APPLICATION METHODS OF TRICHODERMA SPP. IN AGRICULTURE: SUITABILITY ACROSS CROPS, DELIVERY SYSTEMS, AND BIOCONTROL EFFICIENCY

The growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has accelerated the adoption of biological control agents as alternatives to chemical pesticides. Among these, Trichoderma spp. have gained significant attention due to their broad-spectrum antagonistic activity and plant growth-promoting properties. The effectiveness of Trichoderma largely depends on the method of application, which influences its establishment, survival, and interaction with host plants and pathogens. This review comprehensively analyzes major application methods of Trichoderma, including seed treatment, soil application, root dipping, nursery bed treatment, soil drenching, foliar spray, and vegetative propagule treatment. Special emphasis is given to the suitability of each method based on crop type, growth stage, and target pathogen. Evidence suggests that seed and soil applications are most effective for soil-borne pathogens, while foliar spray and wound dressing are better suited for aerial diseases. Root dip and nursery treatments are particularly beneficial in transplanted crops. The review highlights that no single method is universally effective, and integrated approaches tailored to specific crop-pathogen systems provide optimal results. This study provides a framework for selecting appropriate application strategies to maximize the efficiency of Trichoderma in sustainable agriculture.