Trichoderma: Potential bio-resource for the management of tomato root rot diseases in Africa.

Abstract

Trichoderma spp. are among the front-line microorganisms commonly employed in novel biotechnology applications. They have been well-proven as biopesticides, biofertilizers, and biostimulants for managing plants against biotic and abiotic stresses. They are instrumental in managing plant diseases of economic importance, such as tomato root rot. However, this group of fungi has not been well-exploited en-mass in developing countries, while the use of bioagents in-lieu of chemical pesticides is still not a common practice in many African countries. Africa contributes 11.8% to global tomato production. Unfortunately, more than half of the actual product is lost due to diseases. The root rot of tomatoes predominantly caused by soil-borne fungal pathogens are among significant problems of tomato cultivation in Africa. Here, we review the constraints of tomato root rot in Africa and the roles of Trichoderma in repositioning the crop for optimum productivity. We gave a comprehensive overview of the economic importance, root rot epidemiology, and how to circumvent it through gene pool to resistant tomato and employ Trichoderma's biological control potentials. Furthermore, this review gives an overview of the mechanisms of action of Trichoderma, gaps in the advocacy, adoption, commercialization, and regulation of Trichoderma as biocontrol agents of tomato rot diseases in Africa.