The decision for or against mycoparasitic attack by Trichoderma spp. is taken already at a distance in a prey-specific manner and benefits plant-beneficial interactions.

The findings reveal a critical mode of fungal community interactions belowground and suggest that Trichoderma spp. can distinguish between fungal partners of different lifestyles already at a distance. This sheds light on the entangled interactions of fungi in the rhizosphere and emphasizes the potential benefits of using Trichoderma spp. as a biocontrol agent and bio-fertilizer in tree plantations.