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Published on: June 1, 2022
Bioactivity of volatile organic compounds produced by Pseudomonas tolaasii
Pietro Lo Cantore1, Annalisa Giorgio1, Nicola S Iacobellis1
1Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari e Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata Potenza, Italy.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas tolaasii is the main bacterial pathogen of several mushroom species. In this paper we report that strains of P. tolaasii produce volatile substances inducing in vitro mycelia growth inhibition of Pleurotus ostreatus and P. eryngii, and Agaricus bisporus and P. ostreatus basidiome tissue blocks brown discoloration. P. tolaasii strains produced the volatile ammonia but not hydrogen cyanide. Among the volatiles detected by GC-MS, methanethiol, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), and 1-undecene were identified. The latter, when assayed individually as pure compounds, led to similar effects noticed when P. tolaasii volatiles natural blend was used on mushrooms mycelia and basidiome tissue blocks. Furthermore, the natural volatile mixture resulted toxic toward lettuce and broccoli seedling growth. In contrast, pure volatiles showed different activity according to their nature and/or doses applied. Indeed, methanethiol resulted toxic at all the doses used, while DMDS toxicity was assessed till a quantity of 1.25 μg, below which it caused, together with 1-undecene (≥10 μg), broccoli growth increase.
Insights
Pseudomonas tolaasii produces volatile compounds that inhibit mushroom growth and cause browning. Specific volatiles like methanethiol and 1-undecene mimic these effects, with varying impacts on other plants.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Microbiology
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Pseudomonas tolaasii is a significant bacterial pathogen affecting cultivated mushrooms.
- Mushroom diseases caused by P. tolaasii lead to substantial economic losses in the industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the volatile substances produced by P. tolaasii.
- To determine the effects of these volatiles on mushroom mycelia and basidiome tissues.
- To assess the impact of identified volatiles on other plant species.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays were conducted to observe mycelial growth inhibition.
- Basidiome tissue blocks were exposed to volatile substances to assess discoloration.
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify volatile compounds.
- Pure volatile compounds were tested individually for their effects on mushroom and seedling growth.
Main Results:
- P. tolaasii volatiles inhibited mycelial growth of Pleurotus ostreatus and P. eryngii.
- Volatiles induced browning in basidiome tissues of Agaricus bisporus and P. ostreatus.
- Methanethiol, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), and 1-undecene were identified as key volatiles.
- Individual application of 1-undecene mimicked the effects of the natural volatile blend.
- The volatile mixture was toxic to lettuce and broccoli seedlings, while pure compounds showed dose-dependent effects.
Conclusions:
- Volatile emissions from P. tolaasii play a crucial role in mushroom pathogenesis.
- Specific volatile compounds, such as 1-undecene, are responsible for observed inhibitory and phytotoxic effects.
- Understanding these volatile interactions can inform disease management strategies in mushroom cultivation.
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