Trichoderma based biological formulations are widely distributed in 219 countries worldwide. Trichoderma spp. is utilized as a biological control agent, plant growth-promoting fungi, for decomposing waste/organic materials, and detoxifying contaminated areas. The formulations are utilized in agriculture for seed treatment, soil amendments, and foliar spray. About 90 percent of the research that has studied Trichoderma has only studied its benefits. The potential for Trichoderma-based biofertilizers to disrupt ecological balance and subject plants to biotic stress is an essential consideration when their use is excessive. Trichoderma has positive effects but harmful effects on specific plants, induce diseases in humans, and produce mycotoxins, which can contaminate food supplies. The scientific community should refrain from promoting Trichoderma species that pose a threat to human health and soil ecological balance. Therefore, continuing studies on effective biocontrol fungi should also prioritize further study to mitigate the risks posed to humans, plants, and other creatures by Trichoderma spp.
Various research have noted the inadvertent outcomes of Trichoderma spp. Regarding soil microbial populations. Trichoderma species produce cell wall disintegrating enzymes such cellulase, xylanase, and glucanases, which disrupt the functioning of microbial cells, such as nutrition absorption in the rhizosphere. The microbial community structure is altered, which aligns with the fungi. To regulate ecological balance in accordance with a concept of soil health, ecological levels should be utilized to manage soil, prevent deterioration, restore balance, and implement soil restoration. Trichoderma spp. commonly inhabit rhizosphere colonization, endophytes, and epiphytes. Consequently, mycotoxin contamination creates the greatest potential hazards for crops and human. Further investigation is warranted into the detrimental impacts of major enzymes and secondary metabolites secreted by Trichoderma spp. on natural habitats, including crops, animals, and human beings.
This Research Topic aims to reveal the alternative research topic that contribute to soil ecology dominance and balance of novel Trichoderma spp. as well as efficacy and safety of fungus on crop, microbial ecosystem, human and animals. Topics of interest include mechanisms of plant, soil rhizosphere and Trichoderma spp. interactions, coevolutionary dynamics, as well as the ecological implications to human and environment. Additionally, we encourage investigations into the potential adverse effect of this knowledge. Original research articles, reviews, and methodological papers are welcomed to provide new insights into this predominant species.
Keywords:
soil ecology, Trichoderma spp., mycotoxin, epiphyte, endophyte, rhizospheric colonization, ecological balance, biotic stress, ecological risk
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Trichoderma based biological formulations are widely distributed in 219 countries worldwide. Trichoderma spp. is utilized as a biological control agent, plant growth-promoting fungi, for decomposing waste/organic materials, and detoxifying contaminated areas. The formulations are utilized in agriculture for seed treatment, soil amendments, and foliar spray. About 90 percent of the research that has studied Trichoderma has only studied its benefits. The potential for Trichoderma-based biofertilizers to disrupt ecological balance and subject plants to biotic stress is an essential consideration when their use is excessive. Trichoderma has positive effects but harmful effects on specific plants, induce diseases in humans, and produce mycotoxins, which can contaminate food supplies. The scientific community should refrain from promoting Trichoderma species that pose a threat to human health and soil ecological balance. Therefore, continuing studies on effective biocontrol fungi should also prioritize further study to mitigate the risks posed to humans, plants, and other creatures by Trichoderma spp.
Various research have noted the inadvertent outcomes of Trichoderma spp. Regarding soil microbial populations. Trichoderma species produce cell wall disintegrating enzymes such cellulase, xylanase, and glucanases, which disrupt the functioning of microbial cells, such as nutrition absorption in the rhizosphere. The microbial community structure is altered, which aligns with the fungi. To regulate ecological balance in accordance with a concept of soil health, ecological levels should be utilized to manage soil, prevent deterioration, restore balance, and implement soil restoration. Trichoderma spp. commonly inhabit rhizosphere colonization, endophytes, and epiphytes. Consequently, mycotoxin contamination creates the greatest potential hazards for crops and human. Further investigation is warranted into the detrimental impacts of major enzymes and secondary metabolites secreted by Trichoderma spp. on natural habitats, including crops, animals, and human beings.
This Research Topic aims to reveal the alternative research topic that contribute to soil ecology dominance and balance of novel Trichoderma spp. as well as efficacy and safety of fungus on crop, microbial ecosystem, human and animals. Topics of interest include mechanisms of plant, soil rhizosphere and Trichoderma spp. interactions, coevolutionary dynamics, as well as the ecological implications to human and environment. Additionally, we encourage investigations into the potential adverse effect of this knowledge. Original research articles, reviews, and methodological papers are welcomed to provide new insights into this predominant species.
Keywords:
soil ecology, Trichoderma spp., mycotoxin, epiphyte, endophyte, rhizospheric colonization, ecological balance, biotic stress, ecological risk
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.