We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Biology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Trichoderma?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 19,248
Share

Trichoderma is a fungal genus found in many regions of the world. These fungi are ubiquitous in a wide variety of environments, showing up in soil, forests, wood, and paper, among other locations. Humans are primarily interested in this fungus as a beneficial symbiotic partner for plants, particularly crops, although members of this genus do have some other uses and benefits for humans. Industrial-scale cultivation of these fungi is common to several industries.

These fungi appear in the form of colonies of mold which start out transparent, turning white or yellowish over time. When the mold matures and begins producing spores, it darkens and turns green to gray. Many Trichoderma species have a distinctive sweet scent which is often compared to coconuts. The colony is fast growing, and it will typically mature within five days. Trichoderma molds tend to prefer moderate temperatures, which allows them to thrive in a variety of climates. Several species also have teleomorphs or sexually-reproducing forms in the genus Hypocrea.

One of the most important functions of Trichoderma involves the mold's tendency to develop symbiotic relationships with plants. These fungi like to grow on the roots of living plants, and they promote abundant root growth so that they have plenty of roots to grow on. Trichoderma also eliminate other fungi so that they do not have to struggle with competitors, providing a benefit to the plants they colonize. Some farmers and gardeners add Trichoderma to their soil before planting for the benefit of their plants.

Although Trichoderma are welcome partners for plants, they can be parasitic with other fungi. Mushroom farmers sometimes struggle with “green mold” infestations caused by Trichoderma, as the mold will happily colonize the fruiting bodies of many mushrooms. These molds can also be very destructive to wooden structures and paper products, as they produce an enzyme which breaks down cellulose, causing rot. Trichoderma species can also cause allergies in people with sensitivity to mold.

There are some surprising uses for molds in this genus. Several species are cultivated for the enzymes they can produce, including chitinase and cellulase. The cellulase-producing species T. reesii is used in the preparation of “stone washed” garments; the enzyme breaks down the cellulose in the cotton, softening it and giving it an aged look and feel. Using fungi instead of literal rocks is cheaper and more efficient for clothing manufacturers, and it also allows for greater control over the process.

Share
All The Science is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a All The Science researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By aaaCookie — On Jul 15, 2011

@panda2006- I had heard this before, but it is still interesting. It certainly seems more practical than imagining clothing companies rubbing designer jeans against stones. It makes me wonder, too, if they could even come up with a practical use for moths or mosquitoes.

By panda2006 — On Jul 14, 2011

I am allergic to some types of mold, including this kind. I had no idea they had some actual practical uses, though. Who would imagine you could use a fungus to change the appearance of clothes?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.allthescience.org/what-is-trichoderma.htm
Copy this link
All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.