A steam-volatile extractive of the roots of Acacia pulchella has been shown to inhibit the growth of the
pathogenic fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. The extractive restricted mycelial growth, suppressed
sporangial production and germination and reduced zoospore germination of the fungus when grown
axenically. Examination by gas chromatography of the headspace vapours of whole roots indicated the
presence of 270 organic components. Of these, 78 components were identified and an additional 56
tentatively identified by combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The major volatile
compounds identified were 2- and 3-methylbutanol, hexanol, pentanal, 2- and 3-methylbutanal, 4-
methylacetophenone and carbon disulfide. The antifungal activity of the root volatiles and the resistance of
A . Pulchella to invasion by P. cinnamomi are discussed.
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