Microbial consortia containing fungal biocontrol agents, with emphasis on Trichoderma spp.: current applications for plant protection and effects on soil microbial communities

Abstract

Global food security is continuously threatened by plant diseases, which do significant harm to economically significant crops. The typical method for controlling these diseases involves the use of chemicals, which have extremely detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. Fungal antagonists are currently being widely studied and employed as Biocontrol Agents (BCAs) because they are effective at controlling plant pathogens and diseases. This review informs on fungal BCAs used against plant pathogens and mycotoxin control, with emphasis on the inoculation of plants with Trichoderma strains individually or as part of a microbial consortium. In agriculture, Trichoderma species are frequently utilized to promote plant growth and prevent various diseases that harm crops, making them valuable resources for sustainable crop production. On the other hand, consortia of plant-beneficial microorganisms, which are combinations of fungal and/or bacterial strains with various mechanisms of action, are gaining more and more acceptance on a global scale since their components interact synergistically to prevent diseases and increase yields. Finally, we explore the impact of inoculation with Trichoderma biocontrol strains alone and as part of microbial consortia on soil microbial communities.