ABSTRACT
The use of chemical pesticides in agricultural practices has led to significant concerns related to health and the environment in the last few decades. Consequently, there has been a growing interest in finding alternative approaches for controlling pests and diseases that are effective and environmentally friendly. Among these alternatives, Trichoderma harzianum has gained attention due to its remarkable ability to combat various crop pathogens in sustainable form. Biocontrol agents have gained prominence as eco-friendly substitutes for conventional chemical pesticides in disease management and crop improvement. T. harzianum, a common filamentous fungus, has emerged as a promising biocontrol agent due to its multifaceted strategies for suppressing diseases and promoting crop growth. T. harzianum fosters plant growth by aiding nutrient absorption, improving soil structure, and generating growth-promoting substances like auxins and cytokinins. Field studies have substantiated the efficacy of T. harzianum in managing a wide array of plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and nematodes whether used as a seed treatment, soil application, or foliar spray, T. harzianum establishes a beneficial presence early in the plant's life cycle, providing enduring protection. In conclusion, T. harzianum holds immense potential as a biocontrol agent to sustainably safeguard crops. Trichoderma species play a pivotal role in managing plant diseases due to their versatile mechanisms. As global agriculture seeks alternatives to chemical pesticides, leveraging T. harzianum 's potential offers a valuable avenue toward resilient and environmentally safe crop production.
ABSTRACT
Protected farming techniques are set of agricultural practices that are designed to produce a plant in a controlled environmental condition by using soil cover and / or crop covers to control pests and effect of climate. While a protected farming method can increase the productivity of vegetable crops as well as growth and yield. It is evident that protected farming has been found beneficial for farmers. In addition to its great importance, it challenges many biotic and abiotic factors such as photo-stress, water stress, heat stress, weed growth, soil nutrient deficiencies, high wind velocities and atmospheric carbon dioxide, pest and diseases. The various benefits of a protected vegetable crop are quality, profitability, and a good level of marketing for farmers. Protected cultivation is an imminent technique for raising vegetables, flowers and other high rated as well as consumable crops. In advance agriculture, protected structures held an excessive potential for more production with greater productivity. The chapter contains the status, challenges and opportunities of protected cultivation and related government schemes for horticultural plants in India especially Uttar Pradesh. It has been found that the cumulative area has been acquired under NHM-protected cultivation in India. Financial support or funding is also provided by the government agency to spread this methodology throughout the country. Recourses are used wisely in these structures because modern methods/techniques were applied.