This research discovered that the bacterium Streptomyces scabiei, which causes common scab disease on potatoes and other root crops, produces a variety of natural chemical compounds that can kill harmful fungi and promote plant growth. Scientists identified 36 different volatile chemicals released by this bacterium, including some previously unknown for their antifungal abilities. These findings suggest that despite being a plant pathogen, this bacterium may actually help protect crops from more dangerous diseases, offering potential for developing natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides.