Lawn Fungi: Trichodermas

The Trichodermas is a type of fungus anaerobic 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 provide nutrients directly to the lawn, as does a mycorrhiza through the structures it develops in the root of the host plant, but rather Trichoderma promotes the decomposition of organic matter in the vicinity of the root for the root to utilise, but it does not supply it directly to the root, as mycorrhizae do.

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 mushrooms pathogens.
• Direct protection to soils.
• Control over different plant pathogenic micro-organisms.
• Alternative for saving chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
• Attacks root pathogens such as Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and foliage diseases such as Botrytis and Mildew, as well as preventing 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.