining insight into the signal transduction pathways and defense responses elicited by Trichoderma. Furthermore, quick progress in molecular studies will lead to gain deeper insight into the regulation of complex interaction between plant and biocontrol agents and increase the efficiency of currently existing biocontrol strategies and plant disease management modules.