The effect of some natural lignocellulosic substances on the production of β-glucanase, chitinase, protease and
xylanase from Trichoderma harzianum L1 has been studied under solid state fermentation conditions. Maximum
activities of all these enzymes were observed in the fermentation medium containing the mixture of 1% rice bran,
neem cake and 0.1% crab shell powder. The induction of plant defense response was investigated by inoculating the
roots of chickpea cv JG62 with the biocontrol agent, T. harzianum L1. A root extract of chickpea inoculated with T.
harzianum L1 showed increased activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and polyphenol oxidase, as well as
induction of new trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors. The Fusarium oxysporum protease-2 was inhibited completely
by root extract of chickpea inoculated with T. harzianum L1 and showed maximum resistance to rotting of roots
caused by wilt disease.