Beyond multilocus barcoding: harnessing phylogenomics and genome mining for next-generation Trichoderma-based bioproducts

Trichoderma species are among the most widely exploited fungal platforms in agricultural and industrial biotechnology due to their capacity to produce hydrolytic enzymes, secondary metabolites, and multifunctional biocontrol activities. However, their practical application has long been constrained by taxonomic complexity, strain-specific variability, and inconsistent field performance. Recent advances in molecular identification, multilocus sequence analysis, and genome-scale approaches have transformed Trichoderma research, enabling accurate species delimitation, functional trait prediction, and genome-guided strain selection. This review synthesizes how modern molecular and genomic tools bridge classical taxonomy with applied biotechnology in Trichoderma. Emphasis is placed on multilocus barcoding and phylogenomics as foundations for reliable strain identification, comparative and pan-genomic insights into enzymes and secondary metabolite biosynthetic clusters, and genetic improvement strategies including mutagenesis, protoplast fusion, and emerging genome-editing approaches. The review further highlights how these advances enhance biocontrol efficacy against fungal pathogens, plant-parasitic nematodes, and insect pests, while improving formulation stability and field consistency. By integrating taxonomy, genomics, and strain engineering, this review positions Trichoderma as a genomics-driven biotechnological platform and outlines key challenges and opportunities for its translation into reliable, sustainable bio-products. KEY POINTS: • Multilocus and genome analyses enhance Trichoderma species and strain selection. • Genome-guided insights link gene families to biocontrol and enzyme traits. • Strain improvement enables effective biocontrol of fungi, nematodes, and pests.