Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

Microfluidic Tools for Probing Fungal-Microbial Interactions at the Cellular Level
Published on: June 23, 2022
Volatile mediated interactions between bacteria and fungi in the soil
Uta Effmert1, Janine Kalderás, René Warnke
1Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Str. 3, 18059, Rostock, Germany.
Microbial volatile compounds (mVOCs) mediate communication between soil bacteria and fungi, influencing microhabitat balance. This review details known mVOC emitters, compounds, and their effects on microbial organisms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Soil Science
- Ecology
Background:
- Soil harbors diverse bacteria and fungi, forming complex communication networks.
- Microbial volatile compounds (mVOCs) are key mediators in these interactions.
- Understanding mVOCs is crucial for soil ecosystem functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on microbial volatile compound (mVOC) emission.
- To summarize known mVOC-producing microorganisms and identified compounds.
- To explore the effects of mVOCs on microbial morphology and phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Compilation of data on mVOC-producing bacteria and fungi.
- Database curation (DOVE-MO) of identified mVOCs.
- Synthesis of findings on mVOC-induced organismal changes.
Main Results:
- Approximately 300 bacterial and fungal species are known VOC producers.
- Around 800 mVOCs have been identified and cataloged in the DOVE-MO database.
- mVOCs induce significant morphological and phenotypical alterations in microorganisms.
Conclusions:
- mVOCs play a vital role in belowground microbial communication and ecological interactions.
- Further research into mVOCs can elucidate their biological significance.
- Unraveling volatile-wired interactions is key to understanding soil ecosystems.
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Interactions: Cooperation
Microbe-Plant Interactions
Soil Microbial Ecology
Microbial Interactions: Mutualism
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Microbial Interactions: Competition

