Chapter 6 - The effect of fungal metabolites on soil-borne pathogenic fungi

Abstract

Fungi are widespread and found in various ecological conditions. Many fungi are beneficial in nature due to their use in biodegradation and biodeterioration processes. However, they are also responsible for causing diseases in plants. Many pathogenic fungi cause severe diseases during different stages of plant growth and development. To combat this synthetic fungicides are used, but these negatively impact on the environment and further lead to the development of more virulent phytopathogenic strains. However, many beneficial microbes produce bioactive molecules (secondary metabolites) that can affect plant interactions with their pathogens. Secondary metabolites containing antibiotic compounds work by inhibiting other microorganisms, thus competing for nutrition. Indeed, some of these compounds have been found to play an important role in the biocontrol of plant diseases. Moreover, metabolites originated from several biocontrol agents also induce systemic acquired resistance in plants against phytopathogens. Fungi belonging to the Trichoderma genus are well-known producers of secondary metabolites against phytopathogens and compounds that substantially affect the metabolism of the plant. This chapter discusses the wider application of specific fungal metabolites to induce host resistance and promote crop growth and yield. Application of certain fungal metabolites may become a reality in the near future and represents potential medicinal and pharmaceutical value.