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Tricholoma matsutake 1-ocen-3-ol and methyl cinnamate repel mycophagous Proisotoma minuta (Collembola: Insecta)

Summary

This research reveals how matsutake mushrooms naturally defend themselves against insects using chemical compounds. The study found that two aromatic compounds produced by the mushroom act as natural insect repellents, helping explain why certain insects avoid eating these valuable mushrooms. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides insights into natural pest control methods that could inspire new eco-friendly insect repellents • Helps explain why valuable matsutake mushrooms can survive in nature despite being nutritious food sources • Demonstrates how organisms use chemical communication in nature to protect themselves • Could lead to better cultivation methods for commercially important mushrooms

Background

Fungal fruiting bodies are nutritious food sources exploited by various arthropods, with collembolans being the most abundant insects found on agaric fruiting bodies. The ectomycorrhizal fungus Tricholoma matsutake produces valuable fruiting bodies in Japan, but collembolan populations on these fruiting bodies are notably smaller compared to other mushrooms in the same forest. Previous studies showed collembolans can feed on T. matsutake tissue but appear to avoid it when alternatives are available.

Objective

To investigate how the major volatile components of Tricholoma matsutake (1-octen-3-ol and methyl cinnamate) affect the aggregation behavior of mycophagous collembolans at different concentrations, aiming to explain why collembolans aggregate in relatively small numbers on T. matsutake fruiting bodies.

Results

Both compounds strongly inhibited collembolan aggregation at 1000 ppm. Methyl cinnamate showed three distinct concentration ranges: no effect (0.001-0.1 ppm), significant inhibition (1-100 ppm), and strong inhibition (1000 ppm). 1-octen-3-ol demonstrated a dose-dependent response, with aggregation decreasing as concentration increased above 0.01 ppm, becoming significantly reduced at 10 ppm and higher.

Conclusion

The study explains why certain collembolans avoid T. matsutake fruiting bodies in nature. Both major volatile components (methyl cinnamate and 1-octen-3-ol) act as defensive compounds at high concentrations, effectively repelling collembolan insects. This suggests some fungal species may produce high concentrations of these compounds as a defense mechanism against mycophagous insects.
  • Published in:Mycorrhiza,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s00572-007-0158-x
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