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Trichoderma is a fungus found worldwide in soil, forests, and other environments. It promotes root growth in plants and is used in agriculture. It can also be a parasite, causing allergies and destroying wood and paper. Some species are used for their enzymes, such as in the production of “stone wash” garments.
Trichoderma is a fungal genus found in many regions of the world. These fungi are ubiquitous in a wide variety of environments, found in soil, forests, wood and paper, among other places. Humans are primarily interested in this fungus as a beneficial symbiotic partner for plants, especially crops, although members of this genus have other uses and benefits for humans. The industrial scale cultivation of these mushrooms is common to several industries.
These fungi appear in the form of mold colonies that become transparent at first, becoming white or yellowish over time. As mold matures and begins producing spores, it darkens and turns green to gray. Many Trichoderma species have a distinctive sweet scent that is often compared to coconuts. The colony is fast growing and typically matures within five days. Trichoderma molds tend to prefer moderate temperatures, which allows them to thrive in a variety of climates. Several species also have teleomorphs or sexually reproducing forms in the genus Hypocrea.
One of the most important functions of Trichoderma is the tendency of mold to develop symbiotic relationships with plants. These fungi like to grow on the roots of living plants and promote abundant root growth so they have plenty of roots to grow on. Trichoderma also kills off other fungi so they don’t have to contend with competitors, providing a benefit to the plants they colonize. Some farmers and gardeners add Trichoderma to their soil before planting for the benefit of their plants.
Although Trichoderma are welcome partners for plants, they can be parasites of other fungi. Mushroom growers sometimes struggle with “green mold” infestations caused by Trichoderma, as the mold will happily colonize the fruiting bodies of many mushrooms. These molds can also be very destructive to wood structures and paper products, as they produce an enzyme that breaks down cellulose, causing it to rot. Trichoderma species can also cause allergies in people with mold sensitivities.
There are some surprising uses for molds in this genre. Several species are cultured for the enzymes they can produce, including chitinase and cumulase. The cellulase-producing species T. reesii is used in the preparation of “stone wash” garments; the enzyme breaks down the cellulose in the cotton, softening it and giving it an aged look and feel. Using mushrooms instead of literal rocks is cheaper and more efficient for apparel manufacturers, and also allows for more control over the process.
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