A Proteomic Approach to Understand the Tripartite Interactions Between Plant-Trichoderma-Pathogen: Investigating the Potential for Efficient Biological Control

Efficient biological control of plant diseases involves successful interactions among plant, biocontrol agents, and pathogens. Trichoderma spp. being the most popular and successful biocontrol agents are predominantly used to protect plants against a broad range of phytopathogens. However, a better understanding of the tripartite relationship established among Trichoderma-plant-pathogen is necessary in order to advance the practical applicability in agroecosystems and to unveil the cross talk involved in this beneficial association. Moreover, comprehensive knowledge of this three-way association is also required to identify the effective strain of Trichoderma to be used for efficient plant disease control. In this regard, several approaches have been adapted to study these tripartite interactions at molecular level such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Although transcriptomic approach generates huge data, the study is incomplete without involving proteomic aspect, as it is directly responsible for cellular activity. Therefore, implication of proteomics in studying plant-pathogen interaction is now gaining noteworthy attention. Recently, proteomic approach has been found to contribute successfully in recognizing and characterizing the major proteins playing key role in inducing the defense mechanism in plants against pathogen attack. Nevertheless, empathizing proteomics of Trichoderma spp. can be used to discover novel determinants that would be helpful in developing new biocontrol formulation with enhanced biocontrol potential. Moreover, strain improvement using such determinants could also be achieved. In addition, proteomic study of the pathogen in this interaction is of great interest, as it would give insight into two aspects: firstly, the major factors contributing to the pathogenicity and secondly, targeting such factors for diminishing the pathogenicity. Therefore, in this chapter we focus our attention on highlighting the recent advances and findings regarding the proteomic approach used to study tripartite interaction between Trichoderma-plant-pathogen.