Soil volatile fungistasis and volatile fungistatic compounds

Fungistasis is a widespread phenomenon that can be mediated by soil microorganisms and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The relationship between soil microorganisms and VOCs is still unclear, however, and many fungistatic compounds remain to be identified. We assessed the effects of soils (soil direct fungistasis) and VOCs produced by natural soils (soil volatile fungistasis) on the spore germination of several fungi. Both strong soil direct fungistasis and soil volatile fungistasis were observed in a wide range of soils. Soil fungistasis and VOC fungistasis were significantly correlated (P<0.001). The volatile fungistatic activity of soils stopped after autoclaving. Some VOCs were identified by using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrum. VOC composition and in vitro antagonism of relatively pure commercial compounds also were measured. Some VOCs, trimethylamine, 3-methyl-2-pentanone, dimethyl disulfide, methyl pyrazine, 2,5-dimethyl-pyrazine, benzaldehyde, N,N-dimethyloctylamine and nonadecane, were produced by various fungistatic soils. Moreover, antifungal activity test of above VOCs showed that trimethylamine, benzaldehyde, and N,N-dimethyloctylamine have strong antifungal activity even at low levels (4–12 mg l−1).