Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/10/2012
Publication Date: 9/16/2013
Citation: Bailey, B.A., Melnick, R.L. 2013. Trichoderma as an endophyte. In: Mukherjee, P.K., Horwitz, B.A., Singh, U.S., Mukherjee, M., Schmoll, M., editors. Trichoderma: biology and applications, 1st Edition. London, England. CAB International. p. 152-172.
Technical Abstract: Trichoderma species have been studied for many years for their usefulness in plant disease management. For much of this time, studies focused on the attributes of Trichoderma as a soil saprophyte possessing abilities such as mycoparasitism and antibiosis that directly impact pathogens. The ability of specific Trichoderma isolates to promote plant growth, protect against abiotic stresses, and induce resistance to pathogens, pointed the way to the discovery that Trichoderma isolates form intimate relationships with plants including the colonization of internal plant tissues. It is the internal colonization of plant tissues by Trichoderma without causing harm to the plant that supports the consideration of Trichoderma as an endophyte. In recent years it has become apparent that Trichoderma isolates not only penetrate and survive inside root tissues but can also internally colonize above ground plant tissues, including woody tissues. The colonization of below and above ground plant tissues have similarities, being influenced by factors such as nutrient availability, water availability, host tissue structural characteristics, host plant genetics, and the Trichoderma isolates involved. This chapter considers what is known about the endophytic character of Trichoderma, makes comparisons with other endophytic associations, and raises questions for future consideration in studying and defining endophytic associations between Trichoderma and its many possible host plants.