The fungus Trichoderma is widely regarded as the most common fungal biocontrol agent for plant health management. More than 25 Trichoderma species have been extensively studied and have demonstrated significant potential in inhibiting not only phytopathogen growth but also insect pest infestations. In addition to their use as biopesticides, there is increasing evidence that several Trichoderma species can function as fungal endophytes by colonizing the tissues of specific plants. This colonization enhances a plant’s growth and improves its tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In recent decades, there has been a proliferation of literature on the role of Trichoderma endophytes in crop protection. Although the mechanisms underlying plant–fungal endophyte interactions are not yet fully understood, several studies have suggested their potential application in agriculture, particularly in the mitigation of plant pests and diseases. This review focuses on the diversity of Trichoderma endophytic strains and their potential use in controlling specific diseases and pests of crop plants. Trichoderma endophytes are considered a potential solution to reduce production costs and environmental impact by decreasing reliance on agrochemicals.

Wood-pastures are among the most valuable types of farmland for ecosystem services, including biodiversity, landscape, soil protection, water management and cultural values. This paper reviews the scientific literature regarding the dynamic role and importance of plant, fungal and ruminant communities in Mediterranean wood-pastures and assesses the favorable and unfavorable aspects of their occurrence through grazing management. The grasslands of the Mediterranean region play an important role both in forage material production and the conservation of biodiversity in plant communities and at the landscape level. These two management purposes are not conflicting but complementary when the management is based upon the knowledge of the effect of grazing on the ecology of these ecosystems. Conclusively, vascular plant, fungal and ruminant communities have a strong influence on ecosystem structure and functioning and they play a key role in many ecological services. Hence, integrated studies which combine multi-level ecological research are essential in order to identify regional and/or national needs in terms of biodiversity, genetic resources, sustainable rural development and conservation policies.

Fungal diversity and yield based on sporophore production was assessed in sacred groves of Epirus NW Greece and was compared to nearby forests. Sacred groves are woodland surrounding old chapels or monasteries which have been left undisturbed and hold oldgrowth trees. In eight sites, plots were set in sacred groves and also in managed coppice forests (as controls). Sampling was conducted in 2013, 2014, 2015. The 208 fungal taxa recorded were classified as ectomycorrhizal (ECM), saprotrophic and xylotrophic. Sacred groves were found to hold greater species richness and higher yield but when fungal groups were compared individually, yield of ECM fungi was higher in control sites. On the basis of the current research it was found that: 1) Sacred groves hold more fungal diversity of xylotrophic and saprotrophic fungi. 2) ECM fungi are more productive in younger, managed forests. 3) Even with clearcut logging on a 30-yr rotation, fungal diversity remains high. These results should be considered when managing old-growth woods for fungal conservation.