Trichoderma paraviridescens

Trichoderma paraviridescens #13 is a specialized strain of beneficial soil fungi used as an active ingredient in biological plant protection products. Classified as a biological fungicide, it acts as a natural antagonist to various phytopathogens, offering an eco-friendly approach to crop disease management by utilizing living microbial action rather than synthetic chemicals.

The primary mechanism of action is multifaceted. It involves mycoparasitism, where the fungus attacks and consumes the mycelium of harmful pathogenic fungi, and competition for nutrients and space within the rhizosphere. Additionally, the strain produces secondary metabolites and hydrolytic enzymes that actively degrade the cell walls of competing fungal pathogens.

This biological agent is applied to a variety of crops, including vegetables, cereals, and fruit-bearing plants, primarily to control soil-borne diseases like root rots, fusarium wilt, and damping-off. By colonizing the root zone, Trichoderma paraviridescens #13 establishes a protective barrier that prevents pathogenic organisms from accessing plant tissues.

Key application aspects include maintaining adequate soil moisture levels, which are critical for the survival and propagation of the fungus. The application methods typically include seed coating, soil drenching during planting, or incorporation into the substrate in greenhouse cultivation to ensure early colonization of the plant root system.

Safety and handling precautions require avoiding the simultaneous use of broad-spectrum chemical fungicides, as they can inhibit or kill the beneficial Trichoderma population. Although considered non-toxic to humans and beneficial insects, standard agricultural practices for handling biological agents should be followed, including storage in cool, dark environments to maintain the high viability of the spores.