Global trends in the research of Trichoderma secondary metabolites in sustainable agricultural bioprotection

Anthony Apolinario Cortez Lázaro^1,2,3*Pedro James Vázquez-Medina²Jennifer Valeria García-Evangelista²Ronald Alexis Cortez-Lázaro³Jorge Luis Rojas-Paz²Carlos Roberto Pesantes-Rojas²Robert William Ocrospoma-Dueñas²Segundo Manuel Oliva-Cruz¹Gabriel Alberto Manes-Cangana²Jose Luis Romero Bozzetta²Santos Triunfo Leiva-Espinoza^1*

• ¹Instituto de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sustentable de Ceja de Selva, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
• ²National University Jose Faustino Sanchez Carrion, Huacho, Peru
• ³Universidad Nacional de Cañete, Cañete, Peru

The use of Trichoderma spp. constitutes a promising biotechnological strategy for sustainable agriculture, owing to its capacity to control phytopathogens and to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. This study, one of the first of its kind, addresses the absence of a comprehensive bibliometric assessment in this field. A systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted on 235 publications indexed in Scopus (2000Scopus ( -2025)). Advanced tools such as VOSviewer and Bibliometrix were employed to track publication trends, identify key research themes, map collaborative networks, and assess the influence of leading authors and institutions. An exponential increase in scientific output was observed, peaking in 2023. Four principal research clusters were identified: antifungal activity, gene regulation, secondary metabolite production, and biosynthesis. India and China accounted for the highest publication volume, while Italy, represented by authors such as Francesco Vinale, accounted for the greatest scientific impact. International collaboration was extensive, particularly between Asia and Europe. The analysis indicates a progression from applied biocontrol studies to research focusing on molecular and genetic mechanisms, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary approaches that integrate biotechnology, agronomy, and microbial ecology. This bibliometric study provides an overview of Trichoderma secondary metabolites in agricultural biocontrol and outlines a research agenda emphasizing field validation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the adoption of innovative technologies to bridge the gap between research and on-farm application in sustainable agriculture.