Trichoderma-bacterial network: A balance inter-kingdom interaction for agricultural relevance

Exploring the potential of fungal-bacterial interactions holds great promise as this inter-kingdom association has coexisted and been ubiquitous. Benefiting from an enhanced comprehension of microbial community structure and assembly allows us to understand how this bipartite interaction can be manipulated for maintaining the agricultural balance. Given the complexity of their relationships, it is necessary to understand their ecological role in biocontrol applications. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of the intricate interplay between Trichoderma and bacteria, encompassing both physical and chemical interactions. We highlight their beneficial effects and the multifaceted nature of this relationship in both natural and laboratory settings. Critical discussion on the need for having compatible and stable consortia is covered, emphasizing their effect on the biocontrol consistencies. Future studies should utilize advanced techniques to address research gaps, such as the need for simple model in eukaryotes-bacteria interaction, the hidden novel Trichoderma -bacteria-derived metabolites, the impact of omics technologies for deciphering mechanisms and the development of cost-effective bioformulations. Leveraging the microbial crosstalk has shown a great potential in agricultural sustainability that allows for the development of future intervention strategies. • Shifting the antagonism into mutualism is possible in Trichoderma -bacterial partnership. • The physical and chemical interplay between Trichoderma and its bacterial counterpart is described. • Current challenges and prospects of Trichoderma -bacterial relationship in biocontrol are critically presented.