The multifaceted roles of Trichoderma in managing rice diseases for enhanced productivity and sustainability

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) serves as a vital staple crop for the dietary needs of over half of the world's population. However, it faces considerable challenges, especially biotic factors, which have significant implications for both worldwide rice production and food security. Among these challenges, the decline in crop yield due to harmful phytopathogens remains a pressing issue in the rice farming system, underscoring the limitations of existing strategies. Trichoderma spp. are gaining attention as effective biocontrol agents. These endophytic fungi are considered safe and environmentally friendly, with the ability to directly and indirectly inhibit plant pathogens without adverse impacts on humans, wildlife, or the environment. This article presents a comprehensive overview of Trichoderma's multifaceted roles for controlling rice diseases, exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying rice plant's defense response, the induction of its defensive responses by Trichoderma, and the effectiveness of Trichoderma-based biocontrol strategy in enhancing rice health and fitness. It also serves as a significant resource for advancing knowledge and practices in the field, providing a valuable reference for future research and the application of Trichoderma in sustainable rice production. Lastly, we propose a deeper understanding of sustainable strategies to combat rice disease outbreaks by optimally harnessing the potential of Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent for major rice diseases.