A common biocontrol agent for the control of plant diseases is[2010]a)Baculovirusb)Bacillus thuringiensisc)Glomusd)TrichodermaCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

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Trichoderma is a genus of fungi that is present in all soils, where they are the most prevalent cultural fungi. Several strains ofTrichoderma have been developed as biocontrol agents against fungal diseases of plants

Answer

Introduction:
Biocontrol agents are living organisms that are used to control plant diseases caused by pathogens. They are considered to be an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. One common biocontrol agent used for the control of plant diseases is Trichoderma.

Explanation:
Trichoderma is a genus of fungi that are commonly found in the soil and have the ability to colonize plant roots. They are well-known for their biocontrol capabilities and are used to control a wide range of plant diseases caused by fungal pathogens. Trichoderma species have been shown to have various mechanisms of action against plant pathogens, including competition, parasitism, and the production of antifungal compounds.

Mechanisms of Action:
1. Competition: Trichoderma competes with plant pathogens for nutrients and space, thereby limiting the growth and development of the pathogens. They have a high growth rate and can rapidly colonize the root surface, preventing the establishment of pathogenic fungi.

2. Parasitism: Trichoderma species have the ability to parasitize and attack the hyphae of pathogenic fungi. They produce enzymes that can degrade the cell walls of the pathogens, allowing them to gain access to the nutrients inside the pathogen's cells.

3. Production of antifungal compounds: Trichoderma species are known to produce a variety of antifungal compounds, such as enzymes, antibiotics, and volatile organic compounds. These compounds can inhibit the growth and development of plant pathogens, further reducing disease severity.

Advantages of using Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent:
- Trichoderma is a naturally occurring fungus in the soil and is considered safe for the environment and non-toxic to humans and animals.
- It has a broad-spectrum activity, meaning it can control a wide range of plant pathogens.
- Trichoderma can be easily mass-produced and applied to crops through various formulations, such as seed treatments, soil drenches, or foliar sprays.
- It can be used in combination with other biocontrol agents or chemical pesticides to enhance disease control.

Conclusion:
Trichoderma is a commonly used biocontrol agent for the control of plant diseases caused by fungal pathogens. Its ability to compete with pathogens, parasitize their hyphae, and produce antifungal compounds make it an effective and sustainable option for disease management in agriculture.

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