Exploring the role of secondary metabolites of Trichoderma in tripartite interaction with plant and pathogens

Abstract

Exploitation of agriculturally important microorganisms in plant growth promotion and antagonistic potential is a well-investigated area. Trichoderma spp. are widely acknowledged for their potential to parasitize plant pathogenic fungi and have been efficiently utilized for biocontrol of wide range of seed and soil-borne phytopathogens. The antagonistic activity of Trichoderma spp. is largely credited to production of various antimicrobial secondary metabolites and has also been reported for plant growth promotion, management of the phytopathogens, and induction of systemic resistance in plants. Secondary metabolites-based formulation may have an additional benefit of longer shelf-life and immediate effect in comparison to spore-based formulations. Hence, this chapter will focus on the role of biosynthesized antimicrobial secondary metabolites of Trichoderma in tripartite interactions. © 2017 Springer International Publishing AG.