NEET · BiologyHard

The biocontrol agent is highly effective against soil-borne plant pathogens. What is the primary mechanism by which it exerts its antagonistic effect?

  1. A.Production of systemic acquired resistance in the host plant
  2. B.Competition for nitrogen fixation in the rhizosphere
  3. C.Mycoparasitism involving the secretion of chitinases and glucanases
  4. D.Inhibition of photosynthesis in the target pathogen
Show correct answer & step-by-step solution

Correct answer: CMycoparasitism involving the secretion of chitinases and glucanases

Solution

  1. Trichoderma species are free-living fungi common in root ecosystems.
  2. They exhibit mycoparasitism by attacking other fungi.
  3. They secrete enzymes such as chitinases and -1,3-glucanases to degrade the cell walls of pathogens.
  4. Hence the answer is (C).

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