i was just surfn the net and found some interesting stuff on trichoderma:
- general info.
Trichoderma spp. are fungi that are present in substantial numbers in nearly all agricultural soils and in other environments such as decaying wood. Among their other activities, they grow tropically toward hyphae of other fungi, coil about them in a lectin-mediated reaction, and degrade cell walls of the target fungi. This process (mycoparastitism) limits growth and activity of plant pathogenic fungi. In addition to, or sometimes in conjunction with mycoparasitism, individual strains may produce antibiotics. However, numbers and the physiological attributes of wild strains are not sufficient for highly effective control of plant diseases. The antifungal abilities of these beneficial microbes have been known since the 1930s, and there have been extensive efforts to use them for plant disease control since then. However, they are only now beginning to be used commercially.
In my laboratory, we have been developing technology for the biocontrol of plant pathogens for about two decades. This paper will briefly discuss this effort, and the progress from basic research to products now available commercially-
Gary E. Harman Departments of Horticultural Science and of Plant Pathology Cornell University NYSAES Geneva, NY 14456
-hypothetical on predatory behavior of trich toward other fungi
Usually recognized by fast-growing colonies producing white, green, or yellow cushions of sporulating filaments. The fertile filaments or conidiophores produce side branches bearing whorls of short phialides. The 1-celled spores (conidia) are produced successively from the tips of the phailides and collect in small wet masses.
Trichoderma species are strongly antagonistic to other fungi. The exact nature of this relationship is still not clear, but it appears that they kill other fungi with a toxin and then consume them using a combination of lytic enzymes. This suggests they are actually microbial predators. This antagonistic behaviour has led to their use as agents of biological control of some fungi causing plant disease. On the other hand, they can be serious pests in cultivated mushroom beds. Species of Trichoderma are common in soil (especially water-logged soil), dung, and decaying plant materials. Holomorphs: Hypocrea, Podostroma. Ref: Bissett, 1984, 1991a,b,c; Rifai 1969
- didnt know some strains of trich could be used to fight plant disease and promote root growth like b1. Trichoderma Powder 10g @ ?11.99 This pure water soluble powder contains a high concentration of Trichoderma harzianum mould. It facilitates the growth and the development of roots in young plants and cuttings. It suppresses undesirable micro organisms and therefore, has a positive effect on the balance between the soil micro organisms. Trichoderma is suitable for all types of substrate cultures as will as for growing in soil and in recalculation irrigation systems. The earth is inhabited by thousands of different varieties of the Trichoderma harzianum mould. Trichoderma harzianum (TRI 002, TRI 003) is the only Trichoderma variety that has a scientifically proven stimulating and resistance increasing effect on the root environment. In addition, it increases the chotinase production within the plant, resulting in better root development, more root hairs and increased excretion of enzymes and homines. As a result, the plant gains more vitality and develops better. Trichoderma vitality and develops better. Trichoderma powder and Trichoderma granulate are the only mould preparations with a world wide patent. These mould preparations are approved for the application potting soil according to the strict RHP regulations (Commercial potting soil regulations) and are officially registered with the German Federal Biological Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (BBA.)
|