Methyl Anthranilate and γ-Decalactone Inhibit Strawberry Pathogen Growth and Achene Germination

Abstract

Plant volatile compounds have been shown to affect microbial growth and seed germination. Here two fruity volatiles found in strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa ), γ-decalactone ("peachlike" aroma) and methyl anthranilate ("grapelike" aroma), were tested for effects on relevant pathogens and seedling emergence. Significant growth reduction was observed for Botrytis cinerea , Colletotrichum gloeosporioides , Colletotrichum acutatum , Phomopsis obscurans , and Gnomonia fragariae at 1 mM γ-decalactone or methyl anthranilate, and 5 mM γ-decalactone or methyl anthranilate supplemented medium resulted in complete cessation of fungal growth. Phytophthora cactorum was especially sensitive to 1 mM γ-decalactone, showing complete growth inhibition. Bacteriostatic effects were observed in Xanthamonas cultures. Postharvest infestations on store-bought strawberries were inhibited with volatile treatment. The γ-decalactone volatile inhibited strawberry and Arabidopsis thaliana germination. These findings show that two compounds contributing to strawberry flavor may also contribute to shelf life and suggest that γ-decalactone may play an ecological role by preventing premature germination.

Repellent Effects of Methyl Anthranilate on Western Corn Rootworm Larvae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Soil Bioassays

“…MA is an appealing compound to consider for use against an agricultural pest such as the western corn rootworm because it is nontoxic (GRAS-list) and has been shown to be safe for humans as well as other vertebrates and invertebrates (TGSC 2015). Natural sources of MA include fruits (Genovese et al 2004, Sun et al 2011, Azam et al 2013, Chambers et al 2013) and flowers (Lee et al 2008, Lin et al 2013, and it is widely used in the perfume industry and as a food additive because of its strong grape-like odor (TGSC 2015).…”

Volatile organic compounds produced by castor bean cake incorporated into the soil exhibit toxic activity against Meloidogyne incognita

“…It results from the biotransformation of ricinoleic acid (the main component of castor bean oil) by several microorganisms, including the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica . The compound γ‐decalactone significantly affects the growth and development of plant pathogenic organisms . The compound skatole, as well as phenol and 4‐methy‐phenol, may be found in insect secretions and has the probable functions of repulsion of insect species, bacterial and fungal disinfection, and repulsion of vertebrate and invertebrate predators .…”

Screening for attractants compatible with entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae for use in thrips management

“…For instance, methyl anthranilate has been reported to significantly reduce the growth of strawberry pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea (Helotiales: Scerotiniaceae), Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. acutatum (Glomerellale: Glomerellaceae). In addition, medium supplemented with methyl anthranilate resulted in complete cessation of growth in those pathogens (Chambers et al, 2013).…”