You already know that we never tire of saying that the soil is full of life. Beneficial life in many cases for the health of the crops and, therefore, for their performance. Well, today we want to give you some interesting facts about the fungus Trichoderma harzianum, which is one of the most common microorganisms in the soil and the most widespread fungus in it.
The key to its many benefits and biostimulant and biological control applications is that it is found in the rhizosphere, where the roots of plants are located. And, therefore, its qualities work in one of the key points for their vital functions. The Trichoderma fungus is close to the plant’s nutrient and water absorption pathway, but it also generates proteins, therefore improving the chemical and physical properties of the soil and, by extension, giving stability and better growing conditions to crops.
This way they can better cope with situations of extreme temperatures, drought, salinity… due to the regulation of certain phytohormones. In short, the Trichoderma fungus promotes more resilient plants and more resistant to abiotic stress.
The Trichoderma fungus is not new. The genus trichodermas was discovered in the 18th century by the South African mycologist Christiaan Hendrik Persoon in 1794.
Since its discovery, and as it has become known how it acts, its three key interactions have been analyzed and applied in plants: direct biological control, indirect biological control and biostimulant, the latter effect of which we are concerned and which depends on the strain used.
LET'S SEE THE BIOSTIMULANT EFFECT OF THE TRICHODERMA FUNGI
In fact, it helps a lot to solubilize phosphorus, which is a fundamental nutrient for plants. And acidifying the soil encourages better absorption of this macronutrient, which is very important in the growth of strong plants.
It promotes the production of hormones such as auxins, which activate the vigorous growth and size of the plant.
As we have mentioned above, the Trichoderma fungus protects the plant from abiotic stress, by being an extra support for it, which thus adapts better to situations such as changes in temperature or lack of water, factors to which, as We know, every crop is especially sensitive.
Contributes to the formation of stronger roots. In addition, deeper and, therefore, solid rooting is achieved. It is a guarantee for a healthier plant.
The symbiotic relationship that the trichoderma fungus establishes with the plant through the root acts as a preventive antibiotic. In this way, it is favored to have more resistance to viruses, bacteria… and prevents certain pathogens from attacking the root.
BUT HOW DOES THIS FUNGUS ACT?
The usefulness of Trichoderma lies in its ability to capture the hydrolytic enzymes of the fungi it parasitizes in order to improve its own functioning, in a mechanism known as mycoparasitism. It also acts with enzymes that degrade the cell wall of pathogens or inhibit their enzymatic activity, confusing their attack mechanism and preventing them from affecting the plant.
On the other hand, the acids produced by the fungus facilitate the solubilization of phosphates, micronutrients and some minerals (such as iron, manganese and magnesium) present in the soil. Furthermore, by participating in the decomposition of soil organic matter, they increase the amount of nitrogenous nutrients that can be absorbed by the roots of plants, whose microbiomes play a fundamental role in the nutrition and productivity of crops.
A NEW PRODUCT BASED ON THE APPLICATION OF TRICHODERMA
As you can see, there are many positive effects of applying this fungus to the plant:
- Biological control of fungal diseases in roots, leaves and fruits.
- Changes and improvements in the roots, which gain depth
- Greater growth and root development.
- Better absorption of nutrients.
For this reason, a new MAFA biostimulant will soon be on the market, in this case taking advantage of the antifungal activity of our Trichoderma harzianum strain with the capacity, among other things, for biocontrol against the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea.
In our research, based on antibiosis, we have verified a very high fungal inhibition and, consequently, a high capacity to promote optimal plant growth.
In our research, based on antibiosis, we have verified a very high fungal inhibition and, consequently, a high capacity to promote optimal plant growth.