Identification of Volatiles Produced by Cladosporium cladosporioides CL-1, a Fungal Biocontrol Agent That Promotes Plant Growth

Diby Paul,Kyung Park

doi:10.3390/s131013969

Abstract

Certain microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have been reported to enhance the growth and development of plants. The biocontrol fungi, Cladosporium cladosporioides CL-1 significantly improved the growth of tobacco seedlings in vitro when they were co-cultivated without physical contact. SPME Quadrupole GC/MS/MS revealed that CL-1 emited the volatiles α-pinene, (−)-trans-caryophyllene, tetrahydro-2,2,5,5-tetramethylfuran, dehydroaromadendrene, and (+)-sativene. Potential roles of these volatiles in plant growth and development are discussed. Even though there were several fungal VOCs reported in the past that could influence plant growth, their exact mechanisms of action are not fully known. Fungal VOC-mediated plant growth promotion requires in-depth study in order for this technology to be used in large scale for crops, especially those grown under greenhouse conditions.

Highlights

In the rhizosphere, many microorganisms including bacteria and fungi are abundantly present, most often organized in micro-colonies, and grow by consuming various nutrients secreted by the plant roots
Our results showed that the fungal plant growth promoting agent CL-1 significantly improved the growth of tobacco seedlings and their root development through the production of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (Figures 1 and 2)
Volatiles could be an effective tool for rhizosphere microorganisms to influence neighboring organisms because they are small molecules that can diffuse through porous soils and travel over a long distance via the atmosphere

Summary

Introduction

Many microorganisms including bacteria and fungi are abundantly present, most often organized in micro-colonies, and grow by consuming various nutrients secreted by the plant roots. Some of these microorganisms benefit the plant both directly and indirectly, leading to the stimulation of plant growth. Beneficial microbes have been applied to a wide range of agricultural species for the purpose of growth enhancement, including increased seed emergence, plant weight, crop yield and disease control [1,2,3,4]. Several reports confirm the efficacy of this technology and their suitability as components in sustainable agricultural practices

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