Research Keyword: volatile organic compounds

Biocontrol Potential of a Mango-Derived Weissella paramesenteroides and Its Application in Managing Strawberry Postharvest Disease

Researchers discovered that a beneficial bacteria called Weissella paramesenteroides, naturally found on mango surfaces, can protect strawberries from fungal spoilage. This bacteria works by releasing special aromatic compounds (VOCs) into the air that kill disease-causing fungi without direct contact. When used in strawberry storage boxes, this biocontrol method reduced fruit disease from 70% to 35%, offering a safer, natural alternative to synthetic fungicides.

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A mass spectrometry-based strategy for investigating volatile molecular interactions in microbial consortia: unveiling a Fusarium-specific induction of an antifungal compound

Scientists developed a new method to study how different fungi communicate and compete with each other through invisible chemical signals called volatile organic compounds. By growing three types of fungi together in a controlled setup, they discovered that Fusarium culmorum specifically produces a compound called γ-terpinene when in contact with other fungi. This compound acts as a natural antifungal agent, helping Fusarium fight off competing fungi. This research provides a blueprint for understanding complex fungal interactions in environments like human lungs and could eventually help diagnose or prevent fungal-related diseases.

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Bacillus velezensis CNPMS-22 as biocontrol agent of pathogenic fungi and plant growth promoter

A bacterial strain called Bacillus velezensis CNPMS-22 shows promise as a natural pest control agent for crops. When applied to maize seeds, it reduced fungal diseases and increased plant productivity as effectively as chemical fungicides. The bacteria produces natural compounds that kill harmful fungi while also promoting plant growth, offering a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals.

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Biocontrol efficiency and mechanism of novel Streptomyces luomodiensis SCA4-21 against banana Fusarium wilt

A newly discovered bacterium called Streptomyces luomodiensis SCA4-21 offers a natural solution to banana Fusarium wilt, a serious disease that destroys banana crops globally. When applied to banana plants, this beneficial bacterium reduced disease occurrence by 59% while also promoting healthier plant growth. The bacterium works by producing antifungal compounds that kill the disease-causing fungus and by enriching the soil with other helpful microorganisms that protect the plant.

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Volatile Semiochemicals Emitted by Beauveria bassiana Modulate Larval Feeding Behavior and Food Choice Preference in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Researchers discovered that a beneficial fungus called Beauveria bassiana produces odorous chemicals that can discourage pest insects from eating crops. When certain strains of this fungus release their characteristic smell (particularly a compound called 3-methylbutanol), larvae of the fall armyworm pest eat less and avoid treated plants. Interestingly, the plants themselves respond by producing defensive compounds when exposed to these fungal odors. This finding suggests a new approach to pest control that harnesses the natural chemical communication between fungi, plants, and insects.

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2-Nonanol produced by Bacillus velezensis EM-1: a new biocontrol agent against tobacco brown spot

Researchers discovered that a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus velezensis produces a natural compound called 2-nonanol that effectively kills the fungus causing brown spots on tobacco leaves. This compound works by disrupting the fungus’s ability to obtain energy and handle stress. Testing on tobacco leaves showed that 2-nonanol could significantly reduce disease development. This discovery offers a promising environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting tobacco crops.

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Isolation, (bio)synthetic studies and evaluation of antimicrobial properties of drimenol-type sesquiterpenes of Termitomyces fungi

Termite colonies farm a fungus called Termitomyces for food in an ancient partnership. Scientists discovered that the mushrooms produced by this fungus release distinctive chemical signals, particularly a compound called drimenol. By isolating and synthesizing these compounds, researchers found they have antimicrobial properties and may play a role in communicating between termites and their fungal crop or protecting mushrooms from infection.

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Biocontrol Potential of a Mango-Derived Weissella paramesenteroides and Its Application in Managing Strawberry Postharvest Disease

Researchers discovered a beneficial bacterium called Weissella paramesenteroides that naturally lives on mango fruit and can protect strawberries from fungal diseases during storage. The bacterium works by releasing special chemicals in the air called volatile organic compounds that prevent mold growth without direct contact. This provides a natural, food-safe alternative to synthetic fungicides for keeping fresh fruit fresher longer.

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LC/MS- and GC/MS-based metabolomic profiling to determine changes in flavor quality and bioactive components of Phlebopus portentosus under low-temperature storage

This research examines what happens to black bolete mushrooms when stored in the refrigerator. Scientists used advanced chemical analysis to track how the mushroom’s flavor and nutritional compounds change over a two-week period. They discovered that an earthy smell compound called geosmin builds up during storage, which affects how the mushroom tastes. The findings suggest that cold storage alone is not ideal, and better preservation methods need to be developed.

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Alliance Between Conifer Trees and Endophytic Fungi Against Insect Defoliators

Tiny fungi living inside white spruce trees help protect them from destructive budworm insects in two ways: the fungi directly produce toxic substances that kill or harm the budworms, and they also trigger the trees to produce more of their own natural chemical defenses called terpenes. Scientists found that spruce trees with more of these helpful fungi in their leaves were better protected against budworm damage. This discovery shows that trees don’t fight pests alone but partner with beneficial fungi as part of their defense system.

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