Trichoderma spp. as a pillar of sustainable pulse production: ecological functions, mechanisms, and field applications

Abstract

Trichoderma spp. are free-living filamentous fungi widely distributed in agricultural, horticultural, and forestry ecosystems and are recognized for their ecological adaptability and multifunctional roles. Although extensively used as biological control agents against a wide range of phytopathogens, the broader potential of Trichoderma in sustainable agriculture, particularly in pulse-based production systems, remains relatively underexplored. Beyond disease suppression, Trichoderma enhances nutrient-use efficiency, induces plant defense mechanisms, supports organic matter decomposition and bioremediation, and reduces agrochemical pollution, thereby contributing to environmentally sustainable crop production systems. In Pulses based cropping systems, Trichoderma spp. facilitate nutrient mobilization through the secretion of organic acids such as citric and fumaric acids, which cause rhizosphere acidification and thereby improve solubilization of phosphorus, magnesium, and essential micronutrients. Soil application of Trichoderma significantly alters rhizosphere microbial dynamics, enhances nutrient availability in nutrient-deficient soils, and reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Field and controlled-environment studies at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, have demonstrated significant improvements in plant growth, yield attributes, and overall crop health in chickpea and other pulse crops. Systematic research has focused on the exploration, molecular identification, and functional characterization of multi-trait Trichoderma isolates from diverse pulse-based agroecosystems. Selected isolates showed strong antagonistic activity against major soil-borne pathogens of pulses. GC–MS-based metabolomic analyses revealed a diverse array of volatile secondary metabolites associated with antifungal activity and plant growth promotion, thereby elucidating key biochemical mechanisms underlying pathogen suppression. Further studies revealed activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging pathways, conferring enhanced tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, along with improved root system architecture and nutrient uptake efficiency. Promising multi-trait isolates have been registered, and talc-based formulations, DALHANDRRMA, Pulse Booster, Dalhan Bio-Consortia, and Pulse Bio Guard have been developed and evaluated under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) for on-farm validation and commercialization