Biosolubilization of Different Nutrients by Trichoderma spp. and their Mechanisms Involved: A Review

Trichoderma is an effective biocontrol agent. It uses different mechanisms to manage and control the spread of a disease by a pathogen. This property of Trichoderma has been long known. Recently, there have been investigations into the mineral solubilising ability of the bioagent and it has been shown to solubilise minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, manganese, zinc etc. which are essential for plant growth and development. As it is known, these elements are abundant in the soil but are mainly present in forms that cannot be taken up by the plants. Hence activities to increase the availability of these minerals are essential for the uptake by the plants, which is possible through the activity of soil microorganisms and plant roots in the rhizosphere. Here, we have made an attempt to summarise the mechanisms, that Trichoderma spp. use in order to solubilize these minerals and hence increase their bioavailability.