Volatile Organic Compounds dependent rodent seed choice
Wild rodents seed choice is relevant for sustainable agriculture
A study published in Scientific Reports Pr. Dawei Xin (Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Chine) laboratory, in collaboration with Dr. P. Ratet (team SYMUNITY, IPS2) has shown that soybean seeds hidden underground during winter by Tscherskia triton and Apodemus agrarius possess a higher concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to those remaining exposed at the surface of fields. This suggest that rodents select seeds producing VOCs such as 3-FurAldehyde (Fur) and (E)-2-Heptenal (eHep). These VOCs inhibit the growth of plant pathogens such as Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani and Pseudomonas syringae. In addition, compounds such as Camphene (Cam), 3-FurAldehyde, and (E)-2-Heptenal suppress the germination of crop seeds including soybean, rice, maize, and wheat. Importantly, some of these VOCs also prevent rice seeds from pre-harvest sprouting. Consequently, our findings offer practical approaches to improve seed protection, to reduce pre-harvest sprouting, as well as for reducing post-harvest food lost, and also suggest potential new pathways that could be targeted for breeding in order to reduce pesticide usage in agriculture.
_465x605.png "Inhibition of fungal pathogen growth by Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) present in soybean seeds. (a) Halo test showing the antifungal activity of six volatile organic compounds. (b) Inhibition capacity of six volatile organic compounds against Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani. Bars bearing different letters are significantly different. Dimethyl phthalate (DP); Camphene (Cam); 3-FurAldehyde (Fur); (E)-2-Heptenal (eHep); Isobutyl butyrate (BuA); 1-Acetylimidazole (Ace).")
23/09/2024