The effects of volatile microbial secondary metabolites on protein synthesis in Serpula lacrymans

The effects of volatile secondary metabolites produced by Trichoderma pseudokoningii, Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma aureoviride on growth rate and protein synthesis in two Serpula lacrymans isolates were investigated. Mycelial growth was affected to differing degrees, depending on the specific interactive microbial couplet involved. Protein synthesis by both S. lacrymans (Forfar) and S. lacrymans (H28) was affected by the volatile secondary metabolites of T. aureoviride and T. viride, but not by those of T. pseudokoningii. Mycelial growth and the original pattern of protein synthesis resumed when the antagonists were removed. It is probable that volatile secondary metabolites have played an important role during the evolution of microorganisms in the context of community, population and functional dynamics.