Trichoderma harzianum

Biofungicide for crop protection

Trichoderma harzianum T-22 is a species of beneficial fungus commonly used in agriculture and horticulture for its various beneficial properties. This fungus is known for its ability to promote plant growth, enhance plant health, and suppress plant diseases. Trichoderma harzianum colonizes the root systems and surrounding soil of plants, where it competes with harmful pathogens for resources, thereby reducing their populations. Additionally, this fungus produces enzymes and metabolites that have antagonistic effects on plant pathogens, such as fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. Trichoderma harzianum is often applied as a biocontrol agent to protect crops against soil-borne diseases, improve nutrient uptake, and enhance overall plant vigor. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a valuable tool for sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management practices. Trichoderma harzianum T-22 is available as wettable granules (Trianum-P) and micro granules (Trianum-G).

Control plant diseases with Trichoderma harzianum

The beneficial fungus Trichoderma harzianum T-22 protects plants against a range of soil-borne root diseases through several different modes of action. Trichoderma harzianum controls the following plant diseases:

  • Damping-off (Pythium spp.)
  • Rhizoctonia root rot (Rhizoctonia spp.)
  • Fusarium wilt (Fusarium spp.)
  • Sclerotinia rot (Sclerotinia spp.)
  • Microdochium spp.

Trichoderma harzianum products

How does Trichoderma harzianum work?

Trichoderma harzianum T-22 controls plant diseases through various mechanisms.

  1. Competition for space: Trichoderma harzianum grows faster on the surface of the root than soil borne pathogenic fungi, which get no change to establish themselves on the roots.
  2. Competition for nutrients: Trichoderma harzianum competes for resources, such as space and nutrients, thereby reducing the availability of resources for pathogen growth and reproduction.
  3. Parasitism of pathogens: Trichoderma harzianum produces a range of secondary metabolites and enzymes that have antagonistic effects on plant pathogens. These metabolites and enzymes can directly inhibit the growth and development of pathogens, disrupt their cell walls, or interfere with their metabolic processes.
  4. Strengthening the plant: Trichoderma harzianum improves the root system through the formation of more root hairs, so that water and nutrients can be absorbed better. This leads to a stronger and more uniform crop resulting in better yield and quality.
  5. Induced resistance: Trichoderma harzianum reinforces the defence mechanism of the parts of the plant above the ground, so-called induced system resistance (ISR).
  6. Absorption of fixed and non-fixed nutrients: Trichoderma harzianum has the capacity to make certain 'fixed' nutrients such as manganese and iron available for the plant to absorb. As a result, it provides a natural and environmentally friendly approach to disease management in agriculture and horticulture.

Advantages of Trichoderma harzianum

The usage of Trichoderma harzianum T-22 in sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management practices has various advantages:

  • It controls different soil-borne diseases
  • It strengthens the plant and promotes growth
  • It improves root system development and nutrient uptake
  • Pathogens cannot develop resistance to it
  • Safe for people, plants and the environment
  • Easy to apply with existing equipment
  • Leaves no residues

Application of Trichoderma harzianum

Trichoderma harzianum T-22 is available in 2 different formulations:

  • Wettable granules (Trianum-P): can be sprayed or added to an irrigation system
  • Micro granules (Trianum-G): can be mixed with substrate or applied in furrow at sowing using a granulator

Trianum is most effective when used preventive: a good and early colonization of the root system will avoid attacks of pathogens. Applications with Trianum-P or Trianum-G should start as early as possible, at the moment of sowing or transplanting. For transplanted crops it is possible to start applications from propagation. When the pathogen pressure is potentially high, the crop is sensible to soil diseases. If the crop cycle is long it is advised to perform regular applications with Trianum-P to keep a high number of change to maintain a solid barrier around the roots.