Strategies for the Use and Conservation of Trichoderma spp. for the Growth of Forest Trees in Nurseries

Deforestation and the degradation of forest ecosystems are critical problems affecting biodiversity and the sustainability of rural communities, especially in Latin America. Ecological restoration seeks to restore these ecosystems by using forest nurseries to produce native plants. However, diseases such as the damping-off complex, caused by fungi like Rhizoctonia sp., Pythium sp., and Fusarium sp., are common and affect seedlings in these nurseries. The use of biological agents, such as the fungus Trichoderma, has proven effective in controlling these pathogens and promoting plant growth. Trichoderma works through mechanisms such as nutrient competition, mycoparasitism, and the production of antimicrobial metabolites, thereby promoting plant health by activating their natural defenses. Strains such as T. harzianum and T. viride have been extensively studied and have shown good results in disease control. However, their use in forest nurseries has been limited by their high cost and limited knowledge of their efficacy. In Mexico, research has shown that inoculating seedlings with Trichoderma improves germination, growth, and disease resistance. Conserving Trichoderma through methods such as cryopreservation and freeze-drying is crucial to ensuring its long-term availability. Future research is expected to optimize commercial formulations and explore the use of native strains adapted to local conditions, contributing to the sustainability of forest ecosystems.