Abstract Detail

Cell Biology/Physiology

Lee, Samantha [1], Hung, Richard [1], Bennett, Joan W. [1].

Interactions between Fungi and Plants through Volatile Signaling: The Effects of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Emitted by Trichoderma on Plants.

Members of one of the most frequently isolated genera of free-living soil fungi, Trichoderma, are well studied for their ability to reduce plant disease, promote plant growth and productivity.  Previously, we demonstrated that T. viride emitted VOCs induced growth promotion in the plant model system, Arabidopsis thaliana.  The purpose of this study was to further examine and evaluate the effects of VOCs from several species of Trichoderma including: T. aggressivum, T. asperellum, T. atroviride, T. brevicompactum, T. harzianum, T. longibrachiatum, T. pseudokoningii, T. virens and T. viride (total of 20 strains) on A. thaliana and Lycopersicum esculentum.  Plants and fungi were grown together while physically separated, allowing only the gas exchanges to occur.  Plants exposed to VOCs of several species of Trichoderma exhibited growth promotion and developmental changes including larger leaf size, increased shoot weight, increased lateral root branching, and increased total chlorophyll concentration.  Plants exposed to VOCs emitted from T. aggressivum, T. asperellum, T. pseudokoningii, and T. viride had significant increase in total biomass and chlorophyll concentration.  Interestingly, different strains of T. asperellum induced varied responses in plants and certain strains significantly inhibited plant growth.  Real-Time qRT-PCR data shows that several auxin-related genes encoding efflux carrier, IAA, and SAUR-like proteins in A. thaliana were affected by the exposure to Trichoderma VOCs.  Using CG-MS, we have identified over 100 unique compounds emitted by Trichoderma: hydrocarbons, sesquiterpenes, terpenes, straight-chain alkenes, saturated and unsaturated alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, aromatic compounds, and heterocyclics.  A study of the differential responses of Arabidopsis to individual fungal VOCs is currently underway.

1 - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Plant Biology and Pathology, 59 Dudley Road, Foran Hall 297 and 291A, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States

Keywords:
Trichoderma
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
plant growth promotion.

Presentation Type: Offered Paper - Paper
Session: 6
Location: Room 104 AB/Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Date: Monday, June 9th, 2014
Time: 1:30 PM
Number: 6003
Abstract ID:15
Candidate for Awards:Graduate Student Oral Presentation Award