Analysis of the antifungal and biocontrol potential of fungi of the genus Trichoderma

Modern agriculture's main challenge is increasing crop production while meeting the requirements of EU programs for sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and human health. An innovative solution to this problem is the development of biopreparations based on microorganisms, which are responsible for improving the physiological processes of plants. The aim of this research was to select Trichoderma sp. fungi, which will form the basis of biofungicides and biostimulants.

The first step of the research was to isolate Trichoderma spp. from environmental samples and analyze their growth under varying environmental conditions. Next, the ability of fungi to produce metabolites and phytohormones that increase plant biological potential was determined. In addition, the antagonistic properties of Trichoderma sp. against fungal pathogens, which significantly reduce crop yields, were analyzed using a breeding method.

Based on the results, the 40 isolates had a high tolerance level to different temperatures, pH, and salinity of the medium. The results of spectrophotometric analyses showed that fungi produce dehydrogenases, cellulases, proteases, ureases, phosphatases, organic acids, and phytohormones, which are responsible for the transformation of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus compounds in the soil, as well as the improvement of physiological processes in crop plants. In addition, Trichoderma sp. showed a high degree of antagonism towards fungal pathogens.

Analyses of the properties of Trichoderma sp. allowed the selection of four isolates that will be tested in field studies for their effects on plant growth, which will allow the construction of biopreparations to assist in the protection and development of crop plants.