Chapter 8 - Nanoparticle producing Trichoderma for sustainable agriculture: Current understanding, opportunities, and challenges

Abstract

In the present chapter, nanoparticle-based formulations produced by different Trichoderma species are assessed in contrast to different phytopathogens. Silver ions-based nanoparticles that interact with ergosterol, apart from it recognized and produced as a secondary metabolite and structural constituent of the fungal cell membranes turn out to be activating defense responses in plants. Silver ions biosynthesized by terpene ergosterol produced by potential biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum could be used against other plant pathogenic fungi. The computational approach-based interaction of the silver ions with ergosterol has been investigated and the construction of a protein model was performed via prior information of sequences and molecular ligand docking experiments. The analysis of sequence, comparisons inferences, and structure prediction was accomplished to recognize potential active-site in ergosterol. Thus, the recent development in the field of nanoparticles raised interest in the search for novel nanoparticles of fungal origin and provided additional strategies to improve the ability of the Trichoderma biocontrol activity against phytopathogens and achieve the goal of sustainable development.