Broad-Spectrum Activity of Volatile Organic Compounds from Three Yeast-like Fungi of the Genus Against Diverse Plant Pathogens.

The application of antagonistic fungi for plant protection has attracted considerable interest because they may potentially replace the use of chemical pesticides. Antipathogenic activities confirmed in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from microorganisms have potential to serve as biocontrol agents against pre- and post-harvest diseases. In the present study, we investigated fungi isolated from rotten leaves and the rhizosphere of cherry tomato ( var. ). VOCs produced by fungi negatively affected the growth of phytopathogenic fungi and the survival of nematodes. Mycelial growths of all nine examined phytopathogenic fungi were inhibited on agar plate, although the inhibition was more intense in JYC2163 and JYC2144 and relatively moderate in sp. JYC2145. VOCs also efficiently suppressed the spore germination and mycelial growth of JYC2163 on tomatoes. The soil nematode exhibited higher mortality in 24 h in the presence of VOCs. These results suggest the broad-spectrum activity of fungi against various plant pathogens and the potential to use VOCs from as biocontrol agents.