Mechanistic insights into Trichoderma asperellum-mediated biocontrol of leaf spot disease and growth promotion in lettuce

Leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria alternata is globally one of the utmost destructive fungal diseases in a diversity of economically important crops, resulting in decreased crop quality and large yield losses. The reliance on chemical fungicides for managing this disease rises environmental besides health concerns, necessitating the development of sustainable alternatives, such as biological control strategies. Our current study evaluates the potential of Trichoderma asperellum as a biocont