Trichoderma fungi as an agricultural biological control in Mexico

Abstract

Environmental pollution, food sufficiency, and health are among the main challenges for sustainable crop production in Mexico. The main tool for plant protection is chemical pesticides, but environmental safety and risks to animal and human health have prompted the community and scientists to propose alternatives for their integrated management. This has encouraged the inclusion of biological products, such as species of the antagonistic fungus Trichoderma spp., which act against pests and pathogens in different crops, and are environmentally benign, effective and economically viable. The aim of this paper was to compile information on Trichoderma spp. regarding their taxonomy, ecology, use as biological control, isolation, culture, morphological and molecular identification, mode of action, distribution of native species, and availability of international commercial products and those produced in Mexico. For this purpose, information was selected from indexed journals and suppliers of Trichoderma spp. on open data digital platforms. The exposed information could be useful for Mexican farmers, to know, accept and use biological control with Trichodermaspp. in their crops, for the benefit of quality agriculture and pesticide-free crops. In addition, research could be generated to develop new autochthonous products based on Trichodermaspp. that are more effective against pests and diseases native to Mexico.