Trichoderma asperellum: A Pioneering Biological Fungicide Empowering Agriculture

MBFi is at the forefront of a global shift toward sustainable agriculture. Faced with persistent soil-borne fungal diseases like Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Smut (Ustilago triticale) and Phytophthora root rot local growers have historically relied on chemical fungicides. However, environmental concerns, rising pathogen resistance, and consumer demand for organic practices have driven a new wave of innovation. At the heart of this change is Trichoderma asperellum, a fast-growing, beneficial fungus. Commercialized under the brand name Trillum^®, this biological fungicide offers a robust, environmentally conscious solution to crop protection.

Backed by innovations like a chitinase catalyst and protein defense technology, T. asperellum is not only protecting plants — it’s transforming how agriculture is done.

Understanding the power of Trillum^®: How it works

Unlike chemical fungicides that only act directly on pathogens, Trichoderma asperellum operates by establishing dominance in the rhizosphere, creating an environment that is inherently hostile to fungal invaders. Its effectiveness comes from a combination of biological mechanisms working in synergy. Trillum^® grows rapidly, outpacing common soil-borne pathogens like Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Smut (Ustilago triticale) and Phytophthora root rot, allowing it to colonize plant roots swiftly and block pathogens from accessing the plant. It also engages in mycoparasitism, actively penetrating and consuming harmful fungi at the site of infection. Through antibiosis, Trillum^® produces antifungal metabolites that further inhibit pathogen development. At the same time, it triggers the plant’s natural immune responses through induced systemic resistance, enhancing the plant’s ability to withstand a broad range of stressors. Together, these direct and indirect actions make T. asperellum a highly adaptable, safe, and effective biological control agent.

The Chitinase Catalyst and Protein Defense Technology

A unique element in Trillum^®’s formulation is its Chitinase Catalyst. Fungal pathogens depend on a tough outer cell wall made of chitin — a complex polysaccharide that resists degradation. The active ingredient in Trillum^® produces chitinase enzymes, which actively break down this protective barrier, leaving the pathogen exposed.

Coupled with this is Protein Defense Technology — an innovation where T. asperellum excretes proteases that degrade fungal proteins, further weakening the pathogen and accelerating its destruction.

These twin mechanisms — chitin breakdown and protein degradation — are revolutionary. Together, they act like a biochemical scalpel, cutting down pathogens at the cellular level while remaining harmless to the plant.

Chemical vs. Biological: what the data says

Historically, chemical fungicides have been the standard for managing Fusarium, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia, but they are gradually losing their effectiveness. Resistance among pathogens is increasingly common, and the environmental impact of these chemicals is a growing concern. In contrast, biological alternatives like Trillum^® have delivered strong and consistent results. In side-by-side trials conducted across multiple regions in South Africa, Trillum^® not only matched but in many cases exceeded the performance of chemical fungicides in reducing disease incidence. Crops treated with Trillum^® demonstrated better overall plant vigor and more robust root systems (Graph 1). Additionally, because Trillum^® leaves no harmful residues, it has enabled growers to access premium organic markets. Beyond disease control, biological treatments have been shown to improve soil health by restoring microbial biodiversity — an advantage that chemical solutions simply cannot offer.

Graph 1: Biological vs chemical competitor trials across a few years and different sites

180-Day Pretreatment: Long-term survival

One of the most impressive aspects of Trillum^® is its extended efficacy. Research has shown that it can be applied up to 180 days before planting, offering long-term protection in soils with high disease pressure. This extended pre-treatment window provides growers with greater flexibility in planning and ensures that Trillum^® is actively defending crops well before pathogens have a chance to establish.

Table 1: 180-day (6 month) pre-treatment of Trillum WP^® on Maize

Speed Matters: Trillum® vs. Pathogens

The fastness of growth of T. asperellum is key to its effectiveness. A comparative graph (Graph 2) illustrates how quickly Trillum^® establishes in the soil compared to aggressive pathogens like Fusarium.

Fusarium may take 72 hours to germinate and colonize, Trillum^® can dominate the rhizosphere within a shorter time frame. This speed gives it a crucial head start — allowing it to physically block and chemically suppress pathogen entry points.

Graph 2: Indicating the fast growth speed of Trichoderma asperellum compared to common plant pathogens. 

Visual Proof: Images tell the story

Nothing demonstrates efficacy better than seeing the results in the field. In trials where Trillum^® was applied, treated plants displayed lush, disease-free growth with dark green leaves, sturdy stems, and thick root systems. In stark contrast, untreated control plants exhibited clear symptoms of stress and disease (Figure 1). They showed signs of wilting and yellowing, their roots suffered from visible decay, and many experienced premature death due to aggressive soil pathogens. Trillum^® doesn’t just delay disease; it effectively prevents it.

Figure 1: Effects of common soil pathogens on soybeans without the treatment of Trillum^®

Figure 2 demonstrates the effectiveness of Trillum^® in preventing disease. Treated soybean seeds appear healthier and show fewer signs of infection compared to the untreated control. This visual highlights Trillum^®’s protective action at the earliest stage of crop development.

Figure 2: Soybean seeds treated with Trillum^® compared to untreated control

A Global First: Africa’s breakthrough in biological fungicides

The success of Trillum^® marks a monumental moment for the continent. This is Africa’s first globally commercialized biological fungicide, developed, tested, and proven on African soil. It symbolizes a shift in perception — from Africa being a consumer of agricultural technology to a leader in sustainable innovation.

Conclusion: The future of crop protection is rooted in biology

Trillum^®, powered by Trichoderma asperellum, Chitinase Catalyst, and Protein Defense Technology, represents more than just a fungicide — it’s a full-spectrum soil health solution. With proven long-term protection, enhanced crop vigor, and global recognition, it paves the way for a resilient, profitable, and sustainable agricultural future.

As farmers continue to face unpredictable climates, soil degradation, and market pressures, the adoption of such biological innovations offers a path forward — rooted in nature, guided by science.

This story was initially published in the 2025 Seed Treatment Special. Download the magazine to read more stories.

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