Bio- and phytoremediation, being encouraging terms implying the use of biological systems for cleansing purposes, have risen a worthy venture toward environmental restoration in discouraging scenarios, such as the augmentation of indestructible heavy metals. Hyperaccumulating plants and heavy metal resistant microbes own mechanisms embedded in their metabolism, proteins, and genes that confer them with “super characteristics” allowing them to assimilate heavy metals in order to amend polluted soils, and when combined in a symbiotic system, these super features could complement each other and be enhanced to overpower the exposure to toxic environments. Though xenobiotic pollution has been an object of concern for decades and physicochemical procedures are commonly carried out to offset this purpose, a “live” remediation is rather chosen and looked upon for promising results. A variety of benefits have been registered from symbiotic relationships, including plants teaming up with microbes to cope down with non-biodegradable elements such as heavy metals; but a carefully maneuvered interaction might signify a greater insight toward the application of bioremediation systems. These manipulations could consist of genetic engineering and/or additional supplementation of molecules and microbes. In the present study, a contemporary connection between plants and microbes involving their controlled management is summarized in a visionary display.

Managing plant diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi, such as anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species, is challenging. Different methods have been used to identify compounds with antibiotic properties. Trichoderma strains are a source of novel molecules with antifungal properties, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), whose production is influenced by the nutrient content of the medium. In this study, we assessed the VOCs produced in dual confrontation systems performed in two culture media by Trichoderma strains (T. atroviride IMI206040, T. asperellum T1 and T3, and Trichoderma sp. T2) on Colletotrichum acutatum. We analysed the VOC profiles using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The Luria Bertani (LB) medium stimulated the production of VOCs with antifungal properties in most systems. We identified 2-pentyl furan, dimethyl disulfide, and α-phellandrene and determined their antifungal activity in vitro. The equimolar mixture of those VOCs (250 µM ea.) resulted in 14% C. acutatum diametral growth inhibition. The infective ability and disease severity caused by the mycelia exposed to the VOCs mixture were notably diminished in strawberry leaves. Application of these VOCs as biofumigants may contribute to the management of anthracnose. LB represents a feasible strategy for identifying novel VOCs produced by Trichoderma strains with antifungal properties.

The enzymes involved in the catabolism of leucine are encoded by the liu gene cluster in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. A mutant in the liuE gene (ORF

The primary objective of modern agriculture is to improve farming practices with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Trichoderma species are recognized for their potential to benefit crops through both direct and indirect mechanisms. This review examines the diversity and ecological versatility of Trichoderma spp., highlighting key biocontrol mechanisms, including competition for space and nutrients, mycoparasitism, production of bioactive compounds, and the induction of plant defense mechanisms against phytopathogens. Special emphasis is placed on how abiotic and biotic factors modulate the metabolic pathways involved in the synthesis of antifungal secondary metabolites. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is crucial for optimizing the application of biocontrol strategies, such as Trichoderma-based ones, under field conditions to advance their integration into sustainable agricultural systems. Trichoderma strains and their metabolites have demonstrated effective control over fungi, nematodes, and other pathogens across diverse crops in both greenhouse and field settings. Furthermore, interactions with other beneficial microorganisms or agrochemicals have enhanced disease suppression and crop performance. Challenges remain regarding formulation stability, field efficacy, and large-scale production and combination of metabolites. Future directions include the use of autochthonous strains, the design of synthetic microbial communities, the application of metabolic engineering, as well as the combination of two or more strategies.