Lawn Fungi: Trichodermas

The Trichodermas is a type of anaerobic fungus facultative, which belongs to the subdivision Deuteromyces. There are more than 30 species of this micro-organism, all of which have beneficial effects for our lawns, but they must be distinguished from the mycorrhizaeIt is not one of them but a endophytic fungus of roots. This means that it lives inside the roots, colonising them.

It offers protection against pathogens, stimulates their growth, but the main difference is that it does not supply nutrients directly to the grass, as a true mycorrhiza does through the structures it develops in the root of the host plant. Instead, Trichoderma promotes the decomposition of organic matter in the vicinity of the root so that the root can use it, but it does not supply it directly to the root, as a mycorrhiza does.

Trichoderma is possibly the most versatile and multifaceted beneficial fungus we can inoculate on our greens.

Among the main benefits provided are the following:

• Growth stimulation.
• Seed protection against pathogenic fungi.
• Direct protection to soils.
• Control over different plant pathogenic micro-organisms.
• Alternative for saving chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
• It attacks root pathogens such as Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and foliage pathogens such as Botrytis and Mildew, and prevents Phytophtora attack.
• Promotes the growth of roots and absorbent hairs.
• Improved water and nutrient absorption.

Among others, we can name: Tricoderma asperellum, atroviride, gamsii, harzianum, polysporum, etc.