Volatile organic compounds produced by L1 as a potential biocontrol agent against postharvest diseases of wolfberry.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by antagonistic microorganisms have good biocontrol prospects against postharvest diseases. Infection caused by and 10 other significant fungal diseases can be successfully inhibited by VOCs produced by an identified and screened endophytic strain L1 (). This study revealed the and biocontrol effects of VOCs released by L1 on , a pathogenic fungus responsible for rot of wolfberry fruit. The inhibition rates of VOCs of L1 on the mycelial growth of s were 92.86 and 90.30%, respectively, when the initial inoculum concentration on the plate was 1 × 10 colony forming unit (CFU)/ml. Spore germination and sporulation were 66.89 and 87.96%, respectively. VOCs considerably decreased the wolfberry's disease index and decay incidence . Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the morphological and structural characteristics of could be altered by VOCs. Ten VOCs were identified through headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry. Pure chemical tests revealed that 2.3-butanedione had the strongest antifungal effects, totally inhibiting in wolfberry fruit at a 60 μl/L concentration. The theory underpinning the potential application of VOCs from is provided herein. This is also the first study to document the antifungal capabilities of the strain on postharvest wolfberry fruit. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT.