Document Type : Review article
Author
Department of Plant Protection University of Tehran
Abstract
Trichoderma spp., as one of the most successful biological control agents, are the result of a complex and multidimensional evolutionary process during which a set of genetic, physiological, and ecological characters has developed in a coordinated manner. In this review article, with a focus on an evolutionary perspective, examines the evolutionary trajectory of biological control mechanisms in Trichoderma and demonstrates that the ability of these fungi in competition, mycoparasitism, production of secondary metabolites, and induction of resistance in the host plant is the outcome of natural selection and gradual adaptation to diverse soil and rhizosphere ecosystems. High genetic diversity at both species and strain levels, as one of the key factors underlying the success of Trichoderma, provides functional flexibility and enables effective responses to changing environmental conditions and different pathogens. Within this framework, the complex interactions of Trichoderma with plants and other microorganisms not only increase its efficiency as a biological control agent, but also highlight its role in sustainable agriculture and in reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. The results of this review indicate that understanding the evolutionary processes governing the formation of biocontrol traits in Trichoderma can provide a scientific basis for the selection of more efficient strains and the optimization of their practical application in agricultural systems.
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