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Trichoderma

Trichoderma

1 8.4
A group of fungi that farmers and companies use to control plant disease and make enzymes
  • proper noun
  • /ˌtrɪkəˈdɜrmə/
  • Specialized
: Trichoderma
  • The principal agents in the compost extracts appear to be bacteria representing, but not necessarily limited to, the genera of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Penicillium, and Trichoderma.

Examples

  • Microorganisms that may be able to degrade the wastes are white rot fungi such as Trichoderma sp. and Phanerochaete sp.

    Academic text (1998)

  • Research has demonstrated that Trichoderma can enhance soil health and increase plant productivity.

  • Dr. Didi Gunadi from the Indonesian Agricultural Department has developed the composting process with Trichoderma pseudoconingii for this waste.

    Academic text (1998)

  • "DNA sequencing has shown that the genus Gliocladium is an unnatural group," says Samuels. "What was called Gliocladium virens is actually a species of Trichoderma."

    Academic text (1995)

  • The suppressive effect of the composted larch bark by itself against Fusarium crown rot was significant and also attributed to the activity of isolates of Trichoderma spp.

    Academic text (2000)

  • Farmers use Trichoderma to help protect their crops from diseases while promoting healthy growth.

  • In biotechnology, scientists often study Trichoderma for its potential benefits in sustainable agriculture.

Surface Forms

Trichoderma main

Morphology

Trichoderma = tricho + derma

The word is a Latin/Greek scientific name composed of combining forms ('tricho-' + 'derma') and is not transparently interpretable by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Trichoderma comes from the Greek parts tricho- 'hair' and -derma 'skin'. Because these fungi look 'hairy', the name means 'hairy skin', which gives a simple picture for the fungus people use in agriculture and plant science to protect plants and make useful enzymes.