Utilization of Trichoderma to Increase Plant Resistance to OPT Attacks

Abstract

Attacks by plant pests and diseases continue to hinder agricultural productivity, particularly in crops that are highly susceptible to soil-borne pathogens. Prolonged reliance on chemical pesticides not only promotes pathogen resistance but also degrades environmental quality and soil health, thereby emphasizing the need for environmentally sound and sustainable pest control approaches. One of the most widely studied and proven biological agents is Trichoderma, a group of antagonistic fungi capable of suppressing plant pathogens through spatial and nutritional competition, mycoparasitism, the production of lytic enzymes, and the induction of plant defense mechanisms. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of Trichoderma in enhancing plant resistance to pest attacks by employing an Integrative Literature Review of relevant national and international publications that meet acceptable methodological standards. The findings indicate that Trichoderma applications can reduce disease incidence by 30–70 percent across various crops, improve nutrient uptake, strengthen plant defense responses, and enhance soil biological conditions. Beyond suppressing major pathogens such as Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Sclerotium, Trichoderma contributes to stabilizing the soil microbiome, which supports overall plant growth and resilience. These results demonstrate that Trichoderma holds significant potential as a key component in sustainable pest management strategies. Recommendations arising from this review include the need for standardized Trichoderma formulations, evaluation of its adaptability across diverse agroecosystems, and its integration into national Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.