Evaluation of the Effect of Two Volatile Organic Compounds on Barley Pathogens

Abstract

Abstract:This study aimed to determine the effect of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) on some pathogens, these VOCs were emitted during interactions of barley with Fusarium culmorum Schltdl and/or Cochliobolus sativus Shoemaker, two common root rot pathogens. Our work shows that two organic esters: methyl propanoate (MP) and methyl prop-2-enoate (MA) significantly reduced the development of fungi in vitro. Additional tests showed that the esters significantly inhibited spore germination of these pathogens. The activity of these VOCs on a wide range of fungal and bacterial pathogens was also tested in vitro and showed inhibitory action. The effect of the VOCs on infected barley seeds also showed plantlets growing without disease symptoms. MA and MP seem to have potential value as alternative plant protection compounds against barley bioagressors.

Endophytic Fungal Volatile Compounds as Solution for Sustainable Agriculture

“…The mixture constitutes “sentences” that allow plants to transmit complex signals and, thus, communicate with their environment. The main functions that can be performed by VOCs emitted by plants or fungi are defense against herbivores and pathogens, communication between different organs of the plant or with other plants, and attraction of beneficial agents (for example pollinators, seed dispersers, and microorganisms) [15,21,22]. Therefore, this review is only focused on the current state of knowledge on endophytic fungal VOCs with regard to their potential bioactivity for use against fungal plant pathogens.…”

“…It is known that these compounds play an important role in communication between fungi and other organisms in the ecosystem. In addition, these molecules have shown promising bioactivity potential against a wide range of pathogens [14,15]. Hence, these molecules are used as part of biocontrol strategies, in what is termed mycofumigation, to inhibit the growth of numerous plant pathogens [16,17].…”

Downy mildew symptoms on grapevines can be reduced by volatile organic compounds of resistant genotypes

“…For example, GLVs 13 and β-caryophyllene 14 directly inhibited bacterial growth and trans-2-hexenal reduced the germination of Monilinia laxa 15 and Botrytis cinerea conidia 16 . Likewise, monoterpenes (limonene and β-linalool), nonanal and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) inhibited the germination of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum 6 , and esters (methyl propanoate and methyl prop-2-enoate) reduced the development of Fusarium culmorum and Cochliobolus sativus 17 . As a result of induced and associational resistance, VOCs can contribute to disease reduction in systemic parts of a locally attacked plants or in neighbouring plant receivers 6 .…”

Antifungal Properties of Two Volatile Organic Compounds on Barley Pathogens and Introduction to Their Mechanism of Action

“…At the same time, the development of biocontrol methods has also been suggested as an alternative method to fight against cereal pathogens. Globally, biocontrol methods use living organisms or natural substances produced by these organisms, such as pheromones and plant extracts, to inhibit pathogen growth [10]. Since the 1980s, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by different endophytic fungi have attracted special interest due to their particular antifungal potential [11,12].…”