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Control of postharvest fungal pathogens by antifungal compounds from Penicillium expansum

Wafa Rouissi1, Luisa Ugolini, Camilla Martini

  • 1Criof, University of Bologna, Via Gandolfi 19, 40057 Cadriano, Bologna, Italy.

Journal of Food Protection
|November 13, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Penicillium expansum produces antifungal compounds that inhibit plant pathogens. While phenethyl alcohol shows activity, its natural concentration suggests a synergistic effect with other volatile compounds for effective disease control.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Mycology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Plant pathogenic fungi cause significant crop losses globally.
  • Developing sustainable and non-chemical control methods is crucial for agriculture.
  • Secondary metabolites from microorganisms show potential as biocontrol agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the fungicidal properties of secondary metabolites from Penicillium expansum (R82).
  • To identify volatile organic compounds produced by R82 and assess their antifungal activity.
  • To explore the potential of R82 as a biological control agent against plant pathogenic fungi.

Main Methods:

  • Culture filtrate and double petri dish assays were used to test antifungal activity.
  • Solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography identified volatile organic compounds.
  • In vitro testing of synthetic phenethyl alcohol (PEA) against fungal pathogens.

Main Results:

  • Penicillium expansum (R82) demonstrated inhibitory effects against Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum acutatum, Monilinia laxa, and P. expansum.
  • Phenethyl alcohol (PEA) was identified as a volatile compound produced by R82.
  • Synthetic PEA inhibited fungal growth at high concentrations, but not at naturally emitted levels, suggesting a combined effect.

Conclusions:

  • Secondary metabolites from Penicillium expansum (R82) possess significant antifungal activity.
  • The antifungal effect may result from a synergistic action of multiple volatile organic compounds, not solely PEA.
  • R82 shows promise as a potential non-chemical alternative for controlling plant pathogenic fungi.

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