BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF FUSARIUM WILT IN TOMATO USING TRICHODERMA spp.: MECHANISMS AND APPLICATION PROSPECTS

Abstract

The present review examines the potential application of Trichoderma spp. as biological control agents against Fusarium wilt of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Fusarium wilt is an economically important soil-borne disease that affects tomato growth, vascular function, and productivity. Biological control using beneficial microorganisms represents a promising approach for reducing dependence on synthetic fungicides. This review analyzes the principal antagonistic mechanisms of Trichoderma spp., including mycoparasitism, competition for nutrients and colonization sites, production of antifungal metabolites, secretion of cell-wall-degrading enzymes, and induction of plant defense responses. Published studies indicate that the effectiveness of Trichoderma-based treatments depends on fungal strain characteristics, environmental conditions, application methods, and interactions with the plant rhizosphere. The findings highlight the potential of locally adapted Trichoderma isolates for developing sustainable biological plant protection technologies. Further laboratory, greenhouse, and field investigations are required to evaluate their efficacy under the agroecological conditions of Uzbekistan.