P-084 - Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds Involved in the Antagonistic Interaction Between Fusarium graminearum and Trichoderma spp.

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM HST

Location: Exhibit Hall 3

Presenting Author(s)

HP

Halil Polat

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois, United States

Author(s)

MA

Ma. Theresa Jonna Atienza-Parcon

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL, USA
KJ

Kaveh Javanshirjavid

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois, United States
MR

Mandeep Redhu

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois, United States
AF

Ahmad Fakhoury, n/a

Professor
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois, United States
JB

Jason Bond

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois, United States

Abstract Text: Fusarium head blight, caused by Fusarium graminearum, threaten global wheat production by reducing yield, grain quality, and mycotoxin production. Trichoderma species are widely accepted as biocontrol agents due to their impact on fungal diseases. Fungal Volatile Compounds produced by Trichoderma species may be a limiting factor on the growth of Fusarium graminearum. In this study, to assess the efficacy of T. harzianum and T. koningiopsis against F. graminearum. A dual culture assay involved co-culturing F. graminearum with two Trichoderma species on opposite sides of 15 ml clear vials sealed with septa. Potato dextrose agar was dispensed in the vials set at a slanted position (1 ml to each side), for indirect interaction between the two fungi through VOCs for 7 and 14 days. The experiment consisted of 3 replications with 5 treatments. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry analysis was performed to detect and identify the VOCs that were generated during the interaction between the two organisms. The results indicate that antagonistic activity Trichoderma spp. some significant inhibition of F. graminearum growth compared to the other Trichoderma spp. tested. The GC-MS headspace analysis identified 38 VOCs. These included alcohols, ketones, alkanes, furans, pyrones, mono and sesquiterpenes. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential application of Trichoderma species as a component of sustainable practices to manage F. graminearum. Further studies will focus on characterizing the specific mechanisms involved in the antifungal compounds.