Volatile Antimicrobial Compounds from Isolate OB-RB1A, a Novel Endophytic Fungus Isolated from an Olive Tree

• Published in: Phytoparasitica Vol. 36; no. 2; p. 127
• Main Authors: Lousky, T, Kirshner, B, Elad, Y, Dragushich, D, Zada, A, Ezra, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-01-2008
• Subjects: Olea
• ISSN: 0334-2123

Biological control of plant diseases has gained increasing attention in recent years, due to public concern regarding environmental and health implications of the use of chemicals for the protection of crops from pests and diseases. Many microorganisms capable of inhibiting plant pathogens have been discovered and tested. Several commercial biological control products are even available for use in agriculture. These products have had limited success, mainly in the lab and greenhouse setting. It is not infrequent that difficulties prevent the successful application of many such products in the field and orchard setting. To overcome these limitations, it is possible that stronger, different microorganisms are required. We screen for such microorganisms, particularly endophytes (microorganisms inhabiting the inner parts of the plant tissues) which are characterized by extraordinary biological antimicrobial activities. During the screening process, we have discovered a unique fungus, isolate OB-RB1A. OB-RB1A is an endophytic fungus isolated from an olive tree and belonging to the Xylariacea family. This fungus effectively inhibits and even kills a number of plant pathogenic fungi in vitro, via a mixture of volatile organic compounds produced by it. These compounds underwent chemical analysis by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). OB-RB1A's activity is similar to that displayed by the endophytic fungus Muscodor albus, which also belongs to the Xylariacea, although the profile of volatiles produced by it is different. This biological activity hints at OB-RB1A's potential as an agent of plant disease biocontrol. The first step in testing its potential in vivo, is to introduce OB-RB1A into a model plant This model plant will then be used to test OB-RB1A's ability to prevent infection and disease development caused by selected pathogens. The biological activity of OB-RB1A in vitro and the chemical profile of volatile compounds produced by it are reported.