Trichoderma & Fungal Biofertilisers
Beneficial fungi that promote plant growth and nutrient availability, including Trichoderma and phosphate-solubilising fungi, and their practical use.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Trichoderma & Fungal Biofertilisers
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Fungal Ecology & Regenerative Agriculture. A Fungaris programme of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 3 months (12 weeks) · 72 hours in total · 6 modules of 12 hours · 12 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own programme, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: 11 January 2027 to 2 April 2027. Enrolment closes on 4 January 2027. Following intake: 8 March 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Programme description
Some soil fungi do more than avoid harming crops: they actively promote growth, mobilise nutrients and protect roots. This course focuses on these plant growth-promoting fungi, with particular attention to Trichoderma and to phosphate-solubilising and nutrient-mobilising species such as some Penicillium and Aspergillus strains. Students learn the modes of action involved, from hormone signalling and root stimulation to organic acid production and competition with pathogens.
Biofertilisers are one of the fastest-developing categories of farm input, but product quality and field results are uneven. The course suits growers, agronomists and bio-input producers who want to understand what these fungi can realistically achieve. Practical modules cover on-farm and commercial production, and application to seed, soil and growing media, including storage and compatibility. The final module teaches students to evaluate product claims and interpret field results critically. In the final project, students compare two or more fungal biofertiliser products for a chosen crop, assessing label claims, supporting evidence and practical fit, and propose a simple field comparison.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in ecology, useful in areas such as bio-input manufacturing, horticulture and nurseries, field crop production, agronomy services.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This programme gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgement and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the programme able to apply its content professionally and with judgement. In short:
Beneficial fungi that promote plant growth and nutrient availability, including Trichoderma and phosphate-solubilising fungi, and their practical use.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Plant Growth-promoting Fungi; Trichoderma Biology and Modes of Action.
- Put them into practice: Phosphate-solubilising and Nutrient-mobilising Fungi; On-farm and Commercial Production.
- Apply everything to a real case: Application in Seed, Soil and Substrate; Evaluating Product Claims and Field Results.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Explain how plant growth-promoting fungi improve nutrient availability and root growth.
- Describe Trichoderma modes of action against pathogens and on plants.
- Distinguish on-farm from commercial biofertiliser production methods.
- Apply fungal biofertilisers correctly to seed, soil or substrate.
- Evaluate biofertiliser product claims against trial evidence.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Growers, agronomists and bio-input producers.
4.2Entry requirements
No prior specialist knowledge is required; general experience of crop production is helpful.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Agronomist advising on biofertilisers
- Production technician at a bio-input company
- Nursery or greenhouse grower
- Regulatory and technical affairs assistant for biologicals
- Field trials coordinator
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Plant Growth-promoting Fungi | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Trichoderma Biology and Modes of Action | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Phosphate-solubilising and Nutrient-mobilising Fungi | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | On-farm and Commercial Production | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Application in Seed, Soil and Substrate | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Evaluating Product Claims and Field Results | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| Total | 72 |
6 modules × 12 hours = 72 hours: 24 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Mechanisms of growth promotion
- Root colonisation and rhizosphere competence
- Key genera and species
- Trichoderma life cycle and ecology
- Mycoparasitism and antibiosis
- Root stimulation and induced resistance
- Phosphate solubilisation pathways
- Potassium and micronutrient mobilisation
- Interactions with mycorrhizal fungi
- Simple on-farm multiplication
- Commercial fermentation and formulation
- Quality control and contamination
- Seed coating and treatment
- Soil drench and incorporation
- Use in nursery substrates
- Reading product labels and data sheets
- Judging trial design and statistics
- Interpreting variable field responses
5.3Company placement
This programme does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A comparative evaluation of fungal biofertiliser products for a chosen crop with a proposed field comparison.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your tutor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 6 hours a week for 12 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, module exercises such as label analysis and a final comparison reviewed by the tutor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your tutor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Ecology school coordinates the content and quality of this programme. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The tutor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Course Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrolment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
10.3Deadlines
Enrolment for the intake starting on 11 January 2027 is open until 4 January 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: £340
- Full payment before the start: £272 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation (£136) and 3 monthly instalments of £68.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organisation. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the programme and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for cancelling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrolment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Trichoderma & Fungal Biofertilisers?
No prior specialist knowledge is required; general experience of crop production is helpful.
How is Trichoderma & Fungal Biofertilisers taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, module exercises such as label analysis and a final comparison reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A comparative evaluation of fungal biofertiliser products for a chosen crop with a proposed field comparison.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Trichoderma & Fungal Biofertilisers?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycorrhizal Agriculture.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This programme does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Read before you start.
Keep branching.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly instalments. All prices are stated in pounds sterling (GBP).