Research on the mechanisms responsible for the biocontrol
exerted by Trichoderma spp. on phytopathogenic fungi have
led to a better understanding of such mechanisms, as well as
to the isolation of several genes encoding either enzymes and
structural or regulatory proteins, or components of signaling
pathways that are involved in processes such as the specific
recognition of hosts by Trichoderma strains. These tools will
allow the isolation of improved strains and thus of more efficient
formulations to control fungal pathogens in pre- and
post-harvest periods.