Molecules, Vol. 29, Pages 1749: Detecting Pathogenic Phytophthora Species Using Volatile Organic Compounds

This study utilized a volatilomics approach (solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) to differentiate between several Phytophthora species in culture and discriminate between healthy and Phytophthora-inoculated European beech and pedunculate oak trees. We tentatively identified 14 compounds that could differentiate eight Phytophthora species from each other in vitro. All of the Phytophthora species examined, except Phytophthora cambivora, uniquely produced at least one compound not observed in the other species; however, most detected compounds were shared between multiple species. Phytophthora polonica had the most unique compounds and was the least similar of all the species examined. The inoculated seedlings had qualitatively different volatile profiles and could be distinguished from the healthy controls by the presence of isokaurene, anisole, and a mix of three unknown compounds. This study supports the notion that volatiles are suitable for screening plant material, detecting tree pathogens, and differentiating between healthy and diseased material.

Source: Molecules - April 12, 2024 Category: Chemistry Authors: Patrick Sherwood Ida Nordstr öm Steve Woodward Bj örn Bohman Michelle Cleary Tags: Article Source Type: research