Maryam Mirtalebi, Donya Abshang,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (2-2024)
Abstract
Abshang, A., & Mirtalebi, M. (2024). The role of fungal volatile organic compounds in plant disease management. Plant Pathology Science, 13(1), 65-74.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based organic chemicals derived from primary or secondary metabolism which are released as gases from different solids and liquids. Many intra- and inter-kingdom ecological interactions between living organisms take place through VOCs. The volatile organic compounds released by pathogenic fungi have a negative effect on the growth of plants. The release of volatiles by these fungi in the soil inhibits growth and results in a decrease in shoot length, root surface area, and plant biomass. In addition to negatively impacting plant development, these compounds generated by pathogenic fungi can also serve as growth regulators, modifying plant architecture and stimulating growth. The promotion of plant growth can, consequently, be beneficial for pathogens by offering a larger habitat for surface colonization and increasing their survival.
These compounds also increase the biosynthesis of strigolactones and root growth in interaction with fungi, facilitating the identification of mycorrhizal fungi for the roots, increasing the colonization of fungi on the roots. The antibiotic effects of VOCs are involved in the inhibition of many plant pathogens. Some of these fungal compounds have inhibitory activity in the soil and some have insect repellent and nematicidal properties.
