Trichoderma harzianum strain T78

Trichoderma harzianum strain T78 is a highly active biological control agent classified as a biofungicide, utilized to suppress a broad range of plant pathogens in both soil and foliar environments.

The primary mode of action is hyperparasitism, where the fungal mycelium of Trichoderma grows towards and wraps around pathogen hyphae, secreting specific enzymes that dissolve the cell walls of the invaders.

Furthermore, strain T78 produces various secondary metabolites, including antibiotics (such as gliotoxin and trichodermin) and siderophores, which create a protective zone around the roots, inhibiting pathogen growth.

The strain also promotes plant growth by solubilizing unavailable soil nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, making them more accessible to the plant's root system.

By effectively colonizing the rhizosphere, Trichoderma T78 competes for space and nutrients, effectively locking out pathogenic microorganisms before they can colonize the plant tissues.

This biological agent is widely used to manage soil-borne diseases and seed-borne infections across various agricultural and horticultural crops.

Primary targets include:

• Root rot complexes (Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia).
• Powdery mildew and downy mildew.
• Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) and white mold.
• Late blight in vegetable crops.
• Damping-off of seedlings in greenhouses and nurseries.

It is particularly effective in greenhouse cultivation, where it helps reduce the overall infectious pressure of the soil throughout the growing season.

Application of the strain is recommended for fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants to provide a long-lasting biological defense mechanism.

When used preventively, it provides a superior shield against pathogen entry, ensuring healthier crop development and higher yield potential.

Application rates vary based on the specific crop type and the chosen method, which includes seed dressing, soil drenching, or foliar application.

For seed treatment, the goal is to coat the seed surface thoroughly with a uniform suspension to ensure early establishment of the beneficial fungal population.

Soil drenching should be performed during the active root growth phases, ensuring the product reaches the rhizosphere to build a protective biological barrier.

Foliar sprays should be applied during evening hours or cloudy days, as direct UV radiation is harmful to the delicate spores of the Trichoderma fungus.

Optimal efficacy is observed within the temperature range of 15°C to 25°C, provided there is adequate soil moisture to support the activation and expansion of the fungal spores.

A major limitation is the incompatibility with chemical fungicides, which will kill or suppress the beneficial Trichoderma spores upon contact.

A waiting period of at least 7–14 days is required between the application of chemical pesticides and the introduction of the biofungicide into the soil or plant system.

The product must be stored away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, as heat exceeding 30°C can significantly reduce the viability of the fungal colony.

Mixing the product with chlorinated water is strictly discouraged, as chlorine acts as a disinfectant that will neutralize the fungal spores instantly.

Safety precautions include the use of gloves and masks during mixing and application, especially for individuals sensitive to fungal spores, to avoid respiratory or skin irritation.