Decoding Volatile Organic Compounds' Signatures of 14 Trichoderma Isolates to Predict Antifungal Activity against...

Area of Science:

• * Agricultural Microbiology
• * Mycology
• * Biochemistry

Background:

• * *Trichoderma* species are vital for biocontrol of plant diseases.
• * Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by *Trichoderma* are known to inhibit pathogens.
• * Understanding specific antifungal VOCs can enhance biocontrol strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To characterize VOC profiles of *Trichoderma* isolates.
• * To evaluate the antifungal activity of VOCs against *Sclerotium oryzae* and *Rhizoctonia solani*.
• * To identify specific VOCs responsible for antifungal activity and their mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• * Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for VOC profiling.
• * Antifungal assays against *S. oryzae* and *R. solani*.
• * Orthogonal partial least-squares (OPLS) analysis and molecular docking.

Main Results:

• * Fourteen *Trichoderma* isolates yielded distinct VOC profiles.
• * Isolates CRRI-T5 (*T. atroviride*) and NRRI-T27 (*T. reesei*) showed potent antifungal activity.
• * 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6-PP) and other VOCs inhibited both pathogens; 3-methyl-1-butanol inhibited *S. oryzae*.
• * Molecular docking suggested inhibition of trehalase, pectate lyase, and CYP51 enzymes.

Conclusions:

• * Specific VOCs from *Trichoderma* strains possess significant antifungal properties.
• * 6-PP is a key antifungal volatile compound.
• * Identified VOCs and their targets provide insights into *Trichoderma*-mediated biocontrol mechanisms.