Biological control of Phaseolus vulgaris and Pisum sativum root rot disease using Trichoderma species

Background Root rot pathogens reported to cause considerable losses in both the quality and productivity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.). It is an aggressive crop disease with detriment economic influence caused by Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani among other soil-borne fungal pathogens. Destructive plant diseases such as root rot have been managed in the last decades using synthetic pesticides. Main body Seeking of economical and eco-friendly alternatives to combat aggressive soil-borne fungal pathogens that cause significant yield losses is urgently needed. Trichoderma emerged as promising antagonist that inhibits pathogens including those inducing root rot disease. Detailed studies for managing common bean and pea root rot disease using different Trichoderma species (T. harzianum, T. hamatum, T. viride, T. koningii, T. asperellum, T. atroviridae, T. lignorum, T. virens, T. longibrachiatum, T. cerinum, and T. album) were reported both in vitro and in vivo with promotion of plant growth and induction of systemic defense. The wide scale application of selected metabolites produced by Trichoderma spp. to induce host resistance and/or to promote crop yield, may represent a powerful tool for the implementation of integrated pest management strategies. Conclusions Biological management of common bean and pea root rot-inducing pathogens using various species of the Trichoderma fungus might have taken place during the recent years. Trichoderma species and their secondary metabolites are useful in the development of protection against root rot to bestow high-yielding common bean and pea crops.