Trichoderma: fungi able to meet the needs of the eco-friendly agriculture and nutraceutical industry

Trichoderma strains are hyphomycetes used as biological disease control and as growth promoters of the plants. Trichoderma strains and some of their metabolites promote the activation of secondary metabolites involved in plant defense mechanisms of action, including the production of phenolic compounds. The latter have antioxidant, antinflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making them helpful in preparing functional foods, supplements, and nutraceutical and nutricosmetic products. This work summarizes the potential of Trichoderma in olive trees cultivation, the effects on the environment, the potential on the production of phenolic compounds, the analytical procedures used to identify and dose secondary metabolites, and the opportunities for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries.