Trichoderma Fungus
ட்ரைக்கோடெர்மா பூஞ்சை
Nature does not use chemical pesticides; it uses biological warfare. Trichoderma is a free-living fungus that dominates root ecosystems. If you confuse this with mycorrhiza, you lose marks.
The idea
Trichoderma species are fungi found in root ecosystems. They function as potent biocontrol agents. They effectively suppress various plant pathogens. This is a classic example of biological control in agriculture.
Why it matters
They exist as part of the soil microbiome to protect plant roots from pathogenic infections through competitive exclusion and direct parasitism.
NEET lens
NEET focuses on the 'biocontrol agent' classification. Do not confuse Trichoderma with Baculoviruses or Bacillus thuringiensis. Memorize it as a fungus, not a bacterium.
Clinical significance
In the ecosystem, the failure of Trichoderma leads to the unchecked proliferation of soil-borne pathogens. This results in crop failure and food insecurity. It highlights the necessity of maintaining microbial biodiversity for sustainable agriculture.
Introduction
Trichoderma species are free-living fungi very common in the root ecosystems. They are effective biocontrol agents of several plant pathogens.
Core concept
Uses: Trichoderma is used as a biological control for plant diseases caused by fungal pathogens (it parasitises or competes with them). Another species, Trichoderma polysporum, produces cyclosporin A, which is used as an immunosuppressive agent in organ-transplant patients.
Go deeper
One genus, two very different NCERT roles: Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent (plant pathogens) and T. polysporum as the source of cyclosporin A.
From Class 10
A helpful fungus in the soil around roots keeps harmful fungi away from crops.