Changes in volatile production during interspecific interactions between four wood rotting fungi growing in artificial media

• Published in: Fungal ecology Vol. 1; no. 2; pp. 57 - 68
• Main Authors: Evans, Jennifer A., Eyre, Catherine A., Rogers, Hilary J., Boddy, Lynne, Müller, C.T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2008
• Subjects: Antagonism; Basidiomycete; Bjerkandera adusta; GC/MS; Hypholoma fasciculare; Semiochemicals; SPME fibres; Terpenes; Trametes versicolor; VOC; Basidiomycete; Antagonism; SPME fibres; VOC; Terpenes; GC/MS; Semiochemicals
• ISSN: 1754-5048
• DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2008.06.001

Effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during interspecific mycelial interactions were examined by measuring extension rate of ‘target’ fungi growing in agar plates taped above two interacting mycelia – Bjerkandera adusta, Hypholoma fasciculare, Stereum gausapatum and Trametes versicolor in all combinations. Extension rates of T. versicolor, S. gausapatum and H. fasciculare above self-pairings were not significantly different ( P > 0.05) to growth above agar controls, but the extension rate of B. adusta was significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) greater. Extension rates of T. versicolor and B. adusta were often significantly greater above inter-specific interactions and above other species compared with growth above self or agar controls. VOC production was quantified and qualified, by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS), over the course of interactions with T. versicolor replacing S. gausapatum, deadlocking with B. adusta and replaced by H. fasciculare. VOC production was species- and interaction-specific. It varied over the time course of interactions, and changes in production were correlated with production of pigments in interactions involving S. gausapatum. VOCs included 3 monoterpenes, benzoic acid, alkenols of different chain lengths, two long-chain hydrocarbons and a quinolinium-like compound. Their possible roles are discussed.